A Postural Error: A Costly Biomechanical Fault: Muted Hip Function (MHF)

Muted hip function (or MHF) is a postural error and a costly biomechanical fault found to some degree in all but the most accomplished athletes, writes Coach Greg Glassman.

Hip dysfunction creates postures and mechanics that reduce power and stability and are generally unsound. The faulty mechanics arise from inadequate training and insufficient practice of critical hip movements. The most important effect is a marked decrease in stability, balance and power.

The degree of MHP varies from mild to severe. In severe cases everything the athlete attempts is rocked by instability and low power. In mild cases power loss and instability occur only while under great physical stress. In combat and elite performance, even mild MHF can lose the day.

Deliberate and focused training and practice of demanding hip extension movements is the only way to eliminate the effects of MHF. No exercise offers as much opportunity to correct MHF tendencies as perfect-form, high-rep push press. MHF is evident within the first .01 of a second of a bad push press.

We tell our best athletes that it will typically take three to five years to fully develop the hip’s explosive capacity to the point where there are no sign of MHF postures or tendencies.