The ability of aerobic exercise to reduce systolic (top number) blood pressure has long been established. Reductions in blood pressure have been shown to reduce an individual’s risk for chronic diseases including heart disease and ischemic events such as stroke and heart attack. Reducing an adult’s high blood pressure is an aim of many primary...
Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve our current mental, emotional, and physical health. In addition, aerobically trained individuals experience significant health benefits including decreased risk of chronic disease and premature death compared to their sedentary peers. In addition to these health benefits, scientists are also researching the impact of exercise on the aging process....
The average adult loses approximately 10% of their aerobic capacity, VO2 Max, each decade after age 30. Aerobic capacity is the ability of our bodies to utilize oxygen for work and exercise. The loss of aerobic capacity with aging is associated with the development of chronic diseases, as well as, a loss of function and...
The squat, and its’ many variations, remains one of the best all around exercises for strength and power development. Its’ utilization of the majority of lower quarter muscle groups also makes it a foundational exercise for patients in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice. The complexity of the complete movement pattern can be a challenge for...
We are often asked when is the best time to eat following a workout. Meal timing is an important strategy to take advantage of the “anabolic window” for enhancing muscular adaptations. A common strategy involves consuming protein less than an hour after exercise to increase hypertrophic muscular gains. Past literature has suggested Muscular Protein Synthesis...
Knee Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability today. This painful condition limits an individual’s ability to walk, climb stairs, stand, and participate in recreational activities. Patient’s often demonstrate significant impairments in mobility and strength in both the knee, but also the ankle and hip. When evaluating patients with knee arthritis, Physical Therapists...
Strength training is one of the most effective ways to slow the loss of muscle mass with aging (sarcopenia). Sarcopenia will occur in all aging adults, but key differences are found between active and inactive adults. As expected, inactive adults show faster declines in muscle mass, strength, and function compared to their active peers. Previous...
Subacromial impingement syndrome is the most common cause of shoulder pain. These symptoms are easily treated with Physical Therapy interventions including manual therapy and exercise. Specifically, strengthening exercises for the shoulder blade and shoulder muscles improve both the quantity and quality of shoulder movements treating both the source of impingement pain and the underlying cause....
Aerobic exercise should be the foundation of your weekly exercise program because of the mental, emotional, and physical health benefits associated with this type of exercise. Some individuals who complete daily aerobic exercise or training incorrectly believe this type of exercise is sufficient for muscle growth and strength development. Resistance training remains the gold standard...
The benefits of strength training are well established including improved bone density, metabolism, flexibility, body composition, and mental health. In addition, utilizing a strength training program 2-3 days a week on non consecutive days also slows the rate of sarcopenia or muscle loss due to aging. One of the main barriers individuals report for not...