Using the Pool for Recovery, Rehab & Injury Prevention

with Shelia Burrell,
San Diego State University Head Track & Field Coach;
6x Mountain West (MW) Coach of the Year;
2017 USTFCCCA West Region Outdoor Coach of the Year;
2013 USTFCCCA West Region Indoor Coach of the Year;
has coached four NCAA individual champions and 65 All-Americans;
Womens Running Coaches Collective (WRCC) Co-President;
Red Moon Recovery Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer;
Georgetown University Assistant Coach (Sprints, Hurdles, Jumps & Throws) from 2007 to 2009;
2009 USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Region Outdoor Assistant Coach of the Year;
Kansas State University Assistant Coach (Sprints, Jumps & Multi-events) from 2000 to 2003;
Cal State University Northridge Assistant Coach (Sprints, Hurdles, Jumps) from 1998 to 2000;
USA Track and Field Level One & Level Two certified (Sprints, Hurdles & multi-events);
2x US Olympic team - heptathlon (2000 & 2004);
5x US National Champion (heptathlon);
2001 Edmonton World Championships (Bronze medal);
competed for UCLA in college track & field

with Samara Gregorio,
Brazilian Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist & Sport Osteopath for Olympic Athletes;
has worked with track and field athletes for over 25 years;
currently works with the San Diego State Women's Track & Field program;
Red Moon Recovery Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer;
Certification in Muscle Articular Reprogramming and Sports Nutrition from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Diaphragm Training:

Before heading to the pool, Coach Burrell’s athletes demonstrate various post-practice diaphragm training exercises, including breathing, stretches, and self-tension release. Athletes can learn to reduce stress, promote holistic well-being, and improve recovery by training the diaphragm.

Dynamic Warm-ups for the Pool:

Dynamic warm-ups are essential for enhancing an athlete’s range of motion, building strength in small muscle groups, and preparing the body for intense activity. By performing these exercises in the pool, athletes can enhance the quality of their workout while minimizing impact. In this segment, Coach Burrell walks viewers through her dynamic pool warm-up and provides insights into her exercise selection, helping viewers understand the importance of each drill.

Adapting Workouts for the Pool

In this segment, Jesse Chapman (SDSU Jumps Coach) makes a cameo to break down jumper-specific training that incorporates low-level plyometrics in the water with various bodyweight exercises on the deck to deliver a high-intensity workout that is also low-impact. Coach Burrell also breaks down a tempo workout she does with her sprinters, creating high-quality training while minimizing the stresses to the body that occur on hard surfaces like the track.

Throughout the video, Coach Burrell and her staff expertly break down their pool training sessions, providing insights, coaching cues, and various drills to help their athletes gain that competitive advantage while minimizing impact forces and promoting better recovery.

This video is a must-have for any track and field coaches with pool access and is an excellent resource for coaches seeking methods to enhance recovery and increase their athletes’ performance!

46 minutes.  2024.