Elite Muscle Mechanics

Elite Muscle Mechanics Working with the muscular system allows us to address physical limitations in mobility and strength

We work with people whose back, foot, knee and hip ailments prevent them from enjoying their favorite activities. As Muscular Specialists, it is our unique job in the health and fitness industry to assess and restore proper function to muscle tissue, enabling us to pursue our passion for helping people live an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Don't Retreat To What Feels FamiliarWhen your body starts to limit you, most people instinctively return to what feels c...
02/19/2026

Don't Retreat To What Feels Familiar

When your body starts to limit you, most people instinctively return to what feels comfortable.

The exercises they used to do.
The routines they remember.
The movements that feel familiar and safe.

Even if those things stopped working.

It’s natural — familiarity feels like control.

But in joint health, returning to old habits interrupts improvements.

Because if your body is changing, the solution probably has to change too.

Many people sense this.
They feel their body isn’t responding the way it once did.

Strength isn’t sticking.
Pain keeps returning.
Progress stalls.

That usually means something is missing — a link in the chain that hasn’t been addressed yet.

And this is the moment where progress either happens… or stops.

You can retreat into what you already know, even if it hasn’t solved the problem.
Or you can lean into a new approach that addresses what your body needs now.

Joint protection often requires doing things differently than you did years ago — not because you failed, but because your body is giving you new information.

Don’t recoil into comfort just because it’s familiar.

Sometimes the breakthrough comes from addressing the piece you haven’t worked on yet.

If you feel like you’ve been repeating the same cycle without lasting improvement, that’s usually a sign there’s a missing link we need to identify.

Reply to this email and we’ll help you figure out what your body has been asking for, that hasn’t been addressed yet.

— Josh
Elite Muscle Mechanics

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Is Winter Breaking You?This winter has felt very different from what many of us are used to.With the flu, COVID, common ...
02/14/2026

Is Winter Breaking You?

This winter has felt very different from what many of us are used to.

With the flu, COVID, common colds, and more, circulating this time of year, the intensity has seemed higher than usual. I can say without hesitation that I’ve had more session cancellations due to illness this winter than I can remember.

Add in the prolonged cold and repeated shoveling, I’ve seen a steady stream of achy, run-down bodies coming through the office lately, including my own.

Anything that drives inflammation up—whether it’s illness, overuse from shoveling, or pushing too hard while run down—can significantly reduce muscle function. When muscles don’t do their job well, pain and stiffness tend to follow.

If you’ve been sick, overdid it outside, or you’re just feeling “off,” it’s important to be thoughtful about how you return to activity. Personally, when possible, I like to get a tune-up before jumping back into exercise, to make sure everything is functioning properly. That said, I know that isn’t always feasible.

The key takeaway is simple: listen to your body, respect the added stress this season brings, and don’t ignore the early signs that things aren’t moving the way they should.

If you have questions or you’re not sure how to ease back in safely, just reach out—I’m always happy to help.

Stay Warm!
Josh

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Golf Season is ComingI know it’s hard to believe, but golf season is coming fast.Some of you have already had a small ta...
02/06/2026

Golf Season is Coming

I know it’s hard to believe, but golf season is coming fast.

Some of you have already had a small taste, escaping to Florida for a bit, but even that hasn’t been as productive as usual with the cooler weather down south.

Back here, I’ve been working diligently, with a small group of golfers, focusing on one specific goal: optimizing their bodies to better tolerate the demands of the golf swing.

Golf is deceptively demanding, especially if you like to play often. The repeated torque placed on the neck, shoulders, spine, and hips adds up quickly. Aches, stiffness, and small tweaks aren’t the exception. They’re the norm.

What’s been different this time is the version of Muscle Activation Techniques I’ve been using. This approach is tailored specifically to the conditions that cause problems in golf, by getting the right muscles firing during and for the golf swing itself.

Even with clients I’ve worked with for years, the improvements have been noticeable and exciting to see.

Here’s feedback from one golfer after a recent session:

“I feel tall and my posture feels great. I haven’t seen my elbow this straight in years. I can lay flat on the table for the first time without neck pain, and I can turn my head to the right with much more range and comfort. My limp is back to normal.”

This is exactly what proper muscle communication and joint protection should feel like. Less compensation, less pain, and a body that’s prepared to play.

I will have 2 spots opening for this advanced program in March. If you are interested and want details, please reply “Golf”.

Stay warm!

Josh

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What do you think?Hey Everyone! I’m working on my new book and I’d love to get your honest feedback on my book idea. I’m...
02/01/2026

What do you think?

Hey Everyone!

I’m working on my new book and I’d love to get your honest feedback on my book idea. I’m writing a book that helps 55+ & retirees have pain-free joints so they can stay active and independent as they age.

What’s your gut response?”

Thanks
Josh

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Why Stairs Are the Ultimate Test for Knee HealthStairs expose everything.They reveal:• Weak links in muscle support• Poo...
01/30/2026

Why Stairs Are the Ultimate Test for Knee Health

Stairs expose everything.

They reveal:

• Weak links in muscle support
• Poor communication between brain and leg
• Fatigue-based breakdowns
• And compensation patterns that don’t show up on flat ground

That’s why knee pain often shows up on stairs before anywhere else.

And it’s exactly why I created the
30-Day Pain-Less Knees on Stairs Challenge (55+)

This isn’t a workout program.
It’s a guided rebuilding of how your legs support your knees, step by step.

Over 30 days, you’ll:

• Learn how to prepare key muscles before stair use
• Reduce stress on the knee during ascend and descend
• Restore confidence without pushing through pain
• Follow simple daily guidance so you don’t guess or overdo it

The goal is clear:

In 30 days, reduce knee pain on stairs to 2/10 or less.

This challenge is for you if:

• You’re tired of being told “just strengthen it”
• You want to understand why your knee hurts
• You care more about doing things right than doing more
• You want long-term confidence—not temporary relief

I’m opening a small group to keep guidance personal. If stairs have become something you think about—or avoid—this is your invitation to change that.

[Join the 30-Day Pain-Less Knees on Stairs Challenge]
(to join, reply to this email and I’ll send you the details)

No pressure.
Just a smarter way forward.

— Josh

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Why You’re “Fine” … But Still CarefulMany people are told they’re fine.Cleared from PT.Back to normal activity.No major ...
01/29/2026

Why You’re “Fine” … But Still Careful

Many people are told they’re fine.

Cleared from PT.
Back to normal activity.
No major restrictions.

Yet something still feels off.

Maybe it’s:

• A hesitation going downstairs
• A knee that feels unstable when tired
• Strength that disappears under fatigue
• Or the sense that you’re always one bad day away from pain

This is the gap most systems miss.

Traditional programs zoom out too early.
They focus on big movements—but miss what’s happening inside them.

What we look at instead:

• Which muscles hesitate to engage
• Where your body is compensating to protect a joint
• How fatigue changes control
• Whether your knees are being supported before load and repetition

This level of detail isn’t about being cautious. It’s about being accurate. And stairs are the perfect example. Stairs don’t care if you’re “cleared.” They demand coordination, strength, timing, and control every single step.

If your muscles aren’t prepared, your knees absorb the cost.

Tomorrow, I’ll show you how we address this without overwhelming workouts or guesswork.

— Josh

P.S. The 30-Day Pain-Free Stairs Challenge is starting again on Monday, February 2nd.

If you want to decrease your pain going up or down stairs to 2/10 or less, this program may be for you. I’m only taking 10 people this time around, so it’s first come, first served.

Reply “I’m in” and I’ll send you the details.

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Why Doing More Isn’t the Same as Doing It RightMost people don’t come to exercise because they love workouts.They come b...
01/28/2026

Why Doing More Isn’t the Same as Doing It Right

Most people don’t come to exercise because they love workouts.

They come because they want to move without pain.
They want confidence.
They want to stop worrying about getting hurt.

Recently, a client put it perfectly:
“I came here to learn about my body, so I don’t get hurt.
You weren’t worried about counting reps or burning calories—we were focused on doing it right.”

That difference matters because most training systems reward effort:
More reps.
More sweat.
More pushing.

And most rehab systems reward clearance:
Pain is lower.
You hit basic benchmarks.
You’re told you’re “good to go.”

But neither approach asks the most important question:

Is your body actually prepared for the stress you’re placing on it, especially in your daily life?

That’s why so many people:
• Finish PT but don’t feel fully recovered.
• Return to exercise only to flare things up again.
• Avoid stairs, hills, or uneven ground “just in case”.

The issue isn’t motivation. It’s missing information.

Tomorrow, I’ll explain where most programs stop paying attention—and why that matters for your knees.

— Josh

P.S. The 30-Day Pain-Free Stairs Challenge is starting again on Monday, February 2nd.

If you want to decrease your pain going up or down stairs to 2/10 or less, this program may be for you. I’m only taking 10 people this time around, so it’s first come, first served. Reply “I’m in” and I’ll send you the details.

Click here for an update from Elite Muscle Mechanics, LLC!

It Started with a StaircaseAs you may know, I’ve dealt with knee problems since my early teens.It wasn’t until I discove...
01/22/2026

It Started with a Staircase

As you may know, I’ve dealt with knee problems since my early teens.

It wasn’t until I discovered MAT that I finally found something that stopped the downward spiral of injury, pain, inflammation, and surgery.

It’s been 25 years since my last knee surgery—and I don’t plan on having another.
I recently wrote to you about my success improving knee pain on stairs. My house isn’t much of a challenge, but my in-laws’ staircase is much steeper!

I decided to put together a program that gave me far more stability and zero pain on stairs. That led me to an important thought: If I can do this for myself 10 minutes daily, at home, why can’t I do it for others?

That question led to the creation of the 30-Day Pain-Free Stairs Challenge.

If you missed the first round that started in January, that’s okay—we’re starting again on Monday, February 2nd.

If you want to decrease your pain going up or down stairs to 2/10 or less, this program may be for you. I’m only taking 10 people this time around. First come, first served.

Reply “I’m in”, and I’ll send you the details.

Stay warm,
Josh

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Excited or Anxious?On the way to her first Tennis clinic, my oldest said “ I was really excited to go but the closer I g...
01/18/2026

Excited or Anxious?

On the way to her first Tennis clinic, my oldest said “ I was really excited to go but the closer I get to going the more nervous I get.”

Trying something new is like this for most of us. The thoughts that flow through our mind? Will I be successful? Can I finish what I started? Will I reach my goals?

Self doubt, fear are combined with hope and excitement.

It’s a weird mix that can put our stomach in knots.

It reminds me of when I was a kid. Before every basketball game or every track meet. Stomach in knots with fear and excitement.

These emotions can cloud our judgment though. Sometimes fear jumps in and never allows us to start something we need.

I created the pain-less stair challenge with these fears in mind.

One thing I hear over and over is the need for accountability. That’s one of the reasons I love this program.

I’m There with you every step of the way. Showing up in your email daily and there to answer your questions while guiding through something that requires commitment for improvement.

If you’re ready, the next installment of the 30 Pain-Free Stairs Challenge begins Monday February 2nd. It’s really focused on knee pain specifically. However it will work just as well if you have foot or hip pain with stairs.

If you’re ready to be accountable and committed. I’d love to help you decrease your knee pain while using stairs.

If you’re ready, reply “Ready” and I’ll send you details!

Josh

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ZombiesI got sick on New Year’s Day and spent the next few days wandering around the house, groaning, moaning, and movin...
01/08/2026

Zombies

I got sick on New Year’s Day and spent the next few days wandering around the house, groaning, moaning, and moving at a pace that could only be described as medically unimpressive.

My slumped posture and exhausted shuffle reminded me immediately of a “walker” from "The Walking Dead"—or, as most of us know them, a zombie.

Zombies make a distinct sound.

“uuughhh… rrrrr… moaaannn…”

“uuughhh… rrrrr… moaaannn…”

“uuughhh… rrrrr… moaaannn…”

I imagine this is what I sounded like.

From about 2010 to 2019, I was a huge fan of the show (The Walking Dead). Every week, I couldn’t wait for my next dose of the zombie apocalypse. There was something oddly fascinating about that raw, stripped-down survival world—no comfort, no electricity, no small talk.

Then I had kids.

And suddenly, staying awake through an episode felt like its own survival challenge.

So, it’s been at least six years since I paid much attention to the show. But as I shuffled from room to room coughing and miserable, I found myself wondering…

Would I still enjoy this show?

Apparently, yes. At least 12 episodes worth.

Misery loves company—and I felt right at home with those creepy walkers.

“uuughhh… rrrrr… moaaannn…”

If you are tired of walking or going up and down stairs like a zombie, because your knees hurt, I’ll be running a second installment of my 30 Days to Pain-less Knees Stair Challenge.

If you’d like the details Reply Zombie and I’ll get that to you!

Josh

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Winter WonderlandIt was a wonderful winter Saturday. We got to go outside and play. We built Legos. We ate well.I also r...
12/31/2025

Winter Wonderland

It was a wonderful winter Saturday. We got to go outside and play. We built Legos. We ate well.

I also realized I hadn’t done much outdoor exercise lately, and that had been weighing on my mind. So, when the opportunity to shovel came up, I jumped on it.

I got into a groove. I started warming up, broke a light sweat, and for a moment thought… I might actually like winter?!

As I shoveled, I noticed how well my feet were moving. I had done an MAT activation beforehand, knowing it would help prevent something painful — but I felt more than just “protected.” I felt extra mobile. Smooth. Flowing. Heel to toe.

It had been a while since I wore my Xero Hikers, and it reminded me how feet are supposed to work. Your feet should naturally roll — not feel like cinder blocks.

They should absorb impact, not feel like a jarring smash into your foot or knee.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell unless you’re really paying attention, but when you do, it’s something you deeply appreciate.

If your feet don’t roll naturally, or if your footwear doesn’t allow natural movement, these “normal” sensations are almost impossible to feel.

It’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced the difference. But I encourage you to go for a walk. Pay attention. Ask yourself:
Am I rolling naturally?
Or do my feet and knees feel like they’re slamming into the ground more than they should?

Good luck — and let me know what you notice.

Have a Happy New Years!

Josh

Schedule Your MAT session to get your feet moving properly.

If you want to order Xero Shoes Online Please use my affiliate
Link: xeroshoes.com/go/EliteMuscle

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Good Morning,Last chance to join the 30-Day Stair-Pain Relief Challenge.If You’re In Already, Get Ready! We start Monday...
12/27/2025

Good Morning,

Last chance to join the 30-Day Stair-Pain Relief Challenge.

If You’re In Already, Get Ready! We start Monday Morning (12/29/25) ☀️

• Time commitment (5–10 minutes/day).

If you’re still considering joining, it is a 30-day paid challenge called The 55+ Stair Pain Knee Relief Challenge.

The goal is simple: reduce knee pain on stairs to about 1–2/10 without relying on pain medication.

You’ll follow a system I teach called The Knee Wake-Up Protocol, which is based on Muscle Activation Techniques.

Each day you’ll do short, zero -impact movements that wake up the muscles that should be supporting your knee — so the knee stops taking all the stress on stairs.

You’ll get daily emails and short videos so you know exactly what to do.

The price is $49.

If you’re in, reply IN and I’ll send payment details. If not, totally fine.

Have a nice weekend!

Josh

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Address

Glastonbury, CT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18606576845

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