Gettin' Fit & Healthy with Rickie

  Push & Pull...      If you are pushing in your workout please be sure to also do some pulling      Since the invention of computers, tablets, cell phones, gaming systems, etc. we spend so much of our time in a forward reaching posture. Does the image to the right look familiar for either yourself or those around you?  Rounded shoulders, hunched back, head jutting forward are terms used to describe the posture we adapt when you are using technology.  Pushing and pulling is always important in your workout regardless of your posture, these moves combined help us maintain balanced body mechanics.  It is also a known fact you are stronger pushing than you are pulling so you tend to favor the pushing moves. Individuals also like to focus on the areas you can see as you face the mirror, but don't you want to look just as good from behind as you do from the front?  Combining your pushing (push-ups, chest press, etc.) and pulling mo...

  Proper posture in the Modern Era     Do any of you remember the times when Mom or Grandma would say 'stand up straight or stop slouching.' Well that was good advice whether we liked hearing it or not.   I am sure you have all seen this posture maybe even in some individuals without a device in their hand. Basically they have adopted this posture into their everyday activities and are most likely experiencing aches and pains throughout.  This posture 'Text or Tech Neck' affects the neck, upper back, shoulders and chest.  Which can than cascade down into the lower back, pelvis and hips.  With the upper back and shoulders rounded and excessively stretched this causes the chest muscles to shorten and tighten, which in turn leads to this hunched posture all the time.  Additionally the lower back becomes overstretched as the pelvis is tucked under which leads to collapsed & weakened abdominal muscles that are unable to support the spine. ...