Imagine explaining to your great-great-great-great-grandparents what the biggest health threat to the industrialized world currently is: “We have too much food and we don’t physically labor hard enough.” We’re not inherently lazy. It’s just that the necessities of daily life no longer require a high level of physical exertion. It appears, however, that we need…
There are three components of exercise: resistance training, flexibility (actually, it’s more appropriate to call it “mobility,” but that’s a subject for another blog on another day) and cardiorespiratory training. Resistance-training exercises help improve both muscle strength, which can elevate resting metabolism (the number of calories burned while at rest), and functional performance in a…
Spark children’s imaginations while introducing them to the physical practice of yoga along with a few basic breathing techniques. These 6 animal-inspired poses encourage children to get creative by imitating some of their favorite animals, while also empowering them to explore physical activity and the mind-body connection in a fun new way. Lion Begin in…
In my role as a health coach, I have supported adults of all ages and backgrounds on their journeys to get fitter and healthier. My coaching practice focuses on helping people shed excess weight or quit tobacco. Over the years, I have grown comfortable with the reality that there is no simple formula for achieving…
It’s funny how often we hear the expression “go with your gut” when trying to make a big decision. Our “gut instinct” is our intuition—a vibe or feeling we get that comes from many sources, including the sum of our experiences and wisdom. But our real gut is even more powerful—in fact, it is connected…
Every day, as Dr. Wendell Parkey enters his clinic in Seminole, a small city on the rural western edge of Texas, he announces his arrival to the staff with an anthem pumping loudly through speakers. As the song reaches a climax, he throws up an arm and strikes a pose in cowboy boots. “Y’all ready…
What if you possessed a power to increase your overall potential, extend your longevity and help prevent disease? The extraordinary thing is, that you do! It is the power of motion. Motion is movement, and movement has been conceptualized as physical activity for the human body. Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by…
Ice is often recommended as the first course of action for a minor muscle-related injury because it can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the affected tissue. As a health and fitness professional, you can recommend the use of ice along with rest to reduce discomfort in a sore muscle, but what about…
The U.S. population is projected to turn itself upside down by the year 2035, with people over the age of 65 outnumbering children for the first time in history (United States Census Bureau, 2018). Statistics also indicate that 77% of seniors will be entering their golden years with at least two chronic health conditions, putting…
Are you new to the ketogenic diet or are unsure what this latest diet trend is all about? Are your clients curious about ketosis and whether it can help them achieve their health and weight goals? Here’s your ketosis 101. What is the Ketogenic Diet? The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that…