To Stretch or Not to Stretch? Tips to Optimize Flexibility
Many have grown up with the understanding that, whenever you’re about to work out, compete or otherwise push your body, it’s important to stretch immediately before the activity in order to prevent injury and perform your best. Yet, despite these long-held beliefs, Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood says – perhaps surprisingly – that there’s little evidence to support this theory. […]
Exercise Balance to Prevent Falls, says Renew Physical Therapy
Just as a reduction in resistance training can make us weaker and fewer miles on the treadmill can reduce our cardiovascular fitness levels, maintaining good balance as you age requires a continued effort, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood. “Generally speaking, a person’s risk of falling increases when they get older, but there are ways to vastly reduce this risk,” said Norwood, Owner of Renew Physical Therapy in Seattle. “A reduction […]
Tips for Selecting the Right Running Shoes
How many miles can you log on a typical, well-made pair of running shoes? According to experts like Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood, the usual estimates place the mileage somewhere between 350 to 550 miles. “That’s assuming you found a good pair of running shoes – a pair that’s been properly fitted to your feet and to your running […]
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 […]
Good Night’s Sleep Linked to Optimal Physical, Mental Health, says Seattle PT
At a time when studies indicate people are getting increasingly less sleep, one thing remains clear, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood: we need to take sleep much more seriously as it is critical to both health and healing. “Those who don’t get enough sleep are prone to a number of health-related issues that can interfere with quality of […]
