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Archive for May, 2011

Setting up the Core Laser and Target

In as little as five minutes per day, the Core Laser will immediately improve your quality of life, and also pave the way for continued advancement in your biomechanics. Whether you are a professional athlete or workout once a year, you can benefit from the Core Laser.

In the initial phase of using the Core Laser, your focus will be solely on increasing range of motion (ROM) and learning dynamic hip function.  Once you gain a healthy level of functional ROM, you will be ready to increase resistance (by stepping closer to the target) and build strength in the inner, supporting core muscles.

Here are the steps for setting up the target and getting started using the Core Laser:

  • Start by mounting the target on the wall so that the x-axis (or center of the target) is at the height of your waist (We have included plastic pins to mount the target with, but tape, wall putty, or other forms of wall hooks work great too.)

  • Next, place the Core Laser around your waist, and adjust the belt so that the device is pressed firmly to your pelvis, three inches directly below your navel.
  • Now press the button on the front of the laser to turn it on, and facing the target, align yourself so that the beam of the laser begins in the origin of the x and y-axis (or center of the target) Remember during the initial phase of using the product, stand about 5 feet from the target. If you can’t trace the patterns with the laser in their entirety MOVE BACK. If you can do the movements with ease, slowly move closer to the wall.)

  • While aligning yourself with the origin (center) of the target, remember to keep a slight bend in the knees and maintain an upright posture.
  • It is important to keep the shoulders still while using the product. To accomplish this, there are a few options:
    • The first option is to place your arms across your torso so that your right hand is on your left shoulder and vice versa (this is the preferred method).
    • Another option (except in exercise two) is to place you hands on your hips. Be very careful with this option as it is great for feeling the proper hip movements, but is less efficient at controlling the shoulders.
    • The third option, which is only to be used after a few weeks of use, is to hold a straight object (like a 9 iron) overhead, to isolate the shoulders. This position activates additional muscles groups that will make the movements more complex, but is not recommended if you are experiencing any level of back pain.

* The online how to use video will be coming soon.

10 Reasons People Suffer from Back Pain

Nearly 80% of us will suffer from back pain at some point in our lives. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor or medical practitioner.   The onset of pain in the back region for both men and women can be due to a great number of reasons ranging from one specific accident to poor posture over time.

We have put together a list of some of the top reasons why people suffer from back pain in no specific order.

Poor Posture and poor body mechanics will cause lower back pain and over time can lead to more serious problems.

Muscle Imbalances, most aches, pains and injuries people suffer from are caused from muscular imbalances.  When these faulty movements are repeated everyday, the joints, tendons and muscles begin to degenerate.

Lack of Exercise/Stretching, inactivity can cause the muscles to shrink and lose strength.

Injury, most people can suffer from back pain after an injury.  This injury could be a car accident, sports related, bad fall which leaves the spinal cord in shock causing it to ache.

Surgeries, people who undergo surgeries, especially ones that involve correcting spinal conditions can have back pain during the recovery process.

Stress, one of the most serious causes of back pain is stress.  Putting stress and anxiety on your brain can deprive oxygen and blood supply to the back resulting in pain.

Improper Lifting Techniques, not properly bending at the waist in order to pick something heavy up off the ground is a common way younger people suffer from back pain.

Pregnancy, this is one of the most common reasons for back pains with females.  This is usually a short term pain that occurs during the pregnancy period and is centered in the lower back region.

Exercising, this is a necessary activity in maintaining a healthy and strong back.  Also over exercising and lifting of heavy weights can result in back pain.  Proper stretching pre and post workouts can help to eliminate the risk of having back pain.

 

 

 

 

Measuring your Core Laser Workouts

The primary goal of the Core Laser is to increase the overall flexibility, strength and control of the hips and core, which are the primary generators of force and directional control in virtually all sports and athletics. By using the Core Laser for just 5 – 8 minutes per day one can reap various benefits such as back pain relief, improved posture, improved body control, improved blood flow to the core area, as well as improved power and control in ones’ sports specific movements.  We have created a list of potential items/areas that we recommend you to monitor during your Core Laser exercise routines.  Ask yourself the following questions after each Core Laser exercise and make sure to write down your results.

Squats or lunges – do you have more depth in your squats or lungs?

Running – do you have an increase comfort while running?

Flexibility - do you have any increased flexibility?

Posture – do you feel your posture is better while sitting?

Stamina – do you have increased stamina while running or exercising?

Hips, legs, low back and muscles around the waist – do you have an increased flexibility in these regions?

Back Pain – If you had back pain do you feel any relief?

Recover from workouts faster – do you find yourself recovering from workouts you were previously sore or tired from?

Your Core or abdominal area – do you have an increased strength in the larger and smaller supportive muscles of your core?

Hip and shoulder – do you have increased hip and shoulder separation capabilities?

Coordination and control – do you have increased coordination and control of your hips and or core?

Larger muscle strength – do you have increased ability to generate force from the largest muscles in your body?

Stability and control of balance – do you have improved stability and control of your balance?

Coordination of the upper and lower body – do you have an increased coordination with the upper and lower body movements?

Rotational power -  do you have an increased strength or ability to rotate?

Blood flow -  do you have an increase of blood flow to your core area (or improvement in Erectile Dysfunction)?

Overall body functionality, power and well being – do you feel an overall improvement in your mental well being, mind clarity or power?

Scotty McKnight Drafted to New York Jets


The Laser Gym team would like to congratulate Scotty McKnight on his recent accomplishment. McKnight was drafted in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Saturday by the New York Jets where he will be joining one of his long time friends and now fellow teammates, New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Scotty got the phone call at home on Saturday where their families were together at McKnight’s parents’ home finding out the Jets had used their final pick of the draft to pick the Buffs’ all-time leading receiver No. 227 overall. McKnight set school records in Boulder with 215 career receptions and 22 touchdown catches. He was the first CU wide receiver to be drafted by the NFL since 2006.

“I just feel so fortunate the way this thing played out and to have this opportunity,” McKnight said. “I’m ready to make the most of it and come to New York and start something great.”