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Dr. Ben Kim's blog

Exercises to Improve Spinal Extension and Core Strength

Here, I am using a makeshift back strap anchored to stall bars to work on spinal extension.

If you don't have access to these tools, you can use a gym ball for the initial passive stretch, or even a large ottoman or workout bench.

For the active extension exercises, you can use a back extension machine at a local gym or have a friend anchor your legs to a stable surface while your upper body hinges over it. Read more

 

Lumbar Mobility Exercise

This is a highly effective mobility exercise to improve rotation through the lumbar and lower thoracic spinal regions.

Begin face down on a comfortable surface. Raise your right leg behind you and try to touch the ground to your left with your right foot - you can use your arms for balance and support as you do this. Repeat with your left foot, then alternate for several repetitions. Read more

 

How to Make Healthy Fudge

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This is for fudge and brownie lovers out there who want to enjoy their decadent squares sans flour and refined sugar.

For a look at this recipe without pictures, view:

Easy Healthy Fudge Recipe Read more

 

Essential Strengthening Exercises for Better Balance

This video demonstrates a series of strengthening exercises for your gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles - these muscles lie on the outside of your hips and serve to stabilize your pelvis as you're standing or moving on your feet. Read more

 

Stick Mobility Exercises

This video demonstrates some movement patterns that you can do with a long stick or dowel.

Using a stick to take your shoulders through these and other movements can help you identify and work through restrictions in joint mobility. Read more

 

Plyometric Jumps for Improving Balance and Hip and Ankle Mobility

Plyometric jumps are typically used to improve explosive strength.

I find they are excellent for improving balance and the ability to sit in a deep squat, which is helpful for hip and ankle mobility.

Let the focus be landing softly with balance - you should make first contact with the balls of your feet and end with your heels in contact with your landing surface. Aim to maintain your balance in a deep squat for several seconds upon landing. Read more

 

Bleeding: How to Treat Different Types of Bleeding

As a child, I was fascinated with the world of ninjas. Naturally, I spent lots of time practicing various martial arts and tumbling maneuvers in and around our home. One night, I ended a particularly aggressive tumbling maneuver with a sweeping roundhouse kick that ended with my right foot accidentally shattering a glass of water. Read more

 

Kim Chi Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked calrose rice (2 cups uncooked calrose rice, 2 cups water)
1.5 to 2 cups of kim chi
1 medium to large yellow onion, sliced
1-2 green onions, thinly chopped
1 tablespoon go choo jang (fermented red chili paste)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Roasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Begin sautéing your yellow onion slices in olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Read more

 

Hanging and Swinging Exercises for Improved Shoulder and Spinal Mobility

For an overview of exercise progressions that you can work at to improve your mobility and balance in a systematic way, please feel free to visit our Mobility Exercise Progressions page here:

Mobility Exercise Progressions

For some suggestions on how to set up a simple workout area at home, please feel free to view: Read more

 

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