In all facets of life, we move in 3D or 3 planes of motion: sagittal plane (forward and backward), frontal plane (side to side), and transverse plane (rotational). To maximize our ability to function at the highest level, we must train our bodies in 3D. Matrix training is built around this concept.
Matrix training is valuable to all populations regardless of age, abilities, or goals. It is based on the premise that what you do in the gym should resemble what you are trying to accomplish outside of the gym. Your training begins to relate to the true function of the human body.
Benefits of Matrix training include:
- Improved Performance –3D Matrix training effectively prepares our bodies for the numerous challenges of daily living and athletics, taking us through movements and ranges of motion that we would normally not see with traditional training such as pull-downs or bench press.
- Injury Prevention –Because it is so dynamic, applying 3D Matrix training principles to our flexibility, strength, and conditioning program prevents overuse and makes us less susceptible to injury.
- Increased Proprioceptive Awareness – Our bodies are filled with proprioceptors that provide us with valuable information such as changes in joint compression, tension, and velocity. 3D Matrix training helps “wake-up” our proprioceptors, ensuring they are giving our bodies all the information we need to function our best.
- Fun Factor – Since human movement is infinite, your training options are infinite. You can have a lot of fun going through endless variations of movements using 3D Matrix training.
Below are a few examples of how you can apply Matrix training principles to your program.
3D Flexibility
Muscles move and function in 3D just like our bodies, making it important that we stretch them in 3D to ensure optimal performance. To execute 3D stretching you have to “drive” your body in all 3 planes of motion. For example, instead of holding a half kneeling hip flexor stretch for 30 seconds, you can “drive” your pelvis in all three planes to effectively lengthen your hip flexor.
3D Strength
You can perform common strength training exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and overhead presses in all three planes of motion to make it a Matrix. A great example of this, which most of us are familiar with, is performing a lunge matrix with a dumbbell bicep curl into an overhead press. Taking your body through all three planes of motion and incorporating the strength stimulus of the dumbbells is a great way to build total body functional strength.
3D Conditioning / Locomotion
Jumps, hops, and agility ladder/lane drills are all examples of exercises and movements that can be made into a 3D Matrix. For example, you can perform a “sprint” jump matrix, where you jump in all three planes of motion for 20 second intervals, giving yourself 10 seconds of rest in-between sprints. After just a few minutes, your heart rate will be elevated, and you will be reaping the benefits of 3D conditioning.
Be sure to talk with your trainer about how Matrix training can be incorporated into your fitness program. Take advantage of the world that we live in and our abilities to move freely throughout it through 3D Matrix training. Have fun, train hard, and move in 3D!
