The fantastic Morgan McEvily and I get into some super fun shenanigans while we demo variations of the yummy scapular "push up" for folks who may be experiencing shoulder pain or weakness in the muscles that work the super important scapula.
Read MoreThis simple little cheap treadmill has been a game changer for me. My expectations were low. I honestly had no idea it could be so impactful. Not only has it helped me burn significantly more calories during my workday (helping me stay lean) but it has reduced my lower back pain from sitting and standing. Certainly proof that movement is medicine! Hear all about it in this video.
Read MoreI really enjoyed being a guest on the Mind Body Planet podcast talking about the three pillars of fitness and debunking many common misconceptions in the health industry. If you get confused from the conflicting and sometimes crazy information permeating from "fitness influencers" on social I hope you’ll give it a listen and a like!
Read MoreIn theory, I love this recent NYT article about “adopting a playful attitude toward working out”. It’s a lovely story about an awkward kid who grew up to be a trainer who helps his clients “get silly” in their workouts (piggyback rides, tag, skipping). The premise is so important. Working out doesn’t have to be awful. It can be fun. And the benefits of returning to more “primal” (or what I’d call “functional”) movement patterns are indisputable. So what’s the catch?
Read MoreMost people know that muscle and joint pain, particularly in the lower back, can be linked to chronic sitting, a weak core, lazy glutes and poor form in the gym. But the very thing that is supposed to restore and regenerate our bodies (sleep) can also contribute to pain and injury. Poor positioning of the legs can further compress already tight hip muscles. Twisting of the spin or pelvis can cause fussy muscles like the quadratus lumborum to become hypertonic. And acrobatic-like arm contortions can cause nerve pain. I asked my physical therapist and friend what the "best" position is for sleeping for most people.
Read MoreWhen my good buddy Morgan, who is an amazing personal trainer and a talented yoga instructor, comes to visit my office fitness shenanigans always ensue! I asked for her best tips for anyone struggling with their crow pose. Grab your mat, maybe a yoga block and make your best claws and paws! CAW CAW!
Read MoreIf you're looking for a way to progress your bodyweight dead bugs and target your upper core a little more, give these banded dead bugs a try! You can also turn them into a marching drill or leg drops. So many options!
Read MoreLet’s get our crab on! Crab touches are an awesome functional movement that improves mobility and core strength and can help alleviate a tight back, hips and shoulders. No wonder they are a favorite in my classes and amongst my personal training clients. Plus, they are kinda fun!
Read MoreI’ve had multiple clients ask me this week how to take better care of their feet. Whether you have joint pain (foot, knee, hip or back) now or simply want to avoid it in the future, here’s my gameplay for healthy tootsies.
Read MoreIn this quick video my amazing physical therapist and friend Dr. Justin Jellin of G Sports Physical Therapy in San Francisco shows us his three most effective stretches for tight wrists, hands and forearms. If your hands and wrists are tight and tired from typing, texting, lifting, etc, try each of these three stretches for 30s two times each side (unless they cause pain and in that case rest and give him a call).
Read MoreIf you have a tight neck and shoulders, doing a stretch like this scorpion opener and combining with these wall angels may be the winning combo for better mobility and posture. As always, consult a physical therapist or medical professional for any pain and stop any stretch or exercise right away if it doesn’t feel safe for you.
Read MoreSean Haleen is one of my favorite yoga practitioners (and friends!). And I’m IN LOVE with his YouTube channel where he shares loads of great virtual yoga videos and tutorials for a variety of issues and focuses. As a runner with an old back injury, this class for the IT Band and Piriformis is one of my favorites.
Read MoreTraditionally a lot of people jump into the holidays with two feet (see what I did there?!) and the best of intentions for crushing big fitness and wellness goals starting in the new year. Trainers like me used to see spikes in new gym memberships and requests for strict meal plans (instead of spikes in Coronavirus variants and virtual training sessions). If you are struggling with motivation and finding a goal that resonates with you, here are 15 some of my peeps are going for in the coming months that will influence their weekly fitness routines.
Read MoreI’ve written about BFR (“Blood Flow Restriction”) or “Occlusion” Training on and off since 2017. This modality of resistance training has been clinically proven as a way to effectively and safely “hypertrophy” muscle. So when I was recently visiting my AMAZING physical therapist Dr. Mark Bautista, I was surprised to see patients being treated with BFR cuffs. I asked Dr. Mark about it and I learned about the deluge of recent clinical studies that have broadened the usage of BFR to include injury-specific rehab/prehab, sports performance, endurance, strength as well as traditional hypertrophy.
Read MoreIf you suffer from a bad case of “tech neck” from too much screen time, consider adding some chin tucks to your day to mobilize and strengthen the cervical spine, restore posture and reduce pain. My awesome physical therapist Mark Bautista, DPT, PT at Renew Physical Therapy gives a great demo in this video. Be gentle and listen to your body. This should feel good. If this causes you pain stop right away and consult a doctor (like Mark and his team). If pain free, start with 10 reps a few times a day to give your neck a break. For more mobility tips follow Mark on IG @dr.markpt.
Read MoreA huge thank you to my JJFit On-Demand subscribers who have continued to stream my recorded workouts over the past few months since we retired my live weekly Zoom class. I was in such a grumpy mood today and decided to get off my duff and do this class and I'm so happy that I did! Any donations to this class or any class from my library in the month of May will be given 100% to Planned Parenthood.
Read MoreMobility Minute! Grab your foam roller and spend a minute (or two) on the best thoracic extension drills in my arsenal. These feel yummy and are great for anyone with lower back and neck issues.
Read MoreI am a big fan of exercises that do multiple things at once. And I don't know anyone who doesn't want a stronger core and a more mobile psoas. Pso-what? PSOAS. It's a super awesome and complicated muscle that attaches your leg to your spine so you can flex your hip and flex and twist your trunk (among other things).
Read MoreI want to share this yummy lower back release/core engagement drill that I've been doing for a few minutes each day with awesome results. This is a great one if you feel achy and stiff in your lower back from too much sitting. You'll need a yoga block for this one (you can get these 2 for $10 on most online retailers). You can use a soft foam roller too in a pinch.
Read MoreThis is one of my favorite mobility drills for tight hamstrings, IT bands and basically the entire leg from the toes to the hip all the way into the lower back. Why does it work so good? Because it’s a “neurofascial stretch” meaning it targets the muscles, fascia and nerves across several joints as a system. If you’re feeling tight, doing a lot of running or just generally want to improve your mobility give it a try!
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