Back Clinic Health Team. The level of functional and metabolic efficiency of a living organism. In humans, it is the ability of individuals or communities to adapt and self-manage when facing physical, mental, psychological, and social changes in an environment. Dr.Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T, a clinical pain doctor who uses cutting-edge therapies and rehabilitation procedures focused on total health, strength training, and complete conditioning. We take a global functional fitness treatment approach to regain complete functional health.
Dr. Jimenez presents articles both from his own experience and from a variety of sources that pertain to a healthy lifestyle or general health issues. I have spent over 30+ years researching and testing methods with thousands of patients and understand what truly works. We strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total health programs.
These programs and methods are natural and use the body’s own ability to achieve improvement goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs. As a result, individuals live a fulfilled life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight, and education on maintaining this way of life.
Science and experts alike say high-intensity interval workouts reign as fitness royalty. Touted as a top-notch method for weight loss, improving your VO2 max and even helping you run faster, it�s no wonder this approach to exercise holds such high wellness honors.
Of course, just like any workout you do over and over, the routine can get stale. That is, until you learn the foundation of HIIT workouts and then switch it up every time you go to break a sweat. Allow trainer Adam Rosante, creator of Two Week Transformation and author of Super Smoothie Revolution, to break down the basics so you can turn up the benefits.
�The foundation [of HIIT] is a series of intervals of intense activity, coupled with intervals of less-intense activity or complete rest,� says Rosante. �Beyond buzz, it�s popularity can largely be attributed to its efficiency. HIIT�s a great way to get fit in a short amount of time. But the key is to ensure that the high-intensity intervals are truly performed at your highest intensity.�
How do you know if you�re HIIT-ing it hard enough? Rosante says to go at 80 to 95 percent of your maximum heart rate during the work intervals, and 60 to 65 percent during your rest periods. (To find your max heart rate, just subtract your age from 220. Then take the percentages from there.) If you don�t have a heart rate monitor, push hard enough through the work intervals that you�re sucking wind. You shouldn�t be able to hold a convo, Rosante says.
You can do a HIIT workout with almost any exercise, from plank hip dips to jumping jacks to everyone�s favorite: burpees. That�s because it�s more about intensity than the specific movements, Rosante explains. But to help you narrow down what to do, Rosante says he prefers a mix of moves that force the glutes, quads and hamstrings (the body�s biggest muscles) to work explosively. Some of his go-to�s include jump squats, plyo lunges and sprints.
But don�t stop there. Rosante often alternates between a lower body and upper body move, or a lower body and total body exercise. �The alternation forces your heart to pump blood out to the muscles in a much higher volume, which, naturally, means your heart rate is significantly elevated,� Rosante explains. �When you boost your heart rate like this, you disrupt your metabolic pathways in such a way that they�re scrambling to return to normal long after the workout has ended.� This concept of burning calories even after you stop busting a move � known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or EPOC � will blast fat and calories, fast.
Spike your heart rate, tone your body and break through plateaus with this HIIT formula from Rosante. Start with a goal intensity, then pick an option from each layer. No two workouts have to be the same � but you�ll get sweaty and fit with each round. We�ll call this one smash HIIT.
Infographic: Mallory Creveling / Life by Daily Burn
To warm up before you dive in, do a series of dynamic stretches and a few high jumps. After you HIIT it, cool down with a solid stretch of all major muscle groups. Rosante suggests holding each one for at least 3 to 5 deep breathes.
Standing Mountain Climbers
Start standing, arms bent at your chest, palms facing away from your body. Drive your right knee up toward your chest as you straighten your left arm toward the ceiling. Quickly switch to bring your left knee toward your chest and right hand toward the ceiling. Continue alternating.
Start in a high plank position. Without piking or dropping your hips, bend your elbows and lower your chest to the ground. Then push back up to a plank.
Speed Squats
Start with feet a little wider than hip-distance apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Drive your hips back and butt toward the ground to perform a low squat. Jump back up and bring your feet together. Then jump back into a wide squat position.
4-Point Plankers
Start in a high plank position with feet together. Jump your feet to the left side of your left hand, then hop them back to the plank position. Next, jump your feet to the right side of your right hand, then back to the plank position. Hop your feet between your hands, then back to the plank position. Finally, jump your feet wide, placing one on either side of your hands. Then return to the plank position. Continue jumping to each point, keeping your hands on the ground the whole time.
Start standing. Place your hands on the ground, wrists underneath shoulders and jump your feet back to high plank position. Drop your chest to the ground. Then, without arching your back, push yourself back up and jump your feet back up to your hands. Explode off the ground to perform a hop at the top.
High Plank Punches
Start in a high plank position. Keeping your hips still, punch your right arm out straight in front of you. Then your left. Continue alternating.
Run in place (or on a treadmill or track) as fast as you can, pumping your arms for more power.
Y-W-T Holds
Lie on your stomach, arms straight out in front of you. Lift your legs and arms off the ground, with your arms to a Y position. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Lift your legs and arms off the ground again. This time pull your elbows back and shoulder blades together so your arms form a W. Hold for a few seconds then extend your arms again and lower back down. Lift your legs and arms off the ground another time, this time moving your arms into a T position with elbows straight and arms out to the sides. Lower back down and repeat from the Y.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez takes a look at the psoas muscle and its relation to back pain.
All too often we find ourselves experiencing aches and pains in our bodies, especially in the low back. If you find yourself commonly searching for remedies for fast back pain relief, it might be time to research the psoas muscle.
Technically named iliopsoas, the psoas major, may very well be among the main muscles within the body. Why? This deep-seated heart muscle helps support your back and much more. In the event the psoas is weak, it might be the cause of neck pain, back pain and many other issues. In fact, the psoas major muscle is especially distinctive, particularly as it pertains to postural function. It�s the only muscle which joins reduced body and the lumbar spine. It�s clear to see taking care of this deep psoas muscle is essential to a powerful, pain free body. Many others believe a healthy psoas is very important for spiritual and mental health, also.
What’s the Psoas Muscle? Why Is It Important?
There are two psoas muscles on each side of the back. The larger one is called the psoas major and the smaller the psoas minor. The psoas major, often known as �the might psoas, � originates in the back round the bottom of the rib cage and runs down the thigh over the femur. The psoas major works by bending the hip. It runs to the bony pelvis, although the psoas minor also originates in the back across the bottom of the rib cage. It acts to bend the back that is reduced.
The psoas helps us perform including freeing the legs for walking and running all sorts of day-to-day activities. The psoas muscle is also critical in providing good posture. Anyone who takes Pilates knows the psoas intimately � the type of exercise is praised for enhancing psoas muscle health and associated back pain. Olympic weightlifters, runners, triathletes, gymnasts � heavily rely on the support of the psoas, too.
Let�s delve into where the muscle is situated. There are two muscles that create what is called the group that is iliopsoas. They may be the psoas major and iliacus. You have likely learned your fitness teacher indicate stretching the hip flexors at the end of your strength class. The psoas major and iliacus are very important to the hip flexor muscles since they help support and secure the lower back. There’s an alternative muscle known as the psoas minor, but it is useful for 4 legged animals than for people.
The word psoas means loin area and is Greek. The psoas muscle group makes an upside down V, linked to the back working its way down to the very top of the femur and beginning at about the bottom point of the rib cage. Specifically, it’s a long spindle-like muscle, found between the pelvic inlet as well as the pelvic floor. It joins the iliacus muscle which can be what forms the iliopsoas. A chiropractor can in fact use pressure in the pelvic inlet region to aid release a tight psoas. This can be commonly done to stretches for athletes in addition, though it should always be achieved by way of a soft tissue professional with expertise in psoas release.
Why Do We Need A Strong Psoas Muscle: Possible Issues
A strong psoas supports regular action, however so much as the simplest task can be made as well as causing larger problems such as power back a challenge by a weak psoas. The psoas is a vital messenger of the central nervous system and the way your body reacts to gravity is significantly diffent than intended, when there is dearth of support from it.
Muscle imbalances can often make the entire body to compensate in a different place and that may cause even and added problems harm. Some people are even identified as having psoas syndrome or iliopsoas tendonitis. These ailments cause pain in the hip area. They’re often described similarly, while these are two different illnesses; nonetheless, psoas syndrome is a condition involving a stretch, tear or rupture of tendon or the iliopsoas muscle. Iliopsoas tendonitis demands an inflamed muscle. The piriformis syndrome is also closely related with this kind of pain and may be referenced when seeking a diagnosis.
Yoga therapist Danielle Prohom Olson calls the psoas muscle �the muscle of the soul.� Olson says on her site: � The psoas is connected to the diaphragm through fascia or connective tissue which impacts our breath and anxiety reflex. This is because the psoas is linked to the most early inside part of the brain stem, the reptilian brain and spinal cord.� In fact, author of The Psoas Book, psoas specialist Liz Koch, says that lack or mental trauma of psychological support can leak to a chronically contracted psoas. This results in too little core awareness. This makes sense as your historical limbic system is closely related to emotions like fear and worry.
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Symptoms Of Psoas Difficulties
Discomfort, pain and aches in the front hip socket
Restriction�in the hip socket
Iliopsoas bursitis/tendinitis
Restriction moving the thigh backwards
Deep pelvic pain
Deep �bellyache�
Chronic constipation
Twisted�pelvis
What Causes A Weak Psoas
There are just two common behaviours that generally cause a weak psoas: sitting poor posture and all day. The National Association of Sports Medicine notes sitting causes a psoas that is feeble. And a weak psoas can lead to lower back issues. All that sitting can cause the psoas, iliopsoas and rectus femoris to remain in a shortened position for lengthy amounts of time. What goes on is these muscles get used to this shortened state and that makes them overactive and tight. This shortening or tightening of the muscles can lead to a forward tilt of the pelvis and weakness in the gluteal muscles because these muscles are attached to the pelvis and lumbar spine. United, this may cause lower back pain. Consider a standing desk to lower your sitting time each day.
If not corrected awful posture, whether standing or sitting, can create a lot of suffering. Rounded shoulders or a forward head position might appear to be the easiest on the body, but it is going to weaken the supporting muscles of the body over time, since we’re always working against gravity.
3 Major Benefits of a Strong, Healthy Psoas Muscle
1. May Reduce Low Back Pain
A published in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association identified the psoas as a vital muscle linked to our core muscle development. The psoas had been initially missed as an alternative for back pain that the 48-year-old man was experiencing. (7) He received osteopathic manipulative treatment, defined as hands on care with a trained physician. Utilizing the hands, with extending techniques, gentle pressure and resistance by transferring the muscles and joints, a skilled professional can help diagnose, treat and even prevent illness or injury. The patient enjoyed critical development, confirming that without surgery, back pain can be removed with a the help of a professional, combined with the devotion of the patient to execute special stretches at home.
2. Can Affect Your Sports Activities
I noted previously that the psoas is actually the muscle which allows one to run. Each knee lift causes a contraction of the rope-like each time the leg swings back to its first location and muscle, the psoas will lengthen. Runner�s World reports a runner lengthen and will contract the psoas more than 5,000 times during an hour long run The psoas can be a big aspect in great carriage. The psoas, combined with other core muscles, like the abdominals and obliques, in addition to the ones that help form and support the lower back, supplies firmness offering a strong posture. Therefore it’s wise that if there is a problem with the psoas, it’ll probably change your sports actions, in particular those that need jogging.
3. Provides a More Pain-Free Pregnancy
Creates a lot of developments in the torso, certainly one of which is the shift in your center of gravity. It shifts forwards as the baby grows, causing the pelvis to go toward the front of the body. This could cause the muscles in the low back area the hamstrings and glutes and also to tighten weaken as well as to stretch out. Additionally, the ligaments connected to the uterus can come under a great deal of anxiety, causing pain and lower back. The psoas and surrounding muscles take on much of the anxiety, which may cause discomfort on account of imbalances and tightness. But, by performing stretches and exercises which help to fortify the psoas, you can remove most if not all of the pain.
Psoas Stretches & Exercises
Whether an athlete, not lively in any respect or pregnant, it�s important to release the psoas to make sure that it’s in excellent working order giving you the support you must perform any tasks � picking up those markets or your toddler. Yoga, Pilates and my core routine are excellent choices, by performing a some key stretches right at home however you can make a major difference. Here are some psoas stretches and exercises which you can do a few days a week. If possible, in the event that you sit at a desk throughout the day, I recommend which you perform these exercises daily. It just requires a couple of minutes and can alter how you go throughout your day.
Foam Rolling
While releasing the psoas must be left to your soft-tissue professional, NASM suggests foam rolling tight hip muscles that are other, such as the TFL and hip adductors. As you roll, hold on spots that are tender for 30 to 90 seconds. (16) Check by means of your physician to be sure foam rolling is OK with you. NASM notes it�s not appropriate for certain states, including aneurysms, blood clots, malignancies, anticoagulant treatment, congestive heart failure, open wounds or skin lesions, bursitis, obstructive edema, or certain other health conditions.
Hip Flexor Stretch (Thomas Stretch)
Sit tall at the end of a table. Thighs are midway off the table. Catching one knee, lean back until your lower back and sacrum and pull it to your torso are level on the table. Notice that when the back is rounding and the pelvis is tipping, you�re pulling on the knee too much. To correct, just loosen your hold. Allow the other leg to hang free. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Perform a few repeats on each side.
Kneeling Lunge
It is a very common exercise performed in the fitness center through the stretch segment of plenty of group fitness classes. To get it done, kneel down on one knee (you might want to have a pad below if you’re on a hard surfaced floor), with all the front leg forward at a 90-degree angle. Tuck your pelvis and softly lunge forwards. Continue to lean into the stretch ensuring that there is no uncommon pain. A tight psoas may cause you to arch your back; yet, try to keep the back straight. To include a little extending to the core, raise your arms and lean the hips forward another inch or two. Holding the lunge for 30 seconds finishing, 3 repeats on each side.
Leg Lifts
Lie on your back and extend your legs facing you. Put your hands either underneath your bottom in case your back arches too much, or above your mind by focusing on bringing your belly button to the spinal column provided that your lower back is pressed into the ground. Lift your left leg several inches above the earth and support for 3 to 5 seconds. Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each leg. As you get stronger, you can do these using ankle weights.
Ball Bridge
Lie on a stability ball like you would to perform crunching, along with your neck and shoulder resting. Make sure to engage your heart , not let your hips sag, with your feet straight ahead with toes pointing forwards, shoulder-width apart. Slowly and controlled, drop your glutes toward the floor (don�t go too far that the shoulders come away from the ball) and then push up through the heels to engage the glutes and push your hips back up in line by means of your spine.
This exercise can be used to fortify weak gluteal muscles generally associated with a tight psoas.
Psoas Massage and Release
The psoas is surrounded by vital organs is deeply embedded into the central cavity region and may be tough to find. Physical therapist or a chiropractor might be capable of help you best as it pertains to actually release the psoas. It requires complete relaxation of the patient and is a sensitive place. To really get working with a trained professional is recommended, although total body massage that is general can certainly help.
Working on releases and extending other hip muscles nearer to the surface of the body is able to go a long way in reducing total tension and will ultimately help in enhancing psoas wellness.
Precautions
It is always better to require any new exercise slow. Ahead of performing the exercises consult with your sports medicine doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor. When it comes to a psoas release, there are negative effects that are potentially dangerous in case you don�t work with someone trained and certified in this region, so you need to talk a professional.
Closing Thoughts on the Powerful Psoas Muscle
The psoas muscle is a deep-seated abdominal muscle in close proximately. Your psoas major is the muscle that joins your lower back to your lower body. The psoas muscle is many times tight and overactive, as well as other hip muscles, due and due to things like sitting that is persistent possibly as a result of chronic stress. A soft tissue professional just like a physical therapist or chiropractor should does releasing your psoas muscle. Everything you could do to boost your psoas function in the home is focus on strengthening weak gluteal muscles, extend them and perform foam rolling of other tight hip muscles such as TFL and the adductors.
While surgery is frequently prescribed for back pain, researchers are finding that focusing on enhancing psoas health can radically enhance lower back pain.
Have you ever wondered how many years your treating chiropractic doctor went to school for or how their education compares to that of other health care professionals? Knowing your doctor’s educational background and additional certifications is often essential to helping you choose the health care provider that is right for you. While the word�”doctor” automatically implies an extensive academic curriculum, each health care specialist has a unique and individualized educational program to complete prior to practicing in the field. Our doctors�have designed this article to help you understand your chiropractor�s educational background and how it may affect your care.
Chiropractors Educational Requirements?
As with many professionals, the specific requirements outlined often vary from state to state. Typically, chiropractors are required to have completed undergraduate pre-medical studies and obtained a bachelor�s degree prior to admission to a post graduate chiropractic college. Each chiropractic college has undergone a meticulous evaluation process to become certified by the Department of Education as an accredited educational institution.
The amount of time that your chiropractic doctor spends at a specific chiropractic academic institution is impressive. In fact, your chiropractor has spent a minimum of 4,200 hours at a chiropractic college prior to receiving his diploma. This time is spent in the classroom, laboratory, and clinic learning about the various aspects of the chiropractic profession and health care in general.
In the classroom, your doctor focuses his studies on the subjects of anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, pathology, biochemistry, neuromuscular and orthopedic evaluation, pediatric and geriatric care, microbiology, nutrition, immunology, radiology, philosophy, and clinical research. While this may seem like a lot, all of this information is assimilated and tested prior to advancement to clinical work. Once the student has completed his academic work, he will typically spend a minimum of 1,000 hours at a campus clinic under the guidance of a clinic doctor. During this time he will learn hands on how to diagnosis and treat patients in real clinical situations.
During your chiropractors education they will be tested through a number of different evaluations. Not only is your doctor subject to evaluation by their chiropractic college, they must also pass a series of national board examinations. Chiropractors practicing in the United States are required to have passed a series of four national board exams which evaluate them on their understanding of the basic sciences, clinical sciences, physiological therapeutics, diagnostic imaging, case management, and clinical competency. In addition to these requirements, following graduation and completion of national board examinations, each chiropractor must become certified by their state licensing agency.
The completion of these standards is not the end of the educational journey for chiropractic doctors. Depending on the state, each chiropractor is required to complete additional approved course work at designated times following their licensure. For example, Wisconsin requires a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years following graduation.
Chiropractors Education In Comparison To Other Health Care Professionals?
After reading the above information, I feel it is safe to say that your chiropractic doctor knows far more about your health than just treating your back. To help understand this it is useful to compare a chiropractor�s education to other members of the health care community. Since many people are familiar with a medical doctor, we will compare their educational background with that of a chiropractic doctor. For starters, the typical chiropractic student will have completed a total of approximately 2,419 hours of academic work prior to the initiation of clinical studies. In comparison, the majority of medical students will have completed somewhere around 2,047 hours of study. Further, while each health care discipline has its strengths, chiropractic students undergo more hours of study in the fields of anatomy, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, diagnosis, x-ray, and orthopedics. In contrast, medical practitioners have had more classroom hours studying the subjects of pathology, psychology, and obstetrics.
When analyzing these numbers it is important to understand that while differences exist, each of your doctors has undertaken and completed a similar core education. In addition, it is important to remember that each of your doctors (even in the same health care discipline) possess various strengths to compensate for other health care professionals’ weaknesses and utilize a different approach to healing the body. In the end, finding the doctor that understands your needs and has the tools to provide you with the most appropriate care is what is important.
Throwing punches in the ring is only part of the reason why professional boxers have knockout bodies. They also sculpt their strong physiques with tons of cross training—with a focus on building a rock-solid core. “Core conditioning is crucial for boxing,” says Chris Algieri, a professional boxer and two-time world champion. “Most of the power in a punch comes from being able to forcibly rotate your core, giving the strike explosive power.”
A sturdy core also helps keep a boxer’s body safe during a match. “The boxer has to be able to take blows to the body without damaging their ribs and organs,” explains Algieri. “The muscles in the abdominals and obliques act as body armor against opponents’ attacks.”
You don’t have to be a pro fighter to reap the ab-chiseling benefits of a boxer’s training. In the video above and in the gifs below, Algieri demonstrates his go-to conditioning exercises for a strong, stable core that’s ready to roll with the punches.
Bicycle crunches
This move is great for boxers because it focuses on core stability, while also rotating the shoulders and incorporating the lower body. Plus it’s an athletic movement that hones coordination.
What to do: Begin by laying on your back with hands behind head, then alternate bringing each elbow to the opposite knee, while maintaining a tight core. Do 10-20 continuous crunches with each elbow. Rest and then repeat 2-3 times.
Side plank
This is a key exercise for a boxer, since the movement promotes both core stability and shoulder girdle strength—crucial for throwing those strong punches.
What to do: Turn to one side with your legs extended and your feet and hips planted on the ground. Now, put your elbow under your shoulder and push your abs and hips up until the top of your body forms a straight line. Hold for 30-60 seconds. Return to the starting position, then move to the other side and repeat.
This is an awesome move that challenges balance and coordination, as well as core strength.
What to do: Start off in a plank position. With your weight resting on your left forearm, slowly lift your right arm off the ground, reaching it out in front of you. Lower back down, and alternate to the left arm. Do this 10 times with each arm.
T-push-up
The T-push-up will help you build core stability, as well as posterior shoulder strength and flexibility. Boxers experience a lot of wear and tear on the shoulder, so it’s important to strengthen each part of the shoulder. Plus, the push-up works the anterior deltoid, which is important for movement and power when punching forward.
What to do: Begin in a standard push-up position. Lower your body slowly, as you would for a regular push-up. But as you push yourself up, turn to one side, raising that side’s arm towards the ceiling. Return your hand to the floor, then repeat on the other side. Do this 15 times on each side.
Alternating leg with ball pass + seated underhand pass
This exercise really works your lower abdominals and also promotes full-body coordination. Boxers will often explode out of a crouched position, so it’s important to have strong lower abs to support this movement. And the second part, seated underhand pass, uses isometric holds to promote core strength and stability. Plus it hones the hand-eye coordination necessary to be a great fighter.
What to do: From seated position with feet off the ground, squeeze your abs and pull knees in as you pass a weight (or medicine ball or an imaginary object) under your bent leg. Repeat 20 times.
Accordion side crunch
This isometric hold promotes core strength, while the crunch tones your obliques and increases endurance. It’s also another move that promotes coordination between the upper and lower body.
What to do: From side position, simultaneously crunch and pull knees in, keeping feet off the floor and focusing on your obliques. Repeat this 15-20 times.
Russian twist
This classic ab move will improve your core rotational strength, which is important for maximizing power when throwing a punch.
What to do: Starting in a seated position, explosively twist from one side to the other. Aim to twist to each side 15-20 times.
Sit-up with a twist
This is a full-core movement, which works you upper and lower ab muscles in the initial sit-up, then fires up your obliques during the twist. Similar to Russian twist, this sit-up variation strengthens rotational core movement and improves your ability to generate power from the core (aka the essentials for throwing a punch.)
What to do: Starting on your back, roll up into a sit-up, with one leg extended and one foot pressed into the floor, knee bent. From here, explosively twist to the side, bringing your opposite elbow to the bent knee. Do this 15-20 times, then switch to the other side.
Adding a few miles of biking each day to your commute might add years to your life span, new research suggests. The British study found that bicycling to work appeared to halve people’s odds for serious disease and premature death.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland looked at the commuting habits of more than 264,000 people in the United Kingdom and tracked their health over five years.
Cycling to work was associated with a 46 percent lower risk of heart disease over five years and a 45 percent lower risk of cancer compared to a sedentary commute. Risk of premature death was 41 percent lower. Walking to work was also beneficial, but not to the same degree.
Hoofing it was associated with a 27 percent lower risk of heart disease and a 36 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease. However, it wasn’t linked with a lower risk of cancer or premature death, the study found.
The study doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between commuting by bike and longevity.
Still, “if these associations are causal, these findings suggest that policies designed to make it easier for people to commute by bike … may present major opportunities for public health improvement,” said researcher Dr. Jason Gill in a university news release. He’s with the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences.
Gill suggested bike lanes, city bike-sharing, subsidized bicycle purchases and increased accommodation of bicycles on public transit.
The researchers said cycle commuting may offer greater health benefits than walking because cyclists cover longer distances, get more intense exercise, and have higher levels of fitness than walkers.
For example, cyclists commuted an average of 30 miles a week, compared with 6 miles a week for walkers.
The study was published April 20 in the journal BMJ.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
SOURCE: University of Glasgow, news release, April 20, 2017
Additional Topics: Chiropractic and Athletic Performance
Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and/or conditions associated to the musculoskeletal and nervous system, primarily the spine. Many athletes, and civilians alike, seek chiropractic care to restore their natural health and wellness, however, chiropractic has been demonstrated to benefit athletes by increasing their athletic performance.
When walking you need your shoes to handle that repetitive heel-to-toe rolling motion. After all, “a 150-pound woman’s body encounters between 900,000 and 1,350,00 pounds of impact over a three-mile walk,” says Paul Langer, DPM, author of Great Feet for Life.
So make sure your kicks are comfy and supportive—a poor fit can lead to injury. And choose ones that are secure across the instep and in the heel, but roomy enough to wiggle your toes. Here, shoes that will protect your feet whether you’re fitness walking or simply commuting.
Running is a simple and efficient way to exercise: all you need is a pair of shoes. It’s been shown to lower a person’s risk for heart disease and cancer, possibly by regulating weight and blood pressure. Now a recent study, published in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Disease last month, reports that people who run tend to live about three years longer than those who don’t.
The researchers, who have studied the benefits of running in the past, decided to look at available research and investigate whether other forms of exercise like walking and biking provide the same benefits, or if runners have a special advantage.
The study’s authors found that while other types of exercise like walking and cycling were linked to a longer lifespan, it wasn’t to the same degree as running. The researchers calculated that a one-hour run may translate to an additional seven hours added to a person’s life. The benefits capped out at about three years, and the researchers found that the improvements in life expectancy leveled out at about four hours of running per week. More running wasn’t found to be significantly worse for a person, but the researchers say there are no further apparent longevity benefits.
However, the researchers only found an associational relationship between running and longevity. Their data showed that people who run tend to live longer lives, but not that running specifically increases a person’s lifespan. Runners tend to have other healthy lifestyle behaviors like maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and only drinking low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol, the authors note. Still, the findings suggest running is an especially effective form of exercise.
The study also found that runners who also do other types of physical activity have the same lower risk of early death, though combining running with other exercise is “the best choice,” the researchers write. (Federal guidelines recommend both aerobic exercise, like running, and strength training for optimal health.) They also acknowledge that it’s not yet clear how much running is safe, or if a person can run too much.
“Running may have the most public health benefits, but is not the best exercise for everyone since orthopedic or other medical conditions can restrict its use by many individuals,” the authors concluded.
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