Tips and Tricks

Wide Grip Chin Ups as seen in Batman the Darknight Rises and the recent Bond movie Primary muscles worked: Latissimus Dorsi, Biceps Synergist Muscles: Rhomboids, Forearms Mechanics: Compound Equipment: Pullup or chin up bar and a stepping stool or bench How To Perform The Wide Grip Chin up Place the stool or bench on the floor about one foot away from the chin up bar. Reach up and grab the bar with an underhand or supinated grip so that your hands are spaced six inches beyond shoulder-width apart. Step off of the stool and allow your body to hang in a completely relaxed state. If your feet are touching the floor, bend your knees and cross your feet to ensure your feet remain off of the floor. Draw your shoulder blades together and then pull against the bar with your hands. This will cause the angles at your shoulder and […]

It’s interesting how children see the work of a physical therapist. Below are two images by my son Maximo – he was 6 when he drew the pictures.           

There’s a lot of misinformation about posture. That’s one of the challenging parts of my job — trying to change the reputation of the word and the connotation it carries for the patient and help that person understand not only why those things are important, but also how posture and exercise can seriously improve health and well-being. I try to rewind and explain the basics. I have them stand in front of a mirror and see the differences between standing up straight versus slouched. I use force diagrams to show the increased pressure at their low back. Like any kind of education I provide during a treatment session, I try to adapt my conversation to the learning preferences of the patient. Sometimes it’s effective, other times not. Another article was released this week highlighting the benefits of exercise for patients with cancer in building up a better immune system and […]