Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Monday, November 27, 2017
Sunday, November 26, 2017
BLOG 139 FASTING
BLOG 139 FASTING
“Science of Fasting” (2016), Sylvie Gilman, Thierry de
Lestrade
Life expectancy is increasing, but that also means that the
number of diseases and illnesses are increasing too. This requires medical
attention, which plays into the money-making industry of Western medicine. In
the fitness industry, clients ask about fasting for weight loss, but after
watching, “Science of Fasting” (2016), this deprivation of food is actually a
therapeutic approach to healing.
Russia’s public health system actually recognizes fasting.
It is covered by healthcare. The documentary highlighted one of the Russian
clinics where residents come to stay for a supervised program. This is not a
DIY (do it yourself) process, which is a popular approach when it comes to
internet searched detoxes, cleanses, juicing trials, or fasts. Here, fasting
can take place up to a period of 3 weeks, and it’s all about WATER…. just
water. The hunger sensation does disappear after a few days. The body is
detoxing and living off its reserves. The body at first undergoes a “crisis”
period as the impacted organism feeds on itself. So let’s say an alcoholic is
trying to reverse liver damage, there could be possible pain the few days in
the area. To help with this, patients are given body wraps, colonics and are
recommended to exercise.
Of course this process is scary, because no one can tell how
one’s body will react to food deprivation. But the body learns to tap into
other energy sources. Our main source of energy is glucose and once the body
has used this, it then taps into its energy reserves souring from proteins and
fats. Now the body is using ketones for fuel. Over the years, nearly 10,000 patients have
been treated and 2/3 have experienced successful results.
A physician in Moscow was the first to bring fasting to the
medical board for review in 1973. As a physiatrist, he had a patient who
refused to eat. So he just let him not eat. By the 15th day, the
patient had a better attitude and felt recovered from his mental illness
symptoms. Fasting has been shown to improve and reverse symptoms of depression,
phobias, obsessions, anxiety, and schizophrenia. At first, not many doctors or
the medical world were open to this idea because being hungry has a negative
connotation. But this doctor, Nicoliath (possible misspelling), from Moscow has
helped over 8,000 people with asthma, arthritis, and eczema.
Fasting stresses the body. It then has to auto regulate
itself. Faced with starvation, hormones start to act and tap into the reserves.
For example, this process on a person with asthma would target the black
histamine cells in the lungs, cleaning out this area through the fasting
detoxification of this organ.
Fasting hasn’t undergone a great amount of research because
the pharmaceutical companies are not encouraging this. If a person is diagnosed
with diabetes, that equates to dollar signs for many years of medication. Studies
have been done on penguins and rats, proving that these species can live off
their reserves for nearly 4 months. This means that fasting is an adaption that
body can undergo.
The concept of fasting ties into many weight loss strategies
like the ketosis diet. The body is using other sources for fuel. It is
important that this is of course a temporary, short lived approached. I was
intrigued by the medical findings and thought of the effects of fasting the
body of meat and dairy have which reduce inflammation. Consult a doctor and be
sure to have professional supervision if this is something you are considering.
To learn more, I would highly recommend watching the moving, “Science of
Fasting”.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
BLOG WHY AAU??
WHY
AAU??
Amateur Athletic Union
Ambition.
Admiration. Unstoppable.
Written by Megan Johnson McCullough: AAU Athlete
Representative, Professional Natural PNBA Bodybuilding Figure Champion, NASM
Master Trainer, Men’s Health Fitness Council Member
The Amateur Athletic Union, better known as AAU, has a
remarkable history in the sports world. SO many athletes have gotten their
start with this upstanding organization. Even I started my basketball days with
them, and looking back, AAU has always been about the athletes. They truly
uphold their commitment to “Sports For All, Forever”.
AAU was founded in 1888. Yes, 1888!!!! Today is has grown
to over 700,000 participants and 150,000 volunteers. The list of sports one can
partake in seems unending. Adding to the athletes, think of all the coaches,
score keepers, organizers, and spectators involved. Here’s the list: baseball,
basketball, baton, bodybuilding, bowling, cheerleading, dance, diving, fast
pitch, football, golf, hockey, jump rope, lacrosse, martial arts, soccer, sport
stacking, softball, strength sports (feats of strength, powerlifting,
weightlifting), surfing, swimming, table tennis, target shooting, track and
field, trampoline, volleyball, wrestling. There is so much to offer that the
organization is broken up into districts. One is required to be a member to
AAU, which ensures that all standards and uniformity is met for all sports, at
all levels. No wonder it has become the largest non-profit, volunteer, sports
organizations.
Here’s the Amateur Athletic Union’s Mission Statement: “To offer
amateur sports programs through a volunteer base for all people to have the
physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletes and to promote good
sportsmanship and good citizenship” (http://aausports.org/resources/governance/mission-statement) . Followed
by their Vision Statement: “To offer amateur athletes and volunteers
opportunities to develop to their highest level through a national and local
network of sporting events. Through participation in AAU, we achieve our dreams
as athletes and as valued citizens of our communities” (http://aausports.org/resources/governance/mission-statement).
I look back at the influential coaches in my life and the opportunities
AAU provided me as an athlete. I was able to receive a full-ride basketball
scholarship as a result. Competitive sport participation builds the foundations
for future leaders of our communities. Most times, the AAU participants give
back and become a coach themselves in the future. I sure did. I’m still competing
today.
As an AAU athlete, I’m grateful to be part of the growing movement to
bring back Bodybuilding and the different classes including Mixed Pairs,
Bikini, Classic Physique, Figure, Physique, and Sports Model. AAU is about the
ATHLETE and now in my later years of life, I’m still able to feel like one
because of them. I will do my best to
spread my passion and commitment to this organization so that others can share
the great experiences I have had. AAU allows me to be me and uphold my goals to
lead others by example with Ambition and Admiration in an Unstoppable fashion.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
BLOG 138 NASM OPTIMA CONFERENCE
BLOG 138 NASM OPTIMA CONFERENCE
Having just wrapped up my experience at the 2017 NASM Optima
Conference, I wanted to get on paper my take aways and memorable teaching
moments. There were probably nearly 300 attendees, but only a handful of Master
Trainers like myself who hold the top credentials in this company. It was great
to meet so many people I collaborate with online. The in-person experience and
networking was an extremely powerful form of communication and relationship
building.
I began the conference with a workshop about how to help
avoid exercise relapse. Only 18% of the population has a gym membership, and
most people who join within in 6 months have a 50% drop out rate. Although we
all know we should workout, that doesn’t mean in real life we do it. Exercise
can be like smoking or drinking due to the risk of relapse. I have to learn how
to develop a plan and cultivate a support system to help high risk clients stay
on the course of success. The most common excuses for not exercising remain to
be lack of time, lack of energy, and lack of motivation. I need to bridge this
gap. This can be done through behavior modification, reinforcing your goals,
and of course setting attainable and realistic goals.
My niche is definitely working with the Baby Boomers (ages
51 – 69) as well as Generation X (ages 35 – 50). Thus, I selected courses catered
to my client base. It is important to program design for longevity, keeping in
mind many of these people have been inactive most of their life.
In terms of nutrition, I was intrigued by the foods versus
supplements in our diets. This is especially true as a professional natural
bodybuilder. I’m old school in the belief that the best fuel we can put in our
bodies is steak and eggs, meaning real food. In terms of what we should eat,
that is based on our goals. When I calculate a plan, that involves your RMR
(Resting Metabolic Rate), your AEE (activity energy exercise), and TEF (Thermo)
which is your digestive process. CICO is a great acronym for Calories In
Calories Out and HEC is a good question we should ask ourselves …. Is your HEC
in Check?? Hungry, Emotional, and Cravings. Best of all there is JERF which is
Just Eat Real Food.
I have become more aware of identifying my clients’ needs as
well as knowing my own value and worth of my time. Many of the common fitness
fallacies were debunked for me like “If I’m not sore it wasn’t a good workout”
or “Let’s do abs I want to get rid of my stomach”. Finally, I got to work with
the ActivMotion Bar which was a great tool for balance, seniors, and working on
proprioception.
The conference was amazing and totally worth every moment.
The guest speakers were informative and experienced. Being there live was a
nice change of pace from reading out a text book. For once, I got to absorb it
all and forget trying to memorize. I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend
and ready to help every BODY become the best versions of themselves with the
tools and skills I learned.
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