Triathletes subject their lower backs to extreme workloads both during training and throughout events. The unique multi-discipline elements require the muscles of the lower back not only to be highly efficient and resistant to fatigue, but also very supple. During the swim the muscle of the lower back are in a constant state of tension, whilst also contributing to body rotation. During the bike phase the back is in an unnatural position of prolonged extension and whilst this might be the most efficient position to get power from the legs, it means your lower back muscles need to be very flexible. During the run your deeper core muscles and ‘fixator’ muscles of the back are being engaged repeatedly to keep the body balanced and upright, so they too need to have good levels of endurance.
As you can see triathletes work their backs pretty hard, and without proper preparation and training of the lower back it’s easy to pick up injury in either the muscles themselves or surrounding soft...
It’s that time of the year again, to take a step back in time to remember this year’s Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series through the eyes of some of the world’s best sports photographers. They were on hand to capture every twist, turn, and colourful moment in the each and every world series race, but now it’s your turn to decide the official ITU Photo of the Year by voting on your favourite image below. Each weekly winner then earns the right to appear in the ITU Photo of the Year final. In addition to the contest, readers will hear from each event photographer about their favourite shot from the event, which will be published alongside the winning pictures from each week.After eight weeks of voting in the Photo of the Year competition, we have arrived at the final vote. Each of your winning photos from the previous rounds have made the final and now it’s up to you to decide the 2011 ITU Photo of the Year.The eight photos contain some of the most memorable moments...
