Blog
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...
Kegels are one exercise you can do anywhere to strengthen your pelvic floor. These muscles do more than just "kegel". Learn where they attach, so you can make better use of these important stabilizers. This video is inspired by the wonderful pilates instructors I've had the pleasure of working with over the years.
I'll never forget my first pilates class in 2005 at San Diego State University. Sara Grout opened my eyes to the many possibilities of engaging the pelvic floor with creativity and flow...
Love gift giving? Loathe it? Either way, it surrounds us this time of year. While you are busy asking for perfume and new pajamas - you might be missing a huge opportunity!
Several years ago I un-wrapped an unexpected gift that proved to be very thoughtful and helpful. An Anatomy Coloring Book!
Invest in your body and in your mind this year. Body awareness is the gift that keeps on giving.
Share this blog with those who are shopping for you this season. Or...put aside some of that holiday bonus money and get yourself a gift! Remember, you can use educational tools as a tax write-off....
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!
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.
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?
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?
Prevention is a popular term in healthcare today. More than ever people want to prevent problems before they arise. This is easier said than done, especially when it comes to musculoskeletal injuries! Accidents will happen. Aside from the mistakes made that lead to injuries, there are ways to lessen the probability of hurting your joints. Awareness is key for injury prevention. Review the terms mentioned in the video to bring more mindfulness to your favorite activities.
"Abs" seems to be the buzz word in the summertime. People are wearing swimsuits and tank tops, they want a firm mid-section. "Contracting the abs" is a popular cue for many forms of exercise. Weight lifting, running, yoga, pilates, playing tennis, etc. The best trainers regularly remind their clients to contract their abs. "Abs" meaning abdominal muscles. I stop when I hear these words come out of my mouth and wonder if people really understand what this phrase means...
When it comes to shoulder and neck discomfort - being gentle is key. The shoulder joint has many bones joining together in a small area. The scapula, clavicle and humerus all connect to form your shoulder joint, which attaches to the cervical spine through muscle attachments. In short, there are a lot of moving parts! This allows a lot of mobility in our shoulders and neck. However, there is also high potential for mis-alignment and dis-comfort. The more moving parts, the more potential for dysfunction.
Do you or your clients have tight muscles? Have they been injured? OR Are they injury prone? While we cannot diagnose or treat injuries, we can suggest recovery strategies that can alleviate discomfort or possibly prevent injury. Encourage your clients to apply one or more of these strategies after every workout!
Ski Season is approaching and the mountains are accumulating snow. Teton Gravity Research and Warren Miller are presenting their films to build anticipation for the season. And it is working! Aside from booking plane tickets, contemplating season pass purchases and pulling the gear out of the closet, there is something else on my mind....
