There is nothing quite like running in Western North Carolina. Whether your goal is crushing the hills on the trails, or taking a scenic, flat loop along The Greenway, Asheville is a runner’s paradise. But if you’ve been away from the sport for a while, jumping back in can be a literal shock to the system. As physical therapists, we frequently see runners hit the brakes just weeks into their comeback due to preventable injuries. Whether your hiatus was due to a crazy work schedule, life...

If You Think Core Training Means Endless Planks and Crunches... Think Again A strong core isn't about how long you can hold a plank. It's not about how many crunches you can do before your abs give out. Real core strength is about something much more useful: how well your body handles everyday movement. A truly strong core can: Transfer force from your legs to your arms (and back again) Stabilize your spine while you move Control pressure inside your torso Help you move powerfully, without...

The narrative around postpartum fitness is shifting. For years, returning to running after having a baby was crowded with rigid timelines, generic check-box clearances, and fear-inducing warnings about "ruining your body." The human body is resilient, adaptable, and incredibly capable of training to handle high-impact loads again. Pregnancy and birth are major athletic events, and just like returning from any sports injury or surgery, your return to the trail is a process of reconditioning,...