Core Daily

Movement

Movement

An Interval Workout That's Easier on Your Joints

image via flickr

Question: I’ve heard interval training is an advanced exercise, like plyometrics performed 1000 times over. Is this true, and if so, how should I work up to intervals? - Bill, Kansas City

Answer: This is true when it comes to running. Running one mile is essentially 1500 plyometric repetitions at two to five times your bodyweight (depending on speed). So a 3-mile run would include 4500 reps at very high landing forces through your knees, hips and ankles.

You can avoid those forces to ease the stress on your joints and still perform intervals. In fact, it's possible to perform intervals without doing any traditional cardio exercises whatsoever. Here’s how:

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Tags: Heart Rate, Plyometrics, Energy System Development, Cardio, Conditioning

Movement

Q & A: Getting in Shape for a Backpacking Trip

Aurora Open / Peter McBride / Getty Images

Q: What is the best way for a non-athlete to get back in shape for a backpacking trip? I did the JMT 1.5 years ago successfully. But I have gained weight since and lost muscle tone. I want to hike the Wonderland Trail in 5 months.

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Tags: Injury Prevention, Outdoor Recreation, Travel, Stability, Balance

Movement

Q & A: Keep Making Progress in the Gym

image by Scott Wachter

Q: What's the single most important factor to keep making progress in the gym?

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Tags: Resistance Training, Strength, Build Muscle, Q&A

Movement

Q & A: Faster 40-Yard Dash Time

image by Scott Wachter

Q: What are the best exercises for improving my time in the 40-yard dash?

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Tags: Lower Body, Acceleration, Speed, Energy System Development, Linear Movement, Conditioning, Football, Training

Movement

Most Important Muscles for Runners

aarmono on flickr

Forget the vanity associated with your abs. The muscles with the most upside for runners are your hip muscles, according to new research out of Canada.

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Tags: Health, Hip, Race, Outdoor Recreation, Build Muscle, Reduce Pain, Running

Movement

Q & A: New Tool for Losing Weight?

Q: I’ve seen a lot of great press on the TRX training tool. Is it good for weight loss?

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Tags: Strength, Pillar strength, Weight Loss, Stability, Q&A, Training

Movement

Step Back for Speed

groveb / istockphoto

Dynamic movements require immediate and efficient action, which is why the following finding may catch you a bit off-guard: Taking a step backwards will actually help you sprint forward—faster.

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Tags: Basketball, Speed, Sports Performance, Tennis, Baseball, Running, Acceleration

Blogs

One Small Change

6 Ways Alcohol Disrupts Performance

Before you reach for a drink, consider how alcohol affects your muscles, metabolism, and sports performance.

Live Better

Strong Thighs, Healthy Knees

A new study found that strong thighs can decrease the likelihood of painful knee arthritis in women.

Play Better

5 Tips to Win a Tiebreaker

How to break the tie and claim victory in tennis.

The Performance Life

How One Guy Eased Pain and Raised His Golf Game

After waking up in a world of hurt, Jay Lavender decided to finally commit to his health.

News

New Core Performance Book for Women Coming Soon!

Core Performance founder Mark Verstegen and noted author Pete Williams have written a new book specifically for women.

Secrets to Success

Tony Stewart on Taking Charge

NASCAR driver Tony Stewart shares his tips for making the jump from employee to owner.