Competitive Edge

To get your recommended amount of calcium make sure to drink two to three 8 ounce glasses of milk per day; include yogurt, puddings, and use vitamin D-fortified margarine instead of butter. Men and women over the age of 50 need at least 1,200 mg per day. Best to get through foods and if needed […]READ MORE

The proper musculoskeletal alignment of the legs is extremely important for biomechanics and injury prevention. Those who have weak muscles and joints are more susceptible to injury, and incorrect leg functioning can sabotage an athlete’s performance. Paying attention to joint conditioning and leg alignment is crucial to preventing injury and improving athletic performance. In properly […]READ MORE

A preliminary study is suggesting that kids who specialize in one sport may be setting themselves up for more injuries. Researchers examined 154 young athletes (average age 13) involved in a variety of sports. Of the 154 athletes, 85 had been treated for sports injuries and 69 were there to receive physicals. The study, presented […]READ MORE

Omega-3’s are polyunsaturated fatty acids obtained from a variety of foods, such as cold-water oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil. Because they cannot be synthesized by the body they must be obtained from dietary sources and fall into the category of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease risk of heart disease and […]READ MORE

In a cruel twist of fate, the month of May manages to be both National Burger Month and National Salad Month. While some people may view this as a meal showdown (fast food vs. healthy food, high caloric vs. low caloric, unhealthy vs. healthy), we’re here to remind you that you can celebrate both without […]READ MORE

While many exercisers are quick to turn to free weights for mass building, resistance bands are often overlooked. These elastic bands can be used to work your muscles through a full-range of motion that you don’t regularly get with free weight curls and extensions. Unlike free weights, resistance bands also provide constant tension on the […]READ MORE

What is organic food? Food that is labeled “organic” has been grown or raised without chemical fertilizers, pest killers (pesticides), weed killers, or drugs. This means that farmers and ranchers who grow organic food use only natural pest killers and fertilizers, feed their animals only organic food, don’t give their animals antibiotics or hormones, and […]READ MORE

Plyometrics help build power, strength, and speed, and also help you practice landing skills. When you practice these skills, a sports performance specialist can give you specific instructions and watch to be sure you are landing correctly. Jump and spin. On the same spot, bend your knees and jump into the air. Spin one-quarter turn […]READ MORE

Weight training is a form of resistance exercise. A good fitness program includes resistance exercise 2 days each week or more, and includes 8 to 10 exercises that work all the major muscle groups. It’s best to allow at least one day of rest between these exercises. But when it comes to weight training, it’s […]READ MORE

Spring sports season is here, folks! And with it comes outdoor practice, the thrill of competition, and all the locker room team bonding you’ve been waiting for all winter. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for a ripe affliction known as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is easily spread fungus that you can get by touching the […]READ MORE