Blog

CrossFit Has Positive Effects on Mental Health

Exercise has been shown to have substantial benefits for many aspects of mental health. A study by Murawska-Cialowicz et al identified a potential mechanism by which CrossFit training in particular has potential to positively impact a wide variety conditions that are associated with nervous system function, including mental health. This study identified significant physiologic changes...

Strength AND (not or) Endurance: No Need to Compromise

Exercise programs have historically achieved adaptation through specificity of training. This principle of specificity has driven the exercise community to view training for endurance or strength as a compromise, to achieve one you must sacrifice the other. Adami et al recently showed that we can indeed have it all, that it is possible to have...

May All Your Squats be Heavy and Deep

Has anyone ever told you only squat to parallel and no lower because it is dangerous or bad for your knees? Did anyone making this claim provide any evidence to support it? This is highly unlikely considering the research has proven that deep squats below parallel are not only safe but provide protective benefit against...

Squat Stance: Not One Size Fits All

Typical instruction for squat stance is a generic recommendation to stand shoulder width apart with your toes turned out slightly. This is a great starting point, but that does not mean it is the optimal stance for everyone. Whether you are a CrossFit athlete, performance weight lifter, or doing squats for general fitness, please read...

Women who participate in high-impact activities may be at higher risk for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) such as urinary incontinence than women who participate in low-impact activities. Following childbirth, 30% of mothers report urinary incontinence and 10% report anal incontinence. Women are all too often advised to avoid activities such as high intensity interval training...

How do I improve my shoulder stability in the overhead squat?

The overhead squat is challenging, to put it lightly. It requires both strength and mobility in abundance. It is essential to the sport of weightlifting as the receiving position for the snatch and is commonly seen as a workout element in CrossFit boxes. It is an excellent tool for developing a multitude of physical skills...

CrossFit specific warm up and maintenance exercises created by the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Mend. Every week you get a 3 minute video: 1 Mobility Exercise 1 Muscle Activation and the Why Subscribe * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name

Low Back Tightness or Pain from Overhead Presses?

When you see a CrossFit, weight training, or gym workout posted with overhead press, push press or jerks, and your first thought is that you are concerned about how your back will fair, then this post is for you. When pressing a barbell (or any object) directly overhead it is necessary to have a strong,...

Why is my chest dropping during my front squat??

The front squat is a commonly programmed movement in the CrossFit community. It is seen for high repetitions at low loads, low repetitions at high load, and everywhere in between. The front squat is trained to improve core stability, lower body strength, and is the receiving position for the clean in Olympic weightlifting. Many CrossFit...