Are you an Active Couch Potato?
Our joints like movement. Movement can stimulate bone, tendon and other tissue growth. Movement increases metabolism and burns calories. Everyone benefits from everyday general movement, even the fittest of athletes. So why are we cutting it out of our lives?The World...
One Leg is Better than Two
When you think of a gym or home workout, what's the first thing you think of? Many traditional strength and core training plans focus on exercises such as squats, sit-ups, and planks. At Optimal Movement we are strong advocates of single leg exercises for many...
Lifting the Lid on Supplements
Does this claim make sense? Is it supported by scientific evidence? Is it safe? Is it legal? Supplements can introduce an overwhelming amount of confusion to newcomers and elite athletes alike. In a world of in-your-face marketing and cheap ingredients it’s unlikely...
Plyometrics & Power
Plyometrics is a key training method when it comes to improving your performance in the majority of sports. The main fitness component trained in plyometrics is Power. Power is a combination of Strength and Speed (look through your secondary school Physics books!) It...
Strength Training for Endurance Athletes (part 2)
Now you understand the benefits of doing strength training as an endurance athlete from our previous OMGuide article, we are going to take a look at some practical implications. This is the stuff that reaps rewards so pay close attention! Before you start with any...
As an Endurance Athlete, Do I Need to do Strength Training?
There is a common belief that strength training is exclusively for explosive sports. Yes, strength training is high risk. Yes, there is significantly more stress placed on your skeletal system when doing these training sessions. Yes, it is important to get technique...
How to Become a Professional Napper
Within the realm of sleep, napping is a hot topic, so we felt this tip deserved its own couple of paragraphs and tips. It follows on from our first post on "sleep" that can be found here. If it’s possible (and most of the time it is) we really recommend it. Why?...
Kinesiology Taping for the Achilles Tendon
Like any injury, Achilles tendon pain is frustrating and can really affect your enjoyment of running and walking. Are you hobbling down the stairs first thing in the morning, and every time you stand up you start walking like you’ve aged 20 years! Don’t...
“JB Sports Therapy” is now “Optimal Movement”
JB Sports Therapy is evolving! From today Joe will be operating under the name “Optimal Movement”. What’s changing? Not only is Joe still offering the same great service to all new and current clients, but is also offering additional health and fitness services (with...
Zzzzz’s – Your Body’s Legal Doping Programme
Anabolic hormones aren’t solely restricted to soviet sprinters and Mr Olympia contestants. You too can get your fair share, but in a legal and more ethical way! Sleep is the most effective natural means of recovery. Sleep benefits: Repairing damaged muscles...
The Hip – A Balancing Act
In this blog we're going to look at why hip stability and mobility are so important and their relationship to injury prevention. Let's start with a quick overview of the hip joint...... The hip joint consists of the acetabulum of the pelvis which forms the socket, and...
Five Great Exercises for Runners
Here are five fantastic exercises that will specifically benefit runners by strengthening the core, hips, and legs. They are actually on the advanced side of exercises so don't attempt them unless you are well conditioned or have the guidance of an exercise...
Free 15 Minute Treatment and Advice
Joe is going to be at the Shrewsbury Sports Village offering mini sports massage treatments and advice on injury management and rehabilitation. The dates and times are below: Tuesday 12 April from 5:00pm to 8pm Wednesday 13 April from 5:30 to 8pm Please come along for...
Sports Massage for Marathon Training
Running a marathon is a massive undertaking that takes a lot of time and dedication, but it's often the training rather than the race itself that's the most challenging part. As you start notching up the miles your body can start feeling tired and fatigued, and this...
Injury Proof your Running Body
You've trained hard through the dark cold winter months, now you're in the shape of your life ready for the big day. Then disaster... you pick up an injury and miss the final weeks of preparation or, even worse, race day! If this sounds familiar to you then you're not...
Running Motivation
I'm going to start by asking you a question, where does your motivation to run come from? I'm sure you've had plenty of days when you've struggle to put your trainers on and get out the door, especially when it's cold and wet outside and your feeling exhausted. This...
Brace yourself for this… The Core!
Core training is something we’ve all heard people talking about, but what do they really mean by the term ‘core training’? Why is it so important? How do we activate our core so that it works in everyday life? We'll start by giving you a definition of the ‘muscles of...
UKRUNCHAT Running Group
JB Sports Therapy has teamed up with UKRUNCHAT to start a daytime running group! Where and When? We meet every Thursday at 9.30am by the blue gates at the top of The Quarry park in Shrewsbury. Who's it for? Anyone who wants to run with others. All...