Hi folks, I have been struggling to optimize my leg position in the pool, but I find that they wander all over the place when I breathe on the left, especially my left leg. Slowly I have nailed this problem down to my left arm recovery stroke, which triggers a twist in my pelvis. I dislocated my left shoulder about eight years ago, and in spite of 'treatment by flying beer bottle,' which improved ... Read more
Activating Your Core Prior To A Run As Part Of A Roller Routine
Hi folks, We sure have some lovely countryside here in North Carolina, including great running trails. I had two short runs to do today, and during the first of these I was gently cruising along and it occurred to me how much better I am at engaging my core and how this makes hill ascents more manageable. I was also playing with shifting the load from my quads and hip flexors back to the combination of ... Read more
Short Or Tall, Cute Or Ugly, You Are What You Think You Are, So Think Great
Hi folks, During a recent 'comment conversation' with my interesting brother, Trevor, the issue of height was discussed and he called me 'Lofty.' I smiled about that, which in itself is revealing. As a 5' 6"-tall teenager, I was called 'Shorty' and labeled as having 'ducks disease,' and was otherwise teased unmercifully about my vertical challenge, with severe damage to my self-esteem, but as John ... Read more
Revisiting PowerCranks By FitOldDog
Hi folks, There are many pieces of training gear out there, but I think that PowerCranks are worth a try. They do not come without risk, which is clearly also true of running shoes. I have overdone PowerCranks, causing a strain to my right psoas muscle. That is all fixed up now and is currently being strengthened using PowerCranks. You should take considerable care as you learn to use these great tools, ... Read more
The Elliptical Trainer Is An Excellent (Stent-Friendly) Warmup Tool
Hi folks, It is important to warm up before weight training at the gym. I used to use the rowing machine, but this is clearly contraindicated for people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. So I migrated to the elliptical trainer for weight room warm-ups. It is surprising how effective this equipment can be, but you have to explore the relationship between the machine and your body. In order to do this, ... Read more
Why You Need A Coach If You Are Serious About Your Sport Plus A Swim Tip To Engage Your Lats
Hi folks, There are many reasons to hire a coach, and it becomes increasingly important the more challenging or potentially risky the undertaking. The most important reason to have a coach is to protect you from yourself. Furthermore, a simple observation on your technique, along with appropriate advice, can make all the difference to your performance. Here is a short video clip showing how to engage ... Read more
Video Clip Demonstrates Use Of Balance Ball To Improve Posture and Reduce Bodily Tension Whilst Working On Your Computer
Hi folks, I spend a lot of time writing, and thus typing on my computer. If I become too involved, and work without a break for an hour or so, my upper body tightens up and I develop serious tension in my neck, rotator cuffs and forearms. I also tend to slump into poor posture, which leads to a tight lower back. None of this is good for my sport, so today Tara, my Pilates, Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic ... Read more
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