What's that weird feeling when you get a relaxing massage? No really? Medically? [more inside]
posted by sweetkid on Jul 31, 2009 - 8 answers

Is there any reason that barbells would be indispensable from a serious stength-training program? Or are dumbbells just fine? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Jul 1, 2009 - 12 answers

fiddle filter: why won't my arm do what I want it to do when I play the fiddle? [more inside]
posted by crazylegs on Jun 8, 2009 - 12 answers

Will inhaled propylene glycol vapor become lactic acid and cause sore muscles? [more inside]
posted by K.P. on Mar 16, 2009 - 3 answers

I'm looking for a muscular role-model... [more inside]
posted by mpls2 on Feb 14, 2009 - 13 answers

My girlfriend uncontrollably twitches and spasms while around me. Possible explanations? (slightly NSFW) [more inside]
posted by Defenestrator on Feb 9, 2009 - 15 answers

I went surfing for the first time recently, and had a hard time doing the "hop up" on the surfboard -- my feet always tended to be too close together, and I just lacked agility. What are some exercises I could do that would strengthen the relevant muscles and/or otherwise make me a hop-master? Thanks.
posted by shivohum on May 31, 2008 - 4 answers

crunch-filter: how do I stop my abdominal muscles from aching? [more inside]
posted by krautland on May 21, 2008 - 12 answers

Is there a way to stretch my quadriceps without bending my knees? [more inside]
posted by meerkatty on May 6, 2008 - 14 answers

Are there alternatives to the lotus position for classic meditation that don't leave the back unsupported? I've found that sitting in an unsupported position, or in a chair that doesn't have a seat back, ends up making my back ache rather strongly. I've thought about investigating meditation (and looking into the more classical, early practices), but have wondered if there's a "kosher" (accepted in the discipline) way of doing the more classical meditations while having your back completely supported (by lying on the ground, or doing it in a chair, or what have you).
posted by WCityMike on Apr 24, 2008 - 17 answers

My husband has a huge knot in the muscles at the small of his back (right where his spine meets his pelvis, very close to the spine). He's clearly in a great deal of discomfort, and wants me to massage the area (which I'm happy to do), but what else can he try? (He's already refused to go to the doctor or use a stick-on heat pack, and we don't own a heating pad.) Suggestions as to stretches, massage techniques, and other things we haven't thought of are welcome.
posted by anastasiav on Mar 4, 2008 - 31 answers

Why do some people's abdominal muscles appear to be asymmetrical? [more inside]
posted by Quadroonian on Dec 30, 2007 - 7 answers

I have noticed that over the past few years I have been carrying a lot of facial tension. It causes me to look like I'm either scowling or frowning. Please help me relax my face. I can't afford the botox route so natural, mental, or other free(ish) remedies only please. Thanks!
posted by MayNicholas on Jul 18, 2007 - 14 answers

When I work my abs a lot, I get little mini shaky spasms, similar to what your muscles do after lifting, except they last for a while, say 24 hours, give or take, as opposed to up to two hours or so after weightlifting. Does this happen to you too? Is it common? [more inside]
posted by dame on Jun 15, 2007 - 5 answers

MutantFilter: For as long as I can remember, I've had what I thought was a muscle missing in my upper right arm. I've never seen anyone else with this, nor have I been able to figure out if that's it for sure. Anyone who knows something about anatomy want to take a look at this? (Pictures included.) [more inside]
posted by flod logic on May 29, 2007 - 20 answers

I can induce foot cramps really easily - why? [more inside]
posted by tomble on Jan 19, 2007 - 29 answers

What muscles are used to recover from a heelside snowboard fall? If one were bad at getting up from such a fall, which exercises at the gym would you recommend to improve?
posted by Malad on Dec 26, 2006 - 10 answers

Help me fix my stubborn rotator cuff. [more inside]
posted by dead_ on Dec 7, 2006 - 8 answers

Help me understand newer trends in muscle development with weights. [more inside]
posted by fox_terrier_guy on Jul 10, 2006 - 10 answers

I want to expand my in-home workout routine. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket on Mar 30, 2006 - 14 answers

Zombiefilter: How long would it take before a zombie's muscles were no longer functional? [more inside]
posted by Astro Zombie on Mar 11, 2006 - 42 answers

ImageSearchFilter: I'm looking for a webpage with an image I should have bookmarked. Please help me find it! [more inside]
posted by mirileh on Jul 28, 2005 - 7 answers

What is the best way to bulk up in addition to losing existing body fat? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by dustinAFN on Feb 15, 2005 - 17 answers

My father was just diagnosed with polymyositis. His muscles are deteriorating and he can hardly dress himself, let alone drive two hours to his work or even do his work from home. Has anybody had a family member of close friend with this condition? What can I and my siblings and my mother expect? What can we do for him, if anything?
posted by billysumday on Jan 3, 2005 - 4 answers

Some muscle in my upper back, on the left side just inside my shoulder blade, has balled up and is really sore. I don't know how I injured it, but I do know I had trouble sleeping last night and this is the fourth day in a row it has hurt. I know a guy who is training to be a chiropractor, but I'm a little suspicious of going to a chiropractor, let alone a not-yet-quite-certified chiropractor. What would you suggest? A deep massage? Just wait for it to work itself out? See a real doctor? Or just keep popping the ibuprofens?
posted by billysumday on Dec 16, 2004 - 26 answers

Not that this ever happened to me. But suppose one went to a weight-lifting class, which happened to have quite a few pretty women in it. And suppose that one tried to be all he-man and lift a lot of weight. And suppose that the next day this person could barely move his arms. What could this person do to get his arms bending again? My ears itch, and it's killing me!
posted by patrickje on Dec 15, 2004 - 27 answers

How can I make my stomach look nice without sit-ups? (MI) [more inside]
posted by crazy finger on Sep 8, 2004 - 19 answers

I'm interested in finding good, scientific, non-biased information on weight lifting. Almost everything I seem to find online and in print is either unsupported or linked somehow to supplement manufacturers. Where can I find real deal?
posted by tirade on Apr 20, 2004 - 11 answers

Why do my lower back muscles contract when I am cold? It is uncontrollable and often causes pain. Is there anything I can do to train the muscles to relax? Would having a stronger lower back make it worse or better?
posted by will on Dec 31, 2003 - 3 answers