Power is the combination of strength and speed over time. Strength is how much force an individual can exert. Power is how fast an individual can exert force. Strength training for power, aka power training, is being able to exert a certain amount of force in a given time. Power can be built with weight training. However, power strength training… Read More
Introduction The thigh muscles provide mobility and stability to the hips and upper body. They allow for leg extension and flexion while also stabilizing the pelvis. The adductors and hamstrings are two muscle groups that work together to enable running, jumping, squatting, and sprinting. However, overuse of these muscles can lead to musculoskeletal pain, which can cause discomfort and misalignment in the body. This article will focus… Read More
Body balance is essential for walking, tying shoelaces, picking up objects, etc. Balance is an acquired skill that the body develops in response to different activities and surroundings. Everyone can benefit from improving and maintaining their balance muscles regardless of age. Balance exercises condition and strengthen the core muscles. Balance training helps improve posture and stability; athletes find it provides… Read More
Introduction The immune system is crucial in protecting the body from foreign pathogens that cause inflammation in the affected area. Cytokines produce inflammation in the body to fight off infections or bacteria. However, inflammation can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the severity of the affected area. Acute inflammation is a natural healing process that causes redness, swelling, and heat in the… Read More
The right kind of bread can be an extremely healthful food. Eating more whole grains is associated with lower weight and reduced health problems, heart disease, and cancer risk. Keeping bread in a healthy diet begins with choosing varieties with the best nutrition. Certain types are naturally high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Others are made from refined grains with… Read More
Introduction Everyone, at some point, has some form of physical activity that helps them release the stresses of everyday factors. Whether for athletic training or to keep a healthy lifestyle, exercising for at least 30 minutes to an hour can help promote muscle growth and toning, reducing stress and high blood pressure. However, many individuals would often not be able to find time to… Read More
Healthy aging has been linked to a lifestyle consisting of proper nutrition and exercise. However, even with a healthy lifestyle, the body undergoes changes that include conditions, disease, and compromises in physical performance. Because of the effects of aging on muscle and joint tissue, cardiovascular fitness, and other physical parameters, older athletes need to take consideration, but this doesn't mean… Read More
Introduction When it comes to our muscles, many of us often don't stretch each muscle group at least two to three times per week. From waking up in the morning, we stretch our arms, legs, and back to relieve any stiffness or soreness from the previous day. However, many individuals deal with musculoskeletal issues that can affect not only the back and the neck… Read More
The nervous system communicates with the entire body and reacts to internal and external changes using electrical and chemical impulses to send and receive messages. Messages travel/synapse from one neuron to another using specialized chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Paresthesia refers to sensations of numbness, tingling, prickling, skin crawling, itching, or burning, usually in the arms, hands, legs, and/or feet, but… Read More
Introduction Many of us are moving around from one location to another. When we are on our feet all the time, it can cause the muscles of the lower extremity to become tight and ache that we need to sit down and rest. When the body is resting, our posture tends to be hunched over, and it causes the postural muscles to… Read More
A joint is where two bones meet. The two sacroiliac or SI joints connect the spine, pelvis, and hips. This strong joint balances and transmits stress from the upper body to the pelvis and legs. The joints can suffer a sprain causing pain and discomfort symptoms. There can also be the feeling of tightness wrapping around the waist and dull… Read More
Introduction The musculoskeletal system allows the various muscle groups to surround the bones and joints through ligaments and muscle tissues that help with mobility and stabilizes the skeletal structure from pain. As the body ages naturally, the muscles, bones, and joints get affected as numerous factors begin to cause the body to be dysfunctional. Many of these factors could take a toll… Read More
Gymnastics is a demanding and challenging sport. Gymnasts train to be powerful and graceful. Today's moves have become increasingly technical acrobatic moves with a much higher degree of risk and difficulty. All the stretching, bending, twisting, jumping, flipping, etc., increases the risk of neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Gymnastics injuries are inevitable. Bruises, cuts, and scrapes are common, as are overuse strains and… Read More
Introduction When it comes to our bodies, many functioning systems help the body regulate its temperature, provide mobility and stability when in motion, and protect the host from pathogens that enter inside to cause havoc. One of the systems that helps the body is the endocrine system, which produces many hormones to keep the body functioning properly. The thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped… Read More
The body's core muscles are used for stability, balance, lifting, pushing, pulling, and movement. Engaging the core muscles means bracing and tightening the abdominal muscles, which include the latissimus dorsi/lats, paraspinal muscles, gluteus maximus/glutes, and trapezius/traps. When engaged, the trunk muscles help maintain spinal stability, support the spine and pelvis in sitting and resting positions and during dynamic movements, and… Read More