Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category

Barefoot Versus Shod Running: Which is Best?


Running barefoot versus wearing shoes is a HOT topic in the running community.  It seems that everyone has an opinion about what is best for the body.

Running faster, running more efficiently, running with fewer injuries, all need to be taken into consideration when determining for YOUR body what is going to be safest to keep you on your feet, and pain & injury-free, to enjoy the time you spend pounding the pavement, or off road on the trails while you’re out for a run.

Here’s an informative article that was recently published in Podiatry Today by Dr. Kevin A. Kirby, “Barefoot Versus Shod Running: Which is Best?

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Are you looking for resources to help keep the muscles of your feet strong, fit, and flexible? 

Checkout the new Runfit Kit from Centerworks.com!

The Runfit Kit is filled with easy-to-use foot fitness tools and exercise resources to help you train the muscles of your ankles, arches, and toes for fit feet and fewer injuries.

 

Whether you like to run barefoot or with shoes, the resources in the Runfit Kit can help you keep your feet fit!

In a quick 5-10 minutes before or after a run, you can easily incorporate some Runfit foot-care training into your workout for healthy, happy feet.  Keep Your Feet Fit!  Get your Runfit Kit NOW!

Chin Up Exercises Aren’t Just for Men – Everybody Needs Strong Arms & Shoulders

I love how things pop up when you least expect them!  I made a commitment to myself to get strong enough in 2012 to do ten chinup exercises!  It’s the middle of April and so far with my own training plan, I’m up to four reps. Slow and steady progress…I’m going to celebrate it being a girl and all!

Today I stumbled onto an old article from Men’s Health – “The Chinup Plan for Every Man.”  Hmmm… somebody else out there has a plan for progressing to chin up exercise mastery!  I’m going to ignore that this is an article for men and see what tips and recommendations I can glean to keep me moving towards my ten chin up goal.

Vocal Training Benefits of Pilates

People always ask how I got started with Pilates.  Everyone finds the work with a different goal in mind.  For me, I was suffering from a voice injury.  It hurt to talk, and swallow.  My job as a Fitness Specialist and coordinator of Aerobic classes was compromised, and I have never done anything but teach! 

Teaching involves talking!!!  So I was in search of something new I could teach, that would get me out of the noisy health club environment and put me in a quiet place where I could talk safely.

And somehow I found Pilates…

Did You Know More Adults Are Developing Food Allergies?

I certainly am a proponent of food allergy testing!  After many years with chronic inflammation problems, 3 bouts of optic neuritis with no diagnosable reason for its onset, and the inability to ever really lose any weight, I opted to get blood work done to see what foods and chemicals I might be allergic to.  What an eye opening experience discovering the foods that I am allergic to.  This quickly started to explain why my body was constantly struggling to stay healthy.

Now that I am paying attention to the foods I eat, striving to eat only allergy-free foods, reading labels, and asking tons of questions if I eat at a restaurant before I order a meal, my outlook on the importance of eating allergy free foods and taking an active role in what I eat to get and stay healthy has gotten so much easier.

If I hurt, itch, experience joint pain, or difficulty breathing it’s obvious that I’ve eaten something that I should be avoiding.

The value of knowing
what foods and chemicals you are allergic to is priceless!

I believe that many illnesses and chronic health problems may be related to food allergies.  And this is often overlooked when looking for solutions for health improvement.  We tend to get medicine and guidance that is treating symptoms, but never really get to the root of the problem.  Heck I’ve even ASKED my doctor if there were foods that would be good or bad for me when I was having problems with inflammation of my optic nerve and was going blind.  My doctor laughed at me and said that what I ate had no relevance on my eye problems!  Now I’m not so sure she was educated enough to understand how important food and allergies are to whole-body health!

The chemical reactions of the foods we eat really do affect the nourishment of our cells, muscles, and organs.  A bad chemical reaction in our system from the foods we eat has the potential to cause health problems and even death! And while some reactions happen instantly, a lot of the time reactions can be delayed for 24 to 48 hours, which means you may never really link the cause of your problems to the food you consumed without the help of blood tests for food allergies and chemical sensitivity.

If you are wondering if the foods you are eating are helping or hurting your health, find out more with food allergy testing.  Food allergy testing might help you get to the root of nagging health problems so that everything you eat will nourish your body and keep you healthy and strong.  A much better option than feeding yourself foods that keep you half-sick, dealing with depression, chronic pain, or other life altering health problems.

Check out this recent news article from Dr. Maria Simbra, CBS Pittsburgh – KDKA Channel 2 News:  Doctors Seeing More Adults Developing Allergies

ACSM Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2012

According to an article in the Huffington Post, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has ranked the top 20 fitness trends for 2012.  A survey was completed by 2,620 ACSM certified fitness professionals.  While some things have remained the same, Pilates is off the list for the second year in a row.  But let’s take a look at the list…  Then help decide if you think Pilates should still be considered a player in the top 20 trends.

Pilates Exercises Can Improve Your Whole-Body Health & Sex Life

How great to see Pilates getting some good press in the Huffington Post.  Did you know that Pilates can help you increase strength and flexibility, improve your posture, enhance focus and concentration, and even improve your sex life!  It’s true.

Top 10 Crazy & Inspiring Pushups – Can You Do Any of These?

Are your workouts are getting boring?  Perhaps you’re looking for a new challenge…  Have I got some crazy Pushup variations for you! 

Ankle Sprains Influenced by Foot Position During Walking & Running

Have you ever sprained your ankle?  Did it turn into a nagging chronic injury?

I recently came across a synopsis of a study that was published in the June online edition of the AJSM (American Journal of Sports Medicine) that shows a correlation between ankle alignment and ankle sprains.    Ankle sprains are the most common sports-related injury, and many people develop chronic instability and repetitive ankle injuries.

Extreme Heat & Exercise – Stay Safe, Stay Fit, Stay Indoors & Do Pilates!

We’re in the middle of the Summer scorching season here in Kansas.  The highs this week have been well over 100 degrees!  Staying safe and exercising in extreme heat conditions is something that everyone should be aware of. Consider your choice of activities wisely.  Do you really need to go out for a run in the heat of the day?  Or would an indoor workout be more advisable?  If you exercise early, or later in the day it might be a little cooler, but you still need to be careful.  (If cooler is 90 degrees instead of 105 – it’s still HOT!)  Be sure to drink lots of fluids, and pay attention to the warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Your life depends on learning to listen to your body and NOT overdoing it in the heat!

Moving Backwards Can Help Improve Muscle Strength for Knee Injuries

A study was just released, “Moving Backward Helps Injured Knees Move Ahead.” I find this research fascinating as I have been exercising backwards for years.

Results show that people who use backwards locomotive movements on treadmills and elliptical machines have greater improvements in quadriceps and hamstring strength, as well as better aerobic capacity that a forward-locomotive group.  This improved quad and hamstring strength can be a great asset to people suffering from knee injuries, and a great aid in rehabilitation.

Free Resources From Centerworks For Pilates • Foot Fitness • Whole Body Health. Go To Download Directory.