Don’t Let Tendonitis Wreck Your Workout Routine
It’s the first week of the new year and many of us have goals to take off that extra weight we gained over the holidays. This might be increasing your aerobic activity, adding more consistency to your Pilates and yoga practice and lifting weights to tone up your muscles. Whatever your exercise routine is just make sure you don’t overdo it. You’ll likely end up with tendonitis somewhere which will put a damper on your workouts. Just remember to do these few things as you exercise to prevent tendonitis from developing. Remember, tendinitis can...
read moreNo time? Try this Quick Workout
Does your hour-long workout at the gym or yoga and Pilates classes get pushed aside this time of year because of the shopping, decorating and gathering with friends? You can always make time for a quick 15 to 20 minute workout! You’ll feel better, burn a few calories and work off some of those cookies you’ve been eating. When you’re pressed for time just add these exercises to your day. Start by playing some lively tunes while you lightly stretch your muscles. Then, for those aerobic benifits, pick up the pace and get your heart...
read more3 Important Exercises You Should Do
If you’re 50+ consider incorporating these 3 principles into your workouts to help you remain active and injury free…well they’re actually good for everyone! 1. Be diligent about training your Core! The importance of having a strong stable core can’t be emphasized enough – it helps with balance, posture and quality movement. When doing exercises activate the core first by contracting the muscles, then move out from this stable center. This is key if you’re using hand weights or resistance bands, otherwise you’re at greater risk...
read moreGoing Hiking?
When your hiking, especially if the terrain is hilly or mountainous, you’ll want to strengthen your legs, especially your quadriceps before you go. One thing to bring along is your Nordic hiking poles – they’re great for hiking hilly terrain. Here’s some quick exercises to prep you for your hike. A great quad strengthener is to do a static hold like you’re sitting in a chair, but without the chair. You can do it with your back against the wall and slide your feet out 1 to 1 1/2 feet, depending on how long your...
read moreThumbs bothering you?
Thumb arthritis is common if your older than 40 and it’s especially prevalent in women. It occurs as cartilage wears away from the base joint of your thumb — also known as the CMC or carpometacarpal joint, that attaches your thumb to your wrist. Thumb arthritis can make doing all the various things we do with our hands difficult! It’s why the CMC joint is often the 1st place arthritis show up, because we use our thumbs every day in so many ways. The symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, decreased strength and range of motion, discomfort...
read moreNordic Walking -a great full body workout
The weathers warming up for those of us in winter climates. Maybe you’re getting out to go for walks and hikes more. One thing you might consider getting is some Nordic walking sticks and turn your stroll into a full body workout. I got a pair last summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I use my arms and core. If you’ve ever cross country skied you know what a great aerobic workout it is. Nordic walking is similar to cross country skiing in that it’s a full body workout. Think of it as an exaggerated...
read moreCarpal Tunnel Syndrome or something else?
How do you know if you have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)? Maybe you’ve notice some tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand. Perhaps you’ve got some pain or you can’t open jars as well as you used to because your muscles are getting weaker. What’s the condition that’s causing wrist pain, tingling or numbness? There are some common conditions that can cause these symptoms, so it’s good to know about them to rule them out. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one condition that can lead to hand pain and numbness and...
read moreDealing with Pain?
Whether your pain is caused from an injury, overdoing it, repetitive stress or something else, here are some ways to take care of pain and discomfort. Physical Treatments- These are best for acute pain, or if you’ve had surgery or an injury. Many chronic conditions can benefit as well. The advantages are that they’re non-invasive, they can be combined for better results and the variety of options can fit into your budget and schedule. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, TENS...
read moreArthritis Acting Up?
As the weather gets colder you might notice those cricks and aches in your joints a bit more. According to Dr. Ben Schwartz arthritis is most prevalent in the low back and neck, and hips and knees. But hands, shoulders and toes are also prone to arthritis. Look Out For Repetitive Stress An injury to your joints from something like a car accident can lead to arthritis, but what about repetitive movements? Do you text constantly? The repetitive movements can lead to thumb arthritis. Constantly having your head down to look at your phone or...
read moreExercises For Your Feet
We spent lot’s of time talking about the hands and arms and even occasionally the legs. But we rarely discuss the ever important feet. We use our feet all of the time – to walk, run, jog, bike, hike and more. A strong foot is generally a healthy foot, so let’s look at some exercises for your feet. We’re going to do these exercises barefoot to increase your sensory input – which also helps your postural stability. Unless you have reduced sensation in your feet, keep your shoes on; otherwise I recommend taking your...
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