Athletico Health Resources

Cardiovascular fitness is important to our quality of life and fitness goals. It can determine how well prepared you are for a task, or how you might not be able to handle a fitness activity due to your inability to fuel it properly. Cardiovascular fitness will determine whether a 5K is an easy warm-up or an activity that will greatly challenge you. To better improve your cardiovascular fitness, it is important to understand heart rate zones and what they mean to your training. (more…)

Now that spring is here and longer, sunnier days are returning, many people are starting to feel relief from the emotional weight of winter. But for those managing chronic pain, the lingering effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may still be present. SAD doesn't always disappear overnight, and its physical impacts – like increasing pain sensitivity and stiffness – can persist even as the weather improves. Understanding this connection is key to feeling better year-round, and physical therapy can play a vital role in that process. (more…)

Research shows that more than 80% of individuals will experience back pain at some point in their lives. It’s the second most common reason someone will see their doctor, just behind the common cold. Although back pain can limit your activity, cause significant pain, and feel very scary, a majority of people get better with time and following the right plan. It’s also been shown that expensive tests and procedures like X-rays, MRIs, injections, and invasive procedures are rarely needed to properly manage back pain. If you find yourself dealing with a tweaked back, here are four steps to take to manage pain (more…)

If you are like me, spring signals the start of garden planning and anticipating trading in the snow shovel for the garden hoe and rake. Gardening can be a relaxing and healthy hobby, but also physically demanding. Lifting bags of soil, turning garden beds, and pulling weeds can place strains on the body. That’s why using proper body mechanics and posture while gardening is important. Here are a few tips to keep you enjoying the season while preventing injuries. (more…)

Spring is here, and the running season has begun! Chances are, if you or somebody you know is a runner, you have heard of a 5K. A 5K stands for five kilometers, which is a race just over three miles (3.1 to be precise). Many communities host a 5K, or even multiple 5K races throughout the year. In fact, 5K is the most popular distance for road races in the United States, with 17,000 recorded 5K’s in the USA in 2016. Each runner completing one of these 5K’s undoubtedly wants to have an enjoyable and successful race. (more…)

Spring offers a fresh start — not just for nature, but for your health, too. It’s the perfect time to shake off the cold-weather slump and reset your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your fitness, or just feel better overall, here are three practical ways to spring into better health this season. (more…)

Are you tired of dragging yourself out of bed every morning, feeling sluggish, and lacking the energy to conquer the day? Well, fret not! As a physical therapist, I'm here to share a refreshing and invigorating morning exercise routine that will jumpstart your energy levels. So, let's dive right into it! (more…)

Co-author: Megan Partain, SPT Have you ever wondered how your favorite cheerleaders spend hours tumbling, stunting, and holding each other up in the air? Well, in cheerleading, it comes down to a little more than just sheer talent but incredibly strong and stable shoulders. Athletes with decreased shoulder strength are prone to injuries like dislocations, sprains, and strains. Current research suggests that regular shoulder strengthening exercises can help prevent these types of injuries. The following exercises are recommended for tumblers and especially indicated for main and instep bases, as well as back spots. (more…)