Full-Curl Fitness Friday Episode 5: Scaling
Full-Curl Fitness Friday Episode 4: Functional Fitness
Full-Curl Fitness Friday Episode 3: Cardio Strategies for Sheep Hunting
Full-Curl Fitness Friday Episode 2: Training Strategies for Sheep Hunting
Type 3 Diabetes: Cognitive Health
Making Stairs Easier And Safer
How To Get On And Off The Floor
How To Get In And Out Of A Chair In Style
Aging Gracefully
Getting Started: Safe Strength Training for Youth Athletes
Strength training is one of the best ways for young athletes to improve performance and protect against injury, but it’s important to start the right way. With proper guidance, strength training can be safe, age-appropriate, and even fun. Parents and athletes alike should understand that building strength is about more than heavy weights—it’s about creating healthy habits that support long-term development.
Start With the Basics
For youth athletes, bodyweight movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and pull-ups are a great foundation. These exercises teach proper movement patterns while building coordination, balance, and stability. From there, light resistance bands, medicine balls, or small dumbbells can be introduced under supervision to add variety and challenge.
Focus on Technique and Consistency
The goal of youth strength training is not to lift the heaviest weight but to move correctly and safely. Proper form should always come before added resistance. Consistency—two to three sessions per week—is far more beneficial than sporadic intense workouts. Over time, this steady approach builds lasting strength, confidence, and resilience.
Keep It Fun and Supportive
Strength training should complement, not replace, an athlete’s sport practices and playtime. Keeping workouts engaging and age-appropriate helps athletes stay motivated. A supportive environment—whether at home, in a gym, or with a coach—reinforces the idea that strength training is about improvement, not punishment.
The Takeaway
When introduced properly, strength training gives youth athletes a safe and effective way to enhance their athletic potential while building healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Parents and athletes should view it as an essential part of athletic development, just like practice and conditioning.
👉 This concludes our 4-part series on the importance of strength training for youth athletes. Together we’ve explored why strength training matters, how it pairs with work ethic to give athletes a competitive edge, why all elite athletes rely on it, and how to get started safely.
Strength Training: The Common Thread Among Elite Athletes
No matter the sport, one thing unites nearly all elite athletes: strength training. From Olympic sprinters to professional basketball players to world-class swimmers, every top competitor relies on structured strength work to maximize performance. For young athletes, this sends a clear message—if the best in the world make strength training a priority, it should be part of their journey too.
Why the Pros Commit to Strength Training
At the highest levels of competition, the margin between winning and losing can be razor-thin. Strength training helps athletes increase speed, power, endurance, and resilience—qualities that can tip the scale in their favor. Elite athletes know that skill and practice aren’t enough; their bodies need to be stronger, faster, and more adaptable to keep up with the demands of their sport.
More Than Muscle
For professionals, strength training is about more than building muscle. It’s about preventing injuries, improving recovery, and ensuring career longevity. Staying strong and stable reduces the risk of sidelining injuries and allows athletes to perform consistently season after season. Young athletes who develop this habit early can enjoy the same benefits, setting themselves up not just for success now but for healthier, longer careers in their sport.
A Lesson for Youth Athletes
When young athletes see their favorite stars in the gym, it’s worth remembering: those athletes didn’t wait until they were pros to start training. They built strength as part of their development and carried those habits forward. By adopting strength training early, youth athletes gain a head start, learning the same lessons about discipline, preparation, and body care that fuel elite performance.
The Takeaway
Strength training isn’t optional at the highest level—it’s essential. For youth athletes, embracing this same mindset can open the door to new levels of performance and resilience.
👉 This is Part 3 of our series on the importance of strength training for youth athletes. Stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll share practical tips for parents and athletes on how to start strength training safely and effectively.
Strength Training + Work Ethic = A Competitive Edge
Talent and skill may get an athlete noticed, but it’s hard work and consistent effort that truly separate good athletes from great ones. When strength training is combined with a strong work ethic—both in practice and off the field—it creates a powerful formula for long-term success.
Discipline Beyond the Gym
Strength training teaches athletes more than just physical skills. It instills discipline, consistency, and accountability. Showing up for workouts, sticking to a routine, and putting in effort day after day carries over into practices and games. Athletes who learn to embrace the grind of training are the same ones who hustle harder during drills, focus more during coaching, and push themselves when others might slow down.
Turning Hard Work Into Performance Gains
When an athlete combines dedicated strength training with a strong work ethic, the results are exponential. Stronger muscles mean faster sprints, higher jumps, and more endurance. But when those physical gains are paired with mental toughness and persistence, athletes gain the ability to outlast opponents, recover quicker, and rise to the challenge when competition gets tough. Hard work amplifies the benefits of training and transforms raw strength into true performance.
Setting Themselves Apart
Every athlete can put in practice hours, but not everyone commits to the extra effort outside of the game. By developing strength in the gym and reinforcing it with consistent effort and focus, athletes set themselves apart from their peers. It’s often this extra commitment—the willingness to work when no one is watching—that creates the edge needed to excel.
The Takeaway
Strength training alone builds ability. Hard work alone builds grit. Together, they create a competitive advantage that can’t be ignored. For youth athletes who want to stand out, combining strength training with a strong work ethic is one of the surest ways to rise above the competition.
👉 This is Part 2 of our series on the importance of strength training for youth athletes. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll look at how strength training is a universal ingredient in the success of all elite athletes.
Why Strength Training Matters for Youth Athletes
For young athletes looking to grow in their sport, practice time and skill drills are essential—but they’re only part of the equation. Strength training has become one of the most important building blocks for developing speed, power, coordination, and resilience. When introduced in the right way, strength training helps youth athletes not only perform better but also stay healthier throughout their athletic journey.
Building a Strong Foundation
Youth athletes are constantly developing balance, coordination, and muscle control. Strength training helps solidify these fundamentals by teaching proper movement patterns and improving overall body awareness. A stronger foundation allows athletes to move more efficiently on the field, court, or track, while reducing the risk of injuries that come from weak stabilizing muscles or poor mechanics.
Unlocking Athletic Potential
Strength training doesn’t just mean lifting heavy weights—it includes bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, medicine balls, and age-appropriate movements that build power and endurance. By developing stronger muscles, ligaments, and tendons, athletes can sprint faster, jump higher, and react quicker. Simply put, strength training enhances the very skills that give athletes a competitive edge in their sport.
A Universal Ingredient for Success
Look at any elite athlete, and you’ll see that strength training is part of their routine. From soccer players to swimmers to basketball stars, building strength is a non-negotiable aspect of reaching peak performance. For young athletes, learning this early reinforces the idea that athletic success comes not only from talent and practice but also from a commitment to strengthening the body.
The Takeaway
Strength training is more than just exercise—it’s preparation. It helps young athletes protect themselves from injury, maximize their abilities, and lay the groundwork for long-term success in sports. When paired with consistent practice and dedication, strength training can be the key that unlocks their full potential.
👉 This is Part 1 of our series on the importance of strength training for youth athletes. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore how combining strength training with a strong work ethic can give athletes a powerful competitive edge.
How Much You Eat: Finding Balance in Portions
You’ve considered when to eat and what to eat—now comes the third pillar of a healthy diet: how much you eat. Even with the best food choices and perfect timing, eating too much or too little can throw the body off balance. Portion control is less about strict calorie counting and more about listening to your body and finding a sustainable rhythm.
Eating Until Satisfied, Not Stuffed
Your body is designed to send signals when it’s had enough. Unfortunately, eating on the go, eating too quickly, or eating while distracted can make those signals harder to notice. A helpful habit is to slow down, chew thoroughly, and pause during meals. Aim to stop when you feel comfortably satisfied—not when you’re overly full.
Understanding Portion Balance
A simple guide to portion sizes:
Protein: roughly the size of your palm
Vegetables: about half your plate
Healthy fats: about the size of your thumb
Starches or fruit: not critical, but if eaten, keep to about the size of your cupped hand
These aren’t hard rules, but they give a practical framework for meals that support energy and healing without overloading your system.
The Risk of Overeating and Undereating
Overeating, even on healthy foods, can burden digestion, lead to fatigue, and store extra calories as fat.
Undereating can leave the body under-fueled, slow metabolism, and cause loss of muscle mass over time—making it harder to recover from activity or injury.
Finding the right balance keeps your energy stable and your body functioning at its best.
The Takeaway
How much you eat is just as important as when and what you eat. By practicing mindful eating, paying attention to portion sizes, and aiming for balance, you’ll nourish your body without overloading it. Small, consistent adjustments in portion control can make a big difference over time in your energy, digestion, and overall health.
What You Eat: Choosing Foods That Fuel Your Body
Once you’ve thought about when to eat, the next question is what to eat. The quality of the food you put in your body can directly influence your energy, mood, healing, and long-term health. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods and limiting processed options, you can give your body the tools it needs to thrive.
Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Think of food as fuel. Just like you wouldn’t put low-quality fuel in your car, your body performs best when it’s powered by clean, natural options. Nutrient-dense foods include:
Lean proteins (such as poultry, fish, eggs, beans) to build and repair tissues.
Fresh vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds) to support brain and hormone health.
These foods provide steady energy and reduce inflammation, which is especially important for healing and musculoskeletal health.
Limit Processed Foods and Empty Calories
Processed foods—high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients—can weigh down your system and trigger inflammation. This doesn’t mean you can never enjoy a treat, but making processed foods the exception instead of the rule will make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Avoid Sugary Drinks and Alcohol
One of the biggest hidden sources of unhealthy calories comes from what we drink. Sugary sodas, flavored coffees, energy drinks, and even fruit juices can spike blood sugar, promote inflammation, and add calories without real nutrition. Alcohol, while common in social settings, can also disrupt sleep, slow healing, and strain the liver and digestive system. Choosing water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea instead helps your body stay hydrated and functioning at its best.
Building a Balanced Plate
An easy way to keep meals in check is to imagine your plate in sections:
Half filled with colorful vegetables and some fruit
One-quarter with lean protein
One-quarter with healthy fats or starches, depending on your needs
This balance ensures your body gets a wide range of nutrients without overloading on any one type of food.
The Takeaway
What you eat—and drink—is the foundation of your health. Whole, nutrient-dense foods paired with healthy hydration provide your body with what it needs to heal, move, and feel its best. By making simple, intentional choices—more fresh foods and water, fewer processed foods, alcohol, and sugary drinks—you’ll notice steady improvements in your energy and overall wellness.
In the next post, we’ll explore the third fundamental: “How Much You Eat”, and why portion sizes matter just as much as timing and food quality.
The Fundamentals of Diet: When, What, and How Much
When it comes to health, diet is one of the most important foundations for wellness. Just as proper alignment keeps the spine healthy, the way we eat can support energy, healing, and overall balance in the body. While nutrition can feel complicated, it often comes down to three simple questions: When should I eat? What should I eat? And how much should I eat?
1. When You Eat
Timing matters. Our bodies work best when meals and snacks are consistent. Eating too late at night, skipping meals, or grazing all day can disrupt digestion and energy. For most people, aiming for three balanced meals with room for a healthy snack or two works well. Listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues is just as important as the clock.
2. What You Eat
Food is fuel, but not all fuel is the same. Whole, nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats give your body what it needs to thrive. Minimizing processed foods, sugar, and empty calories helps reduce inflammation and supports your body’s natural healing. A balanced plate with color and variety is a simple way to make sure you’re covering your bases.
3. How Much You Eat
Portion sizes can sneak up on us. Eating more than we need, even of healthy foods, can weigh down digestion and energy. On the other hand, eating too little can leave the body under-fueled. A helpful guide is to eat until you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Slowing down, chewing well, and paying attention during meals makes it easier to notice when your body has had enough.
Putting It All Together
The fundamentals of diet—when, what, and how much—work together like building blocks. Eating at the right times, choosing nourishing foods, and finding balance in portion sizes can improve digestion, boost energy, and support overall health.
This blog is the first in a series where we’ll explore each of these fundamentals more deeply. Stay tuned as we take a closer look at “When” in our next post!
Would you like me to add a short call-to-action for your practice at the end (something like inviting readers to ask nutrition questions at their next chiropractic visit), or keep it purely educational?
You said:
Remove "whole grains"
ChatGPT said:
Got it! Here’s the updated version of the blog post with “whole grains” removed and the flow adjusted slightly so it still reads smoothly:
The Fundamentals of Diet: When, What, and How Much
When it comes to health, diet is one of the most important foundations for wellness. Just as proper alignment keeps the spine healthy, the way we eat can support energy, healing, and overall balance in the body. While nutrition can feel complicated, it often comes down to three simple questions: When should I eat? What should I eat? And how much should I eat?
1. When You Eat
Timing matters. Our bodies work best when meals and snacks are consistent. Eating too late at night, skipping meals, or grazing all day can disrupt digestion and energy. For most people, aiming for three balanced meals with room for a healthy snack or two works well. Listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues is just as important as the clock.
2. What You Eat
Food is fuel, but not all fuel is the same. Whole, nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats give your body what it needs to thrive. Minimizing processed foods, sugar, and empty calories helps reduce inflammation and supports your body’s natural healing. A balanced plate with color and variety is a simple way to make sure you’re covering your bases.
3. How Much You Eat
Portion sizes can sneak up on us. Eating more than we need, even of healthy foods, can weigh down digestion and energy. On the other hand, eating too little can leave the body under-fueled. A helpful guide is to eat until you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Slowing down, chewing well, and paying attention during meals makes it easier to notice when your body has had enough.
Putting It All Together
The fundamentals of diet—when, what, and how much—work together like building blocks. Eating at the right times, choosing nourishing foods, and finding balance in portion sizes can improve digestion, boost energy, and support overall health.
This blog is the first in a series where we’ll explore each of these fundamentals more deeply. Stay tuned as we take a closer look at “When” in our next post!
Would you like me to also remove or reduce references to “snacks” so it leans even more toward three structured meals, or keep the flexibility for patients who may need them?
You said:
Let's do the when portion including intermittent fasting as a factor to look at. Please look at a 6-8 hour calorie window on the IF.
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — here’s a focused blog post on “When You Eat” with intermittent fasting included in a clear, approachable way for patients:
When You Eat: Why Timing Matters in Your Diet
Most of us think about food in terms of what we eat or how much we eat, but when you eat is just as important. The timing of your meals affects digestion, energy levels, sleep quality, and even inflammation in the body. By paying attention to when you eat, you can help your body function more efficiently and support your overall health.
The Importance of Consistent Meals
Your body thrives on rhythm. Eating meals at consistent times helps regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, and keep energy stable throughout the day. Skipping meals or grazing constantly can confuse your body’s natural signals, leaving you tired, irritable, or prone to overeating later. Aiming for regular mealtimes—without long gaps or constant snacking—creates balance and predictability for your system.
Intermittent Fasting: A Modern Approach
One approach many people find helpful is intermittent fasting (IF), which focuses on the timing of your eating window rather than strict food rules. A common method is the 16:8 schedule, where you fast for 16 hours and eat all your daily calories within an 8-hour window (some prefer a shorter 6-hour window).
For example:
Eating window: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Fasting window: 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. (or 6 p.m. to 12 p.m.)
During the fasting hours, your body has time to rest, repair, and balance blood sugar without the constant work of digesting food. Many people report more energy, less bloating, and even weight management benefits.
Finding the Right Rhythm for You
While intermittent fasting can be a helpful tool, it’s not for everyone. Some people feel better with three structured meals spread throughout the day, while others thrive on the focus and simplicity of an eating window. The key is to notice how your body responds. Do you feel energized and clear-headed? Or do you feel sluggish and deprived? The best timing plan is the one that supports your unique needs and lifestyle.
The Takeaway
When you eat is a powerful piece of the nutrition puzzle. Whether you stick to consistent mealtimes or experiment with a 6–8 hour eating window through intermittent fasting, being intentional about timing can help your body run more smoothly.
This is just the first step—next, we’ll dive deeper into “What You Eat” to explore how food choices fuel your body for health and healing.
The Fundamentals of Diet: When, What, and How Much
When it comes to health, diet is one of the most important foundations for wellness. Just as proper alignment keeps the spine healthy, the way we eat can support energy, healing, and overall balance in the body. While nutrition can feel complicated, it often comes down to three simple questions: When should I eat? What should I eat? And how much should I eat?
1. When You Eat
Timing matters. Our bodies work best when meals and snacks are consistent. Eating too late at night, skipping meals, or grazing all day can disrupt digestion and energy. For most people, aiming for three balanced meals with room for a healthy snack or two works well. Listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues is just as important as the clock.
2. What You Eat
Food is fuel, but not all fuel is the same. Whole, nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats give your body what it needs to thrive. Minimizing processed foods, sugar, and empty calories helps reduce inflammation and supports your body’s natural healing. A balanced plate with color and variety is a simple way to make sure you’re covering your bases.
3. How Much You Eat
Portion sizes can sneak up on us. Eating more than we need, even of healthy foods, can weigh down digestion and energy. On the other hand, eating too little can leave the body under-fueled. A helpful guide is to eat until you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Slowing down, chewing well, and paying attention during meals makes it easier to notice when your body has had enough.
Putting It All Together
The fundamentals of diet—when, what, and how much—work together like building blocks. Eating at the right times, choosing nourishing foods, and finding balance in portion sizes can improve digestion, boost energy, and support overall health.
This blog is the first in a series where we’ll explore each of these fundamentals more deeply. Stay tuned as we take a closer look at “When” in our next post!
Understanding Shoulder Dysfunction: Why Muscle Balance Matters
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, allowing us to lift, reach, throw, and carry out countless daily activities. But with great mobility comes a price: the shoulder is also one of the least stable joints, making it prone to dysfunction and injury. Understanding why this happens can help you protect your shoulder and keep it functioning at its best.
A Shallow but Mobile Joint
Unlike the hip, which has a deep socket to secure the ball of the thigh bone, the shoulder joint is much shallower. This design allows for a wide range of motion but leaves the shoulder more dependent on surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability. Without strong, well-coordinated support, the shoulder can easily become irritated, inflamed, or injured.
The Role of Muscle Function
The muscles around the shoulder, especially the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, act like a team holding the joint in place while guiding smooth movement. When some muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, the balance is thrown off. This can lead to impingement (pinching of tissues), instability, and even tears over time. Poor posture, repetitive strain, or a lack of proper strengthening can all contribute to this muscle imbalance.
Recognizing Dysfunction
Signs of shoulder dysfunction can include pain with overhead movements, clicking or catching sensations, weakness, or difficulty with everyday tasks like lifting groceries or reaching behind your back. Left unaddressed, these problems can worsen and limit not only shoulder use but overall quality of life.
Supporting Shoulder Health
The good news is that proper care and prevention go a long way. Chiropractic care can help restore alignment and movement, while targeted exercises improve muscle balance and joint stability. Whether through adjustments, soft tissue therapy, or guided strengthening, addressing the underlying cause is key to restoring healthy shoulder function.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or mobility issues, don’t ignore the warning signs. A thorough evaluation can determine the root of the problem and set you on the path to recovery. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and keep your shoulders strong, stable, and pain-free.
How Much Cardio Do You Really Need Each Week?
Introduction
Cardio isn’t just about keeping your heart strong — it’s also one of the best things you can do for your brain. Research shows that regular aerobic exercise can improve memory, focus, and mood while lowering your risk for chronic disease. But how much is enough to see these benefits without overdoing it? Let’s break down the sweet spot for maintaining both optimal physical and cognitive health.
1. The Gold Standard for Heart and Body Health
For most healthy adults, leading health organizations recommend:
150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week (like brisk walking, light cycling, or water aerobics), or
75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio (like running, HIIT, or fast cycling) per week.
That works out to about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week — enough to keep your cardiovascular system strong, help maintain a healthy weight, and support overall energy levels.
2. Why Cardio is Brain Food
Cardio boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support memory, learning, and mental clarity.
Immediate effects: Even one workout can improve mood and focus for hours afterward.
Long-term effects: Regular cardio lowers the risk of cognitive decline and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Best frequency for the brain: Studies suggest 3–5 cardio sessions per week is ideal for mental sharpness without creating excess physical stress.
3. Duration and Variety Matter
Session length: Aim for 20–40 minutes of continuous activity for optimal heart and brain benefits. Shorter bouts (10–15 minutes) can still add up if done multiple times a day.
Mix it up: Combine steady-state cardio (like walking or swimming) with interval training for a balance of endurance and brain-stimulating challenge.
Don’t skip rest: At least 1–2 rest or active recovery days per week allow your body and mind to recharge.
Conclusion & Takeaway
For most people, the ideal cardio prescription is 150 minutes per week, spread across 3–5 sessions, each lasting 20–40 minutes. This approach supports heart health, strengthens the body, and keeps the brain sharp and focused. The key is consistency — not perfection. Even small steps toward moving more can pay big dividends over time.