We carry about 1,000kg of air on top of our shoulders. Why do we feel noticeably heavier when adding a fraction of it, like 10kg? Are our muscles just finely tuned?
posted by Spanner Nic
on Feb 8, 2013 -
8 answers
muscle-minded members of Mefi: how do I strengthen the Rectus capitis posterior minor muscles?
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posted by mirileh
on Jan 30, 2013 -
2 answers
I'm making good weight-loss progress with
The Hacker's Diet. Now, I'd like to add in exercise to build and tone muscle. I'm active and decent shape already, but don't do any weights. Is there anything as down-to-earth and straightforward as The Hacker's Diet for this?
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posted by SampleSize
on Sep 22, 2012 -
12 answers
Emergency: must temporarily increase muscle endurance or life will be ruined within the next 24 hours. What can I do?
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posted by sarling
on Jun 4, 2012 -
53 answers
Body Mindfulness and Exercise Filter: how can I become more aware of the 'shoulds' of my body to correct posture, gait, breathing, etc...?
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posted by Phalene
on May 12, 2012 -
11 answers
I've been suffering muscle soreness/stiffness in my back for almost two months now. I thought it was related to walking (see my
previous question), I've reduced my walking to almost zero and the pain persists. What could possibly be causing this and how can I nip this in the bud?
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posted by chara
on Apr 24, 2012 -
14 answers
What lifts should I do to increase the width (from front and rear) or general diameter of my biceps/arms?
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posted by Senor Cardgage
on Mar 24, 2012 -
7 answers
I have 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night to do some muscle toning exercises. What should I do that would be the best use of my time?
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posted by greta simone
on Jul 18, 2011 -
30 answers
I stretch 3-4 times a day (for about 10 minutes each time), and get 1-2 massages a week, but my muscles are still SO tight, and my flexibility isn't increasing! What can I do?
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posted by hasna
on Jan 4, 2011 -
17 answers
I have a tight IT band and a weak medial (?) glute which is allowing my knee to move inward, moving from tweaking towards injury.
I have seen the physio. Have 4 key exercises. Don't need more at the moment (thank you!). One involves rolling up and down a foam roller. I would rather cry in pain over this in the privacy of my own home. I have to do the exercises every day for 3.5 weeks so I can manage the half marathon I have planned (again, don't need advice on that, thanks - am being careful / will walk if have to etc etc)
So - where in the UK Midlands in a physical shop can I buy a foam roller to roll my leg muscles with?
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posted by LyzzyBee
on Sep 30, 2010 -
24 answers
I'm tall and skinny and have never been able to build upper-body/arm muscle -- how do I bulk up?
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posted by TallRail
on Sep 7, 2010 -
23 answers
For a few days every week, I am a mover, and I spent about 12 hours lifting boxes and running up and down stairs. How do I translate these extended workouts into some muscle growth?
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posted by orville sash
on Jul 14, 2010 -
17 answers
How and what should I warm up, and when and how long should I rest for a 4 day muscle sculpting routine?
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posted by Bacillus
on Mar 5, 2010 -
8 answers
I have bad posture, but I'm not sure how to get it right. Looking for passive or idiot-proof tools/tricks for posture improvement.
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posted by needs more cowbell
on Feb 16, 2010 -
33 answers
My 58 year old aunt has been suffering from a very strange neck condition for about 2 years now. Her head leans to one side. It looks freaky and she cannot straighten it. Has anyone had experience with this or something similar?
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posted by kmavap
on Feb 2, 2010 -
11 answers
What's that weird feeling when you get a relaxing massage? No really? Medically?
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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?
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posted by Vorteks
on Jul 1, 2009 -
12 answers
Will inhaled propylene glycol vapor become lactic acid and cause sore muscles?
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posted by K.P.
on Mar 16, 2009 -
3 answers
My girlfriend uncontrollably twitches and spasms while around me. Possible explanations? (slightly NSFW)
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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
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
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?
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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.)
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posted by flod logic
on May 29, 2007 -
20 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
ImageSearchFilter: I'm looking for a webpage with an image I should have bookmarked. Please help me find it!
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posted by mirileh
on Jul 28, 2005 -
7 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