Catch up with
Coach Dilworth

Knee arthritis can make every step feel risky, especially if you’re already dealing with back issues or a fusion. This article breaks down what a huge 2025 study found about the best exercises for knee arthritis and how to use low-impact cardio, strength, and balance work to move with more confidence.

Nervous to work out after lumbar fusion or years of back pain? This post breaks down what research says about rehab after surgery—and how structured, guided strength training can help you move with more confidence, support your spine, and stay independent as you age.

If your hips feel stiff, unstable, or “creaky” from years of sitting, this 45-minute hip stability routine is for you. Inside, I walk you through beginner-friendly exercises that build glute strength, core stability, and confidence—without high-impact workouts or complicated equipment.

When Barbara first walked into Crunch Fitness Steele Creek, she wasn’t sure she belonged. A 60-year-old cancer survivor facing osteopenia and a fear of the gym, she decided to take one small step that changed everything. Through personalized coaching, smart strength training, and a supportive community, Barbara rebuilt her confidence, balance, and strength — proving it’s never too late to start.

Being “cardio-fit” doesn’t guarantee a healthy spine. High-mile running can load the back with up to ~5× bodyweight per foot strike, and road cycling often locks the low back into sustained flexion—both can aggravate discs, especially with poor mechanics. Add “pretty good” nutrition that misses protein/micros and long sessions without electrolytes, and recovery stalls. Here’s how to rebuild a spine-healthy plan with smart strength, mobility, technique, and hydration.

“Just strengthen your core.” That was the most common advice I got when I was struggling with debilitating back pain — and it nearly wrecked me. While core training is important, not all exercises are safe for a compromised spine. Movements like sit-ups, Russian twists, and Jefferson curls might be fine for a healthy back, but they can be disastrous for someone dealing with disc issues, spinal fusion, or chronic instability. In this post, I break down why context matters, wh

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or out of focus? Square breathing is a simple breathing technique that can help regulate your nervous system in just minutes. Here's how it works—and why it’s worth adding to your daily routine.

If pressing overhead feels awkward or causes your ribs to flare out, it might not be your shoulders — it could be your hips. Learn how correcting your pelvic tilt and activating your glutes can drastically improve your overhead press mechanics.