In "Preventive Self-Massage for Healthy Tissues and Enhanced Mobility," I discussed how to use a foam roller and massage stick as part of your regular body maintenance routine. Here, I review two foam rollers--the Trigger Point Grid foam roller and the GoFit Extreme Massage Roller--and two massage sticks--the Tiger Tail Rolling Muscle Massager and the GoFit Extreme Massage … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Foam Rollers and Massage Sticks
Recovery
Today’s Prescribed Workout: A Nap
If you’re like most endurance athletes, the idea of a nap for a workout not only sounds oxymoronic but downright blasphemous. After all, the definition of a workout is “a session of vigorous physical exercise.” And a period of slumber is anything but a session of vigorous physical exercise. But, then again, that is the entire point. As we know from Exercise Physiology 101, … [Read more...] about Today’s Prescribed Workout: A Nap
How to Deal with Low Back Pain
By Brad A. Roy, Ph.D., FACSM, FACHE and Greg Vanichkachorn, M.D. Low back pain is one of the most prevalent medical complaints, affecting nearly every American at some point in his or her lifetime. At any given time, it is estimated that up to one third of the population is experiencing some form of back discomfort that impacts quality of life by interfering with … [Read more...] about How to Deal with Low Back Pain
Preventive Self-Massage for Healthy Tissues and Enhanced Mobility
One of the easiest and most effective means to ensure the healthy rebuilding of the body in between workouts is to use self-massage techniques. All you need is a few minutes each day along with some useful tools that include a foam roller, rolling stick, lacrosse ball, and golf ball. Why Tissue Maintenance is Important Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues in the … [Read more...] about Preventive Self-Massage for Healthy Tissues and Enhanced Mobility
Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Training and Recovery
Just as sleep is a vital component of effective recovery, so is a healthy diet. When it comes to eating well, it may be worth emphasizing in today’s world of fast food and highly processed comestibles that the best sources of nutrition are whole foods with minimal processing rather than pre-packaged meals and snack items. Eating a wide variety of whole foods, and satisfying … [Read more...] about Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Training and Recovery
