Best Stretches at Your Desk.

I found a nice little article that gives some tips for stretching out @ your desk when you are at work or working in the siting position for some time.  Here is an exert:

“Sitting in front of a desk every day can wreak havoc on your body, especially since most of us don’t have the best posture. Hunching the shoulders and slumping in your seat can cause back pain, headaches, tension and tightness in your back, neck and shoulders. The following stretches target the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders as well as the hips and glutes. Taking time to do some of these stretches throughout the day can help increase flexibility and reduce tension and stress.”

You can find the whole article here – Best Stretches for Office Workers

I would like to add in my two cents by saying that The Stick is in fact, the perfect tool for putting the “pop” back into your busy lifestyle.  By rolling out your muscles, you increase circulation, flexibility and reduce stress all at the same time. 

I have included a video and a picture to help see what I mean!!

Forearms

 For more pictures, please go here – Specific Techniques .  I have loads of pictures!  Everything from standing to sitting to kneeling to sitting on the ground!!

 

The Stick As A Recovery Tool – Part 1

There are many ways to think about “The Stick”. 

A Recovery Tool!

I am planning to expand on this subject of recovery in the very near future, but I first would like to direct you to another blog that offers a non-bias look at recovery methods.  Your body needs to recover in order to regenerate itself!

The title of the blog is  The Restoration Solution – Practical Recovery Methods For a Busy Lifestyle.  The author covers topics such as:

• Contrast Methods – Hot and Cold Modalities
• Stretching – Primarily Yoga
• Soft Tissue Methods – FSM, MAT, PNF, AIS
• Salt Baths – Epsom salts, Celtic or tropical sea bath salts
• Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
• Massage – Mentions The Stick and Lance Armstrong!
• Aerobics
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• References

It really is a great article, so go visit the website – HERE -

Avoiding Pain When Cycling

I love to get out on my mountain bike and have a great workout.  One of the problems I have is my geographical  location in Alberta, Canada.  I have to admit that I am somewhat of a weekend warrior, so I naturally wait for the snow to melt, than I get very excited for spring!

I truly enjoying x-country mountain biking, so the road really is not my cup of tea.  However, I do go for a few long road/path rides to get my legs (and butt) back into the shape.  Since discovering The Stick I have taken one on many of my rides to help recover and loosen up my sore muscles.  I also love to use a Stick during a break and right after I am done to aid in recovery.

Needless to say, cycling can be amazing or a real pain in the butt, knees, back, wrists and shoulders.  There are many fitting guides out there and you should always listen to experts or go to your local bike shop to get the personal touch.  For starters, I have a guide to help you.  It is called “Proper Bike Fit Can Prevent Pain and Injury“.  The article gives some good, basic information on the following topics:

• Adjusting the Saddle
• Handlebar Adjustment
• Knee pain
• Neck pain
• Foot pain or numbness
• Hand pain or numbness
• Saddle sores

You can find the full article -Here-

The most interesting note I have to say is that The Stick and it’s related Speciality Products can help with all of the above conditions except saddle sores.  That is a “sensitive” topic. 

Needless to say The Stick is a great tool every cyclist needs to have in their toolbox.

An Article About Knee Pain

Knee pain can be debilitating for anyone, never mind athletes!

Getting the correct diagnosis can help you reach recovery faster.  I recommend seeing a number of people or experts.  A second opinion is always great just to confirm what you may already know or what someone suspects may be the problem.  Always take the opinion of an expert/professional!!

Once you have been diagnosed (by a professional) you can start on your rehabilitation.  I have included a great article I found about treating knee pain through resistance training exercises.  The title is:

A Strength Coach’s Guide to Dealing with Pain: Part 2, Knee Pain

By Andrew Paul

Basically, Mr. Paul provides advice and exercises on the following topics:

1. Pain is right down the middle of the patella
2. Pain is on the upper, medial portion of the patella
3. Nagging pain on the lateral side of the knee

I think he does a wonderful job explaining and illustrating strengthening exercises.  To see the whole article click – HERE -

 

So how does The Stick relate to this article?  Massage sticks are mentioned in one of the opening paragraphs as a means to loosen up the quadriceps to help prevent knee pain.  Mr. Paul also writes about trigger points, knots, and managing soft tissue.  In addition, he mentions the TFL and IT band.

 

Understanding the Science Behind Exercise?

To truly reap the benefits of exercise, training and recovery, I think it so important to have background knowledge in the basics of Exercise Science.

There has been countless text books, articles and studies completed on this subject.  In fact, the topic of Exercise Science is the basis of University grants and study programs.  Many Universities have Human Performance labs.  There are also countless training facilities that study human exercise at the highest level imaginable.  Not to mention the labs in the animal world as well.  Studying the effects of exercise is big business!!  How do you think the Elite Athletes of the world and their coaches get their information and training tips?

How is your knowledge?  Where do you go for advice?  What is your background in exercise?  Even though I have a Physical Education Degree, teach Sports Medicine, manage an Athletic Department and have numerous coaching and sports medicine related certifications and courses under my belt, I am always updating my knowledge and understanding of Exercise Science. 

I have provided a link to a great (short) article I found that briefly speaks of “The Science Behind Your Workout”.  Basically, the article gives the basic information of these topics:

 

1. The Principle Of Individual Differences
2. The Principle of Overload
3. The Principle of Progression
4. The Principle of Adaptation
5. The Principle of Use/Disuse
6. The Principle of Specificity

It is so important to understand what is happening to your body when you are breaking down muscle tissue and building it back up.  The Stick can help!

The Sprinter Stick