How Swimming Can Help Improve Your Health
Swimming continues to grow in popularity as one of the aerobic exercises of choice. With as little as 2.5 hours of swimming a week you can significantly decrease your risk of chronic illnesses. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Cobra on the Wall
The final back bending exercise for January is an advanced stretch called Cobra on the Wall. It is similar to the stretch highlighted in the first week of January, but with the assistance of a wall. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Locust
Week two of January is another beginner level therapeutic back bend called Locust. Locust helps to strengthen the hamstrings, glutes and lumbar musculature, building on last week’s Cobra stretch. As a warm up, you can do a few Cobra stretches prior to performing the Locust. If you missed last week’s stretch, you can find instructions here.
Stretch of the Week: Lizard on a Rock
For the final week of December we will be doing one of my absolute favorite partner stretches ever! I call this one Lizard on a Rock.
You will need a mat for this stretch. Please do not perform this stretch if you have severe knee problems or have great trouble reaching overhead. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Easy Seated Partner Twist
It’s December! You what that means! Most likely you will be seeing more of your friends and family, so I thought it would be a perfect month to do some partner stretches. Get everyone involved! Show them you’ve been working on your flexibility and maybe even inspire someone close to you to make it a goal for the New Year to add some stretching to their life. 🙂 (more…)
Year End Yard Maintenance: Don’t Let It Get You Down
The air is getting colder, the holidays are approaching, and the leaves (or snowflakes) are falling! In the days and weeks leading up to the holiday season, most people inevitably find themselves outside in their yards either raking or shoveling snow. Raking or shoveling can be the most strenuous of household tasks and you should take proper precautions in order to avoid back strains and other injuries. (more…)
5 Ways to Improve Your Home Exercise Program Compliance
The home exercise program is the elephant in the room at a lot of physical therapy sessions. A lot of people simply don’t like doing their exercises during their free time. Trust me. I understand the liberating feeling of just going to a clinic dedicated to physical therapy, mentally checking out and being told what to do to improve. While this will work, you won’t be getting the most out of your rehab with this mindset. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Seated Twist
Week three of October brings us to a seated twist with a chair. Try to use a chair that does not swivel, otherwise this stretch will be hard to accomplish.
You will also need a book or yoga block or something similar in density and size.
The only contraindication for this twist is if you have severe sacral issues. (more…)