Inside-Out Reactive Strength Visual + Isometric Classifications
PIMAs, OIMAs, & HIMAs programming for the cultivation of Point B Reactive Strength.
Inside Out Mental Models of Special Strength > Definitions
We find the prevailing definition of reactive strength to be very limiting, not only because we feel it is incomplete but also becausewe believe it actively limits our ability to develop the special strength we’re programming to stimulate.
At Absolute, we don’t use a traditional definitions to program. We use something we innovated in our Art & Science of Programming Learning Model, a special strength inside-out mental model.
This model explains the emergent behavior we see on video at the Level of Competition and enables us to know how to optimally stimulate this emergent strength behavior. It enables us program isometrics with a level of specificity that simply didn’t exist before.
The visual we created for you makes it all click. Understanding it enables you to select, coach, and sequence isometrics in real time—with higher levels of specificity for reactive strength cultivation than without it.
Adopting inside-out special strength mental models transforms strength coaches, therapists, trainers, chiropractors, into programmers. It is a code that unleashes their ability to program, organize, and sequence treatment and training inputs. It actualizes them and their work in conjugation.
PIMAs, OIMAs, & HIMAs
Reactive strength is not a single quality you can program for directly. It is an emergent behavior—the explosive result of two completely different networks working together, in conjunction, with synergy:
The bottom-up connective tissue network
the stiffness, elasticity, and reactivity of white connective tissue
This inside-out mental model lets us clearly see three distinct classifications of isometrics and exactly what each one stimulates. It enables us to better program for this special strength.
PIMAs – Pressing Isometric Muscle Actions
These primarily stimulate the top-down neural network of absolute strength.
OIMAs – Oscillatory Isometric Muscle Actions
This is the new category we at Absolute Sport Science innovated—the critical “in-between” isometric that no one else identified.
As you can see they are at the intersection of the neural and biological networks—at the edge.
HIMAs – Holding Isometric Muscle Actions
These primarily stimulate the bottom-up connective tissue network
If you want the full story of how we identified and defined OIMAs, check our earlier article
Why You MUST Program all 3 Isometrics in Conjugation
