A common question we receive in clinic is how many repetitions should I perform of this strengthening exercise? Clearly, enough repetitions are needed under a given load to promote beneficial changes within the tissues for improvements in both healing and performance. Ranges of repetitions range from < 5, 8-12 reps, and >15 reps depending on...
In the last couple of weeks we have posted on the impact of strength training on endurance performance. Studies have shown resistance training improves both running and cycling economy leading to faster times. These studies add to our existing knowledge on the importance of endurance athletes balancing their endurance training with strength exercises. The pool...
In previous posts we have discussed the association between our intrinsic (core) foot strength and foot function during walking and running. The research has identified a link between weakness and atrophy of these muscles and the development of chronic conditions such as heel pain and plantar fasciitis (fasciosis). This atrophy is most pronounced in those...
Eccentric training involves a focused, slow muscle contraction in which the muscle lengthens. For example, as you lower a weight from a bicep curl towards the floor the muscle simultaneously contracts and lengthens. Eccentric contractions have been discussed in this blog for their ability to heal injured tendons, restore flexibility, and strengthen weakened muscles. New...
In a prior post we discussed the impact of sleep deprivation on athletic performance. As our schedules become busier we often cut back on sleep to complete our to do lists each day. Although helpful in the short term for productivity, cutting back on sleep hurts our recovery and gains from exercise. Research also highlights...
The benefits of strength or resistance training are numerous including increased quality of life, reduce injury risk, and increased performance. In previous blog posts we have discussed the cross over effect where working one side of the body creates improved flexibility, strength, or balance on both sides of the body. If we view our...
All of us will undergo a progressive loss of muscle mass as we age called sacropenia. The key modifying variable is how quickly an individual loses this muscle mass over time. Previous research on resistance training has shown a significant reduction in the rate of this loss over time among both experienced and novice weight...
One of the most common questions we receive from patients in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice is “what should I perform first, cardio or strength training, or should they be on separate days?” This is a great question because most endurance athletes are concurrently performing high volume endurance exercise along with strength training each week....
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world due to its’ caffeine content. Moderate caffeine consumption is currently being studied due to its’ potential impact on cognition, the aging process, and some cancers. In our field of Physical Therapy, caffeine has long been known as a performance enhancer based on its’ ability...
It seems there is not much eccentric exercises cannot do between healing injured tissue, improving mobility and strength, and now possibly contributing to muscle size. We have long known muscles gain the majority of their strength after training because of the eccentric or lowering portion of any lift. Athletes who skip or speed through this...
