What’s the Point?

Every so often in my life I find it’s good to take a few minutes out of the day to ask myself why I’m doing something. What do I hope to accomplish? What’s the goal? Why do I want these things? I think all too frequently people do things without really knowing why, which in turn leaves them spinning their wheels and not going anywhere. So what’s the point of this riff-raff then?

read more

Earn Your Exercise

Imagine walking into a boxing gym for the first time knowing nothing about boxing. Within minutes you are given some gloves and a mouth guard and told to go spar a few hard rounds against an experienced boxer training for an upcoming fight. What makes this situation ridiculous? You are a novice being asked to compete against an expert. It would be foolish to assume you could box with a professional when you don’t know how to throw a punch.You are totally unprepared.

In many traditional disciplines (including boxing) you must first demonstrate a level of proficiency before moving on to a progressively more challenging task. Back when exercise was called “physical culture” people would have to demonstrate their mastery of a skill to their coach before moving on to using heavier implements or more complex movements. In the modern world of fitness many people seem to have lost this respect for technique and movement quality, instead favoring hoisting heavier weights for more repetitions. It is not a stretch to assume this has lead to an increase in preventable injuries.

read more

Habits – Not Diets

Most diet programs work; most dieters fail. How could two seemingly contradictory statements both be true? Let’s first be clear what I’m talking about. For the sake of this article we’re going to use the term “diet program” to mean a way of eating meant for weight loss, and the word “dieter” to mean someone who is following a diet program.

All effective diet programs regardless of their claims operate on the principle of creating a caloric deficit. One way or another you are taking in less energy (calories) than you are expending, which in turn causes weight loss. These programs each have their own risks and/or benefits for your health and body composition, but that is far beyond the scope of this article. If losing weight is as simple as eating fewer calories than you’re using, then how come every single one of us knows someone (or is someone) who is currently or has struggled with diet programs in the past? The answer is sustainability.

read more