Your Iliotibial Band Is Not Your Enemy

Your iliotibial (or IT) band travels on the outside of your thigh from your hip to just below your knee. Science speak says, “The IT Band is a lateral thickening of the fascia lata that rises from the tensor fascia … Continue reading

Youth Soccer Players:Take Your Game Home Over the Summer

Don’t you love that last day of school? You return all your books, say goodbye to your teachers and head out the door. Don’t have to think about any of THAT stuff till September. All good, unless you volunteered to … Continue reading

Soccer Stretches for Coaches and Athletes

These stretches will take just a  few  minutes after each practice and game, but it’s time well spent. One coach contacted me to say his biggest challenge was parents who would want to whisk their kids away. Yes, we are … Continue reading

Soccer Stretch: Dynamic Before, Static After

I get this question a lot: should they stretch? YES Follow up question: when and how? Before and after. Here’s how. Before practice they should perform a dynamic warm up, moving the body parts to be used in a controlled … Continue reading

Resistance Band Fitness for all ages

Resistance bands are one of the best training tools for the fitness games we play and home exercise programs we teach and recommend. Bands are perfect because they are portable, inexpensive and adaptable. Purchased in 3-4 foot lengths or cut … Continue reading

Is it “just” Growing Pains?

I was stretching with my U13 soccer team after a scrimmage.  Through a chorus of moans and evident wincing one player told me, “Coach, no one in my class can touch their toes.”  Her teammates nodded in agreement. Yep, tight … Continue reading

Stretching Develops Flexibility in Body and Mind

Stretching Develops Flexibility in Body and Mind  I often get the question: when should I stretch?* The short answer is: After your workout.  After your game.  After your run.  There are 2 main reasons for this.  One is physical:  after … Continue reading