Tag Archives: balance

Use DynaDisc to Build Core Strength and Balance

Are you tired of doing crunches on the floor? Is your balance not as good as it should be? Well, the DynaDisc is here to save the day!

DynaDisc is a fourteen-inch in diameter inflatable cushion made out of the same material as a stability ball. This little guy is only a few inches thick, but can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of force per square inch, and offers endless benefits for every fitness level, from beginner to expert.

The DynaDisc works under the same principal as a stability ball- the surface is uneven, challenging your muscles to keep you in proper position. The DynaDisc, however, is flat, so you can stand on it, engaging the stabilizing muscles in your legs and core. (more…)

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Matt

Everything You Need to Know About CrossFit

CrossFit is a brand or style of strength and endurance training that combines almost every aspect of sports training available. From gymnastics and weight training to sprinting and pushing the body to max, this style of training improves your endurance, stamina, over-all strength, speed, power, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and mental toughness. Phew.

I recently took a CrossFit class and was sore for a week. I normally do traditional cardiovascular training (jog 30 to 60 minutes) and standard weight training (45 of strength training) and consider myself a workout veteran, but CrossFit challenged me to almost failure (which is good because the gym is the only place where failure is encouraged). The class I took consisted of a jump rope warm up, jumping from balance beam to balance beam, squats, shoulder presses, and pull-ups. It was an amazing workout! Every workout is different, though, and you are encouraged to compete against yourself to finish the workout as fast as you can. (more…)

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Matt

Power Plate: Fitness with Good Vibrations

The Power Plate has become a huge hit in the fitness industry and is great for all ages. The Power Plate is a vibrating device that was designed to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. How does it work? Well, the Power Plate’s vibrations create instability and the human body has to recruit tons of muscles throughout the body to help with stabilization.

These muscles range from large muscle groups to small stabilizer groups that are often never exercised and forgotten about. Simple movements on the Power Plate turn into totally body movements due to the vast scale of muscle contractions and recruitment.

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Posted on June 28, 2023 by Matt

TRX Suspension Training: Lightweight and Portable Fitness

The TRX Suspension Training is a complete total body training system developed by Fitness Anywhere and first implemented by the U.S. Navy Seals. This system is extremely easy to set-up and compact for easy storage or for traveling.

Weighing less than two pounds, the TRX can be set up in seconds and is perfect for the home, gym, office, or hotel room. The TRX training system consists of hundreds of exercises that require nothing but your body weight. Each exercise is designed to improve balance and coordination as well as power, strength, and endurance. Regardless of your fitness level or limitations, just about anyone can use this system. From professional athletes who train for peak performance to those who train to look and feel good.

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Posted on May 21, 2023 by Matt

Benefits of a Slide Board Workout

Slide boards have been used by speed skaters and hockey players for years and years now and are becoming ever more popular in fitness facilities today. A slide board is a super slick mat that has blocks on each side used as stoppers and to push off. Cotton-like material booties should be placed over your shoes in order to allow movement across the mat (socks can be used as well). Slide boards are intended to improve the strength, endurance, and stability of the hip and hip stabilizers. This type of cross-training is a great way to get your cardiovascular training done all while reducing the risk of hip injuries.

Pictured here, J.R. Celski, a U.S. Olympic Team short track speed skater, appeared on Biggest Loser 9.6 to demonstrate the slide board for the contestants and lead them in a challenge. (more…)

Posted on February 10, 2024 by Matt

The Ultimate Surfing Workout

I moved to California a little over a month ago and have picked up the hobby of surfing. Surfing requires an extreme amount of core strength, stability, and balance as well as upper and lower body strength. If you have never been surfing, I totally recommend it. It is a great way to get away from the stresses of the world and to enjoy nature at its best.

Of course, safety is a big issue, but if you take a lesson or play it safe you will be more than fine. I also recommend starting with a long board then upgrading to a shorter one once you get better.

Below is a total body workout that I have put together to strengthen the muscles and parts of the body necessary to concur the sport of surfing. I have incorporated several core movements as well as upper and lower body exercises. (more…)

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Matt

10 Week Wedding Fitness Plan: Week 6

Down to the last five weeks of our wedding fitness plan and hopefully you are staying consistent. The name of the game is consistency! I have found that if you are loyal to exercising, it will be loyal back!

Over the past few weeks we have discussed several different styles of exercises and I understand that it may be overwhelming, but hang it there. Again, hard work will pay off; I promise.

Wedding Season Week 6:

“It all comes down to decisions, choices, and focus!” (Jackie Warner) (more…)

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Matt

Stay Fit with a Boxing Workout

Boxing is becoming more and more popular these days due to the fact that it is not only fun, but rewarding. I went to a gym in Pasadena, California yesterday and the layout of the gym was centered around a boxing ring and punching bags. I was stunned to find out that the majority of the gym’s members only showed up to take a boxing fitness class or to spar with a trainer.

So what did I do? I got in the ring and went a couple rounds with a trainer! I am not that into fitness classes or anything like that, but what a workout. I do the usual weights and cardio and then move on with my day. (more…)

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Matt

Top Exercises to Increase Balance and Stability

Balance and stability are very important while playing sports and sometimes get over-looked as we get older. I have put together a list of exercises that focus on core stability and total body balance. These exercises are a little advanced, so be careful and take your time. I recommend doing these with a partner just to be on the safe side. Try and do three sets of fifteen to twenty repetitions. Good luck!!

Balance And Stability Exercises

See more of Matt’s workouts using the Bosu Ball: Bosu Ball Flat Side Up and Bosu Ball Flat Side Down.

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Matt

Exercise Improves Balance in Elderly

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

Maybe grandma wouldn’t have to utter these words if she made sure she got a little exercise. According to new research, exercise may help the elderly stay steady on their feet, which could save them from falls that result in injury. This is especially important for those really advanced in age, because how often have you heard of an older person breaking a hip and passing away because of complications in surgery?

In an analysis of 34 clinical trials, researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland found that supervised exercise regimens generally helped improve balance and coordination. Various forms of exercise seemed effective, but strength training and the exercises targeting balance, coordination and walking ability showed the strongest effects.

The participants in the studies were over 75 years on average.

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Jason

Tag Archives: balance

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