Imagine a class that combines yoga, Pilates, core training, body awareness, and breathwork. Then add exercises proven to improve alignment, balance, and function. Next, blend practices into the class that calm the nervous system and expose the mind to new perspectives on chronic pain and healing....

How strong is your nose?

Have you ever considered that the function of your nose is dependent on muscles? Did you know that if you don’t nasal breathe, these muscles can become weak and imbalanced?

Use it or lose it applies to your nose!

Recently, I had the opportunity to learn about...

Although Bird Dog is an excellent exercise for strengthening the back and glutes, most people do it wrong. I counted three people performing the movement incorrectly during my short one-hour gym workout last week! Thus, I was inspired to write this blog.

The Problem
Here it is. Look at the first...

Because I am trying to expand my audience and to be more “social,” I started a WEEKLY CHALLENGE that I post every Monday morning on The Pain Free Athlete FaceBook page.

By now, many of us have given up on our New Year’s Resolutions, but there is nothing that says we can only...

So, what are winged shoulder blades?
If you look at the image above, you'll see a young boy with winged shoulder blades (scapulae). While looking at the image, notice the pen marks on the inner edge of the scapulae where these bones are sticking out from his back. There, you'll notice that there...

At one time or another, you’ve probably come across the phrase “belly breathing.” You might have heard a well-meaning yoga teacher, fitness instructor, personal trainer or even me in my posture classes talk about it! People use this phrase to encourage us to initiate our breath...

In my last blog, The Secret Role of Your Abs, I disclosed the vital role your abdominal muscles play in breath and deep core alignment. There, I explained how this part of your body provides the base of your posture. Additionally, I emphasized that if the ribs and pelvis are not stacked,...

Have you ever wondered what your abdominal muscles actually do?  Most of us are concerned with the look and strength of our abs. But what is their purpose? If you read anatomy books, most list actions such as flexing the lumbar spine to bring the chest towards the pelvis, performing side...

The diaphragm has a dual role in the body: respiration and posture. When these actions occur simultaneously, we improve our core stability. This is particularly evident in the lumbar spine. My last blog, My Low Back Hurts Because I Can’t Breathe, described the diaphragm’s role in...

Did you know that respiration (breathing) and back pain are intimately linked? News to me! A 2006 study found that "the presence of respiratory disease is a stronger predictor for lower back pain than other established risk factors." And "clinical observation supports the notion that patients...