Poor ankle dorsiflexion range of motion often gets the blame as being problematic in weight lifters, gym goers, and people experiencing pain but are we actually screening to see if we have sufficient mobility before placing the blame? There are many reasons why someone’s movement pattern can be problematic and lack of ankle mobility is just one of them. The joint-by-joint approach developed by physical therapist …
physical therapist
When Should You Seek Help For An Injury?
For those reading this, I think we can all admit that at some point in time we’ve experienced some sort of injury or discomfort that has limited our ability. Whether it’s in the gym, or even with basic daily tasks, the mental and physical fatigue we experience when dealing with an injury can be exhausting. What can be more exhausting is then trying to figure out if you should wait things out till they get better, or …
Focus On Your Groin Strength For Bigger Compound Lifts
The adductor muscles, aka your groin muscles, are a key component to improve performance in a lot of areas. While the quadricep muscles, the hamstrings, and glutes are what a lot of people focus on for performance gains, we shouldn’t be quick to overlook the groin and all the positive benefits that they can provide for athletes and the fitness enthusiast. I’d argue that when it comes to improving your compound lifts …
Fix Your Front Squat!
The front squat is a great variation for clients who want to change things up in their training routine. The front squat is particularly important for those who perform olympic weightlifting, as it is a prerequisite that we use to ensure clients can get into correct positions. However, the front squat can be challenging for those who have had previous upper body injuries, or just have limitations from a mobility …
Adapting To An Epidemic
COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a profound effect on any number of things: the economy, public health and safety, schools, etc. For me personally, it has caused a shift in my business. I am a hybrid: both a chiropractor and a rehab-based fitness coach. I’m currently restricted from seeing my patients, thus half my income has gone up in smoke ... for now. I am, however, extremely fortunate …
Certification Review: Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)
There are a million and one certifications out there today. In fact, there are so many that it’s hard to know what is worth your time and what isn’t. I’ve done a lot of the dirty work for you already. I’ve attended some excellent certifications, and I’ve also attended some truly excruciating ones—and lived to tell the tale. After I finished the Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC) certification with Dr. John …
Going Beyond the Basics When Assessing Your Clients
In the world of training and performance, being able to give athletes and clients the most individualized care is what you should strive for. Even when working in a group setting or through a digital platform, you should still understand your clients’ need to get the most out of the time they’re training with you. True individualization of a program starts with a thorough assessment of how a client moves and what …
The Lunge: Common Faults and Variations for Your Clients
Lunges are one of the fundamental movement patterns that many coaches and trainers utilize in various strength programs. There are many benefits to performing lunges as they can help build strength, size, and they have good carryover to athletics and daily functional tasks. There aren’t many people who haven’t performed a lunge at some point in their lifetime, especially if you’ve worked with a personal trainer …
Help Your Clients Fix Their Squat — and Start With Their Ankles
What Is Limiting Your Squat? Squats are a staple in many training programs. It’s a full body exercise that checks a lot of boxes with regards to targeting multiple muscle groups. With that being said, squats can be challenging as some people may struggle to perform the movement due to a variety of reasons. What these people are left with is the idea that they aren't good at squats and that they are going to cause …