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Foam Rollers Go High-Tech

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:41:59 +0000

The standard foam roller works great for providing a post-exercise self-massage. Using one regularly can help improve flexibility, soothe muscle aches and pains and even help break down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues.

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Can You Prevent Blisters With the Right Socks?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:08:43 +0000

Blisters are common for anyone who does a lot of running or walking. And treating them early is the best way to prevent them from turning into a serious problem that side-lines you for days as they heal.

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The Wall Sit for Quad Strength

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:17:18 +0000

The wall sit exercise is a quad builder that is typically used for building isometric strength and endurance in the quadriceps muscle group, glutes and calves.

This exercise is a good way to gradually build leg strength for downhill skiing. Although the exercise does isolate the quads and may help you to stay tucked longer without quad fatigue, the wall sit exercise should be used in combination with other quad strengthening exercises, such as the walking lunge or some basic plyometrics if ski conditioning is your goal.

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Sports Safety Equipment

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:33:51 +0000

Sports safety equipment and gear may sometimes look a little bit odd, but using the right protective safety gear for your sport is essential for preventing serious injuries or reducing the severity of an injury you can't avoid.

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Jump Lunge Exercise

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:51:23 +0000

The jump lunge exercise is a great addition to any interval or circuit training session. Add 30 to 60 seconds of jump lunges in between your other exercises and you can keep your heart-rate high during your entire workout. This simple exercise can be modified for beginners or elite athletes: you can vary the speed of the jumps, the length and depth of each lunge, and the height of each transition. This movement challenges balance and coordination while building power and strength.

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The Most Overrated Exercises

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:17:37 +0000

With thousands of exercises you could do, it's not hard to imagine that some are better than others. Some exercises give you a lot of bang for the buck; some exercises are just plain dangerous; and some exercises are just overrated. If you ask the experts what are the most overrated exercises you get a pretty long list. But those that show up over and over include the following.

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Is Your Stretching Routine Targeting the Right Muscles?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:18:50 +0000

Stretching to improve of maintain flexibility is important for all athletes. But do you know if the stretches you are doing are actually targeting the right muscles? Unless you have a thorough understanding of anatomy or physiology, it can be hard to visualize where a specific muscle is located. And it can be even harder to know if that stretch you are doing for your quads is really targeting the quads or if you are stretching the psoas instead.

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What It Takes to Get Defined Abs

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:43:42 +0000

It seems everyone wants toned and defined "Six Pack Abs."

While it's not a simple thing to develop, it is possible. The key is living a lifestyle that combines good nutrition, and quality exercise that, when combined over time, melts away the layer of fat covering the core. Once this fat is reduced, you'll begin to see the muscle definition.

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Exercises for Hips and Knees

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:56:45 +0000

Some of the best exercises for your hips and knees a simple moves that work your hip through the entire range of motion,

To reduce knee pain, and help the patella track properly, it helps to do exercises that engage the abductors and adductors. Theses muscles are critical for providing integrity of the hip joint and create a strong, balanced link between the lower body and the core. If you routinely exercise the hip only in one direction (with walking, running, clycing, etc.) you are missing out on some lateral movement that helps improve that structural integrity of the hip, as well as the entire lower body.

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Running Injuries Can Creep Up Slowly

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:19:30 +0000

Running injuries that start slowly with subtle nagging aches and pains can turn into a more serious injury over time. At first, most of these aches go unnoticed or if they are noticed, they are often ignored until a serious pain occurs.

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