More March

Top 5: Abs (February 27, 2010)
Many times people ask: "What is the best thing that I can do to work on my tummy?" Well, we'll be short on this one. Below, I have provided a top 5 list of keeping a healthy and strong looking tummy area.

1) Eat right - usually your diet is the main reason for the appearance of your stomach.

2) Activity Level - So, you run long distance? That's great. Do you sprint as well? Of course, being able to sprint depends on your level of joint pain and how much impact your body can take. But, ask yourself, have ever seen a sprinter with "unpacked" abs?

3) Work Commute - most of us live in metro areas where the commute is long. Very long. So, you sit in traffic for hours on end every week. Well, the amount of time that we sit affects our gut. Basically, your abs stop working and the seat you sit in becomes your new abs.

4) Stress - decrease it.

5) Laugh - I always say laughter gives you a six pack. Ok, it helps. Use that hearty laugh.

Be easy.

The Inning Stretch – (March 4, 2010)
Stretching is definitely an activity of fitness that is overlooked. As you age, you will not get more flexible unless you stretch. You can workout all you want to. Do as many repetitions and increase weight for eternity. But, if you do not stretch in the beginning and at the end of your workouts and sometimes during the day, your efforts will be stalled.

Yes, I mentioned stretching before you workout. It's not a static stretch where muscles have the potential to be injured if you follow up with a workout. I'm talking about active and dynamic stretching - hold a stretch for a short period of time while you move, working on strength, coordination, position/alignment and balance.

Static stretching - holding for a longer period of time = accomplished at the end of the workout. You will see this varied (i.e., athletes).

So, you sit at your desk a lot...ah, take a stretch break. Stretch out your hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, pecs, neck, back. Move it and stretch it. Preserve the range of motion.

Good mobility,
Derek