Think about the last time you were asked to touch your toes. You could probably do it easily when you were a kid, right? That may not be the case if you stopped reading this, stood up, and tried it. You would probably describe the ability to touch your toes as “flexibility,” but you may also use the term “mobility.” While you may have used these terms equally in the past, in reality, they are two different things. So what makes flexibility and mobility different? And why is it so easy to get those terms confused?

When you’re running, pain is likely the last thing you want to think about. But any runner knows that when you are in pain, it’s one of the only things you can focus on. Pain in some areas is ok to run through and work out, but other types, especially foot pain, could point to a more problematic condition or issue than regular soreness. So what do you do when your feet start hurting during a run? Do you have to stop altogether?

It is easy for any level of athlete to feel the pressure to succeed, whether from peers, parents, or coaches. You don’t want to be a weak link in your team, and to not let them down, you have to keep yourself fit and performing at your highest potential. You can achieve this through customized coaching and some extra practice, but it is too easy for a little extra practice to become overwhelming and even harmful to your body. So how much is too much? And what can you do if/when you get hurt?

Stress is a universal experience. Some times of the year are busier than others, and life events can often come up unexpectedly. But for many adults, work is a relatively constant source of stress. It is easy to carry whatever pressure you have during the workday outside your workplace and into your home, where it can take a toll on anyone you live with and, most importantly, your own physical and mental health. So what can you do to manage stress from work in healthy ways? And which coping mechanisms will help in the long run?

If running is one of your primary hobbies, you probably have a routine figured out. You know the mileage you can handle and understand when to push yourself. But even if you don’t realize it, running takes a toll on your body over time, whether you’re a high school track star or a marathoner. Many runners often overtrain simply because they are enjoying themselves or following what their friends are doing. But how do you really figure out how much your body can tolerate? And how do you figure this out before getting hurt?

Knee injuries are common for anyone, from high-level athletes to anyone who steps off a curb wrong. The joint structure is fairly complex - many tendons, ligaments, and other structures surrounding the joint keep it stabilized and moving fluidly. One of these structures is the meniscus; if you have never torn it before, you may not even know what it is. What does it do for the knee joint, and why can it be torn? And if you tear it, do you need surgery to fix it?

If you are regularly in pain or beginning to lose function in your shoulder, you may be considering a shoulder replacement. Any major surgery is a big decision with many things to plan for, including the time you will be out of work, how long your recovery will take, and the best care team to perform the procedure. Shoulder surgeries, especially, can be complex and require longer recovery and more intensive therapy afterward. So should you get a total shoulder replacement? And how can you best alleviate stress before and after your surgery?

Whenever you’re working out, there are probably a few different thoughts going through your mind. You’re trying to remember which rep you’re on, which muscles need to tighten with the exercise you’re doing, and probably thinking about what else you need to get done after your workout. For some athletes, especially women, a constant thought during exercise is whether they are leaking or not. But why can urinary leakage be such a problem during exercise? What can you do to help?

If you want to start a new fitness class, your options can be overwhelming. You may have friends inviting you to Zumba or your neighbor recommending a barre class, but two options you have are yoga and Pilates. You may know a little bit about each - they both involve stretching of some kind. But what makes them different practices? And which one should you try?

Think about what goes through your mind when you wake up with a large zit on your face. Zits can be annoying, slightly painful, and, most of all, embarrassing. Even though acne is a common skin condition, no one really wants to face the world with a large zit on their face. The desire to forego responsibilities due to embarrassment is called fear avoidance. For those struggling with stress incontinence, fear avoidance is real. You may fear going out in public, exercising, and more due to your dysfunctional pelvic floor. So what can you do about it? Are there solutions that can give you your life back?