Tag: Fitness Napa

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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Why Strong Knees and Ankles Matter More Than You Think

The knee and ankle are commonly overlooked contributors to mobility, strength, balance, and coordination.  Walking, climbing stairs, hiking a trail, or participating in recreational athletic physical activities such as tennis, golf, or pickleball all depend on the seamless relationship between these two joints. When they move well together, life feels fluid. When they do not, …

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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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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 …

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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 …

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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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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, …

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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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