Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the smooth cartilage that normally cushions the ends of the joints gradually wears down. Healthy cartilage allows joints to glide smoothly and distribute forces during everyday movements. Previous joint injuries, the repercussions of a life of manual labor in one’s career and lifestyle, or advancing age contribute …
Category: Older Adult Exercise Napa
Mar 09
Deep Intrinsic Core and Hip Muscles
“Engage your core” is a term we often hear to avoid back injury during strenuous activity. It should go without saying that bracing one’s core is beneficial when lifting a wine box off the ground, carrying it thirty meters, rotating it to place it on a shelf, and lifting it to a shelf of varying …
Feb 27
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 …
Feb 12
Investing in Fitness and Daily Actions
Consistency can be defined as “the way in which a substance holds together” or “conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness.” Adhering to specific actions that reinforce health and well-being supports goals for a fulfilling and enjoyable livelihood. Daily actions such as setting …
Feb 06
Variety in Movement Helps the Body Age Better
“I’m trying not to get old,” Nero responded after I asked how he was doing at the beginning of his training session. Nero is one of our veteran personal training clients with an animated sense of humor who uses physical activity as a key tool to empower his life. As a gentleman in his early …
Jan 30
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 …
Jan 23
Core Strength Assists in Everyday Function
Sometimes, the gold standard of “a strong core” can be visualized as a picture of Brad Pitt’s abs in his appearance in the classic movie Thelma and Louise. After taking his shirt off in a display that swooned viewers who were observing a specimen with the muscular body, structure, and proportions of a Greek god, …
Jan 15
Resistance Training is Medicine for Osteoporosis
The skeletal framework of bones beneath skeletal muscle is an important component for everyday functionality. The brain acts as the central command center, sending signals down the spinal cord to the extremities, instructing them to move in a specific manner. Muscular strength and neuromuscular coordination are essential for this process to occur efficiently and safely. …
Jan 08
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 …
Jan 02
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 …