NEVER FORGET

People that know me know that I can get a bit philosophical or dramatic at times. That's just the way I am. Regardless of your politics I would like to send you my thoughts.

Living in the mid east myself I have been affected by terrorism personally. I have lost friends, have had friends wounded and have luckily escaped injury myself. It is just the reality.

With the anniversary of 9/11 upon us again I just wanted to send a quick reminder to those of us that were NOT affected directly. For those that were no reminder is needed. They suffer with great loss every day.




There are many brave men and women in the armed forces that are in Afghanistan and Iraq fighting terror every day. It is a difficult fight that they are fighting courageously in near unbearable conditions.

The next time you order food at a restaurant and it comes to you late or cold remember that they are eating sandy MREs that they can't send back to the kitchen.

The next time it's hot out and you can go into an air conditioned mall, remember that its hotter in the Middle East and there are very few air conditioners to be found. Oh yea, and they wear full uniforms and flack jackets(not the most "breathable" wear)

Please be grateful for what you have. And keep good thoughts for victims of world terrorism and those brave men and women out there on the front lines.


Thank you for your time.

Gratefully,

Jeff

Make them Stronger

My philosophy on training has gotten more simplistic over the years. I was always a bit anal about my training methods and in fact at times would plan out training cycles a year or more in advance. This was often at the request of coaches. I would always make sure that they understood that a program planned that far in advance would always incur last minute changes and adaptations, none the less it was my job so I indulged them.

I would plan out sets/reps, macro cycles, micro cycles etc. I was such a stickler for details and matching specific movements etc etc etc.

Now I realize that what really is important is making my athletes and fitness clients stronger. Very simple. Keep the movements functional, get as much muscle mass involved but ultimately just make them stronger.

Volleyball players need strength, housewives need strength, wrestlers need strength, retirees need strength, rowers need strength....you get the picture.

If you want to get more agile you need core strength, hip strength, leg strength and upper body strength.

I am not saying that everyone needs to be a power lifter and look like one, each individual needs appropriate strength for his/her needs. Given the choice, however, I would say that the stronger person(without neglecting mobility and flexibility) will function better in life and sport than the weaker one.

Refine the basics, teach the appropriate movement skills and body mechanics but never forget to make them stronger.





I will post future articles here and in my newsletter on the same topic, I welcome comments.

Thank you

Jeff