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Some things to know about stretching

Fit to Farm: Newer research suggests this may not have as much benefit as once thought

By
Static stretching — or long holds of a position — is a thing of the past when it comes to correcting tight muscles. Over the last number of years research has suggested that static stretching doesn’t actually have as much long-term benefit as once thought. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, or harmful, but it is […] Read more
Farm Life, FarmLife

Is running good for you?

Fit to Farm: Yes it can be but there are some things you need to know

By
A fitness rumour that is often heard is, “running isn’t good for you.” Is it true? The short answer is — no — running is not bad for you. However, using running as your only form of cross-training does have the potential for harm. Running without a planned-out strategy will likely end in burnout and […] Read more
Weight training — when done intelligently for each individual — is just as effective as other types of exercise in improving health.
Farm Life, FarmLife

The truth about weight training

Fit to Farm: When done properly it can be a very effective exercise routine

By
“At your age, should you really be lifting weights?” “Isn’t weight training dangerous for your joints? Does that really help you feel better?” “Aren’t you worried about getting injured again?” “I heard that weight training is bad for you — doesn’t it cause arthritis?” These are some things my clients have heard when their peers/families/friends […] Read more
Whether it’s fixing machinery or feeding cows, chances are much of your day is spent using your arms in a 180-degree range in front of your body.
Farm Life, FarmLife

If you have shoulder pain you’re not alone

Fit to Farm: This is one of the most common complaints experienced by farmers, and here’s why

By
Among the common injuries I see farmers for, shoulder complaints fall into the top tier. The shoulder can cause grief for many reasons, but almost all of those reasons have common roots. Anatomically the shoulder is a fairly shallow joint, especially when compared to deep ball-and-socket joints like the hip. For a shallow joint it […] Read more
Farm Life, FarmLife

Nagging foot pain? You may be experiencing plantar fasciitis

Fit to Farm: Try these exercises to help relieve pain that is often worse first thing in the morning

By
Pain with the first few steps in the morning? Pain during walking right in your arch or heel of the foot? Doesn’t seem to give up, no matter what you try? You might be experiencing the all-too-common complaint of plantar fasciitis. I see an increase in plantar fasciitis during seasonal shifts each year, whether it’s […] Read more
If you are in pain and negatively stressed, you’re more likely to experience burnout, injuries, illnesses.
Farm Life

Don’t just push through pain

Fit to Farm: Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is not right

By
Farmers have a culture of pushing through pain. What many fail to realize is that pain is generally not a beneficial thing to push through in terms of longevity in our health and performance. If we are in pain and negatively stressed, we’re more likely to experience burnout, injuries, illnesses, and lower adherence to exercise […] Read more
Farm Life, FarmLife

These are stressful times

Fit to Farm: Dealing with stress can cause many people to regularly experience anxiety and pain

By
We live in a stressful world. It’s no surprise that many of us are dealing with high levels of anxiety, stress and pain on a regular basis. Often we are unaware of how much just our “normal” days affect our primal nervous systems — to the point where we consider the side-effects of our lifestyles […] Read more
Wondering if your pain could be related to stress? Try the steps below for seven days.
Farm Life, FarmLife

Can stress cause pain?

Fit to Farm: Whether it’s the stress of everyday living or an unexpected stressor there is usually an effect

By
I cannot count how many times a client has walked in my door telling me that they have aches and pains, and they’re SURE that it’s related to stress elsewhere in their lives. Often they say this in somewhat of a dismissive tone, acknowledging that stress is (sometimes) an unavoidable factor in life and that […] Read more
Farmers have a culture of pushing through pain, but pain is generally not a beneficial thing to push through in terms of longevity in our health and performance.
Farm Life, FarmLife

Don’t just carry on if you’re experiencing pain

Fit to Farm: This can lead to burnout, injuries, illness, and lower stress tolerance

By
I see all sorts of complaints in the clinic, ranging from sore backs, tense shoulders, headaches, and acute injuries. When we’re going through a busy time, it’s important to keep in mind some simple tools to help prevent, and alleviate, the symptoms of busyness. Farmers have a culture of pushing through pain, but pain is […] Read more
One way to exercise mindfulness is to dedicate small periods of time to breathing.
Farm Life, FarmLife

How breathing can help encourage mindfulness

Fit to Farm: Incorporating this into the day could help with health, mental and physical performance

By
The word “mindfulness” has been floating around a lot in recent years, but I still come across many individuals who have yet to be introduced to the basics of mindfulness. Being mindful isn’t necessarily an exercise you can do three sets of 10 a day and expect immediate change — but similar to how I […] Read more

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