Writing is my passion.

Just as you begin to make it out of the nauseating and exhausting haze of the first trimester, it’s common for pregnancy to throw another “fun” new symptom your way. You may experience a sharp pain down your lower belly after an unexpected sneeze, or...

As a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist, I’m all about finding fitness solutions that work in real life. Circuit training is a powerhouse workout that’s not only efficient but also can provide you with endless options. Whethe...

When it comes to wellness, few experiences rival a sauna’s relaxing and rejuvenating effects. Whether you’re seeking to unwind after a long day, improve circulation, or simply indulge in a moment of solitude, saunas offer a versatile range of health ...

If the idea of sitting in a room designed to make you sweat sounds unappealing, the numerous health benefits of sauna therapy might change your perspective. Traditional saunas have been used for thousands of years, with roots tracing back to the Ston...

If you were constructing a Jenga tower, you’d do everything you could to keep its foundation stable so it stays upright—and the same thinking applies to your body. Toes, in particular, tend to get overlooked in the scheme of fitness, but they play a ...

Looking to amp up your core workout with a move that really targets those stubborn lower abs? Enter the reverse crunch. This exercise zeroes in on those hard-to-reach lower abdominal muscles, helping you build a strong, defined core.

“This is a grea...

There's no way around it — recovering from prolapse surgery takes time. While recovery timelines can differ from person to person, based on many different factors, you can generally expect it to take between 2 to 6 weeks.

To help you think through ...

These days, most people understand the importance of basic core strengthening, but functional core workouts are essential for building a resilient body that can handle everything from carrying heavy bags up the stairs to crushing your toughest workou...

Elliptical machines provide a low-impact, full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular health and strengthen muscles without straining your joints. (1) When it comes to selecting the best elliptical for your home gym, there are many options to c...

Saunas come in various shapes and sizes, but you don’t need a massive structure to enjoy the many health benefits of sauna therapy. Portable saunas are a great alternative to traditional saunas for anyone on a budget or with limited space. A portable...

Unlike traditional saunas, which use wood to create heat, infrared saunas use light. (1) This allows them to work at lower temperatures. Infrared saunas are gaining popularity for their relaxation and health benefits, but choosing the best infrared s...

Outdoor saunas provide a luxurious escape from the daily grind, offering a sanctuary to relax, unwind, and prioritize mental and physical well-being. With scientifically-backed health benefits like enhanced cardiovascular function, improved mood, and...

Few running debates are as hotly contested as the conversation about running on a treadmill vs. outside. Both forms of cardio have their perks, but it’s natural to wonder if one is superior over the other, providing a better workout or the ability to...

If you’re looking to boost your upper body strength and get the most out of your workouts this year, focus on strengthening your arms. While strong, toned arms may look good, they are also the foundation for safe, stable and functional upper body mov...

Proud to be a featured expert and offer my fitness reccomendations for the 2024 Women's Health Fitness Awards! The 2024 fitness awards are all about the cream of the crop apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories that support your holistic fitnes...

Running offers a wide array of health benefits for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Running elevates your heart rate, strengthens the heart and improves blood pressure, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. In fact, according to...

Bodybuilding is a sport that involves rigorous training and development of the body’s muscles through a combination of weightlifting, cardio and nutrition. “Bodybuilding is training with the goal of optimizing and maximizing muscle hypertrophy or inc...

The best natural muscle relaxer (and how much to use) depends on one’s individual preferences and response to the substance. There are many effective options, according to Dr. Graham, but consider the list of his favorites below. Magnesium is an esse...

Every upper body action depends on strong and stable shoulders—whether one is reaching to put something on a high shelf, carrying groceries, lifting children or doing a number of other daily tasks. Certain professions and sports require even more str...

For many people, stretching exercises probably fall on the “things I should do but don’t” list. After all, it’s easy to forgo stretching, given all the other responsibilities that demand your time and attention. Here’s the thing: Stretching exercises...

Below are 10 exercises to help you strengthen your legs safely and effectively, according to Dr. Giordano. Keep in mind that each exercise can be modified by a fitness professional to be either more challenging or easier, as needed. If you have any m...

When people hear the term “arthritis,” they typically think of osteoarthritis (OA)—likely because it’s the most common form of arthritis, affecting 80% of U.S. adults over the age of 65 . According to Dr. Graham, OA is considered a degenerative disor...

A shoe cannot cure plantar fasciitis, nor can it address the cause of this condition. However, Kuru shoes are designed to increase comfort and reduce pain (at least in the short term) for many people affected by plantar fasciitis.

(Featured expert for this piece.)

Fitness trends come and go, but mobility training never goes out of style. In fact, trainers and physical therapists swear by it for good reason. Mobility comes with benefits like muscle activation, injury preventi...

Often, people use whatever office chair is provided in the workplace, or if they’re at home, they use any chair that’s available, says Jacobs. But the key to finding a good office chair for back pain is identifying the one that works for you—and you ...

Walking lunges have several benefits that can come in handy during the holidays. They get you moving, increasing the heart rate and promoting circulation, and they both stretch and strengthen the hips and legs. By aiding circulation, they help flush ...

Finding the best shoes for plantar fasciitis—a condition involving pain near the heel—can be a challenge. It requires understanding what causes plantar fasciitis in the first place and getting to know your own feet. While it’s best to have a podiatri...

Whether you’re working from home or in the office, you may be spending many hours sitting in an uncomfortable position, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Thankfully, any chair or workspace can be modified easily by adding a foot rest.

A foot re...

To build muscle effectively, it’s important to have a basic resistance training plan. Victoria Sekely, a doctor of physical therapy, certified strength and conditioning specialist and run coach keeps it simple: “The best way to build muscle is to lif...

Exercise is important for older adults (age 65+) because being physically active makes it easier to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair and moving around the...

Founded in 2012, Doctor on Demand is an app-based service that offers medical care from the comfort of your home. It offers urgent care, behavioral healthcare, preventive healthcare and chronic care. Behavioral healthcare includes both psychiatry and...

With origins hailing from India, yoga has become a mainstay in Western culture, with roughly 80 million people practicing yoga in the United States alone. Due to its accessibility, approachability and modifiability, it’s easy to see why it continues ...

You’re doing the work, you’re feeling the burn, but how long does it actually take to build muscle?

Building muscle isn’t just a matter of showing up and working out however and whenever you want. Looking in the mirror doesn’t help either (sorry). Y...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this series, she gives...

Aging and life can leave your body stiff, tired, and tense. This guide undoes it all. Inside, you’ll get:

- 50+ essential stretches, plus modifications.

- Step-by-step descriptions and photographs for getting each stretch just right.

- Compl...

Featured expert in this piece: "If you haven't started practicing yoga, you really should. "Yoga is perfect especially in the current moment, for men working from home and missing the gym. You’d be surprised how much hitting the mat can invigorate yo...

The path to speed isn't the same for everyone. For Becs Gentry, a Peloton Tread instructor, ultra marathoner and running coach, the path to an impressive 2:37:01 NYC Marathon finish time was built using her secret weapon: the Peloton Tread.

Featured expert in this article written by Rozalynn S. Frazier, CPT.

Contributor to ASICS' running app, Runkeeper. Multiple articles via this link.

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

With so many different ways to train, it can be hard to know what to focus on. Should you be clocking in long workouts and adding lots of mileage or should you be focusing on cross-training and strength training to give your legs and lungs a boost? T...

Featured expert.

Percussion massagers are among the easiest ways to recover your legs after a hard run. The handheld devices are effectively jigsaws, using a reciprocating tip to strike your muscle tissue about 2,000 to 3,000 times per minute, which...

Before you grab your weights, you might want to consider another way to get your health and fitness on track. Maybe you’re feeling strong—but are you feeling stiff? Too much sitting at your work-from-home station? Pilates might be just what you need ...

As the days become weeks and the weeks become months, there is plenty of time during this national quarantine and social-distancing period to focus on your running goals. With spring and summer races canceled, it is easy to lack motivation to get fas...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Let’s be honest: Most of us are usually eager to load up on carbohydrates. Whether it’s to fuel up before a big race or to replenish after a long run, we know that carbohydrate is our bodies’ first preferred fuel source for fast energy. And when you ...

Back pain can make spending your time stuck indoors even more uncomfortable. Whether that discomfort stems from spending too many hours sitting on your couch or at your makeshift WFH desk, or overdoing it during an overly-ambitious home workout, it's...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

With all the stressors in the world these days, we could all use a long hot relaxing bath. But us runners in particular might want to sprinkle a little something extra in to reduce aches and pains and aid with recovery: Epsom salt.

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

With the rapid rise of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, we have been called upon to physically distance ourselves from one another. Like many, I am definitely feeling that distance in more ways than one. But despite so many chan...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) at Shift Wellness in NYC, so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, sh...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

As my horse hobbled up the mountain toward Ruminahui, a volcano in Ecuador that rises more than 3 miles above sea level, shooting pain radiated from my upper back toward my ribs. It had started an hour earlier, when my horse had stumbled over uneven ...

(Quotes Rachel Tavel, written by Mallory Creveling) Stretching feels oh-so-soothing post-workout or even after sitting on your butt all day. Finding the perfect pose that seems to ease just the right tight spot can instantly calm the mind and offer a...

With all the workout options available these days, it can be hard to choose just one way to sweat. Some workouts are great for getting your heart rate up, while others provide a good way to tone and strengthen your muscles. But what if there was one ...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Life is busy. Between work, family, and running your household, it can be hard to cram in a workout and see your friends, let alone have the chance to make new ones. There is plenty of pressure to get it all done, but it's tough to be strong and fit ...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

Your Personal PT, Rachel Tavel, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), so she knows how to get your body back on track when it's out of line. In this weekly series, she gives you tips on how t...

There are lots of walks in life: the catwalk, the moonwalk, the walk of shame… But for most of us, walking is mostly just a great way to get around. It’s also one of the easiest forms of exercise, since it requires no equipment (or real skill).

That...

It’s no secret that being strong is an important part of being a runner and critical for preventing injuries. But there are many different fads that pop up in the strength training world, and not all of them are backed by science.

Functional trainin...

If you’re an active person, chances are you may want to see a physical therapist at some point. Many factors go into how likely that might be, but even minor aches and pains can sneak up on the best of us. Thankfully, pain often comes and goes, but i...

Everyone knows that you need to commit time to training to hone your body for peak performance in sports and other physically demanding activities, but before you get to your workouts, there's one pressing question: Is stretching a necessary part of ...

Your shoulders are probably not the first body part you think about strengthening when running is your go-to sport, but you might want to rethink that. The muscles around the shoulder, including the four rotator cuff muscles, are important for all of...

The iliotibial band—also known as the IT band—is not only one of the most common culprits of knee pain for cyclists, but it also one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of our athletic bodies. Understanding why the IT band can become a source of...

When most people think of tai chi (short for “T’ai Chi Ch’üan”) they usually imagine a group of older people moving in slow motion in a public park. But this ancient movement practice is not just for the 65-plus crowd.

Tai chi has many for people at...

By now, most people know that planks are good for you.

The one simple position can help you tone and strengthen your abdominal, shoulder, arm, and hip muscles. The name “plank” itself comes from the idea of a plank of wood or wooden board—a hard, so...

Humans can do amazing things, but sometimes, we have to admit it: Our lives are not perfectly designed for our bodies. For starters, we sit too much and we stare at too many screens. All this bad positioning can take a toll on our bodies and their al...

We use the muscles in and around our hips constantly, from getting out of a chair, to walking, to powering through just about any workout. Which means there’s a good chance you’ll feel it when your hips aren’t functioning at their best.

Before you get ready for a big lower body workout, make sure you can be steady on your feet underneath you. Weak and wobbly ankles are an easy precursor to many different types of injuries.

To avoid many different types of injuries that occur while ...

It usually goes something like this: You take some time off of running, or maybe you are just getting started for the first time, and you decide to get back out there. You’re motivated, and your intentions are good, so you pledge to get out there eve...

When people think about core exercises, they usually imagine exercises that begin in the supine position, or lying on your back. There are some very effective core moves that begin in this position, but they aren’t the only ones that can help you get...

Let’s face it: Our bodies' design and the way we use them aren’t always compatible.

Our constant computer and phone use means that your head and eyes tend to be tilted downwards more than you want to admit, and definitely more than you probably real...