drawings of muscles and exercise apparatus

Saturday, December 31, 2005

ScrumTruk breaks 400kg barrier

Waratahs and Sydney University centre Tom Carter using 400kg on the ScrumTruk
New South Wales Waratahs rugby centre Tom Carter is claiming a new record for shunting the ScrumTruk. Yesterday Carter performed four reps with 400kg (880lbs) in strict form (starting with both hip and knee joints at 90 degrees to full lockout) from the No. 4 pin setting.

Tom Carter, who is recognised as one of the most dedicated trainers in Australian rugby, is chasing the poundages with heavy strength work in the lead-up to the start of the Super 14 competition in February.

It is a sign of changing times when we have backs, the show-ponies of rugby, out-grunting the forwards in the gym.


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Friday, December 30, 2005

Testing MyoQuip prototypes at Sydney University

MyoQuip is fortunate to have access to a comprehensive gym facility for testing the prototypes of its various machines. Early in 2004 the first version of the ScrumTruk was installed at Sydney University's Arena Gymnasium. Since then successive prototypes and models have been tested there.

Sydney University Sport currently has 250 athletes on scholarship across a wide range of sports. Their strength training is supervised by Martin Harland, a highly-regarded sports scientist who has worked with a number of Australian professional sporting teams. Martin also has direct responsibility for the University Rugby Club's EDS program.

Currently there are 70 players in the Elite Development Squad. Apart from their rugby they do intensive weight training for eleven months of the year. For the past two playing seasons the ScrumTruk has been an integral part of their programs. The 2005 season was the most successful in the Club's 142-year history. Premierships were won by five of its eight teams, including First Grade, Second Grade and First Colts. Across the grades the Club's players consistently drew comment for their size and physicality and ability to dominate at the scrum and maul.

During the current off-season the EDS players are continuing to use the ScrumTruk but are also working with prototypes of three new machines that will be released in the near future. These are the JumpTruk (for improving lineout lifting); the HipneeFlex (for developing hip and knee flexors); and the HipneeThrust (a supine leg press with plyometric characteristics). All three machines utilise QuadTorq technology.

A prototype of the HipneeFlex being used for full range activation of the hip and knee flexors
A prototype of the JumpTruk being used to develop lifting power and coordination of lineout support players
A prototype of the HipneeThrust being used for full range activation of the hip and knee extensors



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Thursday, December 29, 2005

Introducing the ScrumTruk Rugby Strength Builder

The ScrumTruk rugby strength builder incorporating QuadTorq technology The ScrumTruk was the first machine developed by MyoQuip Pty Ltd. Originally designed specifically for rugby forwards, it converts the vertical resistance of gravity into resistance in the horizontal plane, which is where the rugby forward operates. Forward dominance is the platform on which rugby success is built. In establishing dominance, the crucial factor is the ability of the forwards to deliver pushing power and to withstand the counter-force generated by the opposing pack.
In exercising with ScrumTruk, the lower spine adopts moderate curvature necessary for effective pushing and avoidance of lower The starting position for the ScrumTruk with hip and knee angles at 90 degreesback strain. This position also triggers isometric contraction of the stabilising muscles of the pelvic and abdominal regions.
For open field play, ScrumTruk develops the leg drive essential in both attacking and defensive engagements. Its use is therefore recommended for both backs and forwards.
The most novel feature of the ScrumTruk is its use of MyoQuip's patented QuadTorq technology, which permits full-range concentric and eccentric loading.

The extended position for the ScrumTruk with hip and knee angles increasing synchronously




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