CMS Education Articles — Exercise

3 Mini Band exercises you need to be doing!

If you were a gym go-er, like me, I am sure you have seen these tiny loop bands being used in the free weight section for fire hydrants and donkey kicks. So what is a Mini Band, you might be wondering, or more so why should you use them? Resistance bands work most similarly like free weights by providing some sort of external resistance that your muscles have to work against. While pushing against the resistance of the bands during an exercise, your muscles have to engage to fight the tension to keep your good form and not break it. What this means is you’re working against resistance throughout the whole range of your exercise, not just the position when you’re moving against gravity.

Most often then not, these little resistance bands seem to be used for glute related exercises. And nothing more. I am here to show you a couple of new exercises that you can use with these handy mini bands, in the hopes of shaking up your workout routine. Or changing your view on this versatile exercise tool!

3 Foam roller exercises you didn’t know you needed to be doing!

Along with rolling/massaging those pressure points, or knots, you can use a foam roller to perform mobility exercises. I bet you didn’t realize that! Having poor mobility is another reason you may experience tightness or soreness after exercise or day to day activities. Since the vast majority of people sit most of their day, either at a computer for work and then in front of the TV at home, it is VERY important to work on staying mobile. Sitting for long periods of time causes your shoulders to round forward, hips flexors become shortened and tightened, and glutes and hamstrings get weaker from lack of use. Holding a static position like sitting for long periods of time causes your muscles to lose their function and will increase the likelihood of you experiencing aches and pains, it even increases your likelihood of injuries. Using a foam roller to perform simple mobility exercises and self-massage on a regular basis, a couple times a week, can help you move and feel better!

Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or even sit at a desk all day at work, using a foam roller should be a part of your exercise routine. Grab your foam roller and add these 3 exercises to your exercise routine to start feeling better!

3 Must-Know Exercises for Your Home Workout Routine

Hello, and welcome to the New Year! You survived the holidays, and if you’re anything like me you passed your holiday vacation by drinking, eating, and sitting around...A LOT! Now that you are back to your regular routine, you’re probably thinking you need to start making healthier choices and exercising again. Well, lucky for you I am here today to show some easy and effective exercises that will help kick off the new year in a healthy and positive way!

While I am not here to create a full workout routine for you. I do have a few fun exercises that you can be done using a powerhouse exercise equipment: Resistance Bands!!