APRIL, fools

Dust + Dirt + Sneezing = not my jam.

So I was training a client the other day. Her name is Courtney. She’s my favorite client named Courtney. About mid-way through our conditioning circuit, she professed to me that she “hates jumping.” I responded to her by quoting the famous 16th-century philosopher, and scientist, Sir Van Halen with an emphatic “go ahead and jump!” I then thought to myself “well, she’s not the ONLY person who has ever said that to me.” And then I went a bit further into the deep recesses of my brain and thought to myself “maybe I should write a blog about this.” And then, as I was deep in thought, I realized that I totally forgot to time the group as they were performing their conditioning circuit and we went way over the prescribed interval. 

You know whom I am talking about. “That’s halfway” haunts everyone’s dreams.)

So let’s JUMP right in! Pun. Intended. 

Jumping and plyometric exercises are important to incorporate into a fitness program, especially as we age, for several reasons. 

FIRST, these exercises can improve overall cardiovascular health, increase anaerobic power, and increase aerobic capacity. Jumping exercises require a significant amount of energy and force to be produced, which can improve heart health and increase lung capacity over time. 

SECOND, jumping, and plyometric exercises train the body's fast-twitch muscle fibers. (These are the first muscle fibers that we lose as we age.) These muscle fibers are responsible for producing quick, explosive movements and are crucial for activities such as running, jumping, and sprinting. Additionally, training fast twitch muscle fibers can also have functional benefits in everyday life (lifting heavy objects or quickly reacting to a potential fall).  

THIRD, jumping, and plyometric exercises can help improve bone density, which is crucial for middle-aged individuals who may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis. When the body is subjected to impact forces through jumping and plyometric exercises, it stimulates bone growth and density, helping to prevent bone loss and fractures.

LASTLY, incorporating jumping and plyometric exercises into a fitness program can improve balance and coordination. As individuals age, their balance and coordination can decline, increasing their risk of falls and injury. Plyometric exercises require quick and precise movements, which can improve proprioception and body awareness, leading to better balance and coordination.

OVERALL, incorporating jumping and plyometric exercises into a fitness program can provide a variety of benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, maintenance of fast twitch muscle fibers, increased bone density, and improved balance and coordination. It is important to note, however, that these exercises should be performed with proper form and progression to minimize the risk of injury. It is highly recommended that you perform these exercises under the supervision of a trained professional. If only we knew any of those…

We HIGHLY recommend these programs to continue with your development and help you stay injury free during the season.

Sessions are by appointment only and can be scheduled after the purchase of the arm-care package by contacting us at [email protected]. Appointments are in a first-come-first-serve format.

   Champion PT and Performance

PEX Needham hosted a very special guest on March 18th, Mike Perry - founder and co-owner of Skill of Strength (SOS) in North Chelmsford, MA.

Our PEX teams joined together for all things barbell! We were excited to learn more about:

Thank you so much for taking time out of your extremely busy schedule to spend the day with us, Mike! We can't wait to put what you taught us into practice. You rock!

Stronger Mom Duo, Ashley Pedi, and Julie Louro hosted a workshop that took place at PEX Needham this month on March 5th.

Weren't able to attend or want more information? Message [email protected]

Spartan Race 🥇 40%

By the way, keep an eye out for upcoming events. We are hoping to put a team together for a Spartan Race either August 12th, or August 13th. Please let your coach know if this is something you would be interested in!

Watch the 5min clip: TODAY SHOW

Do you have allergies? Do you rely on an inhaler to feel better? Inhalers provide relief on multiple levels and can affect your quality of life significantly. From leaders in the world of allergy and immunology, dive a little deeper and learn about the albuterol shortage and what it means for patients!

Listen to the podcast, by the American Academy of Allergy

Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI): CLICK HERE

Anytime a CURRENT PEX Health and Fitness client recruits a NEW client to PEX, the recruiting client is eligible to receive an ambassador’s fee of $100 after the new client's completion of 5 sessions!

Ask your PEX trainer for details! 💰

PEX is accepting applications! Know of any fitness professionals in the area looking to advance their career in the fitness industry? Send them our way! They can fill out this form to schedule an interview.