We help runners and active adults move better, run faster, and live a healthy & pain-free lifestyle.
Since 2011, Garrett has been been helping runners and active adults improve strength & flexibility, recover from injury, and achieve their biggest health, fitness, & running goals. With a background in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and Personal Training, Garrett uses his knowledge and skillset to create safe & effective running coaching, personal training, and injury rehabilitation programs fo
r his cllients. Over the years, his clients have stated that his services are the best blend of personal training and injury prevention where they not only achieve their goals, but feel the best they have in years.
07/26/2025
🏃♂️💥 Runners who lift: More isn’t always better!
Pushing harder can sometimes lead to injury and burnout. Understanding how running, lifting, and life stress all add to your total training load is key.
If you're unsure how to balance strength and running without overdoing it, let’s chat. I help runners train smarter and stay injury-free.
👉 [Message me to schedule your Running Analysis & Movement Assessment session!]
Read the full article:
If you're a motivated runner, chances are you’ve fallen into the classic "more is better" trap. More miles. More strength training. More speed work. More intensity. The logic seems sound—after all, hard work produces results, right? The reality is more complicated. Your body doesn't opera
07/15/2025
Stop guessing your workout intensity—RPE gives you a reliable, personalized way to train smarter. 🧠💥
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) helps you dial in effort without relying solely on devices or heart rate monitors. Learn how to use this simple tool to improve performance and avoid burnout.
Learn how to track workout intensity using RPE, heart rate, or pace—and why it matters for endurance, injury prevention, and performance. Tailored for runners and athletes in Portage and Kalamazoo, MI.
07/05/2025
Sandbags aren’t just for construction sites—they belong in your workouts too 💪!
These versatile tools build real-world strength, stability, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone rebuilding after injury, sandbag training delivers results.
🦴 “I used to hate working out… now I feel stronger, more confident, and finally know I’m building bone the right way.” – Elizabeth, age 54
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia—or you simply want to stay ahead of bone loss—the Better Bones 28-Day Program is designed for you.
✔️ Safe, progressive strength & cardio
✔️ In-person or self-guided options
✔️ Personalized support & accountability
Elizabeth’s story proves it's never too late to start, even if you're unsure or frustrated with past experiences.
➡️ Message me to get started and build your foundation for stronger bones today!
🚨 Not all stretches are created equal! Before you dive into your next workout, make sure you understand the difference between tissue tension and joint compression — especially if you’re dealing with pain or mobility issues.
👣 Still Dealing With Heel Pain? The Solution May Not Be What You Think…
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot complaints we see, especially in runners and active adults. But here’s the deal—rest and stretching alone won’t fix it, especially when it becomes a chronic issue.
Most chronic plantar fasciitis is caused by a breakdown in the tissue, not just inflammation. That’s why progressive strength training is essential to build resilience and reduce pain long-term.
🎥 In our latest video, we explore the plantar fascia calf raise, an underrated yet powerful exercise supported by research from Rathleff et al. This move:
✔ Places more stress on the plantar fascia (a good thing in this case)
✔ Activates your foot’s natural tensioning system
✔ Builds strength where you need it most
Whether you’re a runner, walker, or just tired of foot pain, this exercise can make a big difference!
📍 Proudly helping Portage and Kalamazoo move and feel better.
06/14/2025
💥 Still in pain after physical therapy? You’re not alone.
That’s exactly why I created Beyond Rehab, a 28-day program designed to bridge the gap between rehab and full return to life, sport, and performance.
👟 Your shoes aren’t just a fashion choice — they’re your foundation! The wrong pair can lead to injuries, imbalances, and setbacks, especially if you're an active adult or athlete.
In this article, we break down how to choose the right shoes for your body, activity, and goals.
Many new clients have been coming in with proximal hamstring tendinopathy — a stubborn injury that needs smart rehab!
If you have pain near the "sit bone," especially when sitting or running, check out these 3 important hamstring exercises ⬇️
*Focus: Strength in a hip-extended position without over-stretching!*
Want expert help? Let's schedule your evaluation to get on the road to pain-free today.
05/24/2025
Strengthen your hip flexors the right way with one of my favorite plank variations! 🏋️♂️ Learn why this is better than endless sit-ups and why hip flexor strength matters for runners, athletes, and everyday movement.
Ready to build a stronger core? Contact me to your complimentary evaluation and to learn about personal training services.
The hip flexors are a pivotal group of muscles at the front of your hips. Whether you're a runner, active individual, or someone who sits at a desk, strengthening these muscles can help reduce tightness, improve function, and have your hips feeling strong.
05/14/2025
Improve your posture and reduce stiffness with these two simple thoracic spine drills!
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Movement Along the Continuum: From Pain to Performance
Garrett McLaughlin is an Athletic Trainer, Movement Coach, and Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider in West Bloomfield, Michigan. With years of experience working as a licensed healthcare and fitness professional, Garrett combines his many areas of expertise and delivers high quality functional training and rehabilitation programs to his clients.
As humans become increasingly more sedentary each year, healthcare continues to be more of a challenge than a solution. This grey area exists between the medical and fitness professions and, therefore, the need for quality care is at it’s highest. As a provider who has the education and experience along the entire continuum from pain to performance, Garrett seeks to merge different industries to provide the general population and athletes a 100% client-centered approach that makes them the priority.
When it comes to recovering from injury, improving fitness & performance, or restoring quality of life associated with movement, a holistic and individualized approach can truly shape your future. Garrett has created the Healthy Running and Functionally F.I.T. Programs to provide athletes and the general population all the resources needed to safely and effectively achieve their goals. Whether you are looking for running and biomechanical analysis, rehabilitation, or functional training, you can rest assured that you will be taken care of with an ethical and evidence-based approach.
Are you looking to reduce pain and improve performance? If so, let’s figure out where you fit along the continuum and develop an individualized plan to achieve the results you deserve!
Click here to learn more: www.garrettmclaughlin.com. In-person and remote programs available! Schedule your FREE consultation now.
