Parkour: No Equipment, No Problem
By Dan Pasiak, PT, MSPT, OMPT, CIMT
Parkour is an obstacle course method of training that was first promoted by French naval officer Georges Herbert prior to World War I. It was influenced by native peoples that he observed while on duty in Africa. He thought that a more effective way to train would be to perform functional activities as occurred in a person’s environment. The training included climbing, running, jumping, balancing, throwing, swimming, self-defense, and quadruped movements. The training developed into a complex system of military training and also eventually to civilian fitness courses. There are two typical types of Parkour. One involves running basically in a straight line and overcoming any obstacle in your path with whatever movement is most appropriate, and when you are not able to overcome the obstacle, for example a wall that is too high to climb, practitioners will run up to it and jump up as high as they can off of it, or jump up and hang onto it. |
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Many of the leaders in Parkour feel that it is more of a life philosophy than a set of exercises. Parkour trainer David Belle says: “So many people try to train easy ‘Come do parkour! It’s really cool!’ But if tomorrow I made you do real training, you would end up crying. That’s what you need to know: you are going to cry, you are going to bleed and you are going to sweat like never before.”
However, there are some people who have tried to systemize Parkour and set up courses for competition and novice practitioners who would like to try something new. There is a course in Ann Arbor at County Farm Park. Admission is free to the park and to the trail. If you are looking for a new work out, it may be something you would like to try. Or if you would like to get connected with a local group doing free form Parkour, there is a group that meets on the University of Michigan campus.
Michigan Parkour Club:
http://michiganparkour.net/training-classes/
County Farm Park:
http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/cfp/cfp.html
Runner’s Clinic in Saline
On Monday, April 22nd, Probility will be holding a runner's clinic at their Saline location. The clinic will take place from 6:30pm- 8:00pm and therapists will address proper dynamic and static stretching techniques as we as offer injury, shoe and treadmill assessments. This clinic is...read moreBest Ways to Stay in Shape in the Winter
By Adam Naab, PT, DPT Physical Therapist Summer in Michigan is a great place to be! There are countless lakes, forests, and parks that practically require us to explore and enjoy them. Now that all the leaves have fallen off the trees, it can be hard...read moreProbility Patient Jake Herbert Inspires Grand Blanc Middle School Students
Check out the following article featuring two of Probility’s patients– Olympic Wrestler Jake Herbert and Grand Blanc Middle School Physical Education Teacher Kara Chiano! After meeting at Probility, Chiano invited Herbert to the middle school to inspire more than 100 students on the importance of...read moreProbility Physical Therapy Celebrates Saline Homecoming!
This coming Friday, October 5, 2012, is Saline High School’s Homecoming! To celebrate with the community, the Saline Clinic has continued the tradition of hosting our own Spirit Week leading to up the big game. The Saline clinic has the privilege of treating a lot...read moreTeam Probility Finishes 17th In Dancing With Dirt!
Team Probility Physical Therapy was at the Dances with Dirt Race this past Sunday, September 21st in Hell, Michigan. The race consisted of a 5 person relay, each member running 3 of 15 legs. (Each leg being about 4 miles). The course was tough, with river...read moreProbility Physical Therapy Opens New Clinic In Westgate Plaza
ANN ARBOR, MI—Probility Physical Therapy, known for helping patients to “Enjoy Your Life Again!” in the Ann Arbor area, is opening the doors to a new clinic in the Westgate Shopping Plaza on Monday, October 1st, 2012. The new facility is located at: 2577 Jackson Ave. Ann...read moreFun Fall Races!
Looking for a way to stay in shape as the cold months are approaching? Why not sign-up for a fun-filled 5k or 10k to walk or run to keep you on track! If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, here are a few local races...read moreHip Fractures
Many older adults fear that one slip or fall that may result in a hip fracture, and it is an understandable fear. Every year in the US there are 300,000 people who fracture their hip from such falls. This fear is deepened when experts estimate...read moreNEW Probility Patient T-Shirts!
Take a look at the new tshirts we’ll be giving out to all patients upon discharge!...read moreProbility PT: New Location Coming Soon!
Probility Physical Therapy is excited to announce that our Zeeb Rd. Clinic will be relocating to the Westgate Shopping Plaza on October 1st, 2012! We will be located right next to Staples. We hope this relocation conveniences you as we continue to help you enjoy...read morePhoto #2: Go USA!
As promised, here’s another photo from our shoot with US Olympic Wrestler and Probility Patient Jake Hebert....read moreProbility Patient And Wrestler Jake Herbert Prepares For The 2012 Summer Olympics
One of Probility’s own patients, Jake Herbert, is headed to the 2012 Summer Olympics! We want to wish him luck as he goes for the gold in wrestling! To show our support, every week we’ll be releasing new pictures of the wrestler on our blog,...read moreRunning For Fat Loss
Check out the following article from our guest blogger of the month, Mike Stack, from Applied Fitness Solutions. Summer time is here, and you might be thinking the best way to get in shape and shed some extra pounds is to go out for a nice...read moreProbility Physical Therapy: Coming To A Race Near You
Wednesday, June 20th, Probility sponsored the first of three T-Rex Triathlons at the Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton. It was an exceptionally hot day, but the race went on! One of Probility’s own, Anne Clancy, placed first in her age group and fourth overall!...read moreCore Strengthening
Why is the core important? All of your movements are powered by the core muscles. The core supports and stabilizes your lower back, which helps prevent pain in this area. Your core muscles are considered the center of power so they give support to your entire system when...read moreMemorial Day Weekend–Make The Most Of It
The weather’s warming up and there’s a three day weekend ahead (woo hoo!) That being said, there’s plenty of opportunity for new experiences and fun plans. Stumped on what to do? We’ve come up with 5 ideas to get you started: #1: Take On a New...read moreThe Importance Of Rough Housing With Children
My wife Heidi and I are proud parents of two wonderful children. Jayden is two years of age and Josh is four. They are the best friends that go together like peanut butter and jelly. In fact, Josh fondly refers to his brother Jayden as...read moreHow Massage Heals
For hundreds of years, people have known that massage helps ease their pain—but until recently, no one has understood the physiological mechanism of why it helps. In February, an article was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine that helps explain the effect that massage...read moreProper Gardening Technique: Don’t Suffer Anything More Than A Green Thumb!
Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in America. Now that spring is here, many people are out in their gardens pulling weeds and planting new bulbs and flowers. It is an exciting time, but gardeners often forget to watch their posture and mechanics—this...read moreBurns Park Run
The weather is warming up, and so are the races! The Burns Park Run is this Sunday, May 6th, at 8:30 am. The race will start and finish at the corner of Baldwin and Wells. Be sure to come by and visit us at the Probility tent...read moreOlder entries
Free Runner’s Clinic
Every first and third Thursday of the month, Probility Physical Therapy holds a runner’s clinic at our State St. location (2058 South State St.) from 6-8 PM. The next clinic is this Thursday, May 3rd. Come join us for your free assessment! No appointment necessary. Questions? Call...read moreHelp! The Room Is Spinning!
Most commonly, people who experience vertigo describe it as a sensation of either themselves or the room appearing to spin. Vertigo is a symptom that can occur due to various conditions or disease processes. Vertigo is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness and difficulty with...read moreTips For Proper Workstation Setup
Work station setup is very important for reducing stress and strain on many areas of the upper body–specifically the neck, upper back, shoulders, hands and wrists. With technology playing such a huge roll in today’s economy, a greater number of people have jobs that require...read morehttp://www.livewelltwincities.com/?p=524
Being a father of two very VERY active boys (2 and 3 year olds) has been a blessing. I think I learn as much from them as they learn from me on a daily basis. But being inducted into the Fraternal Order of Parenthood has...read moreWhat Is Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio tape was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kaze around 1979. Since then Kinesio tape has been used as treatment for medical and sports professional athletes including: Kerri Walsh in the 2008 Beijing Olympics http://www.livewelltwincities.com/?p=524 David Beckham http://www.livewelltwincities.com/?p=524 Serena Williams http://www.livewelltwincities.com/?p=524 Physical Therapists will often use kinesio tape in conjunction with other treatment...read moreBeat The Winter Blues
As the days start getting shorter and the temperatures get cooler, I’ve heard numerous people mention their hesitation for the upcoming winter. Why do we dread the colder weather? Why are we so sad to see fall end? I think it is because people start...read moreThe Sport Of Rock Climbing.
Rock climbing is a fun, challenging, and rewarding sport, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Rock climbing requires strength and power from the lower body and upper body. It involves pulling, pushing, and stretching with the arms and the legs while the body...read moreWinter Run Clinic At Probility
Randy Step, from Running Fit, will be giving a talk at Probility’s State Street location on running outside during the winter. There will be great tips on how to dress, where to run, delicious treats and more. Mark your Calenders! For January 12th, 6:00 read moreAre You Ready For A Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacements have been proven to be an effective long term intervention for the geriatric population; improving function and social interaction, and decreasing pain levels. Signs you are ready for a need replacement include: Having consistent pain that also wakes you up at night. Having limitation in...read moreConcussions
A hot topic related to football as of late has been concussions. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves too much and hits the inside of the skull.1 Events that can cause this can be a hard hit...read moreSoccer – AGreat Way to Stay Fit
By Rebecca Peshkin Soccer has been growing in popularity over the past 10-20 years in the United States. I grew up playing soccer and as I become an adult, I would like to be able to continue to play for years to come. Here in Ann Arbor...read moreHip Bursitis (Greater Trochanteric Bursitis)
By – Dan Pasiak Hip bursitis (also known as Greater Trochanteric Bursitis) is by definition an inflammation of a bursa at the side of the hip. A bursa is a small jelly-like sac that usually contains a small amount of fluid. The bursa acts as a...read moreDirect Access To Physical Therapy
What is it, and why is it important to you? Direct access to Physical Therapy means that a person can refer themselves to a physical therapist and be treated by a physical therapist, without having to first go to a physician. In Michigan patients can only...read moreHow To Promote A Healthy Back At Work.
By: Morgan Diver, PT, DPT Low back pain is commonly caused by a person’s job. It is reported that the jobs with the highest estimated incidence of low back pain “(over 10%) include mechanics and operators of heavy equipment; and people in construction.1 Common causes of work-related...read moreExercise Guidelines During Pregnancy
By Jessica Wyen If you have been following a regular exercise program before pregnancy there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to continue throughout your pregnancy. Check with your health care provider before beginning a program or continuing. Your health care provider can give...read moreA Benefit For Motts Children’s Hospital
Ariel and Zoey and Eli, Too Proudly Present: A Premier with a Purpose This special premiere of Ariel & Zoey & Eli, Too will debut segments from Season 2 of their nationally-syndicated TV show and will include a performance by their band, Sugar Station! All...read moreLet’s Go Hiking!
As the summer gives way to the cooler temperatures of fall and people no longer want to sit on their decks, it’s a perfect opportunity to get outside and exercise in some of our local parks and view some fall color. Hiking is a wonderful...read moreSaline Summerfest – Join The Fun!
August 5th and 6th is the Saline Summerfest 5K Run/Walk and Probility is excited to be the title sponsor of this wonderful event. The streets of Downtown Saline will be filled with a wonderful array of activities and amusements for people of all ages. A great...read moreProbility to Host Physicals at Clinton High School
Free Sports Physicals Saturday, July 23, 20119:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Physicians from St. Joseph Mercy Health System will be graciously offering their time to complete these exams for local students. Clinton High School340 E. Michigan Ave. This event is first come, first serve basis. Doors open at 9AM...read moreGirls On The Run
As a proud sponsor of Girls On The Run, Probility supports the mission to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. GOTR is non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The curricula...read moreProbility Book Drive
Now through March 31st, Probility Physical Therapy will be collecting books for the Ypsilanti Public Schools Libraries. Books appropriate for k-12 may be dropped off at anyone of our four locations. Location Addresses: State Street Location – 2058 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI Clark Road Location – 3145...read moreEnjoy The Snow This Weekend!
There seems to be snow everywhere this time of year, so why not take advantage of this winter wonderland and get outside. Step away from technology, bundle up and set out into the elements. Take a long walk, go cross country skiing or maybe take...read moreAchilles Tendonitis – What It Is And Its Treatment
Achilles Tendonitis Author – Sarah Reese Achilles tendonitis or tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse injuries among recreational athletes, accounting for up to 9% nine percent of injuries in elite and recreational runners, and more frequent in older runners.4 The Achilles Tendon attaches the calf muscles...read moreExercises With Foam Roller
IT Band Release Using Foam Roller Quad Release With Foam Roller Hamstring Release With Foam Roller Glute-Piriformis Release Using Foam Roller...read moreHamstring Strain/Pull
The hamstring muscle group is located in the back of the thigh, extending from the buttock down to the back of the knee. There are 3 hamstrings: biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus. Function of the hamstrings – as a group they act to bend the knee...read moreAre Your Headaches Coming From Your Neck?
There is a fairly common form of headaches called “cervicogenic headaches”, which means that the headache is actually originating from a problem in the neck. This can be from a joint in the neck not moving correctly and causing referral up to the head but...read moreFeatured Local Business – 16 Hands Gallery
16 Hands has celebrated the creative spirit since 1975 with items by more than 500 local and nationally known artists and craftspeople working in jewelry, wearable, lighting, furniture, home & garden accents, as well as a wide variety of gifts and an Artrageious greeting card...read moreIf At First You Don’t Succeed, Tri Tri Again
Epic Races will be holding a swim clinic this Sunday, April 15th from 12pm-2pm. They will be offering the following sections: NewbiesThis is the final clinic of the series. We will continue where we left off in clinic two, but those newbies who did not attend...read moreParkour: No Equipment, No Problem
By Dan Pasiak, PT, MSPT, OMPT, CIMT What is Parkour? Parkour is an obstacle course method of training that was first promoted by French naval officer Georges Herbert prior to World War I. It was influenced by native peoples that he observed while on duty in Africa. He thought that a more effective way to train would be to perform functional activities as occurred in a person’s environment. The training included climbing, running, jumping, balancing, throwing, swimming, self-defense, and quadruped movements. The training...
read moreRunner’s Clinic in Saline
On Monday, April 22nd, Probility will be holding a runner’s clinic at their Saline location. The clinic will take place from 6:30pm- 8:00pm and therapists will address proper dynamic and static stretching techniques as we as offer injury, shoe and treadmill assessments. This clinic is completely FREE and open to all. Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver before an assessment can be given. The waiver can be downloaded here. Questions or comments? Call...
read moreBest Ways to Stay in Shape in the Winter
By Adam Naab, PT, DPT Physical Therapist Summer in Michigan is a great place to be! There are countless lakes, forests, and parks that practically require us to explore and enjoy them. Now that all the leaves have fallen off the trees, it can be hard to move indoor and get in all of the exercise you need to be able to stay in shape. Add to that all the football games and holiday food, finding some good winter activities is paramount to maintain health. For these reasons, I have made a list of relatively inexpensive exercise...
read moreProbility Patient Jake Herbert Inspires Grand Blanc Middle School Students
Check out the following article featuring two of Probility’s patients– Olympic Wrestler Jake Herbert and Grand Blanc Middle School Physical Education Teacher Kara Chiano! After meeting at Probility, Chiano invited Herbert to the middle school to inspire more than 100 students on the importance of goals and dedication. How awesome! http://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2012/11/olympic_wrestler_jake_herbert.html Check out some photos from the speech below: Jake speaking with student Aric Besso, a visually impaired wrestler at Grand...
read moreProbility Physical Therapy Celebrates Saline Homecoming!
This coming Friday, October 5, 2012, is Saline High School’s Homecoming! To celebrate with the community, the Saline Clinic has continued the tradition of hosting our own Spirit Week leading to up the big game. The Saline clinic has the privilege of treating a lot of Saline’s athletes, coaches and students, so it is especially exciting for us to partake in this annual event! This year, the Saline Clinic chose to celebrate Homecoming with the following themes: Monday – Pajama Day Tuesday – Mismatch Day Wednesday – High School Alma...
read moreTeam Probility Finishes 17th In Dancing With Dirt!
Team Probility Physical Therapy was at the Dances with Dirt Race this past Sunday, September 21st in Hell, Michigan. The race consisted of a 5 person relay, each member running 3 of 15 legs. (Each leg being about 4 miles). The course was tough, with river crossings, swamps, steep hills and other insane challenges. Stated on their website as a “serious achievement” of a race, Team Probility placed 17th overall…. with more than 400 teams participating! Congrats, Team...
read moreProbility Physical Therapy Opens New Clinic In Westgate Plaza
ANN ARBOR, MI—Probility Physical Therapy, known for helping patients to “Enjoy Your Life Again!” in the Ann Arbor area, is opening the doors to a new clinic in the Westgate Shopping Plaza on Monday, October 1st, 2012. The new facility is located at: 2577 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor MI, 48103 Relocating from their clinic currently on Zeeb Road, the new facility in the Westgate Shopping Plaza will offer opportunities for both Probility and local businesses and will serve as a convenience to both doctors and patients. Greg Kopp, physical...
read moreFun Fall Races!
Looking for a way to stay in shape as the cold months are approaching? Why not sign-up for a fun-filled 5k or 10k to walk or run to keep you on track! If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, here are a few local races you may want to consider. Wiard’s Orchard in Ypsilanti is featuring Run Scream Run; a freaky 5k and 10k and a Kid’s Cider Mill Mile with a Halloween theme. It promises fun for the whole family! The date is Saturday morning, October 6th. Exact time is TBA for all of the races. The start and finish is in the Orchard with part of the...
read moreHip Fractures
Many older adults fear that one slip or fall that may result in a hip fracture, and it is an understandable fear. Every year in the US there are 300,000 people who fracture their hip from such falls. This fear is deepened when experts estimate that 20% of those who fracture a hip will die within one year and many others may have loss of mobility and independence. However, this does not have to be the case for everyone. Prior activity level, new procedures to fix hip fracture and earlier rehabilitation can help to restore a person’s life to...
read moreNEW Probility Patient T-Shirts!
Take a look at the new tshirts we’ll be giving out to all patients upon discharge!
read more
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