Massage News - Articles of Interest
 Can you believe it is July already? The warm weather has taken over up here and it is amazing. The sun beating down, a light breeze here and there, and having green grass between your toes is just the best feeling. Whether your down time is spent catching rays on the shore of Lake Bemidji, laying in the shade in a hammock, running around with the kids and a soccer ball - or getting a massage, it is important to make sure that you take care of your body. Summer brings a whole new array of activities, and sometimes the body just can’t keep up. Here are a few ergonomic tips for Minnesotan’s favorite activities: Fishing Is it really a Minnesota summer without fishing? With long days sitting on the boat or on shore, fishing is a lot of people’s favorite relaxing activity. However, there are some ergonomics that are important to keep in mind when trying to hook the biggest fish.
Camping There’s so many beautiful places to enjoy camping in Minnesota and beyond, but it is important to remember not to go too wild. Avoid strain and make mindful movements when setting up camp.
Volleyball Bump, set, spike! Pass on diving for the ball this summer, your body will thank you. Volleyball brings dynamic movements that your body just might not be ready for or accommodating to.
Swimming While swimming is considered low-impact, it is important to still pay attention to the movements and how it affects your body!
Golfing We’ve all heard those horror stories of those who threw out their back on that first swing of the golfing season. Let’s avoid that and follow simple ergonomics!
Summer in Minnesota is off to a hot start! Don’t miss your favorite activities due to pain! Schedule your massage today.
At Living Touch Massage, we know the importance of a healthy routine. Jogging and power walking are fantastic ways to get your heart rate up and burn calories, but it's crucial to prioritize proper form to avoid injury. Here are some extended tips to keep your body aligned while you hit the pavement:  Sole Support: Invest in the Right Shoes
Running and walking both put stress on your feet and ankles, which can travel up your legs and cause lower back pain. Fight back by wearing shoes specifically designed for your chosen activity. Don't skimp! Change your shoes regularly, typically every 300-500 miles for running shoes and every year for walking shoes. Consider having a separate pair specifically for your workouts. Proper footwear provides cushioning, arch support, and stability specific to the demands of jogging or power walking. Uneven Terrain? Be Mindful of the Grade When you're out jogging or power walking, pay attention to the incline of the road. It's easy to overlook, but even a slight crest can have consequences. As you walk or run on an uneven surface, one leg is often lower than the other. This can lead to imbalances in your hips, knees, and even your neck over time. To avoid these issues, prioritize flat paths whenever possible. If you must walk on an incline, try to alternate directions on your route so that each leg gets equal work on the incline and decline. Level Up Your Walk: Seek Flat Surfaces While nature trails might seem like a scenic alternative to sidewalks, they often come with uneven terrain. This can be a nice occasional change of pace, but for consistent exercise, it's generally better to stick to level surfaces like sidewalks or tracks. This will help you maintain proper form and reduce the risk of developing pain in your back, hips, and knees. Listen to Your Body: Warm Up, Cool Down, and Stretch Just like any workout, proper warm-up and cool-down are essential for jogging and power walking. Dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges will prepare your muscles for movement and help prevent injuries. After your workout, dedicate time to static stretches that hold each pose for 20-30 seconds to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. Form Matters: Maintain Proper Posture While you're out there, focus on maintaining good posture. Here's the key:
Don't underestimate the importance of staying hydrated! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. You may also want to consider a sports drink for longer walks or jogs, especially in hot weather. Additionally, fuel your body with a healthy snack beforehand and replenish your energy stores with a balanced meal afterward. Living Touch Massage: Here to Help You Keep Moving Whether you're a seasoned jogger or a power walking newbie, prioritizing proper form is key to preventing injuries. By following these tips and listening to your body, you can keep your walks and jogs enjoyable and pain-free. And if you do experience any discomfort, Living Touch Massage os here to help. We can provide targeted relief, identify areas of tightness that may be contributing to pain, and offer advice on how to prevent future issues. Let's keep you moving comfortably! The call of the yard beckons, promising fresh air and a sense of accomplishment. But before you dive into raking that mountain of leaves or shoveling the winter's wrath, remember: your body is not a bulldozer. Just like any physical activity, yard work demands respect for proper ergonomics, or those pesky aches and pains will be back faster than a runaway squirrel.  Ditch the Static, Embrace the Flow:
Even with the best intentions, yard work can leave your muscles feeling like battle-weary soldiers. This is where massage therapy steps in, offering sweet relief:
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