Fall Health Challenge Starts Tuesday!

Our fall health challenge starts Tuesday!

If you are interested in signing up contact Stephanie at Stephanie.Winters@osrpt.com

For more info you can also check out www.stephaniewinters.blogspot.com

Have a great holiday weekend!

Mint chocolate protein bites!

Looking for a quick no-bake treat? These mint chocolate protein bites are well balanced in carbohydrate-fat-protein. Have favorite treats and recipes to share? Leave us a post!

Do you work with a fitness professional?

There are a lot of people out there who work with fitness professionals.  I am sure at times they ask themselves "Is it worth it?"  Here is a great read about what fitness professional offer, why and what to look for.

http://tomnikkola.com/7-reasons-to-work-with-a-fitness-professional/

Dynamic warm ups

What is a dynamic warm up? Is stretching before exercise good? How should I warm up? Check out this blog post with TONS of how to videos included! While filmed at LifeTime, it was co-constructed by one of OSR's Physical Therapists.

When is it Safe for My Child to Strength Train?

When is it Safe for My Child to Strength Train?

Many parents wonder, “What is a good age to have my kid start strength training?”   The answer is not always clear-cut and depends on the child’s interests.  The Mayo Clinic supports safe strength training in children as early as 7 years old.  It cannot be stressed enough that SAFETY must come first, workouts should include fun activities and there are many benefits to strength training.

One of the most important messages to parents is that, strength training is a learning process.  A child should be monitored at all time and taught the proper techniques of strength training.  Weights should remain low during this process of teaching your child the skills of weight lifting.  When the University of Minnesota strength training coach, Cal Dietz, was asked about his seven year old kid lifting weights he said: “we use such light weight that it is probably less than doing a push up.” 

Strength Training should only be initiated when the child shows interest and should not be forced.  That is why making strength training entertaining is so important.  Yes, there are times to be more serious than others, but start with a fun interactive game or finish with a game of soccer etc.  Now would not be the time to have a coach or parent pushing and screaming at the child to do more.  The child will put forth the effort that they feel comfortable with and want to perform.

The Mayo Clinic also lists benefits of strength training for kids on their website, such as:

Done properly, strength training can:

•    Increase your child's muscle strength and endurance

•    Help protect your child's muscles and joints from sports-related injuries

•    Improve your child's performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure             skating to football and soccer

Keep in mind that strength training isn't only for athletes. Even if your child isn't interested in sports, strength training can:

•    Strengthen your child's bones

•    Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels

•    Help your child maintain a healthy weight

•    Improve your child's confidence and self-esteem

When done properly strength training can be great to start at an early age if you child is ready and shows interest.  Remember to keep things fun and teach to proper techniques.

Reference - http://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/256252

Mango with a kick

Looking for a fast summer snack, but want more than just a piece of fruit? Check out this easy mango recipe to spice things up!

Core Strength Exercise Beyond the Plank

Looking to ramp up your core workout? Try this advanced core and total body strengthening exercise!