Mouthpiece Article? I don't believe it (Page 3)

Dude, Derek's rap name is Dr. DL. You don't mess with Dr. DL.

I'm a geek when it comes to exercise science-type stuff and one of the things I noticed is that all too often, a company will take a basic idea that has some validity (and usually can be implemented very inexpensively with some homemade equipment) and come out with a ridiculous and/or expensive product that is overhyped to death. My lifting coach has mentioned that he and some other Olympic weightlifters had experimented with a way to relax the jaw because too much tension in the face and jaw resulted in tension throughout the body which could impede your timing. So, the underlying concept may have some merit. However, let's keep in mind the context of this conversation.

First, my coach specifically used the word "experimenting" in regards to this little trick and he never said that it was a fool-proof way to improve performance.

Second, there was no product involved. Standing there with your mouth open is free. The only cost is that you end up looking like a dork because you're standing there on the lifting platform with your mouth open.

Third, the Olympic lifts are explosive, technical, and over and done with in about a second. Make even a small error in timing or technique and you miss the lift. There is no time to make a correction in technique errors. Very different from a two-hour endurance event.

Word to Big Bird.

Edited by DerekL 2009-12-21 3:01 PM

heh.

Being relaxed improves performance?  Shocking.

I have no doubt these devices appeal to at least some of you.  C'mon, admit it.  You know you were thinking about it....  No different than any other thing people sell to those looking for the quick fix.

Edited by Scout7 2009-12-21 3:06 PM

Swimming with a clinched jaw not only raises cortisol levels, it can even lead to drowning.

I could see this helping out; the problem with western society is that if something doesn't come in a pill, it can't help exercise performance.  

Now some of the improvement claims seem vastly exaggerated but I still think it may not be snake oil. 

I don't think anyone is saying performance comes from a pill.... I believe most are saying that the BIGGEST performace gains comes from actual training, not from some over-hyped and ridiculously expensive piece of plastic, or other gimmick-of-the-day.