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You Can Do It

Who among us hasn’t been inspired by the amazing physical prowess displayed by the Olympians in Beijing? If nothing else I’m sure there have been times when the competition has motivated you to get up off the couch to cheer on your favorite athlete. So there–you expended at least a few calories by standing, raising your arms, yelling and cheering. Compared to how many calories the athlete is expending it might seem insignificant, but if you live a relatively sedate life it’s at least a step in the right direction. The point is: expending calories in an effort to lead … Continue reading →

Olympic Inspired Fitness Routines

Have you been swept up by Olympic fever? The drama that has unfolded in Beijing over the past nine days has drawn record viewership for NBC and swim schools across the nation have seen a surge in enrollment thanks to the amazing work of one Michael Phelps, the man who now holds the title of winningest athlete in Olympic history. Unofficial polls show that the Summer Games in China have inspired at least a few people to get up and get moving—-even if it’s just to leave the couch to grab a soda from the fridge. In all seriousness, the … Continue reading →

First Aid: Pulled Muscle

A pulled muscle — or muscle strain — is when a muscle is stretched too far, and small tears develop. Pulled muscles are graded by severity. Grade I: mild discomfort that does not limit activity. Grade II: moderate discomfort that can limit ability to perform some activities. You may experience swelling and/or bruising at the site. Grade III: severe discomfort that can limit activity. You may experience swelling, bruising, and muscle spasms at the injury site. For Grade I and Grade II sprains, you may be able to treat the injury at home. (More severe sprains may need temporary immobilization, … Continue reading →

Avoid Post-Activity Body Aches

No pain, no gain — right? Wrong. You don’t have to suffer after trying a new activity, upping the intensity of your workout, or starting a new fitness program. Here are some tips to help you avoid the post-activity body ache. Always warm up before any activity. Stretch the muscles that you’ll be using. Always cool down after an activity. Move gently until your heart rate and breathing are back to normal. Try rolling your muscles out with a foam roller before and after exercising. Alternate your workouts with gentle stretching or yoga. Gentle exercise will help your body recover … Continue reading →

Warm Ups & Cool Downs – What You Need to Know

Warming up is what we do before exercising. Cooling down is what we do afterwards. You need to be sure you understand not only why we warm up and cool down, but right things to do and the things that you definitely don’t. Do: Give yourself at least 5 to 10 minutes to warm up before beginning a work out Practice full range of motion for your joints during warm up Start out slow and easy, remember it is called warming up for a reason Be sure to give yourself 3 to 6 minutes to cool down after a work … Continue reading →