How Activation Feels
Activation is simple and reproducible enough that any athlete can be taught to do it, any time and any place. But if you’re new to the Be Activated methods, the best way to experience it is to be activated for the first time by a trained sports or medical professional. You’ll learn how best to apply the techniques for yourself, and what the results should feel like. You’ll also return your body to a state where it’s more ready for self activation.
Here’s what that feels like.
Proper activation with a professional always starts with measurement. You’ll lie on a table and your therapist will gauge your core strength and flexibility using a few simple leg lifts and bends. Then, you’ll practice proper breathing while the pressure points in your chest are activated to allow improved breathing. Finally, the pressure points in your abdomen, neck and other regions are activated before measuring again to gauge results. You’ll see measurable improvement in strength and flexibility before you even get up off the table.
Because every body’s different, every activation is different. It’s common for the stimulation of pressure points to be sharp and painful – but it’s also very brief. You may feel warm as your body releases pent-up tensions as thermal energy. You may experience an immediate sense of physical or even emotional release as your body re-calibrates.
Afterward, you’re likely to feel lighter and to move about more easily – good news for athletes who need to run or jump to perform well! You’ll also experience a greater sense of awareness. You may feel more relaxed, or more alert to your surroundings. Your muscles and your nervous system are now more connected than they were before.
Athletes using activation experience this process in miniature during every warm-up. And because self activation requires no direct contact with a therapist or doctor, you can incorporate it into large team warm-ups as easily as into individual workouts.
Before activation, I found myself injury prone as well as very inconsistent during my practices for track/cross country. I suffered from inconsistent practices and pained muscles and joints, but after one session of activation with Dr.Tom, I felt brand new, refreshed and explosive. I went from not qualifying for top seven my first cross country season to being the #1 runner the following year for both seasons, being an individual state qualifier and school record holder for the 1600-3200. Activation has truly changed the way I run and compete and it’s a great tool for any athlete. I activate every day before anything I do, whether it’s mental or physical.
