Biomechanics

The Common Mistakes People Make When Warming Up

The Common Mistakes People Make When Warming Up

Has anyone told you to “warm up” before you exercise or play sports? It seems simple enough, doesn’t it? What’s easy to do is also easy not to do, and the biggest mistake people make is skipping this important component of exercise. Here’s what you need to know to warm up properly (and why it’s so important) so you can be more effective with your physical activities. 

Hip Pain From Marathon Running

Hip Pain From Marathon Running

I'm constantly reminded of how intelligent our bodies are.  They hold all the answers, if we just take the time to listen and explore.  Body awareness and anatomy are the two tools that I find invaluable when investigating a body complaint.  

Once in awhile I get really extra lucky with a client.  I find the answer in one session and never have to see them again.  It's times like these that keep me going and wanting to help people with their bodies. 

How to create the best exercises for your favorite sport

How to create the best exercises for your favorite sport

Starting over is hard.  Especially when you were so in love!  Did you ever have to take a break from your favorite sport?  Have you injured yourself and had to stop doing something you really enjoy?  Injuries are a set-back no one wants to experience.  Yet we all know what pain feel like.

Why does sitting cause discomfort?

Why does sitting cause discomfort?

Do you sit more than an hour a day?  In the car, at a desk, watching tv, playing games?  It all adds up!  You're not alone...

I got what felt like sciatica for the first time in my life while driving across the country last spring .  I was excited!!!!  Why?  Because, it meant I could use my body to find better solutions for YOU.  Sciatica can really only be diagnosed by a doctor, aside from that, it's just sacral discomfort.  

Learn from my mistake...

Learn from my mistake...

I got to thinking about the adductors this week, which isn't unusual for me (to think about muscles that is).  Their role in horse back riding is so different than when skiing or making a dodge in football.  

Fitness professionals talk a lot about sport-specific or functional exercise, which means to train the way that you "play".  

I did everything I thought was needed to prepare for ski season, but I missed one important component and found out the hard way...

Stability and Strength for the Ski Season

Stability and Strength for the Ski Season


The leaves are falling here in Montana and so is the rain on occasion, which means something white and fluffy will be falling very soon!  Southern California, I miss you, but I am soooo excited for my first FULL SKI SEASON in ten years!  For those of you who share this passion or have clients who love skiing, I have an exciting video and article just for you...

If you aren't a skier, don't worry - you will still benefit from the anatomy review of the primary leg muscles!
 

Are you sure you're cueing squats correctly?

Are you sure you're cueing squats correctly?

Andy's favorite holiday is here and his relatives are all around town!!!  I have been visiting some of Montana's great Ghost Towns like Garnet and Virginia City, to get in the Halloween mood - what about you? 

I made a special video to help you connect a very popular exercise move with bones.  Click Here to learn where the real rules about squats come from and see Andy's great Halloween Costume!  

Your body will breathe a huge sigh of relief when you find out the most common mis-conception about squats.

Alleviating a tight IT Band long term

Alleviating a tight IT Band long term

If I had a dollar for every time I heard about this problem, I would be rich!  Remember...the IT Band (Iliotibial Band) is a tendon.  Tendons are mostly collagen and are present to withstand tension.   They have also been shown to act as springs.  What would happen if you massaged a spring?  

New Ideas about Plantar Fasciitis

New Ideas about Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciatis is the buzz word of the summer, when “heels” get exchanged for sandals and flip flops.  As the foot is flatter more often, the bottom of the foot may experience inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the tissue on the bottom surface of the foot.  

Heels are in disguise!  They are not just women’s fancy shoes... 

Do you wear:

Sneakers with cushion in the rear-foot?

Men’s dress shoes with a slight lift in the rear-foot?

Other shoes with more than a 1-inch heel?