Healthy happy you.
Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road. First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) Read more
If you're looking for a stretch that targets your iliotibial Band (ITB) on your outer thigh and your obliques, this stretch is a must. It's similar to the iliotibial band on the wall, but you'll feel this one in your waist more. It is great post-run stretch too. If you're curious to know how to do this stretch, then read more Read more
When you run, bike ride, or do anything that uses your lower body, it's important to stretch your leg muscles thoroughly. One area that may need a little attention is your Iliotibial band (ITB). This is a long band of fascia (connective tissue) that runs along your outer thigh. Stretching this area will help prevent knee injury or pain, and you can do it anywhere there's a wall. Well, you could Read more
Running can take its toll on your knees and having tight muscles and soft tissue around the very important knee joint can increase the toll we runners pay. That is why stretching is so very important. This stretch targets the iliotibial band (ITB), the thick band of fascia that runs down the outside of the thigh, and it is important because when the ITB gets tight it can pull the knee cap out Read more
After your run, your legs are probably in need of a good stretch. But it's not all quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Don't forget these areas when stretching after your jog. Hip flexors: Combat all that forward propelling (and desk sitting) with stretches that open up and loosen those all-important hip flexors. Tight hip flexors can lead to back pain and a limited range of motion, so make sure you Read more
The iliotibial band (aka ITB or IT band) runs down the outside of your upper leg and if you run or bike this band of fascia can get tight. So tight it can pull your kneecap out of alignment causing a world of pain. Aside from working the tight IT band with a foam roller it's a good idea to stretch your glutes. The iliotibial band and the glute max, the biggest of the booty muscles, are connected. Read more
Longer days plus warmer weather equals longer runs, especially if you're training for an endurance race. While you can often feel that your muscles have taken a beating, the IT band, the fascia that lines the outside of your quad, takes a beating too. Often you don't feel how tight the IT band is until it interferes with your knee joint function and you end up with the Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Read more
When a good workout leaves my muscles sore, I know I'm getting stronger every day and revel in the pain. But when a long run leaves me with achy knees, I'm reminded that I'm getting a little bit older and a little more creaky. Unfortunately, my knees have been talking back a lot lately — just another reminder that as your age increases so does the amount of time you need to spend doing body Read more
Running as a convenient form of cardio may be the bee's knees, but it can leave my knees aching. Although studies have found there is no connection between running and an increased risk for arthritis, here are some easy ways to show your knees some love. Stay flexible: Tight hamstrings or quads can prevent the knee from going through its full range of motion, which can negatively impact the Read more
