I am a big fan of exercises that do multiple things at once. And I don't know anyone who doesn't want a stronger core and a more mobile psoas. Pso-what? PSOAS. It's a super awesome and complicated muscle that attaches your leg to your spine so you can flex your hip and flex and twist your trunk (among other things).
Read MoreI want to share this yummy lower back release/core engagement drill that I've been doing for a few minutes each day with awesome results. This is a great one if you feel achy and stiff in your lower back from too much sitting. You'll need a yoga block for this one (you can get these 2 for $10 on most online retailers). You can use a soft foam roller too in a pinch.
Read MoreThis is one of my favorite mobility drills for tight hamstrings, IT bands and basically the entire leg from the toes to the hip all the way into the lower back. Why does it work so good? Because it’s a “neurofascial stretch” meaning it targets the muscles, fascia and nerves across several joints as a system. If you’re feeling tight, doing a lot of running or just generally want to improve your mobility give it a try!
Read MoreAs a trainer, I often work together with my clients’ physical therapists to ensure the safest and most effective rehab program from an injury. If you think you may need a physical therapist, it's crucial to choose the right one for your injury. Don’t delay or assume that the issue will fix itself. You only have one body, and you should take the best care of it. Here are some important factors that will help you make your decision and questions you’ll want to ask.
Read MoreJJFit Mobility Minute! If you are feeling tight in your hips and/or lower back try doing this “hip box” drill in the morning or before your next workout!
Read MoreIf you are feeling tight in the neck and shoulders from too much typing and texting (I know I am!) here is my favorite stretch for getting some relief. Channel your inner scorpion!
Read MoreI've been getting a lot of questions and requests for my best recommendations for foam rolling, stretching and mobility. As a trainer and a massage therapist I love helping clients and students with the best strategies for taking care of their fascia and muscles. Check out my collaboration with LiveStrong for the best foam rolling techniques for the whole body.
Read MoreFoam rolling is a great way to take care of tight tissues and to mobilize your joints. But there are some things to avoid. Check out my latest collaborating with LiveStrong for tips from me and other fitness pros. And check out all my LiveStrong interviews here.
Read MoreMy beautiful and talented friend, trainer and yoga instructor Morgan McEvilly made me this AMAZING 50 minute yoga class as my 41st birthday present. It was the perfect practice to share with my friends on a recent camping trip to Mendocino and on my vacation to Stinson Beach. She incorporates my favorite style of flow which starts with a slow progression through each phase of a sequence and then builds to a faster transition. And lots of yummy foot and hand work. I just had to share it with you! If you're body, mind and spirit needs a reset, this beautiful woman and practice will do the trick!
Read MoreAre you struggling to find a fitness routine during all this? Does your diet need help but you’re not sure where to start? Is your body crying out for more stretching and mobility? You’re not alone and I have three free ways to help.
Read MoreAfter running 30 miles this week and a brutal shoulder day Friday and leg day yesterday my body was screaming for a mobility day. Often my hardcore clients will need a full blown mobility session every once and a while so I put this together with my greatest hits! If you have sore, stiff hips, back, knees, shoulders, neck, etc consider grabbing a foam roller, yoga strap and lacrosse or tennis ball and follow along with me for an hour. I promise you’ll feel yummy when you’re done!
Read MoreIncreased computer work and mobile devices leaves us with tight and painful hands, forearms and biceps. In this video Dr. Cruze shows us how to use an effective self-myofascial technique to release and mobilize hands and forearms to reduce pain while at home.
Read MoreThe “Brettzel stretch”, which appropriately enough sounds like the “pretzel stretch” is one of my favorites for thoracic mobility and tight hips. Check out this video demo and give it a try for 30-60s on each side making sure to breath deep through your belly for maximum benefit.
Read MoreThough our gyms and yoga studios are closed many of the Bay Area’s top yoga professionals are offering live and recorded classes online through Facebook Live, Instagram Live and other web sites. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite yoga instructors in this post. These instructors are offering amazing free/donation-based classes appropriate for all levels. If you want to feel and perform better check them out. Namaste!
Read MoreA lot of folks are staying home and practicing social distancing during this scary time. I've been getting a lot of questions from JJFit.com readers who want to workout at home but have limited equipment. In this blog post I show you 10 total body exercises you can do at home using this hip band and a basic resistance band. If you can't make it to the gym hopefully these will keep you fit and sane for the time being.
Read More“Offset training” when you perform a complex exercise carrying weight on just one side of your body can be a great way to challenge your core, build stability and improve athleticism. Bracing your core, locking in your shoulders and maintain tension are key for successfully performing any offset exercise. In this post I share three videos of my favorite offset exercises which, depending on your goals and baseline fitness, are perfect as a primary exercise, warm up or finisher.
Read MoreMy good friend and amazing yoga instructor Ross McIntire shares with us in this video the ONE stretch you should do every day, how to safely stretch your wrists and how to avoid one of the biggest mistakes in yoga.
Read MoreBusy professionals spend the bulk of their days sitting at their desks, in meetings, on planes or in cars. Even the most disciplined can struggle finding enough time to stretch, do cardio and lift weights—all of which we know improve mobility, reduce pain and improve brain performance, not to mention improve the way we look and feel. When they do find time to move, they often don’t realize their exercises are keeping them exclusively in one “plane of motion.” Most of us need more planes of motion training in our workouts. But what does that mean? Read on in my latest Fit Counselor column for Law.com.
Read MoreMany of my clients suffer from occasional muscle spasms in the back, hips, legs and shoulders due to what I call “desk life.”Mobility, strength and core training can help guard against these problems, but sometimes it’s necessary to go a step further to help treat and prevent flare-ups, whether they’re caused by too much sitting or by an injury. Common ways to deal with muscle spasms include visiting a chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist. But there are some less common ways. Check out my latest Law.com column for four treatments that many of my clients have used to reduce pain and get back on their feet again.
Read MoreThinking about booking a massage appointment to alleviate some stress? It’s a great idea, one you might want to incorporate into your regular routine. Though most of us view a massage as a sporadic luxury, perhaps something we get around to doing once or twice a year, regular massage therapy has multiple boosts for mental and physical health. Checkout my interview in In Good Health from Tribune Online Content to learn more. And if you're ready to book a massage checkout my rates and schedule here.
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