Lower Body Nerve Pain: Femoral Neuropathy vs. Sciatica

Sharp pain, tingling, or numbness radiating down a leg can be alarming and disruptive. Two common culprits behind these symptoms are femoral neuropathy and sciatica. While both involve nerve compression in the lower body, they are entirely distinct conditions that affect different nerves, map to different areas of the leg, and require unique treatment approaches. …

Keep Your Body’s Muscle Canister Strong

What is the human body’s Muscle Canister? The “muscle canister”—or core canister—is a 360-degree cylinder of deep muscles that act as a pressurized system to stabilize your spine and regulate intra-abdominal pressure. It consists of four main components: The diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and pelvic floor work together to form your body’s natural “corset”. They create …

Building Muscle Mass After 50: The Most Effective Exercises and Protein Strategies

Sarcopenia One of the most important things seniors can do for their health is maintain and build muscle. Muscle loss with age, known as sarcopenia, can lead to weakness, poor balance, falls, loss of independence, and slower recovery from illness. The good news is that older adults can still build significant muscle and strength well …

Back Pain Relief Exercises for Seniors

I am a senior and I believe that “moving with intention” is an absolute must in order to deal with “old” age issues. The best back-pain exercises are gentle, controlled, and aimed at improving mobility, balance, flexibility, posture, and core/hip strength without putting strain on the spine. Exercises Standing Pelvic Tilts (with core activation and …

The Importance of Your “Bum” Glute Muscles

A Big Booty  Research suggests that fat stored in the gluteofemoral region (thighs and buttocks) is healthier than visceral fat, potentially acting as a protective barrier against heart disease and diabetes. Some studies have suggested that women with larger, curvier posteriors may have increased longevity and men with a muscular “ass” are stronger that those …

Fight Inflammation and Arthritis with Food, Exercise and Sleep

Inflammation isn’t inherently bad. Inflammation is part of your body’s immune response that kicks in when you’re injured, sick, or fighting off harmful pathogens. While acute inflammation, like the redness around a cut or the swelling from a sprained ankle, may be a good thing, chronic inflammation is an entirely different story. Unlike the temporary, healing …

Kung Fu Power with Hung Kuen’s 10 Animal Poses

I like to finish my exercise workouts with some form of cooldown whether it be traditional stretching, yoga holds, tai chi, qi gong, or maybe even a soft Kung Fu. Doing relaxation focusing exercises is important for transitioning the body from a high stress “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system to a low stressed “rest …

A Simple Guide To Spinal Decompression (3 Exercises)

Older adults like my wife and I and most of our friends, should decompress their spine daily, to relieve pressure on nerves, muscles, and discs. These relaxing moves will counteract age-related wear like degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis if you incorporate them into your day. Ever heard of “sciatica”? You don’t want to experience that …

A 79-Year-Old Personal Trainer’s Guide Managing Knee Pain Through Strength Training

Introduction: Defying Family History My birthday is on December 18, and I was born in 1946. You guessed it—I’ll be 79 in just 11 days. I can’t believe it! When I look back at my family history, I realize how fortunate I am. My grandfather died at 74, and my father passed at 78. They …

The Foster Maneuver: A Personal Trainer’s Guide to Stopping Vertigo Fast

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Just last week, my son Dave walked into Silverfox Fitness looking pale and …

Dr. Donald Baxter: The Orthopedic Surgeon Who Revolutionized Heel Pain Treatment

Every year, approximately one million Americans visit their doctor complaining of heel pain. For most, the diagnosis comes quickly: plantar fasciitis. Treatment protocols follow predictably with rest, stretching, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. But for roughly twenty percent of these patients, something different is happening. Their pain persists despite treatment. The location feels slightly off. The …

Alpha-1 Blocker Medications for Older Adults: Understanding Benefits and Risks

For millions of older men, alpha-1 blocker medications offer relief from two common age-related conditions: high blood pressure and enlarged prostate symptoms. These dual-action medications have been prescribed for decades, often becoming a daily routine that continues for years without reconsideration. But as bodies age and health needs evolve, understanding how these medications work and …

Foundation Training – Strengthen Posterior Chain Muscles

Put weight on your heels from a wide stance. Hinge at your hips, pulling your hips back and keeping your chest high, while your arms reach forward. Take a few deep breaths, feeling tension in your hamstrings and lower back muscles as you pull your hips back further. Stand all the way up.

Introduction There is a history of dementia in my family and I don’t want to get it. Years ago, I discovered that dementia can be prevented by not only living a healthy lifestyle. but by doing complicated tasks frequently. Since I love health and wellness topics, I decided to pick a popular health topic, research …

Sit to Stand and Low Squat – Lower Body Strength Exercises for Seniors

The Sit to Stand exercise needs to be part of everyone's daily exercise programme.

A Personal Introduction I am almost 80 and I exercise with intention every day working on my strength, balance, and aerobics. I have struggled from time to time moving from a seated position to a standing position, and I felt vulnerable. There is no way I want to fall at my age. I know too …

Spinal Stenosis: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Treatment & 7 Relief Exercises

Hi, Rob Fox here from Silverfox Fitness. As a certified fitness instructor with over 30 years of experience working with seniors and mature adults at the Chaplin Family YMCA in Cambridge, Ontario, I’ve witnessed countless individuals struggling with spinal stenosis. This common condition affects the majority of people over 50, causing pain, numbness, and reduced …

Living with Type 2 Diabetes and What can be done about it?

Lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise, and potentially medication, can help individuals live long and healthy lives.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when: As a result, blood sugar levels become too high, which can lead to serious health issues over time, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. Common …

Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Exercises

People generally begin to lose height around age 40, though some height loss can start in the 30s. This loss is typically gradual, with a half-inch per decade. The rate of height loss can accelerate after age 70.

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones that are more prone to fracture. It develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, symptoms …

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): a modern day phenomenon

ATTENTION READERS … This is a personal ibs story of living with an irritable bowel for over 50 years. Thanks to the internet, this condition is understandable and treatable. Let me share with you what I’ve learned. What is IBS? This syndrome or functional gastrointestinal disorder is not a disease! There is help available for …

Kidney Stones: A Gritty Guide to Prevention and Passage

Hi there! Robert Fox here from Silverfox Fitness, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s often overshadowed but crucially important for urinary health: kidney stones. While they may not be glamorous, understanding kidney stones is key to preventing them and managing them effectively. Let’s crack open the science behind kidney stones and explore how …