I was reading and article recently about obesity and over weight people in this country. The article was good, but some of the statistics were eye-opening. You might want to keep these numbers in mind the next time you are sitting in the drive-through or getting the muffin (or any other snack) while at Starbucks.
12.4, the average amount gained in pounds of body fat, by “super-sizing” a fast food value meal three times a week for one year.
68% of those unnecessary calories are stored as excess weight (fat) after you eat these “value” meals
$285,000, yearly average cost of obesity related medical expenses that a company with 1000 employee incurred.
Estimated amount of U.S. health care spending attributed to obesity in 2008: $147 Billion.
These numbers should not be surprising, two-thirds of our nation is over-weight or obese. But, we also spend in the trillions on health related/weight-loss products. Many of these products are quick fix in nature, which usually do not work in the long run. Loosing weight and staying healthy is hard work, but well worth the effort.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Foam Rolling! Do I need to do it???
Yes, you do need to do it. This is a question I get from many of my clients. This will be a brief overview of why we all should use a foam roller.
Initial exposure of foam roller use is credited to Physical Therapist Michael Clark, who is the CEO of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and creator of the Optimum Performance Training model. He termed use of the roller as “self myofascial release” or self massage. Use of the foam roller by those in the health and fitness field has grown a great deal over the last decade, and this has been due in part to a philosophical approach in training. As much as it may be about getting into the best shape, and improving atheletic performance, there is also a large injury prevention component that was missing for years.
To use the roller, you will apply pressure using your bodyweight, pausing or holding on the sore spots, trigger points or knots for ten to thirty. The compression causes a “relaxation” response within the muscle, allowing it to relax. You should only apply as much pressure as you can handle, increasing as you use the roller more frequently. This will allow the body to become accustom to the new sensation. When done as part of your regular fitness regiment rolling will loosen muscles, increase blood flow and alleviate soreness.
Foam rolling can be done anytime, anywhere. I like to use it as a warm-up or movement prep technique, or post workout for areas that are more sore or tight.
Enjoy and keep Rolling! Keep your eyes open for future post on Foam rolling and other workout ideas.
Summer is coming and so are the outside Boot camps. Keep you posted on locations and times.
Initial exposure of foam roller use is credited to Physical Therapist Michael Clark, who is the CEO of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and creator of the Optimum Performance Training model. He termed use of the roller as “self myofascial release” or self massage. Use of the foam roller by those in the health and fitness field has grown a great deal over the last decade, and this has been due in part to a philosophical approach in training. As much as it may be about getting into the best shape, and improving atheletic performance, there is also a large injury prevention component that was missing for years.
To use the roller, you will apply pressure using your bodyweight, pausing or holding on the sore spots, trigger points or knots for ten to thirty. The compression causes a “relaxation” response within the muscle, allowing it to relax. You should only apply as much pressure as you can handle, increasing as you use the roller more frequently. This will allow the body to become accustom to the new sensation. When done as part of your regular fitness regiment rolling will loosen muscles, increase blood flow and alleviate soreness.
Foam rolling can be done anytime, anywhere. I like to use it as a warm-up or movement prep technique, or post workout for areas that are more sore or tight.
Enjoy and keep Rolling! Keep your eyes open for future post on Foam rolling and other workout ideas.
Summer is coming and so are the outside Boot camps. Keep you posted on locations and times.
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