SUNSCREEN SEASON IS ALL YEAR
I write about sunscreen this time every year because we get a lot of sun exposure with the summer’s longer days. But it is important to remember that sunscreen season is actually all year. You can even get a lot of sun exposure from the snow or when you’re out on the water.
Let’s look at some FAQ’s about sunscreen.
THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF INFRARED SAUNAS
As we continue celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month here at Pittsburgh Fitness Project, we’re turning the spotlight on one of the most relaxing tools in our recovery lounge: the infrared sauna.
You probably already know that getting a good sweat can help you feel physically refreshed. But did you know that a session in an infrared sauna can also lift your mood and support your mental well-being? Let’s take a look at how this powerful combo of heat and light can support both your body and your brain.
ATHLETIC INCONTINENCE
Athletic incontinence is urinary incontinence ONLY experienced during athletics or sport. About 40-50% of female athletes report athletic incontinence, many of whom have not had children! The most common movements that cause athletic incontinence are deadlifts, squats, jumping, and running. Leakage tends to happen with more weight on the bar, higher impact (like a higher or longer jump), and under fatigue (at the end of a workout). What do all these movement patterns have in common? They cause more STRESS on the pelvic floor and increase the intra-abdominal PRESSURE (the pressure within the abdomen resulting from the interaction of the abdominal wall and internal organs).
How can you learn to address athletic incontinence?
MENTAL HEALTH & EXERCISE: THE POWER DUO
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that tears just started flowing out of nowhere? Or have you ever had someone ask you to do a basic task, and all you could think was, "I’m going to put your head through the wall"? Ever gone through something emotionally draining, did something physical, then felt this weird sense of relief or calm? That’s the power of exercise on your mental health.
Exercise isn't just about getting your body moving—it's about connecting with your emotions, relieving stress, and taking control when life feels like it's spiraling. So, during Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s talk about how movement, in all its forms, can be your ally in maintaining mental well-being.
AN INTRODUCTION TO ALL THINGS PELVIC FLOOR!
Have you ever been curious about pelvic floor physical therapy? Never heard of it, perhaps? Or thought it was just for your Grandma? This blog series is going to serve as an introduction to the basics of all things pelvic floor including a look into a typical treatment session, common pelvic floor conditions, and how a pelvic floor therapist (like me!) can help you navigate pelvic floor health.
HOW TO SET FITNESS GOALS THAT ACTUALLY WORK
Setting fitness goals is one of the most powerful ways to maintain momentum in your health and fitness journey. Whether you’re brand new to exercise or have been training for years, having clear goals gives your workouts direction, purpose, and motivation. Here’s why goal-setting is essential and how to set realistic ones that keep you on track.
BREAKING THROUGH PLATEAUS WITH NUTRITION GOALS
If you’ve ever felt stuck — like you’re eating “pretty well” and training hard but not seeing results — you’re not alone. Nutrition plateaus happen to everyone, whether you’re chasing fat loss, muscle gain, or performance. The key isn’t to give up, it’s to step back, assess, and make smart adjustments. Here’s how to break through a nutrition plateau.
KNOTS OR ADHESIONS?
What are knots and adhesions? These are questions that I have been asked several times during my tenure as a massage therapist. My usual response is that they are the same thing. Through my education, I’ve learned that one is a more common understanding, and the other is a medical term. But pondering that question at home made me look into it more, and here is what I found.
HOW PERSONAL TRAINING HELPS OVERCOME PLATEAUS
Overcoming plateaus is one of the biggest value-adds personal training can offer. When someone’s stuck—whether in strength, fat loss, or motivation—it usually means their body has adapted or they’re missing a key variable. Here's how personal training can help you break through that plateau!
FEELING TRIGGERED? TRIGGER POINTS & MASSAGE
Have you ever heard of trigger points? PFP massage therapist Jason Bye will explain trigger point therapy to help you understand a little of what it is and why it might be good for you.
FLEXIBILITY VS. MOBILITY: THEY AREN’T THE SAME
Why the heck should I care about flexibility and mobility with my workouts, and aren’t they the same thing anyway?
Well, not quite.
SHOULD I DO A DIGITAL DETOX?
We’re all guilty of being tied to our phones. These mini-computers keep us informed about the work around us, let us maintain contact with family and friends, and provide entertainment. Other screens like laptops and TVs can also dominate a lot of our time. But when is it too much?
BUILDING STRENGTH WITH OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING
Building strength is one of the top reasons anyone goes to the gym. Building strength makes your mind and body feel better, builds your confidence, and makes actions in our daily life easier. One of the ways this is commonly done is through forms of resistance training, or as many understand it, lifting weights. Today we are going to talk about how one style, Olympic Weightlifting, can help you build up your strength and some tips for how to train for it.
MASSAGE FOR RUNNING RECOVERY
It’s training season for the Pittsburgh Marathon. While most runners will have a plan for their running workouts, most don’t incorporate plans for their recovery. Rest, regular sleep, and proper nutrition all work to improve training and performance. But what about massage? In this blog, let’s look at how massage may help sports performance and running recovery.
ONE-PAN ROASTED FISH WITH CHERRY TOMATOES
Who doesn’t love a one-pan dish? We love this recipe for those times you don’t want to clean up!
SELF-CARE BETWEEN MASSAGES
Self-care is as important as getting a massage or having an exercise/movement routine. Massage Therapist Jason Bye has a recommendation that he offers to a lot of his clients for self-care that you can do at home in between massages. He also uses this for his own self-care.
ASPARAGUS FETA PASTA
This week’s recipe is great and full of greens for the Spring!
SPICED PEA STEW WITH YOGURT
Here's a vegetarian recipe from NYT Cooking that has a Persian flare!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU
Choosing the right personal trainer for you is an important step in finding success in your fitness journey. It’s important to feel comfortable with a coach so the two of you can communicate effectively about your goals. On most gyms’ websites, you’ll see a list of all of the coaches, and hopefully a bio containing some information about them. This isn’t just for fun - it should contain very helpful information! Some important things to look for when choosing a personal trainer include: What type of client the coach specializes in, their coaching style, and I think most importantly, their schedule.
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
The American Physical Therapy Association defines dry needling as “a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and/or underlying tissues to affect change in the body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of NRM conditions, pain, movement impairments and disability.” It first appeared in research studies in 1947.