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CHAOS AQUABAG

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Trusted by the Pros

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MATT ROWELL

Train Like a Brownlow Medallist

Was this the secret to Matt Rowell's standout season in 2024?

In 2024, Rowell notoriously transformed from an inside-only midfielder to one of the most explosive running midfielders in the AFL.

When Rowell's natural ability to break tackles was combined with his ability to burn opponents on the outside, he became simply unstoppable.

Check out some of his go-to moves with the CHAOS® AquaBag

Dynamic Load

Static Load

CHAOS® AquaBag - 25kg

$93.00

$93.00 ~~$124.00~~

[PRE-ORDER] CHAOS® AquaBall - 25kg

$93.00

$93.00 ~~$124.00~~

CHAOS® Ball Stability System

$186.00

$186.00 ~~$217.00~~

July 29, 2023

Embrace the Chaos: The Simple Technique Revolutionising Barbell Training For Athletes

In the realm of strength and conditioning, athletes are constantly seeking innovative methods to break through plateaus and maximise their athleticism. Barbell chaos training, a revolutionary approach gaining popularity, offers a unique way to challenge the body and elevate sports performance. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of adding chaos to your barbell training, exploring how dynamic, unpredictable loads can take your strength and athleticism to new heights. What is Barbell Chaos Training? Barbell chaos training involves introducing perturbations or unpredictable movements to traditional barbell exercises. Unlike conventional lifting with static weights, chaos training challenges the body to stabilise and adapt continuously throughout the movement, engaging a broader range of muscles and neural pathways. The Benefits of Barbell Chaos Training Enhanced Core Strength and Stabilisation In barbell chaos training, the constant adjustments required to stabilise the barbell engage the core muscles in what is called a spinal co-contraction. This develops a robust, functional kind of core strength, essential for maintaining stability and transmitting power efficiently during various athletic movements. 2. Improved Balance and Coordination As the forces shift unpredictably, athletes must focus on maintaining balance and coordination throughout the exercise. Barbell chaos training enhances proprioception and kinesthetic awareness, critical attributes for sports performance, injury prevention, and overall functional movement. 3. Increased Muscle Activation The dynamic nature of barbell chaos training activates a greater number of muscles compared to static barbell exercises. Stabilising muscles that are often under-utilised during traditional lifts are recruited to support the body during perturbations, leading to more comprehensive training adaptations. 4. Real-Life Application On the sporting field, movements are rarely linear and predictable. Barbell chaos training mimics the chaotic nature of athletic competition, making it highly applicable to real-life scenarios. Athletes can develop the contextual strength and stability needed to excel in their sport, where quick adaptations are crucial for success. 5. Breaking Plateaus and Stimulating Progress Plateauing is a common challenge in strength training. Barbell chaos training introduces an element of novelty and unpredictability, reviving the body's response to training stimuli. By constantly introducing the body to novel situations, chaos training stimulates motor-learning and helps athletes overcome training plateaus. How to Incorporate Barbell Chaos Training Safely Start with Lighter Weights: When first introducing chaos training, begin with lighter weights, the goal is not to use the heaviest weights possible, but to achieve higher levels of stability. 2. Use Purpose-Built Equipment:Ensure optimal safety and peace of mind during barbell chaos training with Calibrate's cutting-edge CHAOS Barbell Bands. Purpose-built for Olympic-sized barbells, these bands come with 13 different loops, allowing you to easily progress or regress the level of chaos. Rest assured that the bands are securely fastened to the barbell, enabling you to focus solely on your training. Barbell chaos training represents a dynamic and effective approach to strength and conditioning, with far-reaching benefits for athletes of all levels. By challenging the body to stabilise and adapt during unpredictable movements, chaos training enhances core strength, inter-muscular coordination, and muscle activation. Embrace the chaos, and take your athleticism to the next level with barbell chaos training. Whether you are an elite athlete looking to gain a competitive edge or a fitness enthusiast aiming to break through plateaus, chaos training is sure to invigorate your training routine and elevate your performance to new heights.

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July 29, 2023

Elevate Your Speed & Agility: Unleash Your Athletic Potential with Mini-Hurdles

For field sport athletes, mastering speed and agility is the key to achieving peak performance on the playing field. As you strive to reach your full potential, incorporating mini-hurdles into your sport-specific training can be a game-changer. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using mini-hurdles to enhance your speed and agility, with a special focus on the fascinating crossed extensor reflex that plays a crucial role in athletic movements. The Power of Mini-Hurdles in Sport-Specific Training Mini-hurdles may seem unassuming, but they have a profound impact on your speed, agility and quickness. As you navigate over the hurdles, your hip, knee and ankle flexors are activated to lift your feet higher, which results in better foot placement on the following step. With regular training, you'll notice that your strides become more efficient, allowing you to cover more ground on the field in less time. Sharpened Change of Direction Skills All field sports demand rapid changes of direction, and while mastering this skill can give you a competitive edge, poor change of direction mechanics can lead to serious injuries. Mini-hurdles are excellent tools for honing your change of direction abilities, helping to prevent critical mistakes in lateral and diagonal movements like 'shifting-in' - a mechanism that is commonly seen in non-contact ACL injuries. The Crossed Extensor Reflex: Unleashing Your Body's Potential The crossed extensor reflex is a fascinating neuromuscular response that comes into play during mini-hurdle training. When you flex one leg rapidly to clear the hurdle, the opposite leg's extensor muscles automatically engage to stabilise your body. This powerful extension response helps you to maintain balance and control, which is especially important during rapid and unpredictable movements. Harnessing the crossed extensor reflex through mini-hurdle drills can improve your body's ability to react swiftly and maintain stability in the midst of sporting chaos. Customisable Mini-Hurdles Experience a game-changing upgrade to your speed and agility training with Calibrate's Premium Mini-Hurdles, garnering praise from coaches and athletes worldwide. What sets them apart is the unmatched flexibility to customise the height and crossbar angle. But that's not all – with Calibrate's ingenious Gridlock system, you can effortlessly connect multiple mini-hurdles, creating limitless possibilities for 3-dimensional obstacles. Elevate your performance and training sessions with Calibrate's innovative and versatile Mini-Hurdles – the ultimate choice for athletes seeking the benefits of mini-hurdles in agility training. Mini-hurdles are an invaluable addition to any field sport athlete's training arsenal. The benefits of using mini-hurdles to enhance your speed and agility are evident – from increased quickness and sharp change of direction skills to harnessing the crossed extensor reflex for better body control. Take advantage of this simple yet powerful training tool and elevate your game to new heights. With regular practice and determination, you'll be well on your way to becoming a dominant force on the field.

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July 29, 2023

Understanding Dynamic Systems Theory: The Key to Athletic Performance and Rehabilitation

When it comes to athletic performance and rehabilitation, traditional linear models fall short in capturing the complexity and fluidity of human movement. Enter Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), a revolutionary framework that embraces the chaotic and nonlinear nature of the human body in motion. In this article, we will explore Dynamic Systems Theory, its fundamental principles, and its implications for athletic performance training and rehabilitation. What is Dynamic Systems Theory? Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) is an interdisciplinary concept that originated in the field of physics and was later adapted to various disciplines, including biology, psychology, and motor control. In essence, DST seeks to understand the behaviour of complex systems, like the human body, by examining how various components interact with one another to produce emergent, self-organised patterns. Who have been the key drivers of DST in Sports? Frans Bosch is a renowned name in the world of sports performance and biomechanics. Based in the Netherlands, Bosch is a university professor, coach, and author, his work has had a profound influence on athletes, coaches, and sports professionals globally. Bosch is best known for his groundbreaking approach to motor learning and movement training, heavily influenced by Dynamic Systems Theory. He challenges traditional training methods by emphasising the importance of movement variability, context-specific learning, and adaptable motor patterns. His influential book, "Strength Training and Coordination: An Integrative Approach," has become a staple in the sports science literature. Frans Bosch's innovative ideas have reshaped how athletes train and perform, emphasising the complexity and dynamism of human movement in sports, leading to more effective training methodologies and enhanced athletic performance. Key Principles of Dynamic Systems Theory Nonlinearity: Unlike traditional linear models, DST recognises that changes in one aspect of a system can lead to unpredictable and nonlinear effects throughout the entire system. In the context of athletic performance and rehabilitation, this means that the relationship between different biomechanical, neurological, and physiological factors is not fixed but highly dynamic. Self-Organisation: Dynamic Systems Theory suggests that complex systems can self-organise to find stable states or patterns of behaviour. This self-organisation is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, resulting in spontaneous emergence of order and adaptability. Variability: DST acknowledges that there are multiple ways of achieving the same outcome. This principle is crucial in understanding how precise goals can be achieved, despite the unpredictability of an ever-changing environment. Attractors & fluctuators: In DST, "attractors" are stable states towards which a system tends to gravitate, irrespective of environmental influences. Attractor states can be stable equilibrium points, periodic oscillations, or even chaotic behaviour. "Fluctuators" are unstable components of the system that are free to change with the environment. Attractors provide the system with stability, and fluctuators provide the system with adaptability. Dynamic Systems Theory in Athletic Performance By understanding and applying the principles of DST, coaches and athletes can enhance training methods, optimise performance, and reduce the risk of injuries. Here are some ways DST can be used in athletic performance training: Individualised Training Programs: DST emphasises that each athlete's movement system is unique, and training programs should be tailored to their specific characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. By assessing an athlete's movement patterns, biomechanics, and physiological traits, coaches can design personalised training regimens that maximise their potential for success. Movement Variability: DST recognises that variability in movement is essential for adaptability and therefore optimal performance. Coaches can introduce a variety of exercises, drills, and training environments to stimulate the exploration of movements. This can help athletes become more adaptable to changing conditions and challenges during competitions. Changing Task Constraints: DST highlights the importance of manipulating task constraints during training. Coaches can modify training exercises and drills to simulate game-like scenarios, encouraging athletes to find their own movement solutions. This helps athletes develop the ability to make real-time decisions and adapt their movements to ever-changing game situations. Focus on Motor Learning: unlike traditional approaches, DST acknowledges that the main outcome of training should be learning, not perfect execution. Thus, coaches can manipulate sessions to that both success and failure is experienced. Enhancing Dynamic Stability: DST emphasises the significance of developing stability over and above isolated bio-motor qualities like strength and speed. Coaches can add perturbing influences (such as dynamic weights or conflicting attractors) to challenge an athlete's ability to maintain control over their body in unpredictable conditions. Constraints-Led Approach: Applying DST involves setting constraints in training to guide certain training adaptations. Constraints can be external (e.g., equipment, surfaces, opponents) or internal (e.g., fatigue, changing tasks). For example, an athlete may perform a step-up drill while holding a CHAOS Ball overhead to put pressure on core stability and key running attractors. Embracing Unpredictability: DST encourages coaches to introduce elements of unpredictability and randomness in training. This can be achieved through randomised drills, changing training partners, or altering training environments. Training in such conditions helps athletes develop the ability to adapt quickly during competition. Integrating Technology: Advancements in sports technology, such as Calibrate's new CHAOS collection, makes it easier than ever for coaches and athletes to incorporate DST in their training sessions. If coaches are to embrace the variability of DST in their training practice, then having access to purpose-built equipment is key. Dynamic Systems Theory represents a shift in athletic performance training paradigms, encouraging a more holistic, adaptable, and individualised approach. By acknowledging the complexity of human movement and embracing the principles of DST, coaches can create training programs that enhance an athlete's ability to perform optimally in diverse and unpredictable conditions. The incorporation of DST principles can lead to improved performance, reduced injury risk, and a deeper understanding of how athletes learn and excel in their respective sports. If you want to learn more about the applications of DST in athletic performance and rehabilitation, check out our friends over at Frans Bosch Systems (FBS).

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CHAOS® Ball Stability System

$186.00

$186.00 ~~$217.00~~

SHOP NOW

1. Open Valve

Unscrew the cap and press the spring down

2. Add Water

Add as much water-weight as you need

3. Add Air

Press the spring again, then use the hand pump to inflate the ball

4. Close Valve

Screw the cap back on and you're ready to go!

How long does shipping take?

Shipping usually takes 3-5 business days for domestic orders, and 5-7 business days for international express orders. Please keep in mind that some international orders have customs delays that are out of our control.

WHERE CAN I LEARN HOW TO USE THE EQUIPMENT?

Download the Calibrate Training App from the App Store! We have plenty of resources and training programs there.

If you want to dive deeper into the underlying principles of attractor-based training, we highly recommend attending an FBS International Course

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship internationally to most countries. Shipping times and costs vary by location. Please check our shipping policy for more details on international orders.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept various payment methods including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Secure payment options ensure a smooth and safe checkout process.