We tried everything…isometrics…meridian stretching…core activation drills here and at Keith’s home…myofacial release…contract/relax stretching…bench supported movements…stability ball movements…and it worked! After just a month of sessions Keith reported waking up in the mornings without his usual back pain. His muscle balance improved, as did his hamstring mobility. Keith scored a total of 14 points out of a possible 21 on his first functional movement screen back in September. With his most recent reassessment, Keith worked his way up to 19 points and he’s looking forward to acing the functional movement screen in the next few months. Meanwhile, and most importantly, he can hoist his kids up on his back without blinking an eye (but with his core engaged) and not suffer any back pain afterwards.

We’d be happy to help you improve the quality of your life through movement. Call 482-2266 and set up an appointment with one of our wellness specialists.

Regular exercise places a challenge on the body’s systems, which adapt and “rise to meet” the demands of exertion. Physical conditioning is a process of pushing the physical limits (tearing down), recovering, and then building up to meet new demands. Massage helps the body recover from the stresses of strenuous exercise and facilitates the rebuilding phase of conditioning. Focusing on specific muscles used in sport or fitness activity – for instance, the legs for runners and dancers, arms for tennis players, low back for golfers – can address areas of soft tissue dysfunction which can lead to poor muscle performance due to muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, and trigger point development. Massage aids in removal of muscular waste products and in better cell nutrition, normalization and greater elasticity of tissues, deactivation of trigger points and faster healing of injuries. It all adds up to relief from soreness and stiffness, better flexibility and less potential for future injury.

You may also have your own unique trouble spots, perhaps from past injuries. Jeff can pay special attention to these areas, monitor them for changes in performance, and help keep them in good condition. Please call us at 482-2266 to schedule a (fully clothed) neuromuscular massage session with Jeff.

MORE CHANGES ON OUR TEAM

Many of you are aware that we are bidding farewell to Chris Nowak, who has been a very valued member of our team of fitness professionals for over one and a half years. We appreciate the passion for positive change and the great service he brought to us here at Plaza Fitness at Stuyvesant Plaza and at 80 State Street, and we know you join us in wishing him every success in his new adventures in California.

We are pleased to be welcoming Bryan Mannarino as a wellness specialist, who will be spending time at both our 80 State Street and Stuyvesant Plaza locations. With a bachelor’s in kinesiology from SUNY Cortland and personal training, cycling, and golf conditioning certifications, Bryan is looking forward to putting his education to work in our professional, optimal health-oriented environment. His previous experience includes the YMCA and GE Energy/Health Fitness Corp. Hopefully you’ll get to meet Bryan soon and help him feel at home as we welcome him aboard. He will be available for personal training sessions beginning May 8th. Please call 482-2266 to schedule an appointment with Bryan or any of our other outstanding wellness specialists.

NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY IS MAY 16

Stuyvesant Plaza is one of several Staging Areas as part of the Bike to Work Day observance on Friday, May 16, 2008. For those of you who commute into downtown Albany, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is hosting a celebration for the end of your ride.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Downtown Albany BID website at www.downtownalbany.org, click on the Events button, and search the May 16th event date. You’ll find details there on the different staging areas around the area, downtown destination rally points, designated routes, prize giveaways, and more! And if you want to learn more about safe cycling from one our cycling experts, Kyle or Jane, call them at 482-2266.