Local personal fitness studio works to help clients work through and prevent sports injuries so they don't miss out on warmer weather activities.

LITTLETON - May 12, 2008 - The weather is getting warmer, and active people are spending more time outdoors. This naturally involves taking more risks regarding sports and physical activities. Certain physical risks may result in injuries that can be severe enough to put an active person out of commission for weeks.

Trainer, Marybeth Van Horn, RN explains, "Summer is a time when everyone has a higher risk of injury because of increased outdoor activities." Marybeth is co-owner of Bella Vita Studios, a private fitness training studio in Littleton. Erin Van Horn, Marybeth's partner says, "With the right guidance and training, many of these injuries can be prevented."

Marybeth and Erin share several tips that can help prevent injuries:

• Practice general safety tips and use common sense. Don't take unnecessary risks.
• Support your feet and your entire body with proper footwear. Replace your shoes from last summer.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Ensure flexibility by stretching before and after exercise.
• Support joints through strengthening exercises, sports taping and supplements.
• Apply creams such as Soothe X by Advocare, Arniflora, Traumeel, and Arnica Spray to prevent and treat shin splints or local inflammatory injuries.
• Consult Bella Vita Studios for free advice on the use of nutritional enhancements.
• Use massage therapy to work out soreness and get blood flowing to joints and muscles.

Once an injury occurs, it's important to treat it properly. "The acute phase of an injury may last weeks. Generally, the first 24 hours is the most critical phase when early intervention can make a difference in the length of total recovery," explains Marybeth. "An injury is chronic when it lasts longer than expected or when it reoccurs."

At Bella Vita Studios, the Van Horns work with clients who come in frequently with various injuries. Marybeth is a nurse and fitness trainer and Erin is a massage thereapist and fitness trainer. Through their combined experience they help people recover quicker from their injuries .

Bella Vita Studios offers massage therapy as part of their fitness program. Erin explained, "Summer is a busy time for massages because clients are educated on the benefits of massage therapy to help with injury recovery and general well-being."

Bella Vita Studios has been helping clients get physically fit and lose weight in the Denver metro area since 2002. Marybeth Van Horn has been featured on the Discovery Health Channel and continues to motivate people through her own weight loss journey. Erin Van Horn helps her clients get visible fitness results as a specialist in muscle function and biomechanics.

For more information about Bella Vita Studios and call 303.795.5830 or visit their website at www.bellavitastudios.com.