Complex movements are hard to perform well. They require activation of both major movers and accessory muscles in precise sequences when performed correctly. But our bodies are lazy. They love to take shortcuts and easily fall into bad movement patterns. And our bodies have natural differences between antagonistic sets of muscles. That leads to imbalances […]
One of the most popular new training modalities at our physical therapy office is also one of the fastest-growing strength training methods: Blood Flow Restriction Training. Sometimes known as BFR or Occlusion Training, it employs light tourniquets while exercising at low resistance to produce great gains in strength and muscle bulk. But people have a […]
Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your physical health. But many people don’t realize how vital it is for mental health as well. It reduces your chances of dementia, improves memory, and decreases the number of anxiety and depressive episodes you might experience. If you are one of the people that relies […]
To lift or not to lift? Ah, that is the question! You are probably sitting there wondering whether you should go to the gym or call the doctor. “Did I injure myself or am I just extra sore from my workout?” Because, yes, a hard workout can make you really sore the next day. But […]
Have you ever stopped to think about how you talk to yourself? Are you your own greatest cheerleader? Or are you your greatest critic? Negative self-talk is when you tell yourself things like “I can’t do it” or “I’ll never get this” or “I should just stop trying.” Negative self-talk can lead to poor performance […]
Elbow pain is very common, especially with my patient population of lifters and functional fitness athletes. But that’s why I’m here, to make sure these kinds of problems don’t keep you sidelined for long. I have an entire post about the most common sources of elbow pain that you can read here. But one of […]
Parkinson’s disease affects over ten million people worldwide. And 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed each year. And the search for more effective treatments progresses each year. But we often forget one of the oldest treatments available: Exercise. But many people worry about exercising with Parkinson’s and fear injury. Well, I’m here to tell […]
Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist. Golfer’s Elbow is similar to tennis elbow (which occurs on the outside of the elbow.) Unfortunately for my readers, […]
Exercising After Injury Returning to sports or training after an injury or life changing event can be a frustrating process. High-skill movement technique becomes rusty. Your lungs burn and legs turn to jello on 400m runs that used to feel like recovery. 60% of your 1 rep max back squat now feels like a mountain […]
Flexibility vs Mobility Flexibility and mobility are two very common terms among the functional fitness community. People often use them interchangeably. However, they really represent two different concepts. Athletes and coaches understand good mobility is essential to performing exercises efficiently. Functional fitness exercises are also good at improving mobility. Very rarely, however, do we take […]