Adding Resistance to Your Workouts
Including resistance training in your workout program adds all sorts of benefits from increased bone density, a boost to your metabolism, more muscle definition, and best of all, ease in doing everyday tasks. Plenty of strength exercises require nothing more than your own body as resistance. However, for some exercises, bodyweight can be too much […]
Piriformis Stretches
If you suffer from any tingling or numbness sensation that runs from the lower back to your buttocks, sometimes even radiating down the leg and/or into the foot, you may find relief in stretching the piriformis muscle. The piriformis is located deep in the hip and close to the sciatic nerve. The term “piriformis syndrome” […]
Lunge Variations
If you are seeking strengthening exercises that will also help you develop balance, try these variations on the classic lunge: lunge step-ups, overhead dumbbell lunges, and tiptoe walking lunges. All three can be included in a gym or home training routine as they require little more than an adjustable step and some light hand weights. […]
Targeting The Gluteus Medius
The gluteus maximus and medius are two strong butt muscles that contribute to forward and upward propulsion, as well as lateral and sideways motion. The gluteus maximus and hamstrings are recruited in forward bending movements that involve extending the hip, such as in step-ups, good mornings, squats, lunges, and deadlift variations. The gluteus medius, on […]
Knee Strength
If you experience discomfort in your knees, particularly going down hills or stairs, you may have a muscle imbalance between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) quadriceps muscles, quad-hamstring ratio, ankle issues, or issues in your hips. There are several things you can try, including strengthening all the muscles around your knees. An […]