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Move over FitBit, there’s another fitness tool that’s taking over the weight room. While perhaps less sophisticated in nature, the humble foam roller is literally on a roll, with more and more research supporting its wide range of benefits. This includes everything from increased flexibility and pain prevention to enhanced performance.

Increased Flexibility

According to the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, the practice of foam rolling, coupled with static stretching may increase range of motion in the hip more so than stretching alone. Essentially, it helps to increase flexibility in ways we can’t necessarily achieve on our own.

Ever pushed through a great workout only to be punished later on with stiff, cranky muscles? We work out to enhance our lives, but when our workouts leave us in an aching heap the next day, it can become pretty counterintuitive. This is where the foam roller comes in. The tool is a method of self-myofascial release (SMR), an alternative therapy that treats immobility and pain in the muscles.

Pain Prevention

Myofascial release techniques are intended to bring gentle and sustained pressure to the body. Working to smooth out those hard ‘knots’ in the fascia, or connective tissue, the technique encourages a sense of release in the body. And according to a study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports this may be just the release you need. In the study, it was concluded that self-myofascial release has a positive impact on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOM) and can help to decrease soreness following DOM. This can lead to enhanced performance in the long run as it allows the active individual to exercise longer and more actively.

In another study, individuals were to perform 10 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squats over the course of four weeks. In order to identify the effectiveness of foam rollers on quadricep muscle soreness, some subjects completed 20 minutes of foam rolling. The control group did not perform any type of post-exercise treatment at all. When the results came around, the difference was quite astounding. In fact, those who did perform foam rolling were significantly less sore than those who did not, according to the Journal of Athletic Training study.

Enhanced Performance

Don’t let soreness keep you from playing in the game! By incorporating foam-rolling exercises, you may prevent the limiting pain that keeps you from doing what you love. You might also become a better athlete for it. In a study featured in Sports Medicine, it was discovered that those who use a foam roller actually experience an increase in maximal voluntary contraction. For lead researcher, Dr. Lewis Macgregor, there is a strong case to be made for the foam roller as a pre-workout activity to both enhance performance and lower the risk of injury. “I surmise that foam rolling prior to exercise helps to light up the pathway between the brain and the muscle, providing a better understanding of what is required,” Macgregor says. He continues, “Our research—for the first time—suggests that foam rolling offers a viable alternative warm-up technique that does not result in diminished muscle strength, which is often associated with static stretching. It shows that foam rolling may be a useful technique in helping to reduce stress and strain on muscles during exercise and, therefore, could reduce injuries.”

Whether you’re an elite athlete or an active individual, the use of a foam roller can benefit your performance on and off the court. It’s inexpensive, it’s easy to use, and it’s even easier to find ways to work towards your health and fitness goals. Luckily, recovery and training company, BLACKROLL, sold through Active Life Solutions, is making it even easier to reap the benefits.  Active Life Solutions focuses on healthy living, healthy lifestyles and products, which not only rehabilitate, but also prevent injury.  With a full family of products in-house, Active Life offers everyone from the beginner to the elite athlete the products and tools they need to succeed.

Regeneration and Functional Training

BLACKROLL’s foam rolling products are intended to help in two main ways, regeneration and functional training. Used for regeneration, the foam rollers can be used to heal from the aches and pains of daily life and an active lifestyle. While helpful for healing and restoration, the Myofascial release tool may also be used to challenge the intensity of your workouts and to build strength, overall.

Whatever you’d like to achieve, BLACKROLL helps you get there, providing the right exercises to engage and relax various muscle groups. BLACKROLL even provides a convenient phone app, The Blackroll® App to guide training and self-massage techniques.

So, the next time you’re at the gym, you’ll understand just why this tool has become so popular. And with a tool like BLACKROLL at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to roll!

Wearable technology is everywhere: from walking our dogs and checking our Apple Watches to a myriad of other products.  What was once something rare has now become commonplace. Wearable tech is growing, and so are the uses, providing users with access to data they never had before, in ways they never imagined. Where it is having the largest impact: the fitness industry. Here, users are able to not only track their health, but also understand how to prevent injury, recuperate properly from it, and learn so much more about how their bodies work.  It helps us push further, as well as step back when we are at the brink of needing either.

For those that don’t know, wearable technology is a massive growth industry which is exploding at the moment. There are both consumer and professional wearables markets, making the veritable buffet of uses for this technology unlimited.   It seems like so long ago that the first Bluetooth headset was sold, but for those that remember, it was less than twenty years ago. The Bluetooth headset was really the trigger that launched an entire new category of connectivity, including everything from the FitBit to the Apple Watch and beyond.

Early wearables were constrained by the amount they could do.  Today, those limits have been exceeded tens of times over. Companies like dorsaVi have changed not only the way we look at wearables and health, but also the manner in which we use them.  DorsaVi’s real-time data analysis, tracking and profiling enable users to change the way they exercise, move, and even work. For a market that is continuing to explode, this opens doors never seen before.  To put it is context, Statista recently reported that the number of connected wearables is expected to reach 830 million in 2020. For those implementing them in their everyday practices that is truly an incredible measure of growth.

While some have expressed concern over the validity of the information, it is important to remember that it is the partnership between the technology and the human that is doing the work.  The data is measured, reported and based on real-life interaction with the wearable and the data interpretation is by experts in the industry. Companies like dorsaVi are partnering very closely with industry professionals to create, not only client benchmarks, but also programs and protocols which make a significant difference.  The wearables enable, in one word: customization. By partnering with physical therapists, chiropractors, pain physicians, strength and conditioning trainers, as well as coaches in the NFL, NHL, MLS, and NBS, dorsaVi’s motion sensors are making a significant difference both on – and off – the field.

Information that was once only available to the elite is now readily accessible for the average consumer.  DorsaVi is an FDA-cleared wearable based on biomechanical technology. By leveraging biomechanical instruments with smart sensors, the company is able to bring professional-level information to the average person.  With a smart dashboard and user-friendly reports, this wearable device company is providing an easy-to-understand view on our own physical assets.

The company has a strong history rooted in the practice of medicine.  As a practicing physiotherapist, co-founder Andrew Ronchi determined that he needed more personalized insights for his clients. He felt limited by what was available on the market for his practice and in doing so, realized early on, that the wearable market was the place to head. By having the foresight to do so, today, dorsaVi’s smart device is readily available in three main verticals: elite sports, clinical practice(s), and workplace safety.

DorsaVi’s solutions are used by a range of health and performance professionals, while the organization is a market leader in day-to-day training and rehabilitation products. The dorsaVi Professional Suite captures objective movement data that cannot be seen elsewhere.   This data then enables professionals to create customized programs based on their client’s specific needs. With this information, the clinician can mitigate the risk of injury, while guiding rehabilitation when needed. The data also helps make the difficult “return to play” decisions easier, while helping athletes increase their performance the healthy way.  

On the other hand, in the workplace, the insight helps increase safety significantly.  With the custom insight on workers, companies are able to match their physical needs with those of the company and reduce the risk of on the job injuries significantly. This real-time, real-life data also helps companies with their training protocols and manual handling processes, thus benefiting everyone from the company to the employee to the greater market itself.

“In the health space, where dorsaVi operates, improvements in technology continue to make what was once impossible possible,” says Megan Connell, Chief Marketing Officer of dorsaVi.  For this company and those that use their products, the true differential is that dorsaVi has made it possible to see clearly, what was once a significant blind spot, in a cost-effective and user-friendly manner, with medical-grade accuracy.

A healthy night’s sleep is often the best treatment for the anxiety and stress of everyday life. How many hours do you sleep each night? More important, how WELL do you sleep each night?

Doctors and sleep specialists all agree that these practical tips will bring better rest:

Don’t eat after eight p.m. at night. The stomach doesn’t like to work when the rest of the body is getting its rest. Heartburn can turn a late night snack into late night insomnia.

Keep the lights dim, long before going to bed. When possible, use only indirect lighting in the rooms where you spend your evenings. This sends a signal to the brain that sleep is on the way, and it begins to slow down and relax.

Don’t leave important decisions until you can ‘sleep on it.’ This only keeps you awake looking for solutions when you’re in bed. Instead, either work out problems in the late afternoon, or discipline yourself to say “I’ll make that decision tomorrow.”   

Don’t go to the gym too late in the evening. Never workout after seven at night. Your body needs several hours to resume its normal metabolism after a strenuous workout. That said, there’s much to be said for getting at least a minimum of exercise each day, because that has been proven to increase the healthy sleep you need each night.

Most common amongst runners and those that do repetitive activities like running, but the truth is that it can strike any person at any time.  Known to doctors and individuals themselves, plantar fasciitis is the common cause of heel pain. This incredibly painful foot-related issue impacts millions of people each year.  For those that aren’t familiar with it, it is an inflammation of the tissue running from the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When you have plantar fasciitis you definitely know it.  The intense stabbing pain presenting itself is most often found in the morning. As movement increases, the pain may diminish, but it is likely to return after long periods of sitting or standing.

Podiatrists are usually the doctor of record for this ailment.  They understand that the repetitive stress on the heel and the attached tissue is one of the root causes of the problem.  There are also other risk factors, including: age, foot mechanics, obesity, and occupations where employees are on their feet for significant periods of time.  Dr. Stephen Bui understands this all too well. He is both a podiatrist and a runner, who has a group of friends that run together in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania each morning.

When his running group began having foot issues, as did he, he decided it was time to do the only thing he knew how to do: research the answer to plantar fasciitis and find a viable solution.  Although once you have the ailment it can always come back, Dr. Bui was keenly aware that there are things you can do to help prevent reoccurrence. When he began his research, he noticed that there is an abundance of products on the market targeting those with plantar fasciitis, but in his medical opinion, few would make a significant difference.  This is when he set out to invent and patent the HighHeeler.

Remember this name: Dr. Stephen Bui. You may not know him yet, but as the inventor of the HighHeeler and other aids, Dr. Bui’s 18 years of podiatry experience have helped more people than he can count.  Because he is so passionate about helping people, even those he doesn’t personally know, Dr. Bui did the only thing he could: he took a sabbatical from his private podiatry practice to start Active Life Solutions, http://www.activelifeusa.com/.  Active Life Solutions is an e-commerce company he started, and an incubator designed, to help find and invent products geared toward mainstream health management.  Plantar fasciitis being only one of the areas it covers.

Dr. Bui’s invention, the HighHeeler, is a reasonably inexpensive, lightweight, and portable device used to aid in the treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis.  Because he understands the importance of heat and cold during times of great foot stress, he invented it so it enables the user to have the ability to include a hot or cold stone massage for the foot during use.  The 5-in-1 treatment proffered by the HighHeeler virtually eliminates the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and most importantly, the reoccurrence of it, especially since, as noted above, the risk of reoccurrence is far greater once you have had it.

“This project was extremely important to me. I put my blood, sweat and tears into the invention of the HighHealer because I feel it will help people with severe foot pain,” Bui said.

The average plantar fasciitis patient attempts to solve the problem himself or herself.  This is not the smartest or quickest route to take. Instead of doing what is needed medically: proper stretching several times per day, hot and cold breaks, and more; patients tend to deal with the symptoms as they come.  While this can help in part, it does not guarantee that the problem will be solved or that it won’t reoccur. The HighHeeler is a game changer in this respect. Because it is portable, it can be used anywhere, at any time, thus not requiring an extra item on the daily “to do” list.

Building foot strength and performance is something we should all do.  Professional athletes do it. Many runners do it. We tend to take our feet for granted, which is a shame, since they do so much for us.  By using a device like the HighHeeler, we eliminate all guesswork. Designed with Soapstone in the middle, which can be removed and heated or frozen. The HighHeeler affords relief to tender foot parts.  Because of the design, it also eliminates the need for stretching as the massage is stretching you at the very same time.

What many of us don’t know is that plantar fasciitis impacts many foot modalities. The HighHeeler was designed to address the five prominent ones, including: stretching the Plantar Fascia ligament, strengthening the smaller muscles which stabilize feet, loosening calf tightness, reducing inflammation and finally, massaging the foot.  Because all these areas are all integrated into the work, this product offers a much more complete solution.

Dr. Bui oversees the in-house testing of all products carried by Active Life Solutions from a medical and a non-medical perspective. “We have helped companies from several countries successfully launch innovative products,” Bui said. “We not only help companies launch, we invest in the people behind these products as well.”

The site offers a multitude of solutions, from the HighRoller to the HighHealer, HighBaller, HighTrainer, Swedish Posture, IAMRUNBOX, SP1KE seat cushion, and the SP1KE standing mat, BLACKROLL, and more.  Stability, stretching and flexibility are the hallmarks of each product. While some solve an immediate problem, like the HighHeeler, others help us in our day-to-day movement and allignment.

If you happen to be running in Waynesboro one morning, you may see Dr. Bui and his friends speed by.  When you do, take a moment to think about how this doctor’s professional expertise has truly created a game changer.  As he puts it, “when we are doing what we need to properly to prevent injuries, the miles ahead of us seem easier and far more exciting.”

Advances made in technology has made it possible to measure and analyze our lifestyle activities such as exercises with the aim to improve it. It has been made possible by the quantified self or what most of you would refer to as self-tracking. But, how safe is your self-tracking?

Currently, there have been security risks that have been associated with a large number of tracking devices. The reason behind the insecurity is due to the social factors and technological advances. Furthermore, stored personal data in this devices is also vulnerable to attacks.

How do different fitness trackers ensure the safety of data inside the tracker itself? What can we do as users to ensure that additional layers of security are added? Before looking at security concerns, we have to understand what quantified self-care.

What does self-track mean?

Self-track is technological devices that use the concept of collecting and analyzing data to track every aspect of human life. The fitness self-track are used by people to monitor progress in heart rate, exercises among other health-related activities.

It is important to note that a report prepared by ABI indicates that the number of wearable computing devices such as self-track devices will increase by approximately 485 million devices annually in 2018.

The huge number of people wearing the devices from top manufacturers including Samsung, and Fitbit that track their daily movement, have raised the question on safety of the devices.

How is your data tracked?

The fitness self-track may come in many forms. Smartphones are currently everywhere. They have many different inbuilt tracking sensors.

Also, most of them have self-tracking applications and due to the inclusion of sensors such as accelerometer, heart rate sensor, GPS and gyroscope they can be converted into an effective self -tracking devices. The applications used have the rights to store read and interpret the data extracted by the sensors.

Another fitness self-track devices are the wearable. These devices can be worn on the body and can also be attached to sports equipment. Wearables have sensors such as gyroscope and accelerometers that generate data.

 

Why are fitness self-track devices hacked?

The use of sensors such as GPRS makes these devices to be prone to attacks and hacking. The information that is extracted from the devices include the distance that you cover within a specific period of time; time that you go for a run; where you go running; age, sex, weight and height; the heart rate; where one lives; your attitude; when and where you go for a vacation.

This information is a goldmine for most businesses that would like to lure you into buying some of their items. Besides, the information is also essential for criminals.

The ease with which personal information is extracted from these devices is alarming. Reports indicate that an estimated 20% of fitness self-track apps were seen to transmit their passwords openly. 52% of these apps lacked policies that govern privacy.

So, what kind of security do they offer?

Type of security

Most manufacturers who provide cloud-based tracking system use the current technology of encrypted protocol. An example is the HTTPS to transfer data.

Out of all the manufactures, only 4 providers are known to take extra caution when it comes to security issues. Despite their efforts to keep data intact and ensure that it remains unaltered, some scammers and hackers still succeed.

It is even more disappointing to realize that even novices of hackers can easily extract information from the self-track. This is because the devices lack end to end encryption or any other tamper protection measures during synchronization of data.

Furthermore, the data stored in some of the fitness trackers that allowed synchronization of data was in plain text a form that is available for hackers to use whenever they want to.

Therefore, it is up to you to ensure that your sensitive data is protected and that no people are tracking your every move. Below are some tips on how you can protect your data.

How to protect your self-track from hacks

Make sure you turn off the WIFI and the Bluetooth connection. Do this every time you are not using them as they can transmit signals which can be used by the tracker.

If you are a person who likes having hundreds of apps in your phone, It is time you redefined your behavior as you should be careful with what that app is going to do with your data.

Some wearable such as MoveC300 watch can sync with smartphones, an iPad or iPhone device. They do not do it automatically and you will have to press the sync button when in need of transferring data from one device to the other. Such a feature makes these watches hard to hack.

Exercise has proven benefits for our physical and mental health. Despite knowing this, as many as 80% of adult Americans exercise much less than the recommended weekly, says a survey analysis published by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

So, if you’ve been planning to begin an exercise routine and haven’t got around to it yet, here’s something that may motivate you! Did you know that regular physical activity can improve your sex life? In fact, an exercise routine is highly recommended to improve your libido and boost your performance, even if one’s relying on top male enhancement products like Tengenix, say experts at Mens Health Digest. Also, don’t forget to read Tengenix reviews to get all the information on dosage and side effects before starting to use the product.

Here’s What Exercise Can Do for You

To begin with, exercising regularly can help control weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve your immunity. All these health benefits are important to enjoy yourself with your partner. But, that’s not all. Exercising can have a much more direct impact on your sex life.

3 Workout Routines That Can Boost Your Sex Life

You don’t need to read motivational quotes or watch inspiring videos to hit the gym on a regular basis. All you need to think of is enjoying with your partner! And, that should be motivating enough to start exercising, right? So, here are three ways in which following a regular workout routine can help you satisfy yourself and your partner.

#1: Cardio

Ask your gym instructor about a good cardio workout. Keeping your heart healthy and strong will make you feel more energetic, even if you’ve had a tiring day at work. As a healthy heart keeps your body going for longer, you’ll be ready for some highly passionate foreplay. This is an important part of lovemaking that is often overlooked. When you’re ready, your heart will pump the much-need blood to the right places! That too, much more quickly than before. To this end, exercises like swimming, running and cycling have great benefits.   

#2: Strength Training

This increases testosterone levels in the body, which is responsible for your sex drive. Do be careful though, as too much strength training can have the exact opposite effect! A drop in testosterone levels is sometimes experienced by professional athletes and bodybuilders. You may be far from getting there, but it’s good to have all the information before you begin. Just as you would read reviews of top male enhancement products like Tengenix to know the right dosage and side effects, it’s also important to know enough about strength trading to make the right decision.

#3: Yoga

Did you know yoga has postures that can stimulate sexual awakening? Even if you don’t experience something that dramatic, yoga classes can relieve stress, improve focus and enhance your senses. All of these can spell wonders for your sex life.

Finally, exercising improves flexibility, which can be a great advantage if you wish to try new positions! So, the next time you think of using top male enhancement products, do consider throwing in even a light exercise routine, to get the best of both worlds.

If your child finds it difficult to concentrate while studying, it is quite possible that you have tried out several natural aids by now. However, are you aware that ADDTabz is one of the strongest alternatives to Adderall? It is aimed at students who want to get a mental edge over the competition. This, in turn, helps them prepare better for tests and presentations. ADDTabz reviews point out that this brain supplement helps in increasing focus and improving cognitive abilities. Moreover, it enhances critical thinking and problem solving.

According to the unbiased reviews on Smart Pill Guide, ADDTabz can help the user concentrate for longer periods of time, without feeling anxious or getting distracted. The review also mentions that the recommended dosage is one 395 mg capsule per day. The ingredients of ADDTabz are Octopamine, DMAA, caffeine and CDP Choline, which make for a simple formula. These ingredients have a calming effect, reduce anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and reduce fidgeting. All these go towards reducing hyperactive and unfocused behaviour, which is a symptom of ADHD. Hence, ADDTabz may prove to be a safe and effective alternative to Adderall for treating ADHD. However, it is always better to consult a doctor, especially if one is taking some other medication for ADHD.

Side Effects   

The two major ingredients that improve cognitive performance in this supplement are CDP Choline and DMAA. DMAA is a stimulant that is similar to amphetamine. It improves focus in people suffering from ADHD or ADD. Although it works very effectively to improve concentration, the side effects of DMAA overpower its benefits, according to many users.

As of now, as many as 86 adverse reports on the side effects of DMAA have been sent to the FDA, according to ADDTabz reviews. This compound has been shown to cause side effects like seizures, heart attacks, strokes, heart palpitations, panic attacks, anxiety, nervousness and stress. These side effects could occur after you take one dose or after you take several capsules. The other nootropic ingredient, CDP Choline, can boost memory as well as  learning, by helping the brain produce acetylcholine. This chemical takes care of the brain’s cognitive functions. CDP Choline may improve the functioning of other ingredients and also prevent other side effects. The use of caffeine in ADDTabz raises a red flag. Caffeine is not recommended for children or adults suffering from ADD or ADHD, since this stimulant may cause irritability and anxiety.

Going by the potent ingredients of AddTabz, you need to consult a doctor before you use this over-the-counter medication. People with a history of heart ailments, hypertension or negative side effects such as withdrawal after taking amphetamines should not use this Adderdall alternative.

Overall, the AddTabz boosts focus as well as concentration for several hours. It may also help improve comprehension and learning skills. However, DMAA is known to cause serious side effects. Moreover, since this supplement is based on stimulants it can lead to dependency. Also, it does not create a balance between neurotransmitter levels.