You may have heard that aerobic exercise is the most efficient way to improve overall fitness. This is mostly true, but there is more to overall success in fitness than aerobic exercise. It is the necessary first step to improve overall fitness; and it is certainly the quickest step in the process. “Getting Fit” involves […]

Factors Affecting Heart Rate There are certain factors affecting heart rate when exercising. Your body relies as heavily on the oxygen/fuel ratio as your car does. Much like your car’s engine, your body uses oxygen and various fuels (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) to yield muscle energy. When this ratio is not in balance in the […]
Record your “true” resting heart rate. First thing in the morning, before rising from bed, take it for 15 seconds and multiply by four. Take it 3 or 4 times a week and note the lowest recording. It varies depending on how rested and calm we are, how hydrated we are and generally how healthy […]
Pronation is a normal foot in motion, from foot-strike on the outside of the heel through the inward roll of the foot. Pronation occurs as the foot rolls from the outer edge to the inner edge. Everyone pronates, and the initial pronation is considered an important and healthy response to the intense amount of shock […]
“Conversation Pace” is the key to getting started and staying with it. Walking and running should feel good. Your effort, in general, should be comfortable. We are often asked, “What’s comfortable supposed to feel like?” or “How do you define comfortable?” Comfortable means being able to talk in complete sentences while exercising. Using the “talk […]
Injuries can be avoided when you discover YOU can alter the cycle that creates them. Hydration, proper recovery, massage, and rolling out with trigger point tools are all important pieces to the training puzzle. We want you to reach your goals. Taking care of your body is the easiest way to get there. If you […]
As with any form of exercise, proper breathing techniques are a foundational element for success when using Trigger Point Performance tools and methods. Deep nasal breaths provide a steady stream of oxygen to the lower lobes of the lungs where blood oxygen transfer is at its greatest. As we address key areas of the body […]
When running hills, many look up at a hill and say, “Oh my!” They panic before giving themselves a chance. A great place in Salem to practice hills is at the Soap Box Derby track in Bush Park. It doesn’t come overnight, so be patient and keep practicing your form work. You’ll get better and better […]
If you have ever participated in the homebrewing or winemaking process you will appreciate this analogy. Assuming the right ingredients are mixed in the right proportions and the “recipe” is followed correctly there is little that separates marathon training from winemaking and homebrewing when you reflect on these three essential components: Experience – The best […]
Race Week Tips – (they apply equally well for both the marathon and half marathon distances): You Can Still Improve Your Performance During the Last 48 Hours [Adapted in part from an article by Jeff Galloway] While the physical training has been done, you can significantly enhance 1) the way you feel afterward and 2) […]