Tag: Driven+SWS

Two Trays of Vegan Food is it the best diet

Is the Vegan Diet the Only Diet to Reach Supreme Health?

Written by Luis Echeverry on March 11, 2020. Posted in Lifestyle, Transformation.

Going vegan seems to be the hot new diet trend in today’s diet world. Celebrities are constantly singing its praise, claiming that veganism is the answer to becoming instantly slim, healthy and beautiful. However, it leaves us to wonder…is it all it’s cracked up to be? If we eat meat and dairy, are we doomed from living a healthy lifestyle? Here we separate the science from the hype surrounding the health benefits of a vegan diet.

Going Vegan

A vegan diet focuses on plant-based foods and beverages and is void of all animal products including eggs, dairy, and honey (yes, even honey). There are several reasons one may decide to go vegan, most often for health reasons or to support ethical and environmental concerns.

Is Veganism the Best Diet?

Currently, the scientific consensus is that veganism is certainly one of the best diets – right up there with the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Okinawan diet (both of which include animal products). However, by no means is anyone claiming veganism is the end-all, be-all to living a healthy lifestyle.

Here’s the thing, going vegan doesn’t always mean you’re eating well. There are tons of unhealthy “vegan” foods. Nutter Butters, Pop-Tarts, and loads of other junk foods are considered “vegan”. We get it, most vegans aren’t shopping in these aisles at the grocery. However, even a junk food-free vegan diet raises health concerns in that it can lead to significant nutrition deficiencies including calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin B12.

The lack of B12 in a vegan diet is especially problematic, as it is almost completely absent from plant-based foods. Multiple studies show that nearly 60% of vegans have a vitamin B12 deficiency, which in severe cases, can lead to numbness, poor balance, depression, paranoia, memory loss, incontinence and a slew of other problems.

Health Benefits to Veganism

While there is still a debate as to whether veganism is the “best” diet, it certainly offers tons of benefits. Some of which include:

Lower body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and blood glucose compared to omnivores
Reduced chances of being diagnosed with ischemic heart disease
Fifteen percent lower risk of cancer than omnivores

The bottom line about a Vegan diet

If you are considering a vegan diet, you must consider your intention. Do you want to reduce the risk of heart disease? Are you trying to lose weight? Do you want to be kinder to animals or reduce your carbon footprint? If you answer yes to any of these questions, veganism may be the right choice for you!

However, we can’t tell you enough how important it is to do it the right way. Take your supplements (especially B12!), get enough calcium and iron and continue to eat a well-balanced diet.

For more information on health and nutrition or to hear more of our thoughts about vegan diets, call or text Driven Fit + SWS in South Tampa at (813) 440-3016.

*Don’t forget to check with your doctor before changing your diet.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Written by Luis Echeverry on July 30, 2019. Posted in Transformation.

Let’s hop in our way back machine to the 2016 Olympics: Michael Phelps was crushing it while he had mysterious, large red marks all over his back? Remember thinking – what are those? Nearly everyone did. Well, those red marks are a result of cupping – an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine.

Cupping is used primarily to facilitate healing with blood flow, but it also helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promotes health, relaxation, and well being. In cupping therapy, a therapist puts special cups on your skin to create suction.

Michael Phelps does it, so it’s got to be safe, right? Let’s take a closer look.

The Science Behind Cupping

The science of cupping is very similar to acupuncture in that both therapies are believed to balance yin and yang, within the body and facilitate the flow of “qi” – the vital energy or life force believed to regulate your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.

Restoring the balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Driven Fit+ SWS offers cupping therapy in Tampa with Dr. Sarah Sponaugle. Come by the studio to experience the healing of cupping!

Is Cupping Safe?

Yes, this alternative therapy is safe. But, there are certain exceptions. These may include:

Your cupping therapist isn’t certified – Most therapists who practice cupping are not certified in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Before any cupping treatment, research your therapist to protect your safety. Don’t worry: the team at Driven+SWS is fully certified.
Children who are under the age of four – Cupping should never be performed on a child who is under the age of four years old. Older children should only be treated for very short periods.
Adults over the age of 65 – As we age, our skin becomes more fragile, and therefore cupping at this age isn’t recommended.
Women who are pregnant – Cupping should be avoided at the abdomen and lower back for all pregnant women.
Those who use blood-thinning medication, have a sunburn, a wound, a skin ulcer, experienced recent trauma, or have an internal organ disorder.
If the therapist doesn’t practice sanitary methods – He or she should use clean equipment and have regular vaccines to ensure protection against disease.

As with any change to your diet, exercise, or therapy regimen we recommend you speak with your doctor before receiving treatment.

Are There Side Effects to Cupping?

While overall very safe, there are a few side effects associated with cupping. These typically only occur during or immediately following treatment. Possible side effects of cupping therapy may include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy during or after treatment
Sweating or slight nausea during treatment
Pain or irritation at the cupping sites
Risk of infection *this is extremely rare. At Driven+SWS, our therapists always follow the appropriate methods for cleaning your skin before or after your cupping session
Scarring of the skin
Hematoma (bruising)

Cupping Therapy in Tampa

This ancient form of therapy is known for its healing capabilities. Cupping is used to increase blood flow, alleviate pains and inflammation. Cupping therapy can help you relax and improve your overall health & wellbeing.

If you are interested in cupping treatments at our South Tampa wellness center, schedule a consultation today! Our trained and experienced Tampa, FL cupping therapists, please call or text Driven + SWS today at (813) 440-3016.

[hc-hmw snippet=”Contact-Us”]

Instrument Assisted Therapy IASTM Driven SWS South Tampa

Benefits of Instrument-Assisted Therapy in Tampa

Written by Luis Echeverry on July 25, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Transformation.

At Driven+SWS, we pride ourselves on using the latest therapy techniques so our clients can move and feel better. One therapy that’s gaining popularity in Tampa Bay: instrument-assisted therapy. Popular among top therapists and chiropractors, instrument-assisted therapy, AKA Graston technique, is a specialized myofascial release and massage technique.

IASTM uses ergonomically shaped metal and plastic tools to improve soft tissue mobility and mobilize muscles, fascia (the collagen covering muscles), and tendons. The primary goal of instrument-assisted therapy is to improve movement and reduce pain caused by injury or other conditions.

The History of Instrument-Assisted Therapy

Instrument-assisted therapy was developed in the 1990s primarily for athletes. Since then it has grown in popularity and is used by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists to help treat patients (not just athletes) with a variety of conditions.

What can I expect from an instrument-assisted therapy session?

During instrument-assisted treatment, Dr. Sarah Sponaugle will use a metal or plastic tool to massage and mobilize soft tissue. This tool is gently scraped and rubbed over the skin to locate and release tightness in the fascial system.

When found, the restricted areas will feel crumbly as the tool passes over them. Dr. Sarah will be able to hone in over the tightness and scrape these restrictions (with the same tool), re-initiating your body’s natural inflammatory response.

Contact the studio today to try Instrument-Assisted Therapy; experts are just a text away – (813) 440-3016!

What type of injury would benefit from instrument-assisted therapy?

This specialized massage therapy helps with a variety of sports-related injuries. These include limited mobility, pain with motion, decreased muscle recruitment, or excessive scar tissue formation. Instrument-assisted therapy techniques also help with these specific conditions:

Tendonitis and tendinopathy
Ligament sprains
Plantar fasciitis
Scar tissue from surgery or trauma
Myofascial pain
Musculoskeletal imbalance

What are the benefits of instrument-assisted therapy?

Improved tissue extensibility
Decreased pain
Improved range of motion
Decreased scar tissue formation
Improved cellular activity near the site of injury

The benefits are clear! If you have pain or limited mobility, you could be a candidate for instrument-assisted therapy.

Driven Fit + SWS is a top-rated boutique gym in Tampa, FL. Learn more about our chiropractic and massage therapy services. Call or text our South Tampa wellness studio at (813) 440-3016 to speak with a member of Team Driven about IASTM!

Training for Triathlon: Indoor Meets Outdoor Workouts

Written by Luis Echeverry on July 11, 2019. Posted in Transformation.

Ready to crush that personal record?

When it comes to triathlons you’ve got to have the competitive edge both mentally & physically. Triathlon training is an endurance game, and a dedicated plan is necessary to perform at your best when race day arrives. When you train for a triathlon, outdoor training is ideal, but indoor training is needed too – and may be the only option when the temperatures skyrocket here in Tampa. Your training is a balance so we’re sharing how to make the most of your training indoors.

The advantage of training in the gym is a more precise workout – no rain, wind, or sand that makes each outdoor session unique. However, precision can lead to issues such as overuse of specific muscles, which can cause tight areas and imbalances. Combining certain strength and flexibility exercises will help prevent these issues from arising and make indoor training season productive.

Taking Triathlon Training Indoors

Swimming

You don’t need to be in the water to be prepared for the water! We recommend you focus the bulk of your workout on the core. Swimmers need core strength; Bosu planks, balance work on the TRX, or just hitting the mat for planks will do the trick. From there, to work your shoulders and back muscles, hop on the rowing machine. Alternate with jump squats for a nice circuit.

Working your chest while training in the gym is also key for swimming training. Work with your trainer on bench presses and using the lat pulldown machine.

Cycling

Yes, you can get out and ride basically any day of the week, but there are times that you can’t hit the road. The worst thing you can do when training for long, endurance rides is ride the bike for an hour.

Besides a stationary bike lacks side-to-side movement, pedaling in a fixed position, and the lack of position shift when climbing a hill. When riding outside, you are pulling on the handlebars, engaging your core and shifting your hips with the turns and obstacles. These specific movements are hard to replicate indoors.

Instead…

Improve your strength in the muscles used on the bike with machines and light bodyweight exercises. We recommend deadlifts, lunges, and squats with weights to really work your hamstrings, glutes, and back. For the machines, leg press and hamstring curls are a great strength building circuit.

Nothing replaces actual riding. But these in the gym exercises will help build strength and endurance, which should make cycling easier come race day.

Driven + SWS in South Tampa offers it all – bodyweight strength workouts, cycling, and stair climber workouts. Learn more about our gym.

Running

Sure, you can run on our magnetic resistance treadmill instead of running outside, for your miles, but we recommend you focus your indoor triathlon training on testing your endurance in other ways. A Tabata circuit work out (originally developed for Olympians) is a great option for you in between roads and trails. Try this!

General strengthening like squats and single-leg squats, weighted hip bridges, and skater lunges will work to strengthen your hips and glutes.

Don’t forget to stretch! You don’t want to overwork your hip muscles; make time for a cool down after.

Let’s Train

We love triathlons! It’s easy to use everyday gym equipment for triathlon prep. At Driven Fit, we believe in a combination of training and recovery that ultimately allows our clients to reach their personal goals – whether it’s to meet a PR or to take home the big prize. For more info on our South Tampa wellness studio, call or text (813) 440-3016.