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 …
Tag: Napa Valley Fitness
Feb 19
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, …
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 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 …
Dec 04
Good Posture-Keep Your Armpits Over Your Hips
Our brain is encased within the skull and sits atop the first vertebrae of our spine. Featuring the central command center in which all of the decisions to send electric signals down our central nervous system to our organs and muscles, the brain is arguably the most important part of our body. Without it, we …
Nov 14
Prioritizing Core Exercises Fitness Routines
Let’s take a moment to reflect on a few simple actions that we do in our everyday lives. The start of the morning usually entails rolling out of bed, standing up, and walking to our next location in the house. It could be the bathroom, the kitchen, or scaling a set of stairs. After our …
Nov 06
Tactics to Control Holiday Overeating
Clocks have officially been set back an hour, the sun is setting sooner, and a subtle nip fills the morning air. As the majestic landscape of Napa Valley transitions from vibrant hues of green to shades of burnt orange, umber, and sandy brown on the grape leaves that line the countryside, we can sense fall …
Oct 31
Exercise and Enhancing the Journey as we Age
As the Earth circles the sun, it adds another year to its portfolio of time in its resume of existing in the universe. Humans on Earth enjoy the ride, experiencing everyday interactions with friends, family, and co-workers. Every year, we observe the weather becoming cooler or warmer, the sun rising earlier or setting later, and …
Oct 17
Tennis Elbow Rehab, Injury Prevention, and Pickleball Strength and Conditioning
Last Saturday, I capped off a productive work week with a ninety-minute pickleball practice session with my friend Nico. After smashing a ball at each other, laughing, and exchanging light-hearted banter, we tapped paddles and commented on the amazing cardiovascular workout pickleball offers. As two gentlemen entering our forties, it felt good to carve out …