Habits and Hustle

Episode 448: Henry Abbott: Preventing Injuries Before They Happen + The Soviet Secret to Athletic Power

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Ever wonder why you keep getting injured in the same places despite your best efforts? In this Fitness Friday conversation on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I talk with Henry Abbott, author of “Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance,” to explore a revolutionary approach to preventing injuries before they happen.

We discuss practical exercises to strengthen your feet, the fascinating Soviet origins of plyometrics, how proper landing technique can transform your athletic performance while keeping you injury-free for years to come, and much more. 

Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop, a respected basketball media platform. He previously led ESPN’s 60-person NBA digital and print team, which published several groundbreaking articles and won a National Magazine Award. His new book “Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance” explores revolutionary approaches to injury prevention through the science of ballistic movements. 

What we discuss: 

  • Henry Abbott’s book “Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance”

  • How most knee injuries originate from weaknesses in the feet or hips

  • The importance of strengthening feet and lower leg muscles for injury prevention

  • “Toe yoga” as a method to strengthen foot muscles

  • The role of the nervous system in injury prevention

  • The benefits of plyometric exercises as we age

  • The Soviet origins of plyometrics through Yuri Verkashantsev’s research

  • Building progressive training approaches for those with existing weaknesses

Thank you to our sponsor:

Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off 

TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100.

Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout.

Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. 

Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off. 

Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off

To learn more about Henry Abbott: 

Website: https://www.henryabbott.com/  https://www.truehoop.com/ 

X: https://x.com/truehoop?lang=en 

Find more from Jen:

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

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