Athletico Health Resources

Although muscle cramping can happen any time of year for a variety reasons, I tend to notice increased complaints from my active and/or athletic populations during the throes of summer.  Whether they are simply being more outdoorsy and recreational or training for an upcoming sport season or competition, muscle cramping seems to be more prevalent in hot weather.  For those of you wondering about the “how” and “why,” below you’ll find a quick review but more importantly, some tips and pointers on what you can do to combat muscle cramping in hotter weather.

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So this is your first time running a marathon. You have made it about halfway through your training program and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You may still have some questions looming that you may not have the answers to. Listed below are some frequently asked questions of first-time marathoners. (more…)

So after attending a running event expo, you received an exercise band in your “swag” bag from Athletico. You have seen them before or even have a few collecting dust in your closet – but what is the purpose of this yellow or green piece of elastic? What are the physical benefits to you and why use one? (more…)

Congratulations! You have been selected to run in a Marathon. Now what? Whether you signed up for fun or in hopes to set a personal best, you have now committed yourself to 26.2 miles of fun! (more…)

Editor’s note: The following blog was originally posted on Triathlon & Multisport Magazine. You can follow them on Twitter @trimultimag. Travis Orth is a Physical Therapist at Athletico Willowbrook.

Triathlon is a sport that rewards hard work. And while we can all strive to be the best we can be, 99.9 per cent of us will never enjoy the view from the top step of the podium at a major endurance race. Why is this may have something to do with our genetics. Dr. Travis Orth sheds some light on recent research into a number of genes that may affect endurance performance. (more…)

Use these tips to safely return to postpartum running!

*Note this blog is based on blogger’s experience as a new Mom as well as her professional opinion as a physical therapist.

As a new Mom and runner, I was excited and anxious to get back to running. I knew I was in no physical shape to compete after giving birth to my son but I was anxious to use running as an outlet to have some “Mommy” time alone. I can vividly remember my first run.  I knew it was not going to be pretty and only set my goal to complete two miles. Little did I know that that was a lofty goal!  I made it half way and was ready for a walking “break.” Since my first run postpartum, I have gradually increased my mileage.  Below are some tips that I would like to share that have helped me get back out on the road (and treadmill)! (more…)

Today’s blog post is written by guest blogger Sean Hassett, PT, DPT at Athletico Andersonville

You just ran 12 miles, but this was not your typical 12 mile run. This was 12 miles of running up and down hills, climbing up and over walls, hanging on for dear life at some point, jumping over logs, carrying logs, plunging in for a deep cold ice bath, and of course getting really muddy. You have just completed a Mud Run and Obstacle Race. Congratulations!

At the end of the race such as Tough Mudder, you have received your headband, your T-shirt saying you survived, and had your celebratory beer (21 and older) with your fellow racers, now what? It is time to start the recovery process as this is not your normal race. (more…)

Today’s blog post is written by guest blogger Jennifer Short, PT at Athletico Garfield Ridge/Midway

Congratulations! You are registered for a Marathon, but now what? Running 26.2 miles at once seems daunting but with a plan and dedication you can accomplish this goal. Here are 5 tips to get you off and running on the right foot: (more…)