Thursday, February 28, 2008

Take The Knots and Kinks Out Of Your Muscles

During these winter months, I've felt my body tighten up. In going out in the cold, I naturally constrict my body. Consequently, I don't feel as loose as I would like to. Sometimes the tissue around the muscles (fascia) gets knotted up or sticks to the muscle fibers. This causes the muscles to tighten and/or lose the normal motion that is supposed to exist in the fibers. Circulation and oxygen is also decreased due to restricted motion. For this problem, we often recommend massage therapy or a technique called Myofascial Release. If we cannot afford to pay for this treatment or do not have the time, "Self-Myofascial Release" can be performed with a foam roller. I have taken these videos from YouTube that can demonstrate how to go about this. These videos are somewhat slow but once you learn the technique, its yours.
If you have a particularly tender point and you work it really well to loosen it, you may want to apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes afterward to reduce any inflammation and increase circulation and faster healing.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Your Six Pack Abs Are Just Around The Corner

I've been watching several videos on the quickest and most effective way to get "Six Pack Abs". There appears to be many ways this can be done in anywhere from 10, 6 and 4 minute routines. However, most of the videos are not comprehensive in explaining d how important it is to work the back also. Lets face it, poor posture will cause your abs to sag. A great abs workout should include the whole mide section including the sides and back. I found this video from ww.Buzz.com which I think is excellent and I highly recommend it. It might seem slow because of the explanations but once you get the message and the correct form on how to perform these simple abs exercises, you will be able to do them on your own at home. Performing them daily would be ideal in the beginning for a couple of weeks. Then, you can go to 3-4 times a week. These are good basic exercises that you can add to your routine when you are on the go or traveling and want to get your ab work in.

I hope you enjoyed the video. It may seem cut and dry, but it really explains the importance of FORM which cannot be overemphasized in order to get good results and prevent injury.
Cecelia @www.myfitness24-7.com