Common Exercises
To Stretch or Not To Stretch?
That is the question. Some experts say no, some say yes. Should you stretch before a workout? Should you stretch after a workout? Is stretching really that important? It’s confusing out there on the world-wide web. This post will focus on some pretty great research in the stretching department as it relates to muscle strength.
Read MoreGlute Exercises: The Top Two to Get Started
After the blog post last week about IT Band Syndrome, several of you asked: “What are the best exercises to activate the glutes?” You ask, you shall receive. Here is a brief review of the glutes and associated hip musculature. This will help with the exercise portion in a minute. Definitions Abduction: leg moves out…
Read MoreBird Dog Exercise: Know the Details!
This may be one of the most common exercises in the rehabilitation and fitness world. I love it, but it can go very wrong, really quick. Why is it called bird dog? Have you ever watched a bird dog on point? When they find a bird (or a rabbit in my dog’s case), they instantly stabilize…
Read MoreDo you know how to TEETER?
I call them “teeters,” short for teeter-totters. Yogis know it as Warrior III or Virabhadrasana. Pilates Instructors teach it as Arabesque. Physical Therapists put it in the category of single leg stance or balance. However you name it, this exercise is packed with about 1000 pounds of goodness. Here are some of the benefits: Foot intrinsic activation Ankle stability Gluteal activation (all…
Read MoreSit-Ups: Good or Bad?
After beginning abdominal training in physical therapy, one of the first questions I get is: “When can I do a sit-up?” Sit-ups have a long history of being the golden ticket for awesome abdominal strength and aesthetics. Although there are better movements to effectively train the abdominals, sit-ups are A-OK and have a functional application.…
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