We all want a quick fix. Whether we’re feeling pain or wanting some physical change. We want it to happen NOW and we want to put the least amount of effort possible into it. We want the change to be immediate and with minimal cost. This mentality seems to run rampant in our society and is definitely the case when it comes to losing weight and gaining muscle. We want the changes to happen right now. We want those bigger biceps and we want them yesterday. We want to rock that s

I had a great teacher once tell me that if someone says that they know the true and only way...RUN! This is the thought that comes to mind when I think of fitness, training and nutrition these days. It is the modern day religion. I find it so fascinating that people will advocate polar extremes and completely discredit others. “Veganism is the way to go, it is the healthiest diet for the planet and for people.” No...no...no… “Paleo is the way to go. Grains and starchy vegetab

It’s pretty clear that keeping the body flexible is important but it seems we don’t place as much importance on keeping the mind flexible. I believe this is because for most of us the application is not clear. The mind appears to be less tangible than the body. You can’t physically touch it or move it. However, we can manipulate and mold it. As does the body so does the mind. When your body is so tight you can’t move your mind begins to take on those same patterns. This beg

Research has shown that the average kid spends just over four hours a week playing outside. Their parents, by contrast, averaged over 8 hours a week when they were children. Screen time for 8-18 year old's has gone up 2.5 hours in the last 10 years. The Department of Human and Health Services claims children spend on average more than 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen and that nearly one third of all high school age kids play video games for 3+ hours on an average school d

I don’t think there is anything more daunting than getting your finances together. It’s something most of us prefer to put off until you're forced to deal with it. Probably because it's confusing, takes discipline and dedication. My wife and I are in the process of forging our financial plan for retirement and our children's education. Luckily we've had some help! What I’ve discovered along this journey is that the principles that cultivate success in finances are similar to

I tend to be a little high strung, tense and stubborn. In many ways this has helped me in my life. It has helped me push past obstacles and drive towards goals. It’s helped me to challenge myself in certain endeavors and stay strong in trying situations That being said, it had also kept me from being present, especially with those I love. It has often caused me to push beyond my limits in an unhealthy way, burning the candle at both ends. This has led to overuse injuries and

You’ve work your body hard, you’re sore...maybe you can’t move!? How do you get your body to work again?...Foam roll... Foam rolling is a form of self massage that breaks up the muscle and fascia (the layer of connective tissue encasing the body). It is crucial if you’ve had an intense workout and need to recover as it loosens up these areas, gets the blood flowing and helps restore your normal range of motion. Like everything else in health and fitness, the key is consistenc

How much do I need to push it? Should I go to failure? What is the appropriate amount of intensity? These are questions I wrestle with often. One of the principles of exercise science is progressive overload. Basically put, you have to progressively overload the body to continue to get results. Makes sense right? If you want to get stronger today than you were yesterday you have to lift a heavier weight. If you want to be able to run longer than you did yesterday you have to

There is so much emphasis placed on seeking, doing and achieving these days. It used to only be on infomercials on late night TV, but now it is on Facebook ads and pretty much anywhere else you turn. We are bombarded with all of the “things you should be doing” or the “things you’re not doing.” All the courses you should be taking to make you the person you’re supposed to be...It’s enough to make your head spin. Look, I think seeking, setting and working towards a goal is gre

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Tai Chi is a crucial element in my movement and personal philosophy. Often in the US, Tai Chi is thought of as a slow exercise done by “old” people. While it is definitely beneficial for older people seeking to enhance their endurance, mobility and coordination, Tai Chi is so much more. One element of Tai Chi practice is Push Hands. Simply put, Tai Chi Push Hands is a partner exercise where you attempt to disrupt your partner’s center of bal

Do you have expensive rims on a Pinto? As a kid my friends and I would laugh at the idea of putting rims on a Pinto (if you remember those) when we would see cheap cars with what appeared to be expensive accessories, like rims. We’d get the biggest kick out of this. Approaches to nutrition and diet can often be this way, layering certain “accessories” on a poor foundation or unhealthy habits. For example, intermittent fasting while eating junk for most meals or taking all kin