3 Ways to Become a Better Triathlete

Triathlon requires discipline, time, and effort for one to become a age group competitor and a Kona contender. In addition to mental coaching in triathlon, triathletes have to train for many hours to ensure their bodies are well conditioned to compete.

While competitive triathlon training requires a high level of investment (both time and energy,) the following suggestions might help you further succeed as a better triathlete.

1. Spend more time focusing on recovery

Recovering allows the body to be at it best performance. Ensuring you have enough rest days between your training activities is important for conditioning your body for optional triathlon training the next time around.

When you are involved in heavy triathlon training, you are likely to suffer from some sort of exhausted muscle tissue quality. This, when not worked-on, can result in the accumulation of scar tissue, adhesion, and knots. Soft tissue work improves the tissue quality by concentrating on the "trigger points". This way, your performance as a better triathlete is optimized.

Stretching should also be incorporated in the recovery as it increases muscle tone, resilience and strength. After a lot of muscular efforts, stretching decompresses your joints and back hence accelerating recovery of muscles, joints, and tendons.

Finally, a balanced meal with all the nutrients required for recovery ensures a proper and speedy recovery. The right nutrition refuels your muscles, manufactures new muscle protein, boasts the efforts of the immune system in recovering from the challenging exercises, and replaces the fluid lost. All these activities restore the body to its prime condition.

2. Work with a triathlon coach

One of the major benefits of triathlon coaching is getting feedback, direction, and actionable insight on aspects of technical training as well as programing. While trained triathletes are well versed with these techniques and can even prepare their own training plans, there is still great value in hiring a triathlon coach.

A triathlon coach acts as a person who is removed from the training and competition's emotional attachment, and thus can better effectively manage the structure, intensity, and purpose of your training program to prevent over-fatigue and overtraining. A triathlon coach can be objective in how you manage your rest days and hard workout. In most cases, triathlon coaches will be handy in giving you a second opinion when you doubt yourself.

Most of the top triathlon training coaches also offer personalized structured training programs instead of the standard training outline. Through matching computerized data with your performance, the coach has the ability to determine your current abilities and your future targets. The structured training targets your weaknesses with the full information of the manner in which you respond to different stresses. Further, the coach is important in providing race day tactics through a study of your opponents and your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Never stop learning

New techniques in triathlon training, programing, and skills and strength/injury prevention. Sports scientists have been carrying out research in the bid to improve the manner in which athletes train. Over time, structured triathlon programing has evolved and changes made to the manner in which the athletes train.

While it is the duty of the coaches to ensure that their athletes are updated on the new techniques that have been tried and tested, it would not hurt if an athlete found something the coach may have missed. In most cases, athletes only discover these new techniques when their counterparts defeat them in competition. A successful triathlete must therefore keep reading to remain ahead of competitors and supplement what the coach knows.

Chiropractic Evolved: A Comprehensive Approach to Postural Correction

Today, there are more and more chiropractic offices employing the use of new postural correction techniques. Disc decompression therapies, physical therapy, laser treatment for tissue regeneration, deep tissue massage, and other modalities are being employed in a more comprehensive approach to chiropractic care.

With this said, (like chiropractors) no two individuals are the same. Treatment of postural abnormalities will vary depending on the patient and the chiropractor providing the care. These are a few more advanced options when it comes to postural correction. Working with the right chiropractor can help you in regaining mobility and eliminating pain through some, if not all, of these approaches.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapies are used to treat lower back and neck pain, it is also a method used to treat bulging discs in the back. The non-surgical therapy technique cycles distraction and compression to the areas where pain is present, allowing chiropractors to focus on a particular disc. The "vacuum" effect this method employs within each disc stimulates growth of blood supply around the disc, and helps in the healing process.

Physical Therapies

Physical therapy is a common method used for pain management and to help regain mobility today as well. Many chiropractors employ this method when patients come in after suffering from an accident.

A car accident, a sports related injury, or other types of accidents, allow chiropractors to target a specific area. During therapy, they focus on rebuilding muscle, tissue, and helping the patient regain mobility over time. Depending on the injury, the exercises and types of therapies done will vary for each patient.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is used to help stimulate living tissues, in an effort to help patients regain mobility in areas where the tissues aren't properly being used. Pain reduction via nerve regeneration is one benefit of this treatment option. Muscle soreness can be decreased with targeted laser sessions, edema reduction is also a benefit of using this technology in treating certain patients.

For bulging discs, lower back pain, neck pain, or other injuries, laser treatment is a newer technology which more chiropractic offices are employing into the arsenal of treatment methods for patients today. A good example is in the health-progressive Bay Area of California where Dr. Mik Hamilton of Hamilton Chiropractic is one of the first chiropractors to adopt the laser therapy for his patients. He has not only seen significant results from the laser, but has earned the interest of many people seeking this therapy specifically to help them health and recovery from injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage & ART

Soft tissue massage is a way to help increase blood flow, help increase mobility, and to help in pain treatment and management for many patients. The Graston Technique is a method used by many chiropractors. It is a manual therapy, using an instrument assisted mobilization device, defined to target and detect areas of limited mobility.

Similar to deep tissues massage is Active Release Technique, or ART. This is specialized form of massage, or myofascial release, combined with targeted movement to encourage the release to tight muscles. Some chiropractors in turn use massage techniques and ART, such as BlyChiropractic.com, to help target areas of limited mobility, help relieve tension, and help patients regain mobility and eliminate pain.

Regardless of which chiropractor or chiropractic office you visit, in order to ensure the best postural correction and eliminate pain, patients should visit offices which employ a series of different treatment techniques. There is no single method which will work for every individual patient.

For this reason, chiropractic offices should employ a variety of treatment methods and specialties. Doing so not only allows chiropractic professionals to target specific areas of pain, but also help improve mobility, and help patients get back on their feet in less time following an injury or accident they were involved in.

For more information on postural correction, visit:

Hamilton Chiropractic
1313 Gilman St, Ste B
Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: (510) 526-3362
ChiroMik.com

3 Holistic Health Modalities for Healing & Rehabilitation

Today, there are a number of people seeking holistic health treatments, either as an alternative or supplement to conventional medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, which typically targets a particular part of the body for a particular ailment, holistic medicine focuses on the health of the entire person including the body, the mind, and the emotions.

In addition, holistic medicine places special emphasis on the relationship between the healer and patient. Three holistic health modalities that are widespread in today are acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. This article provides a basic overview of each and discusses the potential each has for faster healing and rehabilitation.

Acupuncture 

Practiced in China and other East Asian countries for centuries, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into certain parts of the body to promote the healthy flow of energy in the body. The practice of acupuncture is rooted in the idea there is a natural energy called chi that flows around the body in pathways called meridians.

Many physical and even mental ailments are believed to the result of something blocking or unbalancing the flow of chi, and the goal of the acupuncturist restore the natural circulation of chi to their pathways in the meridians. Needles are used to do this as well as heat, pressure and laser light.

In the West, acupuncture is used for a variety of purposes. For instance, it has provided relief from nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy treatment as well as relieved from dental pain following surgical procedures. Acupuncture has also been used to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue and is considered a general therapeutic treatment for a variety of ailments including headaches, menstrual cramps and lower back pains.

Massage Therapy 

Like acupuncture, massage therapy is form of holistic medicine that has been practice for centuries. It involves the pressing, rubbing, and vibrating of various parts of the body, particularly the muscles and soft tissues. Some people receive a massage for general relaxation and stress control, while others do so to relieve symptoms of a specific condition such as a sports injury.

Massage therapy has been effective for treating a number of conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, other kinds of physical pain, even anxiety and depression. Why massage therapy relieves pain and other symptoms for so many people is not entirely known, but one theory is that the stimulation provided by a massage blocks pain signals that are sent to the brain.

Chiropractic Care

Modern chiropractic medicine dates back to 1895, when a grocer named Daniel David Palmer performed his first adjustment. The treatment consists of the alignment of parts of the skeleton system, most commonly the spine, in order to promote normal nervous system functioning. A typical visit to a chiropractor consists of a diagnostic imaging to see what area of the body might benefit from treatment and then one or more sudden and controlled manual adjustments.

Chiropractic is care universally recognized for treating lower back pain and is also effective for treating neck pain and headaches. It can also be helpful for treating muscle spasms and leg pain. The procedure usually involves multiple visits over the course of several months in order fully treat the condition.

Holistic health treatment, or holistic medicine, is not only holistic in terms of the way they treat the individual. Such treatment is also holistic in the way they are often used in conjunction with each other, as using more than one of them can increase effectiveness. However, before starting one or more of the holistic medicine treatments, a person should consult with the professionals in the holistic medicine fields to ensure that the care is right for them.

Going Deep Into The Practice of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

Deep tissue massage is one of the powerful as this types of massage therapy can create the most change in an individual's physical make-up. Unlike a relaxation massage, deep tissue massage can provide a host of benefits for individuals dealing with restricted ranges of motion, or worse: pain.

In this blog post, we go deep into the practice of deep tissue massage therapy and how you can get the most from this unique and highly beneficial form of massage.

Basics & Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage therapy is highly advantageous for individuals who put a lot of stress on their body (i.e. athletes, construction workers, etc.) Deep tissue massage applies very precise and targeted rubbing and specialized massage techniques that are intended to go deeper into tight and tense muscles of the body. The combination of strong pressure and slow massage movements can significant help to release muscular tension and even adhesions that can be held in contraction for long periods of time.

Deep tissue massage can provide a wide range of benefits for pain relief, athletic rehabilitation, and increased blood flow to specific location of the body that need healing. In most cases, deep tissue massage therapists apply a high level of compression and force on deeper layers of the muscle. This compression combined with slow and gliding movement is designed to reduce chronic patterns of tension and constant states of contraction.

In essence, a deep tissue massage is can be highly beneficial to relieve pain. And although this form of massage can sometimes be uncomfortable due to extreme muscle tension that result in knots or hard tissues, the outcome of the therapy can yield profound levels of relaxation and often times a release of serotonin in the body.

Ensuring Your Massage is Indeed "Deep Tissue"

Unfortunately, there's a wide quality spectrum in what some massage therapists call "deep tissue massage." In short, some people need an incredible amount of pressure to release hard tissues. In these cases, a very strong deep tissue massage can help. Alternatively, therapies like Active Release Technique (ART) may be more beneficial. With ART, a practitioner will apply similar deep tissue pressure while combining passive movement and other specialized techniques.

To get the best experience and outcome when investing in deep tissue massage, it's recommended to choose a massage therapist wisely. Do your research, read reviews, ask a lot of questions, and get familiar with your options before investing in the massage. Some therapists will be honest and upfront about their massage techniques and what you can expect. For information, we encourage your to consult with:

N8 Touch Massage
2501 East College Avenue
Suite C
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-661-2110

The massage therapists of N8 Touch Massage in Bloomington, IL apply a high level of strength to work deeply into tense and tight muscles while respecting the level of comfort of clients. Some deep tissue massage sessions can feel very intense (i.e. for rigorous athletes), however most clients enjoy the experience and find the outcome to help optimize their mobility.

5 Spa & Salon Services That Can Help Relinquish Stress

Women who have a lot of responsibilities including work, being mum and being the breadwinner experience regular periods of stress. All the burdens seem to fall on her not forgetting her monthly period that causes a hormone explosion. Many women may not know that spa and salon services could be the answer to stress. 

They may visit these salons occasionally but have no idea of the huge impact they are making on their body’s overall health. The following are five of the best salon and spa services for stress relief.

Massage Therapy

Massage is a form of body art that many salon professionals know how to perform. Massage relaxes the body and relieves tension. Most salons have a professional massage table set in a relaxing environment. The environment is supposed to be as cool and calm as possible allowing one to melt away their worries. A relaxing body massage improves circulation while restoring a tranquil state to the whole of your body. Some salons offer different massage options such as Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep tissue and more.

Facials

A lady can enjoy a soothing face massage at a salon. This massage will improve circulation as well as relieve tension in the neck region. Facials can help a woman restore her natural beautiful glow. Some salons also offer a pore cleanse as part of the facial experience. The pore cleanse hydrates, repairs and cleans your skin. Other salons offer custom facials as well as organic and vitamin C facials. Vitamin C facials are great as an anti-aging technique.

Manicure and Pedicure 

These two options relieve stress greatly since they involve a great pampering of the hands and feet. First, a lady’s hands and feet are soaked in cleansing milk, lavender, almond or any other option available at your local salon. The hands and feet are then bathed.

This sensation causes one to feel dehydrated skin and the worries of life escape them one by one. The salon professionals then give you a massage that restores the life your hands and feet had once forgotten they had. This form of pampering restores nail health and is extremely calming.

Sauna

Saunas are one salon service that can relieve stress as well as bad colds. The steam in this room improves breathing and circulation. Using a sauna can help relieve stress through relaxing tense nerves. The environment is cool allowing you to think of nothing but those four walls. All a lady has to do is sit, relax and let the steam take over. One can expect to reap the benefits of improved hydration and better skin.

Hair Salon Services 

Stress can lead to hair loss or thinning of hair. This kind of problem requires one to embrace relaxation. Regular pamper sessions can help a woman achieve this relaxation and manage stress. When hair is washed the sensation of cold water on the scalp makes you think of nothing else but your hair and the cold water.

It makes you forget the troubles you left behind the salon’s door. Salon professionals always offer a hair massage before you leave. This massage improves blood circulation on the scalp and could make your hair grow longer and thicker. Professional hair services could also help you sleep better.

A woman should consider regularly treating herself to all of the above services for a better stress-free life. This post is sponsored by local spa and salon in Peoria, IL:

Five Senses Spa and Salon
7719 N Grand Prairie Dr
Peoria, IL 61615
(309) 693-7719

Visit this famous Peoria, IL day spa online at: FiveSensesSpaandSalon.com. If you're in Peoria, Illinois and like spas and salons, then you'll be glad that you did.

Seeking a Massage Therapist? Ask These 3 Questions to Find the Best

This article was contributed on behalf of the professional massage therapists of N8 Touch Massage of Bloomington, IL.

Are you looking to get a massage and looking to connect with a professional massage therapist? Is this your first time getting a massage and you're unsure of where to start? Before you jump on the massage table, research and shop around for a reputable massage therapist. 

Once you've narrowed your search down and make an appointment, be sure to ask questions to ensure you will receive the best services possible. When meeting with a potential therapist for a consultation, prepare three questions that may give insight into helping choose the best massage therapist. Talk to the therapist about your overall health and purpose for seeking such therapy. This can help with determining the best approach to achieve desired results.

What type of massage do you specialize in?

There are over 200 types of massage that a therapist may or may not be familiar with. Some massage therapists may use one or several massage techniques simultaneously. One may specialize in deep tissue massage, while another works with athletes and gives sport massage.

 If you're seeking therapy that's gentle on the tissue, there's a massage to relieve that stress. Ask up front to determine what type of massage will help alleviate and target the problem muscle area.

Where did you get your massage training or schooling?

Not all massage therapists are the same and the same goes for schools specializing in massage therapy. Many schools approach the discipline differently using alternative, traditional, hands-on and practical approaches.

A massage therapist fresh out of school will have approximately 500 hours of training. Depending on the state, the requirements may vary. Universities and community colleges are a good foundation to begin course work taking two years to complete. Therapists should be licensed by through the National Massage Board. If they hold a license in the state in which they practice, they don't have to necessarily be nationally licensed.

How long have you been a massage therapist?

Having hundreds of hours of academic training under your belt is good, but having workplace experience is the real training. While there are many talented veterans who have made a name for themselves, there are also many talented beginners. On average, five solid years of experience is a good enough time frame to master the art of massage therapy. Ask your therapist about their track record and find out if they have crossed trained other specialties such as reflexology and aromatherapy.

These questions are the starting point for having an ongoing relationship that can help with muscle problems. Not only will continuous therapy help with healing the muscles it also helps with blood circulation, arthritis and back problems.

Once you've decided on the therapist you want to hire, they will first come up with a therapy plan based on your root problems and adjectives, as well as the massage services they have to offer. Determining factors such as severity of the pain and the length of the session can determine how long it will take to get the desired effects.

Is Rolfing the New Deep Tissue Massage?

Rolfing is a stem of soft tissue manipulation that seeks to organize and restore the whole body. Rolfing affects the body posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system.

Similar to massage, Rolfing is usually applied or administered by a qualified practitioner, but in a series of 10 or so sessions with the objective of maximizing individual well being and mind.

It's a hands–on body work system that improves structure and coordination, manipulates fascia and also improves energetic movement through the body.

Rolfing, in a way, is like deep tissue massage, but slightly different. Learn more about this powerful form of body work and why it's becoming the new form of massage treatment for individuals in need of more rehabilitative care. 

Intentions of Rolfing

The main purpose of Rolfing is actually to balance and realign your head,chest,shoulders,legs , and pelvis in order to create lasting changes in your body. This technique actually takes a holistic approach to improve the quality of life through your body.

By re-educating your movement patterns and re-aligning your body, you can greatly reduce or completely get rid of chronic pain issues, have more energy and increase flexibility.

Rolfing has given many people a chance to reduce or eliminate dependent on expensive time consuming maintenance programs that don’t deliver positive results. The main intentions of Rolfing are:

1. Improve posture and alignment - You will be able to sit and stand straighter and taller with less effort. You will also breathe easily and feel lighter.

2. Aches and pain - Rolfing will reduce pain and tension in your body. This is because this technique will make your body more balanced and symmetrical.

3. Improves Flexibility - Rolfing will enable you have easier movements and a wider range of motion in the joints. Older people will appreciate a sense of youthfulness as earlier movement pattern will be restored.

4. Performance and well being - You will use less energy for any given movement and also be able to perform movements with ease and greater efficiency.

5. Stress and well being - Rolfing will help relieve paint and also contribute to your overall well being. You will experience psychological growth as the emotional history that is stored in your body gets released. Free and more responsive body will support you better in every aspect of your life.

How Rolfing Relates to Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage mainly focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles. It works by tackling the stress that can block circulation and cause inflammation, pain and limit movement.

Although Rolfing differs from deep tissue massage, they have some common characteristics. Some of those characteristics include:

• Both work to realign the body
• The both help you to relax
• They both help to relive stress, pain muscle tension and inflammation
• They both help to improve circulatory and respiratory problems
• They both improve flexibility

However, unlike deep massage tissue which often focuses on relaxation and relief of muscle discomfort, Rolfing is aimed at improving body functioning and alignments. Rolfing is different from deep tissue massage in that practitioner are trained to care for overall ease and balance throughout the body rather than focusing on area with tension.

Furthermore, Rolfing can speed up pain recovery by reducing pain, muscle tension and stiffness. Unlike other forms of massage therapy which is usually a onetime treatment, Rolfing structural integration is usually performed in a series of 10 sessions.

The practitioner begins with your head and works down to the feet. In addition, Rolfing practitioners believe that Rolfing is actually a spiritual process. Many people who have undergone through this process have reported to have experienced emotional catharsis.