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Becoming a Supple Leopard summary
Brief summary
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett is a comprehensive guide to improving athletic performance and preventing injuries through mobility exercises and proper movement patterns. It offers practical advice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Becoming a Supple Leopard
Summary of key ideas
Understanding and Improving Human Movement
In Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett, we are introduced to the idea of the human body as a complex machine. Starrett, a physical therapist, CrossFit coach, and athlete, argues that understanding and improving human movement is the key to unlocking athletic potential and preventing injuries. He introduces the concept of the supple leopard, a metaphor for someone who is not only strong and powerful but also agile, flexible, and pain-free.
Starrett begins by explaining the importance of maintaining a neutral spine and braced core in all movements. He then guides us through the basic human movements - squatting, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting - and provides a detailed analysis of each. He emphasizes that these movements are the foundation of all activities, from lifting weights to picking up a bag of groceries, and mastering them is crucial to preventing injuries and improving performance.
Basic Human Movements and Mobility
The core of Becoming a Supple Leopard focuses on the basic human movements and mobility. Starrett introduces the concept of mobility - the ability to move freely and easily - and its importance in performing these movements correctly. He provides a series of mobility tests and assessments to identify restrictions and dysfunctions in our movement patterns.
After identifying the problem areas, Starrett presents a wide range of mobility exercises and techniques to address them. These techniques include self-myofascial release using foam rollers and lacrosse balls, stretching, joint mobilization, and movement drills. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and persistence in applying these techniques and provides a framework to create a personalized mobility program.
Movement Faults and Corrections
In the next section of the book, Starrett introduces the concept of movement faults - incorrect movement patterns that are often the cause of pain and injury. He identifies the most common faults associated with each basic movement and provides detailed instructions on how to correct them.
Using his “three-step model” - position, movement, and skill - Starrett guides us through the process of identifying, addressing, and ultimately mastering these movement faults. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a neutral spine and braced core in all movements and provides a series of drills and progressions to help us achieve this.
Application in Real-Life Situations
In the final section of Becoming a Supple Leopard, Starrett demonstrates how to apply the concepts and techniques discussed throughout the book in real-life situations. He provides a series of case studies, each focusing on a specific movement pattern or injury, and shows how to diagnose the problem, apply the appropriate mobility techniques, and prevent it from reoccurring.
He also discusses the importance of integrating mobility work into our daily lives and athletic training, emphasizing that it should be an ongoing process rather than a quick fix. He concludes by reiterating the importance of mastering the basic human movements and maintaining optimal mobility to achieve our full athletic potential and live pain-free.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Improved Athletic Performance
In Becoming a Supple Leopard, Kelly Starrett provides a comprehensive blueprint for improving athletic performance and preventing injuries by understanding and mastering human movement. He emphasizes that anyone can become a supple leopard by applying the principles of mobility and movement to their daily lives and athletic training.
Whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone looking to move and feel better, Becoming a Supple Leopard offers valuable insights and practical techniques to help you achieve your goals. By learning and applying the concepts in this book, you can enhance your athletic performance, prevent injuries, and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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What is Becoming a Supple Leopard about?
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett is a comprehensive guide to improving athletic performance and preventing injury through mobility and flexibility. With detailed instructions and exercises, the book teaches readers how to optimize their movement patterns, address muscle imbalances, and develop a supple, resilient body. Whether you're an athlete or simply want to move better, this book offers invaluable insights into the importance of mobility in overall health and fitness.
Becoming a Supple Leopard Review
Becoming a Supple Leopard (2013) by Kelly Starrett offers a comprehensive guide to improving mobility, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall fitness. Here's why this book is a valuable read:
- Through practical exercises and techniques, it presents effective ways to optimize movement and unlock one's physical potential.
- By focusing on corrective strategies and self-care practices, it empowers readers to take control of their body's well-being.
- The book's emphasis on functional movement patterns and injury prevention ensures an engaging and informative read that keeps readers actively learning.
Who should read Becoming a Supple Leopard?
Individuals looking to improve their athletic performance and prevent injuries
Athletes of all levels who want to enhance their mobility and movement patterns
People who suffer from chronic pain or stiffness and want to find practical solutions for better movement
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Becoming a Supple Leopard FAQs
What is the main message of Becoming a Supple Leopard?
The main message of Becoming a Supple Leopard is to improve movement and flexibility for better overall health.
How long does it take to read Becoming a Supple Leopard?
Reading Becoming a Supple Leopard typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Becoming a Supple Leopard a good book? Is it worth reading?
Becoming a Supple Leopard is worth reading for its valuable insights on movement and wellness within a concise format.
Who is the author of Becoming a Supple Leopard?
Kelly Starrett is the author of Becoming a Supple Leopard.
What to read after Becoming a Supple Leopard?
If you're wondering what to read next after Becoming a Supple Leopard, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz