When was the last time you tried something new just for the fun of it? As we age, busy schedules – and often apprehension – can keep us from exploring new horizons and trying things a little out of our comfort zone. Such is the case with the latest craze to arrive in the desert:… Read more »

Shoulder injuries are very common with golfers because of overuse during the swing. This is due largely in part to poor mechanics, restricted motion due to muscle imbalances, and/or inflammation. In golf, which many do not consider an overhead sport, 30% of your swing is spent vertically elevated above 90 degrees. The combination of horizontal… Read more »

Elite tennis players make it look easy and effortless. By comparison, those at the amateur level may display movement skills, strokes, and fitness that leave something to be desired. Tennis is a lifelong sport, and all players share a common desire to perfect their skills, and a drive to continue to improve both their technique… Read more »

The term “Swiss ball,” also known as the exercise ball, was made popular by U.S. therapists who first saw their use in physical therapy clinics in Switzerland. Actually, the balls originated in Italy when a toy manufacturer, Aquilino Cosani, first produced large vinyl balls in 1963. His Gymnastik™ balls were used in hospitals and clinics… Read more »

Eager parents often come to me to train their son/daughter, only to find that there is no time for them to train due to their other sport commitments. Some of these athletes are playing more than one sport, but are doing so at the expense of their own health. Some are active from 6am until… Read more »

Summertime is here and a large portion of the population strives to look their best in that new bikini or swim trunks. They work diligently all year to build muscle and confidence to display their fit midriffs. Thousands of crunches, leg raises and V-ups are done daily across the nation, but unfortunately, often to no… Read more »

Golf makes many physical demands on the body. We therefore need to spend the necessary time conditioning ourselves so that we can play 18 holes day after day and not worry about pulling a muscle or incurring an even more severe injury. One of the top five problems that many golfers experience is sway, meaning… Read more »

Palm Springs’ Cielo Vista Charter School has opened a new community fitness center, thanks to a well-deserved $70,000 grant from the Desert Healthcare District (DHCD). In 2010, the school created a wellness program that went beyond traditional PE classes to teach students about healthy eating and lifestyles. The goal of the three-year grant-funded program called… Read more »

Developing a six-pack for abdominals seems to be the fitness craze for the New Year. A large percentage of infomercials focus on having a ripped mid-section, and while  this might be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, it may not be very functional. Even though this article is primarily for golfers, the average fitness buff might… Read more »

At the start of 2015, I made a decision to start working with a personal trainer. As New Year 2016 approaches, instead of a new resolution, I am reflecting on the resolution set a year ago. Looking back, I realize that as a wellness decision, it has been one of the best individual, long-term investments… Read more »

Staying fit is important at any age, but when you are out of practice, getting back into an exercise regime can be intimidating – especially for seniors. Keeping it simple and fun can help, which is the concept behind Geri-Fit®, an evidence-based strength training program for older adults which is now offered in Palm Desert.… Read more »

Hip replacements are becoming more common these days as baby boomers begin to age. The everyday wear and tear on our joints catches up with us at some point, so when medicine, physical therapy and/or exercise don’t work and the pain interferes with our lives, it is time to fix it. Normally, the first few… Read more »

All females interested in, or currently participating in, workout programs need to consider themselves athletes. Having the ability to lift, push or pull weight under many different circumstances takes some skill. Some might not possess the ability to get into competitions or other endeavors, but you are still working out like an athlete. The type… Read more »

The fitness industry is flooded with supplements that claim to make you stronger. There are websites, magazines, books and of course, your friends to show you the way to more muscle. The problem is that many of these supplements are not healthy for the average gym guy and may even contain illegal performance-enhancing ingredients. Some… Read more »

Desert Health® is proud to sponsor the first annual Palm Springs International Health & Fitness Festival produced by Marlo Productions on November 13-15. This interactive event will offer festival goers the opportunity to take part in obstacle courses, yoga classes, educational lectures, paleo cooking classes, and so much more! Over 60 health-focused vendors will be… Read more »

The concept of “grit” and “digging in” was the theme of my July/August article.  Further inspired by this theme, I successfully hiked Mt. Whitney in one day this summer.  This is the tallest mountain in the continental USA starting at an 8,000 ft. elevation and peaking at 14,505 over a total distance of 22 miles. … Read more »

The Pilates Method is an approach in mind & body integration that was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. The fundamental principles focus on balance, concentration, control, centered awareness, fluid movements, and breath. Pilates enhances a core strength that increases flexibility, coordination and special awareness. The repertoire is performed as a mat class or… Read more »