The Pilates ball is an effective training tool because it promotes core stabilization by adding resistance, which forces exercisers to activate their pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, the ball acts as an unstable surface, which promotes greater core stabilization. The following exercises require activating or “hollowing” of the pelvic floor muscles. The feeling is similar to…
The gluteus maximus gets a lot of attention, not only because it’s a prime mover for exercises like squatting, hip hinging and running, but because of its derriere-shaping effects. There is, however, another often-overlooked gluteal muscle deserving of your attention. The gluteus medius is responsible for abduction, internal and external rotation of the hip, and…
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, weekend warrior or grandfather-in-training, agility exercises should be an important part of your workout routine. Agility is the ability to move quickly and change direction with ease. This describes both physical and mental agility. As we age, or just become complacent in our daily routines, both our mental and…
Build strength and boost confidence as you sport t-shirts, tank tops and other fashions this spring by incorporating these six upper-body exercises into your workout routine. Dumbbell Clean and Press Hold dumbbells at your sides with the palms facing one another and lower to a squat position, hinging at the hips. Keep your core engaged…
On the list of most coveted body parts, a set of rock hard abs ranks at the top. While a six-pack is certainly attractive, its importance goes far beyond vanity. The stronger our core, the more functional our bodies will be in our daily lives (and not just on the beach!). A solid core is…
Function: It is the newest addition the ACE Integrated Fitness TrainingTM (ACE IFTTM) Model continuum and is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Without function, we are unable to perform activities of daily living, leaving us dependent on others for assistance and unable to work toward other goals in health, fitness and performance. To…
Hip mobility and strength is essential for many daily activities like bending down to pick up an object or young child from the ground, walking up stairs or simply getting up from a seated position. In addition to providing an appealing shape, the glutes play an essential role in optimizing human performance for athletes, dancers…
Strong and well-developed glutes not only look great, but can help protect the lower back from injury during daily activities and sports. Biomechanics expert Justin Price demonstrates several eccentric strengthening exercises that can help develop great-looking glutes and a pain-free lower back. There are two things many of our clients have in common: They want…
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrate located between the seven cervical and five lumbar vertebrate. This region of the spine consists of a posterior curve in the spine and requires mobility for flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotational movements of the torso. Therefore, the thoracic spine is meant to be mobile, while the lumbar…
To perform well as an athlete, or even train safely in the gym, both mobility and flexibility are essential staples of fitness. Mobility vs. Flexibility The terms “mobility” and “flexibility” are thrown around a lot in the fitness world, but do we really know what they mean? Mobility: The amount of functional movement one has…