June - July 2005 - Summer Newsletter Feature

What is "CORE" Training?

CORE TRAINING has become a buzz word in many of today's fitness circles, but what exactly is this mysterious term "core"? And who should be concerned about it? Essentially, the core, as a dynamic stabilizing unit, includes muscles of the abdominal region, low back, and hip girdle. This "core" of your body serves as a link that transmits forces between the upper and lower halves of your body. As a vital component of low back health, these core muscles play an important role in stabilizing the spine during many everyday activities, including lifting, bending and even working at a desk! The spinal column is inherently unstable, and depends upon layers of muscles to maintain upright posture and support body weight during movement. The many small joints of the spine must be stabilized in order for the overall spine to move efficiently and safely. The core also serves as a platform from which extremities move. If it is unstable, muscles going to the arms and legs are forced to work harder during activity, potentially leading to sprains and strains (and pain!).

Therefore, incorporating both spinal mobility and stability exercises into daily life is important for ensuring a pain-free and healthy body. Whether your goal is to improve athletic performance or simply enjoy long term back health, creating a strong, flexible and stable core will prevent further injury.

If you have any questions or would like to learn specific exercises prescribed just for your own body's well-being, contact us (even before you experience any pain or problems).

FOOTMAXX for pain-free feet

With the enormous pressure put on the feet by our body's weight, it is no wonder that at some point, 75% of the population will suffer from foot-related problems resulting in pain and discomfort of not only the feet, but ankles, knees, hips and back. For some of us, the key to healthy feet extends beyond a good pair of shoes - ORTHOTICS for extra support may be necessary.

If you are experiencing foot pain, or related knee hip or back pain, come and see us for a FREE comprehensive assessment of your feet and gait cycle using FOOTMAXX - the latest technology in gait analysis. Orthotics may be just what you need to get through the day with pain-free feet and legs.

Shoulder Setting

Back in the day when your mother used to tell you not to slouch and to sit up straight, she wasn't that far off the mark! Whether you are working at a desk, watching TV, or going for a bike ride, it is important to be conscious of your shoulder positioning in order to relieve excessive muscular tension or prevent pinching of ligaments and tendons within joints of the shoulder girdle. Future injury can be prevented by periodically "re-setting" your shoulders. Begin by ensuring you are sitting or standing up straight and tall. Next, simply shrug your shoulders up to your ears, then bring them back by squeezing your shoulder blades together on your upper back. Finally, imaging you are trying to put your shoulder blades "into your back pocket" by pulling them down. It may feel strange at first, but this is the correct posture to facilitate optimal shoulder health.

Desk Etiquette

3 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH YOUR DAY PAIN FREE.

1. Find a good chair and properly adjust it to fit your body. Add a lumbar roll for extra support.
2. Bring the equipment to you, not you to it!
3. Get up and stretch every hour.

Interested in past issues of our newsletter?

• Winter 2008
• Fall 2007
• Fall 2006
• Spring 2006
• Fall 2005
• Summer 2005
• Fall 2004
• Fall 2003

Have any questions? Please contact us for more information.