Eating Whole Foods
You have probably heard the recommendation to eat “mostly whole foods” for your health. But what does it mean to "eat mostly whole foods"? What are whole foods? And why are they better for your health? What are whole foods? Minimally-processed whole foods include:...
The Potato Debate
Sweet potatoes vs. potatoes: A nutritional debate fueled by misinformation, baseless ‘superfood’ obsessions, and carbohydrate phobias. Here’s how these tubers compare — and why both deserve a place in your diet. A few years back, some nutrition enthusiasts decided to...
Mentally Preparing for Return To Play
COVID-19 has led to a worldwide disruption of the sporting industry and has altered many athletes’ demeanors, attitudes, control, and confidence. Has COVID-19 put you in a mental rut? Are you nervous to get back onto the field/court or feel as though this disease has...
Preventing Heat Illness
As California sports are allowed to return to practice, it is critical to be aware of the risks of exertional heat illness. Extended heat exposure, lack of hydration, and high exertion in hot and/or humid conditions can result in life-threatening conditions. Here are...
Training After a Growth Spurt
As we watch our kids grow up, we see varying stages of their development that excite us. We see them get taller, their feet and hands grow, and they get stronger. With this development, we as parents expect more from our kids. What we tend to forget is that as they...
Choosing a Protein Powder
Thinking of supplementing your diet with a protein powder? Here are some tips on how to choose the right one for your goals from Precision Nutrition. ► Weight loss / fat loss: If you’re looking to lose fat, pay attention to the protein-to-calorie ratio of your protein...
Exercise of the Month
Single Leg Straight Leg Deadlift This single leg straight leg deadlift variation includes performing the movement in 3 directions. The primary focus of this version is on single leg stability, rather than strength. The version depicted shows the athlete placing tennis...
Back to Basics
As athletes return to training for their sports, one of the key factors that will help them succeed is starting with the basics. For most people, activity levels for the past few months have been relatively lower and less sport-specific, which can lead to...
Dynamic vs Static Stretching
Which way of stretching is better? Dynamic or static stretching? Dynamic stretching is a type of stretching that involves fluid movements through a joint's range of motion. The purpose of dynamic stretching is to prepare the muscles for the activity that is about to...
The Difference Between Soreness and Injury
As activities and athletics are starting back up again, aches and pains will return, as well. The important distinction to make is, am I sore or injured? Here are some general tips on knowing the difference. Please consult a health professional if you have any doubts....
Limiting Injuries When Returning to Organized Sports
After spending time away from organized activities, there will be an understood eagerness to quickly return to previous levels of practice and competition. That being said, young athletes and performers are best protected by realizing that starting with too many or...
What Should I Eat? That Depends….
Dieting is hard. Specific rules of what to do and what not to do all the time. Heck, who wants to do all the math of calorie counting at each meal. How about we just start to create small habits that lead to better fitness and health? You won't find a list of “good”...