Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink?

A very good friend of mine drinks raw milk. He gets it from a local farmer in Framingham Massachusetts. I used to consume raw milk many years ago when I was heavily into bodybuilding. I haven't had any milk (raw or pasteurized) since 1992. When I'm in the mood for 'milk' type beverages, I reach for Silk Soy.

The link below is a summary of the pro's and con's of Raw Milk from a registered dietitian. I highly recommend her podcast. Her name is Monica Reinagel and has a podcast called Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling Fabulous.

http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/is-raw-milk-safe.aspx

Learn More About the SFMA and FMS (Gray Cook & Kyle Kiesel)

As I announced in a previous blog, Gray Cook, Greg Rose, Kyle Kiesel and Milo Bryant have just published a book entitled, "Movement". Excellent book, but some health professionals  (including myself) may need  additional info prior to reading it. I came across the below video on Gray's website. I don't know how long it has been there, nor do I know how long it will stay there. The content that is there is valuable. Anyone interested in going to the next level in screening, testing, and assessment, Gray Cook is the man to take you there. He is truly a  "TRAIL BLAZER" in his field. He is challenging the way trainers and rehabilitation professionals screen, test and assess individuals to predict potential dysfunctional movement patterns and/or pain prior to exercise.

I love what he says near the end of the video regarding core training and his research. Currently, we tend to perform core exercises to improve a core stability problem. What he's saying, if I understand him correctly, remove the dysfunctional pattern instead of doing specific core exercises. In other words, you'll get more core function by removing your most dysfunctional pattern than by specifically working on your core.


Not that Gray is competing with the NASM, but he definitely goes beyond the educational level required to successfully pass the Personal Training Certification. I will not venture to say that he goes beyond the CES and PES educational requirements, as I haven't been exposed to those tracks.

Here is the link:
http://www.functionalmovement.com/SITE/clinicians/keynoteaddress.php

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I hold a special place in my heart for those afflicted with Breast Cancer. My Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October 1999. The good news is that she is in remission.  I also trained a close friend who battled with Breast Cancer and won. Anyone interested in more information on Breast Cancer, please visit the links below:

http://www.nfl.com/pink

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Myths.aspx

5 Hour Energy--Does it Work?

We've been bombarded with this drink. I thought it was time to set the record straight about this product. I only wish I expanded on the ingredient "Taurine" or TAU for short during the clip. I have been doing some reading, however, on this ingredient and included the link (see below) on this "conditional" amino acid. The article  is a bit technical, but the last paragraph on page 152 summarizes the key points.  http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/107/1/144



I apologize for the beginning of this clip. I have a local TV show in the Metro West/Boston Area and my theme song plays before I talk. Click on the link below "5 Hour Energy--Does it Work?" to watch the video.
Post a comment if you'd like.


5 Hour Energy--Does it Work?

Julian, Sean, Yoko, and Cynthia Come Together, IMAGINE THAT!!!!

Anyone that knows me realizes that I am obsessed with the Beatles. Although, The Beatles have nothing to do with fitness, I just had to put up something regarding John this month, since it would have been his 70th birthday on October 9th. Imagine that.

The link below is a clip showing Julian Lennon and his new passion: Photography. This piece also shows how Julian, Sean, Yoko, and Cynthia (John's first wife) have "Come Together". John would be happy that PEACE and forgiveness is occuring within his own family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxRP9nKGNQw&feature=player_embedded

Are These Workouts Good For Burning Fat?

Are These Workouts Good For Burning Fat?

I've been following Zuzana on BodyRock.tv on the web for a year now. In that time I realized that she was not just "another pretty face" so to speak. Yes, she has a very sexy body, and a very appealing accent, but she has some great workouts. She's in fantastic shape and very fit.

I particularly liked this article on "fat burining" (see above link, "Are these workouts good for burning fat"). I agree totally with what she is saying. In fact, I wrote an article on this very topic and submitted to the NSCA, unfortunately it didn't get published. I do have it on my website, see http://www.coreessentials.biz/ and look for the link 'Articles'.

Enjoy. If you haven't seen Zuzana's website, go to http://www.bodyrock.tv/ and get ready to sweat (when doing her exercises, not watching her).

Nutrition and Physical Activity for a Lifetime

I worked at the Human Nutrtiton and Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston in the mid 90's and remember seeing Christina Economos. She was a doctoral student at that time, I believe. The link below is a lecture she delivered at Chautauqua Institute in New York in 2007. Dr. Economos is a seasoned speaker and a great educator. Keep in mind, this lecture took place in 2007, some nutritional info has changed a bit since her talk (which she anticipated would happen). Enjoy.

http://fora.tv/2007/08/23/Nutrition_and_Physical_Activity_for_a_Lifetime

Gray Cook Releases New Book

Finally, the long awaited 2nd book from Gray Cook was recently released. A MUST READ for all Physical Therapists, Personal Trainers, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapist Assistants, Chiropractic Physicians, Coaches, etc.

He also has collaborators that helped him like Dr. Greg Rose. Greg Rose is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic and holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland.  Greg specializes in 3-D biomechanics, strength and conditioning, manual therapy, rehabilitation, nutritional supplementation and therapeutic exercises as they relate to golf. Greg is the co-host of the Golf Fitness Academy seen weekly on the Golf Channel and a co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, California. Greg is also a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and a Fellow in the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture.

The other contributors are Dr. Lee Burton, Dr. Kyle Kiesel, and Milo Bryant.

Good book. I highly recommend it!!!!
I will say this, it is NOT an easy read, but worth the effort.
For more info, go to the link below:
http://www.movementbook.com/chapters/chapter2/chapter2.html

"I am not young enough to know everything."

I recently watched a Mike Boyle DVD, "A joint by joint approach to training" and on one of his powerpoint slides it said, "I AM NOT YOUNG ENOUGH TO KNOW EVERYTHING." Oscar Wilde

How True!!!

For more quotes by this author, click on the link below:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/o/oscar_wilde.html

Jillian Michaels--The Biggest Loser

Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser Star) may be "losing" millions of dollars regarding a lawsuit over her weight loss products--specifically a detox supplement. Check out the link below for more details.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/04/jillian-michaels-class-action-lawsuit-diet-supplements/

Are you getting too many vitamins?

Listen to one of my favorite podcast-- 'The Nutrition Diva'. She is the most articulate health care professional I've ever heard. She gives so much valuable nutritional info in the shortest amount of time. If you haven't prescribed to her podcast, do it, you won't regret it.  I wanted to post this particular podcast, (even though it is on my sidebar) as I think it's so essential for everyone to know.

http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/can-you-get-too-many-vitamins.aspx

Sneakers: The new MAGIC bullet for Weight Loss? Give me a break!!!!

First it was MBT, then Skechers, both claiming WAY too many benefits from a &%$#% sneaker. OK, now that I got that off my chest, I have to admit, they do feel very comfortable and may have a place for those individuals who stand for prolonged periods of time. People who have poor balance, including many seniors may increase the risk of falling or perhaps an ankle sprain.

Nice article below that really explains the PRO's and CON's regarding these sneakers as well as great links to more insights. Hey Joe, how much money did you get for promoting these sneakers?

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2010-06-30-toning-shoes_N.htm?csp=hf&loc=interstitialskip

John Wooden

The quote you see on my side bar is even more powerful now that Mr. Wooden has died at 99 years old. RIP

Quote for the month

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed but I am bound to live by the light that I have.
-Abraham Lincoln

Nutrient Timing

I just finished reading the book, "Nutrient Timing". If you are serious about weight training, you need to read this gem. This book is written by Dr. John Ivy, and Dr. Robert Portman, so the science is solid. As the book says, "By applying the principles of Nutrient Timing, you will be able to deliver the precise amounts of nutrients needed to optimize your muscle-building agents and maximize muscle growth, while minimizing muscle damage and soreness after a workout."

The article presented here is a summary of the book. Many personal trainers, and health care professionals would benefit from this article if they do not have time to read a 212 page book. Although the article was geared toward the swimmer, it is a great summary of the book.

http://www.coreessentials.biz/Articles.html
Thanks Jonathan Tuttle for bringing this book to my attention. If anyone wants to visit his website, go to www.appetiteforfitness.com

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...

I just finished reading Michael J. Fox's book, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...".
Great read. Highly recommend it. What particularly struck me was on the first couple of pages. Here is the direct quote:

"A PROFESSOR STANDS before his class with a cardboard box. From inside he produces a large, clear, empty pickle jar, and then a series of golf ball-sized rocks, which he then drops one by one into the jar until they reach the brim.
"So?" the teacher asks. "Who thinks the jar is full?" Hands shoot up, and a quick scan of the room confirms unanimity--yes, it's full.

Next out of the box, a bag of sand, which the professor pours in amongst the rocks. Tiny grains cascade over, around, and in between the larger stones until there is no space left.
"Is it full now?" A show of hands and a chorus of voices responds--yes, it's full.

Now the professor smiles. "But wait, "Both hands disappear into the box and reemerge simultaneously, each holding a can of beer. The crack and hiss of the pop tops are drowned out by laughter in the classroom as the amber nectar pours into the jar with the rocks and sand. Once the din of the students subsides to a collective chuckle, the professor confidently declares, "Now it's full."

"This jar represents your life," he continues. "Make sure the first ingredients are the big stuff...the rocks--your family, your work, your career, your passions. The rest is just sand, minutiae. It's in there. It may even be important. But it's not your first priority."

"What about the beer?" a kid in the back yells out.
"Well," comes the answer. "After everything else, you always have room for a couple of beers with friends."

Do you know what Telomeres are?

In the past I wrote a book called "Matrix Mindpower", which was a book integrating mindfulness meditation with strength trainng. I deleted a chapter from the book on aging, which I regret. Matter of fact I still have the rough draft of the chapter. In that chapter, I discussed the phenomenon of 'telomere shortening' and how it contributed to accelerated aging. In this brief clip, from my latest local TV show, I discussed briefly about TELOMERES. Very fascinating topic. Enjoy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOo9VBQp20I

Are Telomeres the Key to Aging and Cancer?

People who engage in regular physical activity are gaining an anti-aging weapon that will help them live longer lives. New research finds intensive exercise prevents aging of the cardiovascular system by preventing shortening of telomeres--the DNA that bookends the chromosomes and protects the ends from damage, a protective effect against aging. Click on the link if you want to learn more about this fascinating anti-aging topi .
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/telomeres/

Are Vitamins Really Necessary Video

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36596086#36596086

Accupuncture: Does it Work?

Many individuals are still skeptical regarding accupuncture. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal, however, may lend insight to this ancient chinese therapy. Scientists are investigating how accupuncture works using high-tech tools

.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704841304575137872667749264.html#articleTabs=article