personal training

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Himalayan Rock Salt

Posted by Informed Fitness on February 2, 2012
Posted in: BLOG, EXERCISE, NUTRITION, PERFORMANCE TRAINING. Tagged: , , , . 2 Comments

What is it?
Himalayan Rock Salt originates from the primal seas of millions of years ago, where life began. It was dried by the sun at a time where pollution did not exist. Despite what we have been led to believe, salt is equally as important to the human body as water. Obviously, we are not talking about refined table salt which is little more than a white poison.

What’s in it?
Himalayan Rock Salt is totally pure and contains every mineral and trace element found in the human body.

What can It be used for?
• As long as you’re drinking enough water, salt is absolutely essential for the body to generate hydroelectric energy, maintain good blood chemistry, and balance the correct amount of water in our blood and cells.
• Crystal salt helps to restore and balance the body’s energy and rebalance acid-alkaline levels.

How can It be used?

• As a “sole solution” (so-lay): To make a sole solution simply add a desert spoon of crystals into a glass jar then fill with water. Put the lid on and leave for 24hrs for the crystals to dissolve. Once dissolved add some more, up until such time that the crystals stop dissolving. At this point the solution is saturated at 26% and ready for consumption. Take 1 teaspoon every morning in a glass of water before breakfast. Just one glass of sole a day brings amazing benefits and has positive effects on health.

• Sports Hydration: If you are exercising and sweating a lot, it is vital that you replace your mineral levels as well as water levels to avoid sodium depletion. Using Himalayan Rock Salt in a weak solution with water is the most natural and effective way of re-hydrating your body. About a quarter of a teaspoon of salt for every litre of water is a good balance.

•  Can be used to flush the sinuses.

• As an eye bath to restore moisture to dry eyes.

• As a cleansing bath that has a detoxifying effect.

• For beauty masks and wraps.

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Triathlon/Shoulder Clinic – Rotator Cuff

Posted by Informed Fitness on January 26, 2012
Posted in: BLOG, EXERCISE, PERFORMANCE TRAINING. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

The Rotator Cuff is the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. The four muscles of the rotator cuff, along with the teres major muscle, the coracobrachialis muscle and the deltoid, make up the seven scapulohumeral (those that connect to the humerus and scapula and act on the glenohumeral joint) muscles, so important for swimmers.

The rotator cuff muscles are important in all shoulder movements and in maintaining glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) stability. These muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff at the shoulder joint. They hold the head of the humerus in the small and shallow glenoid fossa of the scapula. The glenohumeral joint has been described as a golf ball (head of the humerus) sitting on a golf tee (glenoid fossa).

These muscles are  relatively small and if neglected the shoulder girdle can easily be pulled out of alignment, particularly by the larger muscles of the Chest and the Lattisimus Dorsi, limiting movement and often causing impingement and pain.

The exercises described below can help you strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff, improve range of motion and prevent injury. These exercises should not cause you pain. If you feel any pain, stop exercising. Start again with a lighter weight aim for two sets of 15-20 reps.

Exercise 1

Start by lying on your stomach on a table or a bed. Put your left arm out at shoulder level with your elbow bent to 90° and your hand down. Keep your elbow bent, and slowly raise your left hand. Stop when your hand is level with your shoulder. Lower your hand slowly. Repeat the exercise until your arm is tired aim for 15-20, then do the exercise with your right arm.

Exercise 2

Lie on your right side with a rolled-up towel under your right armpit. Stretch your right arm above your head. Keep your left arm at your side with your elbow bent to 90° and the forearm resting against your chest, palm down. Roll your left shoulder out, raising the left forearm until it’s level with your shoulder. (Hint: This is like the backhand swing in tennis.) Lower the arm slowly. Repeat the exercise until your arm is tired. Then do the exercise with your right arm.

Exercise 3

Lie on your right side. Keep your left arm along the upper side of your body. Bend your right elbow to 90°. Keep the right forearm resting on the table. Now roll your right shoulder in, raising your right forearm up to your chest. (Hint: This is like the forehand swing in tennis.) Lower the forearm slowly. Repeat the exercise until your arm is tired. Then do the exercise with your left arm.

Exercise 4

In a standing position, start with your right arm halfway between the front and side of your body, thumb down. (You may need to raise your left arm for balance.) Raise your right arm until almost level (about a 45° angle). (Hint: This is like emptying a can.) Don’t lift beyond the point of pain. Slowly lower your arm. Repeat the exercise until your arm is tired. Then do the exercise with your left arm.