Introducing the HipneeFlex variable
resistance strength builder for hip and knee
flexors
After extensive prototype testing, MyoQuip is
proud to release the HipneeFlex, a truly unique
apparatus for the development of the hip and knee
flexors.
Figure 1 shows the basic mechanism of the
HipneeFlex. The athlete operates from a supine
position so that the action of the flexors -
iliopsoas and hamstrings for the hip and knee
joints respectively - can be effectively isolated.
The feet are engaged between rollers which are
cable-connected to the weighted QuadTorq
mechanism.
The exercise movement involves the feet being
drawn back from a fully extended position to a
fully flexed position. Thus both hip and knee
flexors are exercised through a range where the
included angle at the joints varies from 180º to
around 30º.
The arc through which the
foot engagement device moves is designed to
closely parallel the path that the feet would
normally traverse if drawn back without
resistance. It also creates a natural tendency for
the two joint angles to vary synchronously so that
they are both under continual load.
Biomechanical
correspondence
In going from full
extension to full flexion the limb joints are
moving towards a progressively inferior
biomechanical orientation and consequently, less
capacity to handle load.In view of this the
QuadTorq mechanism for the HipneeFlex is
configured for decreasing resistance. (This is
opposite to MyoQuip's other machines, the
ScrumTruk, JumpTruk and HipneeThrust. Because they
involve limb extension rather than limb flexion
their QuadTorq orientation is for increasing
resistance.)
"... an apparatus that
can safely and effectively strengthen a muscle
group that is intrinsically involved in many
athletic and sporting activities but which is
virtually never developed to its full
potential."
Hamstring
development
It could be argued that
other exercises and apparatus cater adequately for
hamstring development. For example, in their role
as hip flexors, they are strongly activated in
whole-leg extensor movements such as the barbell
squat. But with regard to their other function as
knee flexors the most commonly used apparatus, the
leg curl machine, doesn't usually involve knee
joint closure much below 90º and it is also a
simple single-joint exercise.
By contrast, many of the important sporting
activities involving the knee flexor, such as
sprinting, cycling or rowing, produce acute joint
angles and also require complex coordination
between the hamstrings and iliopsoas. The
HipneeFlex is the only strength apparatus that
effectively simulates that coordination.
Hip flexor strength and
sport
Strong hip flexors provide an
advantage in a wide range of sports and athletic
activities. In sprinting high knee lift is
associated with increased stride length and
therefore considerable attention is given to
exercising the hip flexors. However, they are
usually not exercised against resistance and
consequently there is unlikely to be any
appreciable strength increase.
Hip flexor strength is directly relevant to a
range of activities in football. Kicking a ball is
a complex coordinated action involving
simultaneous knee extension and hip flexion, so
developing a more powerful kick requires exercises
applicable to these muscle groups. Strong hip
flexors can also be very advantageous in the
tackle situation in American football and both
rugby union and rugby league where a player is
attempting to take further steps forward with an
opposing player clinging to his legs.
In addition those players in American football
and rugby who have massively developed quadriceps
and gluteus muscles are often unable to generate
rapid knee lift and hence tend to shuffle around
the field. Having stronger flexors would
significantly improve their mobility.
It is commonly asserted that marked strength
disparity between hip extensors and hip flexors
may be a contributing factor in hamstring injuries
in footballers. It is interesting to speculate on
whether hip extensor/flexor imbalance might also
be associated with the relatively high incidence
of groin injuries.
"... in any sporting
activities requiring hip joint extension, the hip
flexors perform a crucial antagonist function. For
example, ... in controlling the rate of descent
and ascent in ... the squat. "
Iliopsoas strengthening has specific
performance implications for cycling which
involves continuous though offsetting leg
extension and flexion. Enhanced hip flexor
capacity has particular relevance to the cycling
upstroke where both hip and knee joints are
flexing. Concentration on using the hip flexors
takes load off the hamstrings, the most overworked
muscles in cycling.
Cross country skiing is particularly taxing on
the hip flexors, as are other activities involving
vertical movement of the body such as cross
country running and mountain climbing.
Some of the more athletic forms of dance also
necessitate very strong hip flexors.
More generally, in any sporting activities
requiring hip joint extension, the hip flexors
perform a crucial antagonist function. For
example, both hip and knee flexors perform a vital
role in controlling the rate of descent and ascent
in leg extension exercises such as the squat.
Tight hip
flexors
are recognised as contributing
to lower back pain by causing the pelvis to tip
forward. Full range activation of the iliopsoas
through use of the HipneeFlex can be expected to
have a beneficial effect on flexor
flexibility.
Hip flexor
development
Until now the hip flexors
have been the most neglected muscle group in
strength training. Now with the release of the
HipneeFlex there is a machine that has significant
specificity to natural movement of these muscles,
that involves their full range activation and that
has a high degree of biomechanical correspondence
between effective load and load-bearing capacity
of those muscles at a particular limb
position.
Athletes and their coaches constantly seek
minor improvements that could conceivably give
them a competitive edge. Here we have an apparatus
that can safely and effectively strengthen a
muscle group that is intrinsically involved in
many athletic and sporting activities but which is
virtually never developed to its full
potential.
No one really knows the extent of the benefits
that will flow from eliminating that
imbalance.
We invite you to be one of
the first to explore the potential of really
strong hip flexors.
Alternatively, you can wait and then play
"catch-up" with the rest of the herd.
If you are located outside Australia please
email Bruce
Ross to obtain a quotation in your own
currency including shipment options.
The arc through which the
foot engagement device moves is designed to
closely parallel the path that the feet would
normally traverse if drawn back without
resistance. It also creates a natural tendency for
the two joint angles to vary synchronously so that
they are both under continual load.
