Healthy happy you.
I love that feeling after a good run — the increased endorphins, the stretched legs, and the circulating oxygen. But with all the things to think about to keep my running form correct, I sometimes forget that I'm tensing my face. I'm sure I look like a sight; I've probably been running around town with a scrunched up face more times than I care to admit. Even though I could maintain my Read more
I am a firm believer that Pilates makes everything better. And when I say firm, I also mean that literally. Pilates is a body/mind method of fitness, or as the very Germanic founder Joe Pilates believed, mind over body. I have found mental images help clients understand the details of basic moves. Here are three images that I have found helpful both inside and outside the Pilates studio. String Read more
Many people prefer hitting the treadmill to running outdoors, but if you're not careful, along with that toned tush you might end up with a stiff neck, resulting in a nagging headache. Follow these tips the next time you hop on the treadmill to prevent this common running woe. Keep Your Gaze Forward One gym perk is its televisions, which allow you to catch up on the news or your favorite TV Read more
A tense, stiff neck can interfere with your daily life, and even worse, your fitness training! Watch this video to learn the pin and stretch massage method to lengthen overworked muscles in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Try this quick and easy technique after a hard workout, a long day at the office, or to simply unwind. You can even use the massage method on yourself! Press play and learn Read more
While many people love the thrill of biking fast downhill, I am not one of them. I love biking uphill. Call me crazy, but I crave the burn in my lungs and legs. But once you've climbed a hill — and in my neck of the woods, hills can be miles long — you have to get yourself down the other side. Aside from just getting out there and riding, having a few tricks up your sleeve can help. Here are Read more
Running is all about stepping one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is incorrect, you'll end up with aches, strains, and injuries that could prevent you from lacing up your sneaks at all. Make sure to avoid these running-form mistakes the next time you hit the treadmill, trail, or pavement. Head: It sometimes feels good to close your eyes and relax Read more
If you practice yoga, you've probably spent a decent amount of time holding the majestic standing pose Warrior 1. The pose tones the legs and tush, opens tight hip flexors, and strengthens the shoulders. The next time you step onto your mat, make sure you're avoiding these Warrior 1 mistakes that could lead to pain or injury. Short Stance Why it's bad: Doing Warrior 1 with a short stance places Read more
August is the month when I feel the need to squeeze in a last-minute vacation. And while getting away might be relaxing, sometimes the planning and details are not. Stress for me goes straight to my neck and shoulders, making them stiff and sore. Staring at a computer all day certainly doesn't help. To help relieve some of my last Summer stress, I like to give myself a little shoulder massage. I Read more
Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and Read more
From your first class to your 100th, Downward Facing Dog is probably the pose you do most often. That's why it's important to do the pose correctly; not only to avoid injury, but to also make it as comfortable and effective as possible. Here are four don'ts when it comes to Down Dogging. Tense shoulders: It doesn't look like it, but this pose is all about upper-body strength. If your arms and Read more
