Tag Archives: stretching

Benefits of Exercise Before and After Plastic Surgery

plastic surgeryExercise is the best and safest way to improve the appearance of the body. Exercise not only improves your appearance, it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It has also been proven to improve energy levels, sleep, and reduce stress. I definitely recommend implementing exercise into your daily routine, even as much as 30 minutes most days of the week is a great place to get started.

If you’re one of the many people considering plastic surgery, then you need to know exercise is imperative before doing so. By implementing cardiovascular and weight training along with proper stretching into your daily routine, your body will be well prepared for the surgery. This type of conditioning will strengthen your heart, firm your body, and will help quicken the post-surgery recovery. I recommend performing 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular training four to five days a week, at least 30 minutes of weight training three days a week, and stretching five to six days a week. Rest is also an important pre-surgery recommendation. Proper rest will ensure safety and success! (more…)

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Matt

iCore iPhone App Ideal for Men’s and Women’s Fitness

icoreUsing the iCore Fitness program, via the iPhone, is like having your own personal trainer without the expense. With six different applications offered, the entire iCore program is a vital and energetic use of your iPhone in an exercise setting.

Three programs for women are offered:

And three coordinating programs for men:

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Carmen

11 Safety Tips For Runners

woman runningWhile the benefits of running are extensive, it can also have its down sides if you don’t take precautions to be a safe runner. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you hit the road to ensure you return short nothing more than breath and sweat!

1. Map your trail: Always figure out your path before you start your run as this will keep you from getting lost or ending up in a dangerous place.

2. Run during the day: Try to run during the day or follow a well-lit path. This will help prevent any possible danger that could happen at night.

3. Take a partner: A running buddy is always a safe bet in case of injury or to keep would-be assailants away. (more…)

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Matt

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 10

bridal bouquetWell, the final week of the wedding fitness plan is upon us and I hope that you have found success with your workout routines. Over the past few weeks I covered the importance of self-stretching as well as assisted stretching, but this week self-massage is the focus. Self-massage can be referred to as self myofascial release, which is a form of soft tissue therapy.

Wedding Season Week 10:

“Nothing takes as long as you think when you put your heart and mind to it.” (unknown)

Tip: Snacking before a workout is extremely important. By doing so, you will provide your body with enough fuel or energy to get through a long hard workout. Keep it small and simple, then grab a good healthy meal right after. A few quick healthy pre-workout snacks are fruit, granola, protein bar, egg whites, or a vegetable. (more…)

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Matt

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 9

healthy brideWeek eight of the wedding fitness plan consisted of self-stretching exercises and I hope that you found them beneficial along with the previous weeks. Today the focus is on assisted stretching. Assisted stretching is a more advanced form of stretching due to the fact that you can stretch different parts of the body (that are unattainable by yourself) and stretch past the point of comfort. As a trainer, I stretch my clients after every workout to help lengthen the muscles and prevent the risk of future injuries.

Wedding Season Week 9:

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now!!” (Goethe)

Tip: Remember to listen to your body, it knows when enough is enough and when to push it. (more…)

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Matt

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 8

wedding fitnessLast week we discussed core stability training and the importance of staying hydrated. Over the next few weeks, we are going to discuss the importance of stretching. Today, the topic is focused on self stretching.

Wedding Season Week 8:

“Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.” (Norman Vincent Peale)

Tip: Remember to warm-up and cool down before and after your workouts. I understand that it takes time away from the actual workout, but it’s worth it. (more…)

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Matt

Top Ten Reasons Why I Should Stretch!!

cable leg raise balance and stability, weight training
standing bent knee cable leg raise
(Click on image to view this exercise…)

1.) Prevent injury

2.) Increase muscle-tendon flexibility

3.) Enhance performance

4.) Improve range of motion

5.) Increase sleep

6.) Alleviate muscle soreness

7.) Enhance well-being

8.) Decrease low-back pain

9.) Improve circulation

10.) Post-exercise cool-down

When Is The Best Time To Stretch?

The best time to stretch is when the muscles are warm. Either after exercise or after a warm-up activity. This gives the muscles a chance to heat up and become more flexible. Injuries usually occur when people stretch muscles when they are cold or not warmed up. Stretches should be held for approximately 20 seconds. Think of your muscles as a piece of taffy, cold taffy seems to break when you try and stretch it while warm taffy stretches very easily.

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Matt

A Cardio Conundrum

How much cardio is too much cardio? It’s a question of personal interest. Not that I’ve been hitting the treadmill every day. But, I evidently overdid it on the eliptical machine a couple weeks back.

Back being the operative word.

My lower back has been tense and sore ever since my cardio routine of a couple Saturdays ago. I attribute it to maybe too light on the stretching and a little too much on what was a new machine for me.

Anyway, back to the initial question.

A reader asks MSNBC Contributing Editor Jacqueline Stenson how much is too much.

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Jason