Category: Exercise and Sleep

Finger, Wrist, and Elbow Strength

After finishing a set of dynamic stretches, Nestor, one of our personal training clients, mentioned, “The inner part of my elbow is flared up.  I think I have a case of tennis elbow from going crazy on the drums last night.  I’d like to take it easy on a few of the more rigorous strength …

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Fitness Trends: Wearable Fitness Technology

Wearable fitness technology has quietly changed how we think about health, shifting it from something we occasionally do to something we check throughout the day. With the rise of devices like Fitbits, Apple Watches, and WHOOP bands, everyday behaviors such as how many steps we take, how well we sleep, and even how stressed we …

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Coach Paul’s Featured Exercise of the Month: Supine Hip Extension

In one of my undergrad classes at Sacramento State University, which emphasized injury prevention, our professor said something that has always stuck with me: glutes & hamstrings. He emphasized that strengthening these two muscle groups is critical to maintaining a strong, pain-free body and reducing the risk of injury. A simple yet effective bodyweight exercise …

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Safe and Effective Exercises on the Ground

Exercise journeys can be challenging, depending on a person’s circumstances and physical condition.  The demands of time spent at our jobs, household chores, and family obligations can make it difficult to find time for exercise.  Previous or current injuries and health conditions can create a daunting experience when starting or re-entering a fitness routine, as …

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New Years, Goals, Introspection, and Losing Fat

“Fat loss,” were the words that were ejected out of Ramona’s mouth faster than the explosive reaction of water being sprinkled on a pan of oil at the smoke point. We ask our personal training clients open-ended questions at the conclusion of their four-week exercise prescriptions.   Each exercise prescription includes a full-body strength and conditioning …

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One More Step Every Day

“I took a spill the other day,” commented my friend Marion.  After a look of concern hovered over my face, Marion continued to say, “Not really sure what happened.  I was taking my usual morning walk after I read the newspaper and, the next thing you know, I’m on the ground.”  He pointed to his …

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Consistent Daily Rituals to Enhance Balance

“Every morning after I feed the chickens, I get my hose and spray off the bottoms of my rubber boots,”  Alfonse shared while conducting a single-leg exercise during one of his training sessions.  “I  practice this daily to test my balance,” he said as he wobbled and corrected his balance throughout the coordination and balance …

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Knee Strength for Everyday Life Activities

The knee joint is comprised of connections between the femur, patella, tibia, and fibula.  These bones have various muscle, tendon, and ligament attachments that create a hinge joint allowing for knee extension and flexion.  The thigh bone is commonly understood as the femur, and the shin bone consists of the tibia and its partner, the …

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Maintaining Strength and Muscle with Age

Sarcopenia can be defined as the loss of muscle during the natural aging process.  As people age, there are usually changes in their psychological, emotional, and physical health.  Shifts in family life, interpersonal relationships, or career settings create stimuli that prompt people to adjust to various demands as we age.  Along with matching the pace …

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Consistent Exercise Helps Reduce Joint Pain

Recreational physical activities bring joy to our lives.  If we have kids or grandkids, sporty physical activities such as heading out to the field to play catch or getting down on the ground on the hands and knees to interact with a 6-month-old infant, require the confidence, coordination, and strength to bend the knees, move …

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