Tips for Reducing, Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Studies show about three-quarters of all Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Of them, more than 2 million people who seek treatment each year will learn they suffer from an overuse condition called plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, most cases of plantar fasciitis are both manageable and treatable. Plantar fasciitis will typically present itself as sharp pain in the heel or in the arch of the foot, most often […]
How to Talk Positively to Your Kids About Exercise
All kids need exercise. Stacks of scientific research through the years support the myriad ways exercise helps young bodies and minds as they develop and grow. It’s important, then, for parents to encourage their children to be active and develop healthful habits as they grow and develop. During such conversations, however, setting a positive tone is paramount. Learning the values of good fitness and nutrition should be a confidence-building exercise for kids and adolescents. Don’t […]
Moderate or Vigorous? Making Sense of Workout Intensity Levels
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HSS) released a new set of exercise guidelines for people of all ages and stages in life. As Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood notes, however, some of these HHS guidelines can be confusing, especially as they relate to exercise intensity. “In the simplest of terms, intensity is the amount of […]
5 Exercise Myths for People 55 and Older
While it’s expected that most older people tend to slow down with age, the notion that seniors and soon-to-be seniors should trade in exercise and their active lifestyles for bingo and rocking chairs is definitely antiquated, say physical therapists. And yet, when it comes to exercise for the 55-and-older population, plenty of myths continue to […]
Demystifying ‘The Core’: Seattle PT Offers Strengthening Exercises
Core workouts. Core-building exercises. Core strength. “You’ve got to work your core!” Seems like everyone in the fitness world is always talking about “the core,” yet does the typical person fully understand what the core is and why it matters so much? According to Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood, the core is made up of the many individual muscles […]
Five Fitness Tips to Keep Introverts Moving
If you have a more introverted personality, joining a gym, exercise class or workout group may not be your cup of tea. But, that doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving fitness or weight-loss goals. Finding a workout routine that fits your personality is one of the key ways to achieve optimal results. And, […]
New Exercise Guidelines Stress Movement as Medicine
According to new fitness guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in late 2018, 80 percent of U.S. adults and kids aren’t getting all the exercise they need for optimal health. It goes without saying then, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood, that people of all ages need to put more […]
Combat holiday stress with exercise
When a demanding holiday season leaves you twisted in knots from the stresses of commitments, crowds, shopping and entertaining, mounds of research point to a simple solution to such anxiety: sweat away that stress by making exercise a part of your holiday routine. Besides the obvious benefits of improving your physical condition and fighting disease, the Anxiety […]
Strength Training Critical for Active, Independent Aging
To the 43 million Americans who have low bone density, putting them at high risk of osteoporosis, Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood has an important message: exercise is good medicine. But not just any exercise – weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening exercise. “As people get older, bone density certainly becomes an issue for many people, which can lead to unexpected falls, broken bones […]
Pools offer both fitness, relief for older adults
While drinking plenty of water is critical to life, health and healing, simply submerging your body in water (i.e., a pool) opens up opportunities for relief and fitness for those who otherwise may have difficulty exercising. This is especially important for aging adults and those with chronic conditions, said Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood. “When our bodies are submerged in water, […]