We hosted the 6th annual Girlfriends Half Marathon yesterday where close to 3,000 women ran 13.1 miles to raise money for breast cancer and other local charities. What an amazing and inspirational day and I feel great…well except I am a little tight. I know that there were LOTS of half marathons this past weekend all across the country and I bet I am not the only one that is feeling a little stiff and tight.

Let me help you! Have you ever tried using a foam roller to stretch and release muscle aches and pains? Self-myofascial release using a foam roller is a perfect way to help release tight areas for runners and athletes of all kinds!
Here are my favorite myofascial release techniques:
IT band: Lie on your right side supported by your right elbow and maintain your head in neutral and ears aligned with shoulders. Place the roller under your right thigh and place your left leg over and in front of your right leg. Roll just below hip joint down the lateral thigh to the knee.
Piriformis/glutes: Sit on the full roller and cross your right ankle over your left knee. Roll on the right hip area while pulling the right knee toward the opposite shoulder to increase the stretch. Read more on Post Race Muscle Relief…

Soccer players are amazing athletes possessing exceptional speed, agility and kicking, jumping and throwing power. The following drills will enhance performance in all components of the game. Click on the link below for photos and descriptions of all exercises.
Read more on Exercises for soccer players…

Baseball, a favorite American summer activity for kids and adults, requires speed, throwing power and batting strength. Click on the link below to learn exercises to enhance performance and minimize injury.
Read more on Exercises for baseball players…

Heading down to your local community pool for a relaxing swim is an activity that many look forward to. But if want to swim with more strength and greater efficiency and avoid feeling like you’re about to drown, click on the link below for some exercises to improve your swimming performance.
Read more on Join me at the pool?…

Many people are nervous initially to in-line skate because of a fear of falling. But if you spend some time working on your balance, you can feel confident strapping on a pair of skates and cruising to an awesome workout for your hips and thighs.
Read more on Are you inline?…

Spring is in the air, and many of us are now realizing summer is on its way. Tennis, cycling, jogging, golfing, in-line skating, baseball, swimming, hiking … I can’t wait!
With the longer days, many of us have a renewed sense of energy. So, along with the spring cleaning you may be tackling around the house, it’s time to get your body in tip-top shape if you want a fun-filled summer. Over the next several weeks, I will provide a number of exercises to prepare you for your favorite summer activities. Today we’ll begin with golf.
Read more on Spring Training to Lower your Golf Score…

“We have aspects of ourselves hidden deep within, waiting to blossom.” -Ken Dychtwald
I love this quote and I encourage you all to allow your best self to surface and shine bright for all to see. By doing so you will inspire others to reach for their best!
Read more on Exercise and nutrition tips to help you lose weight and lean up for summer…

“The greatest irritant to most people is not a lack of money or status, but ill health. Nothing shines brightly if we do not feel well…” – Margaret Stortz
The quote above is so true. The very person who is too busy to exercise but then is hospitalized for a triple bypass surgery and who is no longer able to take care of work or family responsibilities and their life is never the same is the very same person who wishes he would have taken the time to exercise and take better care of himself. So if you’re not doing it now, start your journey to a better life today.
Read more on Week 6 of the “New Year, New You” health, fitness and nutrition program…

Along any journey, there’s a point when you need to assess your progress and measure your results. It will allow you to determine what you need to start doing, stop doing and keep doing. So since we’re half way through the 8 week ‘New Year, New You’ program, it’s a great opportunity to check in with yourself.
Read more on “New Year, New You” health and fitness makeover plan – Week 5…

“Do not be afraid to demand great things of yourself. Powers which you never dreamed you possessed will leap to your assistance…” —Orison S. Marden
Always remember that you are stronger than you think you are. Take the time to do what you need to do to be at your best. And just know that it will positively impact every part of your life!
Read more on Week Four of the “New Year, New You” health and fitness makeover plan…
