So, why is lifting from the floor such a challenge? It's easy to think about the leg strength required for lifting something heavy, but what about lighter objects? Many of us have heard the advice to "lift with your legs." However, as we age in our modern culture, we gradually stop squatting down to the ground. This change in behavior leads to a reduction in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, which refers to the bend in the ankle. Over time, we lose the ability to lift objects from the ground while maintaining a stable position and without rounding our spines. Once we start rounding our spines, it becomes even more challenging to utilize our powerful gluteal muscles to lift the load, leading to an increased reliance on our back muscles. It's often not until we become grandparents that we realize we've stopped squatting altogether, having spent so many years bending at the hip and back to pick up socks from the floor.

So, you (or someone you know and love) just had a baby and you are cleared to begin exercise at your six-week postpartum follow-up. Now what? You may feel lost or uneasy as to how to return to running, an activity that fuels you and is vital for your mental wellbeing. Maybe you have already returned to running and have concerns you want addressed. This article can provide you with a framework for safe return to running.

Our bodies are amazing. During pregnancy women are able to build a baby, as well as physically adapt to the stresses of holding the baby within us. When we pause and consider how much change a woman’s body goes through during this time, it is truly impressive. With so much change, it makes sense that there are aches and pains along the way. One of the most common pains during pregnancy is sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ).