There are hundreds of different core exercises in the vast fitness universe. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, it can be challenging to widdle down the list and select the best ones for you. On the other hand, you may be hesitant to step outside of your current box and try something new. Perhaps you got injured taking a fitness professional's advice, or maybe you skip core work entirely because it’s boring, painful, time-consuming, [insert complaint here].

One thing is for certain, core training is often much more complicated than it has to be. …

Sometimes the simplest of fitness principles are the ones that go under the radar. In this case, the difference between exercise and physical activity is often greatly overlooked. We’re fed all of these fancy-looking videos and articles that show us how to train, when to train, and why we’re never training enough. This goes far beyond fitness, too. We’re also bombarded with nutritional advice from every angle that muddies the waters and leaves most people confused and lost.

It’s as if all we’re constantly exposed to the ‘ideal model of health’ which quickly causes us to forget the simpler, and…

More technology doesn’t always mean better health outcomes. While breakthroughs in science have transformed certain aspects of healthcare, there are drawbacks to this lightning-fast progression. For one, MRIs and X-rays utilized for investigating back pain can quickly backfire on us. Sometimes it’s better not to know exactly what’s going on…but why is this the case?

The answer comes when we focus on the generator of pain, the brain. Pain is an output of the brain and is constructed of two key elements: emotions and previous memories. When we discover anatomical imbalances within the body, we can begin to generate pain…

Did you know that approximately 90% of us have a leg-length difference? This is nothing to be afraid of, however. In reality, it’s quite the opposite as leg-length differences are seldom serious. For all you runners out there, inequality in the legs is rarely an issue for performance and long-term health. Let this be yet another reminder to never caught up in the myths circulating on the internet.

As a personal trainer and kinesiologist, I’ve run into several clients and fellow health professionals who have blown anatomical imbalances way out of proportion. This includes sites at the shoulders, spine, hips…

In the world of health and fitness, buzz words are commonplace. While learning some of these terms may benefit you, many are blown out of proportion to the point where they become a diagnosis. This is no different for discussions around ‘anterior pelvic tilt’. For most individuals, it’s natural to assume this position throughout portions of the day. Unfortunately, the opposite message can get spread, sparking fear-avoidance behavior and unnatural hip movements during exercise and everyday life.

I’m here to tell you that having an anterior pelvic tilt is completely normal. While poor control of your hips (due to immobility…

Some of the most pervasive myths in fitness come from the topic of posture. We’ve been instructed that there is a ‘perfect posture’ out there, one where the spine is tall, the chin is slightly tucked, and the shoulders are rolled back. We’ve also been told that we must do 20 different exercises to achieve this elusive pose. Go to your local trainer and I almost guarantee you’ll be doing chin tucks and shoulder rotations to fix your ‘rounded frame’.

While any type of mobility and strength movement is usually welcome, as long as it’s safe, we must realize that…

While it seems logical that more running training equates to better race performances, this is certainly not the whole story. If we’re solely relying on our form, volume, and intensity to maximize our abilities, we’re greatly overlooking the complexity of training. Some of the most powerful upgrades in performance come when you begin to prioritize your wellness off of the roads.

Although it may sound too to be true, you can become a better runner without taking another step if you start looking at the bigger picture. Far too often, my running clients are so caught up in their programming…

Do you ever feel stiff and sore when starting your morning workouts? While this sensation can wear off as you log the miles, there is a way to entirely remove it from the equation. Mobility training not only warms you up, but it can create lasting effects on your health if you make it a consistent habit. Sounds pretty great, right?

I’m a big believer that mobility training trumps static stretching every time. Why? Mobility training is far superior because it is based on movement and motor control. As opposed to temporarily ‘lengthening’ muscle fibers, you are transforming the very…