Taking Supplements Together? They Might Be Canceling Each Other Out
Grocery stores and health food markets sell supplements claiming to do everything from preventing a cold to improving mood, reducing stress, and amplifying athletic performance. These potential benefits have garnered them a great deal of attention over the past 5-10 years. However, taking certain supplements together can cause more negative interactions than benefits. This article […]
The Pressure is On: Recovery Sleeves and Compression Garments
Compression therapy, an ages-old medical technique involving specially designed garments that apply pressure to different parts of the body, serves a wide variety of purposes. Its primary goal, that of venous return, can improve blood circulation, relieve a range of health issues, facilitate post-surgical healing, and promote overall well-being. Athletes in particular can benefit from […]
The Science Behind Collagen
Collagen makes up 30% of the body’s protein, providing structure, support, and strength to the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. While current research doesn’t provide much evidence on the effectiveness of most collagen supplements, a balanced diet seems to provide enough of the raw ingredients the body needs to produce collagen naturally. Still, many […]
Inviting Sports Psychology onto the Competitive Stage
The American Psychological Association defines sports psychology as “a proficiency that uses psychological knowledge and skills to address optimal performance and well-being of athletes.” Sports psychologists often find work with elite athletes, competitive sports teams, and the famous Olympians we all admire. The pressure under which so many young athletes perform can take its toll […]
Differences in Training Protocols and Adaptations: Power Lifting, Bodybuilding, and General Weight Training
The question of whether muscle hypertrophy induced by resistance training always corresponds to a proportional increase in muscle strength remains largely open to debate. Although a positive relationship typically exists between the two variables, a number of studies show a clear dissociation; an increase in muscle size can result in no change or even a […]
Quadratus Lumborum: Easing Discomfort
The quadratus lumborum muscle, commonly referred to as QL, nestles deeply within the lumbar region. Extending from the pelvis to the last rib, QL contracts while sitting, walking, and standing. As such, it often proves highly susceptible to the formation of pain. This article explores the structural and functional components of the quadratus lumborum, while also […]
Winter Warm-Up: How to Cope with Symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome
Raynaud’s syndrome, a response to both cold environments and stress, causes fingers and toes of affected individuals to turn white or blue, then red and painfully swollen. While not a life-threatening disease, Raynaud’s presents itself as more of a disconcerting inconvenience. Only in rare instances does this phenomenon cause significant problems. Still, for clients who exercise […]
Movement and Nutrition as Antidotes to Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 4.4% of the world’s population. When combined with depression, the number mounts to 38% of all mental illness diagnoses. Experts agree that incorporating prudent meals along with regular physical exercise can greatly mitigate both of these conditions. This article presents data to support this premise, as well as suggestions regarding how […]
Weighing the Cycling Options: Studio or Open Road?
Cycling, bike riding, or spinning: whatever term one uses to describe the sport, the mechanics and movements are similar. Considered a phenomenal form of cardiovascular exercise, cycling offers the rider an opportunity to push themselves to their limits or simply enjoy the great outdoors. This article explores the differences and similarities between the two, the […]
Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of CrossFit
Over the past 25 years, the fitness concept known as CrossFit has taken exercise to a new level. Belonging to a CrossFit community offers unique advantages; however, many detractors warn of the potential harm involved in such an intense exercise protocol. This article delves into what CrossFit can offer as well as its drawbacks, allowing personal […]