In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics cardio is king for many of our patients. Although gaining in popularity, weight training unfortunately falls behind cardiovascular training in training frequency, intensity, and duration. Patients not performing strength training can run the risk of reduced bone density, loss of muscle mass, reduced performance, and...
Rucking, the straightforward yet powerful exercise of walking with a weighted backpack, combines the benefits of bone density health and strength training. The added weight provides a resistance that engages various muscle groups, promoting strength and muscle development throughout the body. This not only enhances overall physical fitness but also contributes to improved metabolism and...
Strength training participation is increasing as more and more Americans realize the health benefits of this form of exercise. Current research continues to support the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of strength training. Strength training principles require participants to select a weight designed to fatigue a given muscle within the desired reps. For example, if...
In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics we commonly receive questions on the benefits of exercise on bone density. High intensity resistance training and impact training have been shown to improve indices of bone strength in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (Watson et al. 2018). High intensity resistance training and...
Anyone who has participated in hiking in Colorado knows that it is difficult to trek anywhere without significant elevation change. In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics we work with all levels of hikers to both rehabilitate current injuries and keep them on the trails by reducing their risk for future injury. ...
Interval training has been well-researched over the years and there is considerable evidence to show that interval training can provide similar if not better health benefits compared to continuous moderate-intensity exercise. One type of aerobic interval training, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), may be effective for improving VO2 max, endurance capacity, resting metabolic rate, blood pressure,...
The utilization of cold temperatures whether in the form of air temperature, water immersion, or ice baths after exercise is not new, but participation in this intervention is on the rise. As the popularity of cold water immersion increases it continues to outpace the available research supporting its’ utilization. Overall the research has significant methodological...
Exercise remains one of the most powerful interventions available to improve mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as, increase our quality of life as we age. Participants who participate in a regular exercise program consisting of moderate aerobic exercise and strength training have significant health benefits over their less active peers. At our Boulder...
The ability to tolerate weight-bearing wrist extension is essential to many upper body exercises and activities. In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy practices we often see patients and athletes limited by pain in their hands and wrists. Wrist pain with weight-bearing can impact your ability to do push ups, arm balances, handstands,...
I can remember meeting with a physician in the past about the tremendous health effects of exercise for his patients. He responded that the effects of exercise don’t last if the patient stops their program. Despite the irony found in his treatment approach using medications with short term effects to manage chronic diseases, I responded...