How to Safely Learn the Splits
Coaches, parents and athletes often ask me, “What is the best way to learn or improve upon doing the splits?” Gymnasts, cheerleaders and dancers are often the population that is interested, but lately this has become a great topic for baseball players, hurdlers and hockey players. Below are three great stretches to assist in gaining flexibility to improve your splits with some good reminders on how to stay safe while stretching.
Curbing Muscle Cramping
Although muscle cramping can happen any time of year for a variety reasons, I tend to notice increased complaints from my active and/or athletic populations during the throes of summer. Whether they are simply being more outdoorsy and recreational or training for an upcoming sport season or competition, muscle cramping seems to be more prevalent in hot weather. For those of you wondering about the “how” and “why,” below you’ll find a quick review but more importantly, some tips and pointers on what you can do to combat muscle cramping in hotter weather.
Frequently Asked Questions: Debut Marathoner Edition
So this is your first time running a marathon. You have made it about halfway through your training program and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You may still have some questions looming that you may not have the answers to. Listed below are some frequently asked questions of first-time marathoners. (more…)
Jumper’s Knee
Everybody say “Jump Jump!” Have you ever experienced pain in the front of your knee after running or kicking? You probably have a condition called Jumper’s Knee or patellar tendonitis. (more…)
Deep Sea Fishing: 7 Tips for Prevention of Low Back Pain
Fish on! Hook up! Fresh one! These are all common phrases to yell out when your reel is screaming and the line is taken hundreds of feet into the ocean. It is also in that moment that you may realize your back is in for a workout. (more…)
Benefits of an Exercise Band
So after attending a running event expo, you received an exercise band in your “swag” bag from Athletico. You have seen them before or even have a few collecting dust in your closet – but what is the purpose of this yellow or green piece of elastic? What are the physical benefits to you and why use one? (more…)
Tommy John Surgery: A Rising Epidemic?
If you follow professional baseball, I am sure you have observed an alarming rate of pitchers who underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (“Tommy John surgery”) already this year. Miami Marlin’s rising star, Jose Fernandez, became the 18th professional pitcher in 2014 to undergo this surgery, equaling the total number of pitchers to have Tommy John surgery all of last year.1
Why does this trend continue to rise? (more…)
Avoiding Soccer Related Injuries
Strains and sprains can occur in any sport, but why are certain ones more common with particular sports? With the World Cup right around the corner, an athlete in soccer is more prone to injuring things like his/her hamstrings, adductors, quadriceps, or hip flexors. There are risk factors that also unfortunately make one more apt to developing these injuries, but with the proper guidance and persistence, it is the hope that you stay injury free. (more…)