Once we would warm-up like these guys! We now know better.
Follow Physiologic’s top 6 tips for the perfect warm-up;
1. Don’t foam roll
This sounds like the exact opposite of what we have been told for the last millennium BUT foam rolling and trigger ball / self massage techniques generally place our muscles in a state of relaxation. For some pain based problems this may be of benefit BUT if we are about to participate in exercise one of the last things you want is a state of relaxation – more so we should be after a state of physical readiness both physically and mentally. Instead of foam rolling to warm up – try it for warming down or just before you ago to bed at night – like a massage you should feel the serotonin flow more readily and calm you rather than amp you up.
2. Avoid static stretching
Bending forward to stretch your back and hamstrings and holding it for 20 secs is not the way our body behaves during exercise. As such there is no real reason to do this when preparing for exercise.
3. Dynamic warm up is best
Movement, mobility work, light resistance and moving your joints / muscles in a way that would reflect what you are about to do is best. Eg. if you are a golfer – you should be working on rotation movements. For a weight lifter you could performing a set of reps at 30-40% of normal load prior to lifting OR if you are preparing for surfing – dynamics squats and single legged landing type movements. Even yoga type exercises that allow your body to mobilise through different positions is often relevant to many types of exercise.
4. Progressively build the intensity
Try to work up a light sweat. Start easy and build the range of movement for your limbs, the speed of movement and the load on each muscle. If you do it right you should feel the transition into your chosen exercise is simple and non stressful.
5. Routine your warm up
Personally I hate trying to think about a warm up routine when I go training. It makes training less enjoyable. It’s much easier to know the same routine off by heart and pump it out at will – then you can move through it without thinking and enjoy the rest of your training / exercise.
6. Keep it short
Currently there is no evidence to say that a longer warm up is more beneficial than a shorter one. It seems to be more related to the way you do it rather than the time it takes. My advice is to keep it short but build it up quickly. Short warm ups mean your overall exercise time doesn’t have to be too long – in this day and age time is critical and if you are anything like us at Physiologic its not always easy to fit the time in for fitness etc. by Josh Meyer, Principal Physiotherapist B.Ex.Sc.M.Phty
The hamstring muscles are super important in our day to day function and if we are involved in sport. A strong set of hamstrings will make you more resilient to
lower back pain
hip pain
injury from bending forward to lift
hamstring strains in the sports arena
recurrent hamstring strain should you have already had one
Below we show you a great way to strengthen the hammy’s. Also this exercise is pretty safe and if you have lower back pain it will generally not make you any worse. We recommend that you should always be checked first before proceeding with any exercise.
Sitting all day? – save your spine using this 5 step routine
If you are a sitter – either occupationally or by lifestyle then you MUST watch our latest video on how to setup your workstation. Its called the 5 step guide to workstation setup. Its part of our focus this month on lower back pain and its a 5 step routine that will
Plantar Fasciitis – Do you have it? How do you get better fast?
Heel pain is super common amongst the community.
There are lots of structures in the heel that can give pain. The most common is plantar fasciitis. You have probably heard of it and chances are if you’ve got heel pain someone has told you that this is what it is.
Not everyone who has heel pain has plantar fasciitis – find out if you have it and what to do about it!
Click on this short video – Josh gives insight into plantar fasciitis
Pain in the back of the heel is a common problem – especially amongst our youngsters who play sport as it is a typical growth related problem
It is even common for adults to get heel pain – the causes are not so much growth related and usually more related to wear and tear
If you
get heel pain
have kids who complain of heel pain
see your kids limping after sport
feel pain in the back of your heel
Then try this easy suggestion for relieving your symptoms – remember its not all about symptom relief though – be sure to see us so as to get to the underlying reasons for this problem!
The Physiologic team – 55787155 OR admin@physiologic.com.au
GAP FREE Initial Consultation on ALL Foot and and Ankle problems in July
Sore feet and ankle(s) ?
Perhaps you rolled your ankle and it’s been weak ever since!
Are your kids complaining of heel pain?
Ever wondered whether your flat feet are affecting you?
Sore feet and ankles and are a huge problem amongst our clients.
We are giving all our clients with an ankle and foot complaint a chance at getting their problem sorted for FREE as a GAP FREE initial consult (with private health insurance) for the whole of July.
Old or new injury, pain, weakness or even if you just want to get checked – regardless of the symptoms you’ll get
– crystal clear about whats causing your symptoms
– a treatment plan specifically targetting your goals for improved ankle and foot function
Ring 55787155 and mention to our friendly staff that you would like to take up this great offer or email admin@physiologic.com.au
