As you read this, I am on vacation with my family up in Kennebunkport, Maine enjoying a little R&R and preparing to attend the wedding of two familiar faces within the EHS family; Stephanie West and Matt Stellwagen.  (Congratulations and best wishes to this dual Ironman couple!)     

Speaking of triathletes...last Saturday, members of EHS TRI, including Coaches Steve Kurczewski, Jon Stellwagen, Clare Zecher, and Mike Christie, along with members Maria Agudo, Jon Charette, Peter Hirsch, Abbe Karmen, Bob LaBanca, Madeleine Marecki, Doug Robbins, and Libby Tobin successfully led more than 60 athletes out of Croton Point Park on a 56 mile "bike course preview ride" for the upcoming  ToughMan Half Triathlon on September 8th.  If you're competing, be sure to stop by our tent for your pre/post race massage!

Finally, thank you for sending in your suggestions for our "How-To" exercise video section.  The trainers and therapists have already begun working on your requests.   

PS. Next week I'll be introducing to you the newest member of our team, so stay-tuned!      

Cheers,  

Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) is a specific unique process for evaluating an individual's ability to produce efficient muscle contraction(s).  MAT is an innovative tool that can be used to treat neuro-muscular imbalances that cause pain and limit performance. Unlike other techniques,  M.A.T gets to the root of the issue by addressing the weakness of the muscle, rather than muscle tightness.  

Muscle activation techniques view muscle tightness in the body as a form of protection because of a muscle's weakness, which leads to joint instability. When the body senses a certain area is unstable, it will lock down the area to protect against potential injury, therefore causing associated muscles to assist in "tightening" the area.  M.A.T uses a system of checks to find muscular imbalances, identify and treat the inhibited muscles, and restore stability within the body which leads to: 

• Increased mobility with control and ease of movement
• Increases in stability and strength
• Decreases in aches and pains
• Relaxation of tight muscles

What can I expect from the M.A.T experience?

• A range of motion assessment is used to identify imbalances and areas of compensation in the body.   
• Muscle testing for inhibited 'weak' muscles in the tight or protected range.
• Treatment of the inhibited muscles to restore stability to the muscles working in that ranges of motion.
• Re-test to ensure stability has been restored, enabling the body to handle the stresses place upon it by our everyday behaviors.  Additional prescriptive exercises for self-help may be given.

Muscle Activation Technique does not massage or stretch tight muscles, but rather focuses on re-activating weak muscles and restoring strength and stability. 

When range-of-motion and muscle strength are improved to the point where they are balanced and symmetrical, performance can be greatly enhanced.  For example, an M.A.T. session before and/or after a round of golf can help prevent muscular imbalances and reduce potential injuries.