Putting Your Core to Work

Continuing to build on the lessons of the previous videos, let's starting to get into some practical uses for "staying aware of your muscles and your core". As I've mentioned, a stable core and good posture are vital for keeping your back strong and your movements healthy and this 3 1/2 minute video explains how to find and activate the key core muscle, the Transverse Abdominal, and how to put it to work to help achieve your best posture.

This lesson is the foundation of moving smarter and living stronger....and will be the launching point for the next several lessons in the series.

As always, if you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to let me know down below or via email or FB.

Until next time...

Getting out of Your Physical Comfort Zone

We've all learned that getting out of your emotional, social or professional comfort zone is vital for personal growth. Talking to someone even though you're shy, asking for a raise when you think you deserve one or just standing up for yourself can all be uncomfortable. But what about getting out of your physical comfort zone? 

Just like achieving personal growth, we also need to work on physical growth; strength, balance, diet or just an improved sense of personal wellness. And none of that can happen without getting out of your physical comfort zone.

Down below you'll see a three and a half minute video exploring this idea further. I hope you find it useful.

And don't forget to pick up a copy of The Low-Back Repair Manual for your loved one...the cover has valentines colors on it :)

As always, if you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to let me know via email or FB.

Keep on MOVING SMARTER and LIVING STRONGER!

Before you stand up, make sure you straighten up.

We've all been told how to bend or lift safely but when have we ever been shown how to get up correctly from the floor, bed or chair?  These simple instructions can be the difference between triggering a back strain or staying strong and stable.

Many of us lean forward as we begin to stand from the floor, bed or chair. This is often done to gather momentum to help us get up and makes the movement feel easier.  The reality is, however, that this motion makes your back muscles work much harder than they should (and, in most cases, harder than they can) because they're working against gravity to support more than 65% of your weight. Instead of risking those muscles as you stand, straighten your back straight above your waist with your core activated BEFORE you get up.  You will then be ready to use the strength of your legs (push through heels and mid-foot) to raise your body off the chair, bed or floor.  It may feel like more effort - and it will be for your legs - but if you follow this simple rule you'll greatly minimize the risk of back strain and be on your way to MOVING SMARTER and LIVING STRONGER.