Obesity rates climbed in 31 states in U.S. (headline on MSNBC yesterday)
22 percent haven't exercised in last month.
This blows my mind. Not moving for any form of physical activity for 30 DAYS straight?!? I hardly go 24 hours without missing some kind of physical activity even if it is to walk the dog a couple of miles. Let's go beyond the regular weight loss rant and explore some other BIG-TIME issues that manifest in overweight and obese people (that current research reinforces).
Depression
Diabetes
Here's an interesting correlation to non-activity/non-exercise folk...depression. Let's talk about why everywhere I turn I see people on depression meds and LOTS of them! Exercise releases natural chemicals called 'endorphins' in the brain which equate to natural 'depression medications' if you will...or won't depending on your choice to train (I don't like the word 'workout'). This is backed up in MANY periodicals and Psych books that you can find through a Google search. In my opinion, there would be a 80-90% reduction in sales of depression medications (I did just dig a grave with Big Pharma...bring it on!) if people would choose to get in 3 vigorous (not walking 3 miles) 45-minute training sessions per week (circuit-based cardio/strength combined training sessions). Just my estimation but I know how I feel when I miss a training session for whatever reason which is rare.
The second issue: Diabetes.
Check this out straight from the CDC website:
"Diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. From 1980 through 2005, the number of Americans with diabetes increased from 5.6 million to 15.8 million."
and this one from the same website:
"Since the mid-seventies, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children. Data from two NHANES surveys show that among adults aged 20–74 years the prevalence of obesity increased from 15.0% (in the 1976–1980 survey) to 32.9% (in the 2003–2004 survey).
Coincidence? I think not.
Hello? Anyone home? Diabetes is now Top 5 in the Death Department yearly in the U.S. We are beyond a problem. We have an epidemic on our hands.
Now for somewhat good news...
"Meanwhile, Minnesotans led the way when it came to exercise. An estimated 15.4 percent of the state’s residents did not engage an any physical exercise — the best rate in the nation. Still, the state ranked 28th overall when it came to the percentage of obese adults." from MSN article found here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20461564/from/ET/
That increase in Minnesotan's activity must be due to Kinetic Edge delivering beatdowns without apology on a daily basis! :) If you have yet to experience this, Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am will serve you up a nice beginner platter...and no I am not talking about food.
20070828
"Human on a stick"
That is what the first ever company to offer Segway tours is called. A Segway (pictured below) is a new 'mode' (i.e. LAZY) of transportation. The 'on-a-stick' hails as a spin-off to everything Minnesota-state-fair where every food item you could ever imagine is on a stick (skewer). We are talking...
Pickles on-a-stick
Corndogs on-a-stick
Cookies on-a-stick
Candy Bars on-a-stick (Snickers with Funnel Cake batter deep fried...only 600 calories per bite!)
French Fries on-a-stick
Newspaper on-a-stick
and last but not least new to this year's fair SALMON on-a-stick. Wow!
(for all you Z people...notice the cervical lateral glide ROM, uh-huh someone's been practicing his Z! :)
I needed a fun, entertaining "fast-paced for 2 ADD folk" activity for my girlfriend's birthday and so I sought out this company in Minneapolis who did Segway tours around a very prominent historical area through parks and trails and a lot of old buildings. They are located 4 blocks from the 35W bridge collapse so their business has been demanding the last couple of weeks.
I must add that the 'Safety Video' that we were required to view for 30 minutes prior to our little trip was the cheesiest thing I have ever seen...animations and re-inactments galore that had us all laughing more at the people on the video than actually paying attention the hazards of a machine that moves at a whopping 4.5 mph! However, as you will read later, there is always ONE in the group who needs a 'special' reminder.
What does any of this have to do with the theme of my blog you ask?
Everything when it comes to the downfall of society moving their bodyweight through space. Now we have a machine, granted they are $5000 each new, that will port us around doing nothing more than creating more hyperlordosis (which our low backs bothered us both for two days following riding these things...Z definitely helped pre-bed) and packing on the weight. Not a good direction for society as we know it (especially when you read the follow-up to this post.)
The first highlight of my night was when we were on a trail in a single-file line with 15 other Segwayers and a guy rides by and says in the most smart-ass voice possible (which I can appreciate) "Exercising on your left" meaning he's going to pass on our left for you non-Minnesotan trail goers. I cracked up! I said to my girlfriend "if he thinks he's exercising, he should come to my (kettlebell) class in the morning and he'll see what exercise really is" ...yet he was right in my world. What is the world coming to that we need to add motors to mechanical devices that used to be fueled by human power.
The second highlight? My gf biffs it into a cement divider showing off when we were allowed to graduate to the 2nd key which put us at a whopping 8 miles per hour...in front of Guthrie Theatre goers (think suits and ties). We had a great laugh and she came away with only a bruise to her leg...and her pride :) Really I was glad that she did it first because I'm usually the graceful one!
Pickles on-a-stick
Corndogs on-a-stick
Cookies on-a-stick
Candy Bars on-a-stick (Snickers with Funnel Cake batter deep fried...only 600 calories per bite!)
French Fries on-a-stick
Newspaper on-a-stick
and last but not least new to this year's fair SALMON on-a-stick. Wow!
(for all you Z people...notice the cervical lateral glide ROM, uh-huh someone's been practicing his Z! :)
I needed a fun, entertaining "fast-paced for 2 ADD folk" activity for my girlfriend's birthday and so I sought out this company in Minneapolis who did Segway tours around a very prominent historical area through parks and trails and a lot of old buildings. They are located 4 blocks from the 35W bridge collapse so their business has been demanding the last couple of weeks.
I must add that the 'Safety Video' that we were required to view for 30 minutes prior to our little trip was the cheesiest thing I have ever seen...animations and re-inactments galore that had us all laughing more at the people on the video than actually paying attention the hazards of a machine that moves at a whopping 4.5 mph! However, as you will read later, there is always ONE in the group who needs a 'special' reminder.
What does any of this have to do with the theme of my blog you ask?
Everything when it comes to the downfall of society moving their bodyweight through space. Now we have a machine, granted they are $5000 each new, that will port us around doing nothing more than creating more hyperlordosis (which our low backs bothered us both for two days following riding these things...Z definitely helped pre-bed) and packing on the weight. Not a good direction for society as we know it (especially when you read the follow-up to this post.)
The first highlight of my night was when we were on a trail in a single-file line with 15 other Segwayers and a guy rides by and says in the most smart-ass voice possible (which I can appreciate) "Exercising on your left" meaning he's going to pass on our left for you non-Minnesotan trail goers. I cracked up! I said to my girlfriend "if he thinks he's exercising, he should come to my (kettlebell) class in the morning and he'll see what exercise really is" ...yet he was right in my world. What is the world coming to that we need to add motors to mechanical devices that used to be fueled by human power.
The second highlight? My gf biffs it into a cement divider showing off when we were allowed to graduate to the 2nd key which put us at a whopping 8 miles per hour...in front of Guthrie Theatre goers (think suits and ties). We had a great laugh and she came away with only a bruise to her leg...and her pride :) Really I was glad that she did it first because I'm usually the graceful one!
20070814
Z Health Client Results
I thought I would update all of you on two clients from radically different situations and different speeds of outcomes.
Client #1
Female / mid thirties
I have known her for about 6 years. At one point about a year and half ago, she was teaching a spinning class, a step aerobics class, and also strength training with a personal trainer. Very fit person who loves to workout and live a health lifestyle.
She came to me today for her 1st Z appt and the first time ever working with me 1 on 1.
Complaint: R medial and lateral knee pain level 7 (scale of 1-10) and low back pain level 2. Knee hurts when most descending stairs and also doing lunges and sometimes squats. For someone who is dedicated to health and fitness the pain has reduced her activity to swimming 3 days per week and that is about it (and she says she is 'ornery' :) She's been to two Physical Therapists, 2 other trainers, 1 orthopedic, and 2 other 'specialists' all of who basically said they could not do anything for her other than a cortizone shot (and we all know how I FEEL about that!...of course she made the correct decision and declined :)
Z Eval: I started doing some drills with her seeking the highest payoffs in the order that her body likes. I find 5 drills that are perfect for her. Test visual system and find 2 discrepancies. Re-test the R phase drills with the rehab eye positions to solidify the work.
Result: Knee pain level 7 to 0.
Time: 1 hour.
*Disclaimer...is it always this easy? No. Is it this easy 80% of the time? Yes.
Client #2
Female / Early Forties
This one has been long-term. We are now in our 20th week of working together 3x/week. In great shape, is going to begin training for a Half Ironman which her friend talked her into (I have explained the consequences...and sometimes that is all I can do :)
Complaint: Low back pain most of the time directly above Left hip. Acute problem happened picking up her son and has lived with this for 7 YEARS. Pain level as high as 8 initially 20 weeks ago. Since then other things have unraveled and manifested as the back pain has decreased. So we do something different almost every day. (She is diligent with her rehab drills at home).
Z Eval: I started with attempting to find high payoffs. This has definitely a work in progress. August 1st marked the first time in 7 YEARS that she was without back pain. I have played with all types of things and sought out other Z trainers for advice. This has challenged me to a much higher level of trusting my intuition based on what I see at a gut level each day she comes in. Have learned a lot by means of the term "anything can cause anything" (because some day there is no 'explainable' reason why a specific drill decides to be 'the one' that eliminates the pain that day.)
I'm just glad that she is in it for the long haul and has more patience with herself than I am with not being able to 'fix it' immediately.
**Not all clients are 'fixed' in under an hour. This particular client still has some mobility work to do and solidify her current state, yet we have come a long way.
When you are serious about a Z Private Session to eliminate pain or improve performance contact me at info@keperformance.com
Client #1
Female / mid thirties
I have known her for about 6 years. At one point about a year and half ago, she was teaching a spinning class, a step aerobics class, and also strength training with a personal trainer. Very fit person who loves to workout and live a health lifestyle.
She came to me today for her 1st Z appt and the first time ever working with me 1 on 1.
Complaint: R medial and lateral knee pain level 7 (scale of 1-10) and low back pain level 2. Knee hurts when most descending stairs and also doing lunges and sometimes squats. For someone who is dedicated to health and fitness the pain has reduced her activity to swimming 3 days per week and that is about it (and she says she is 'ornery' :) She's been to two Physical Therapists, 2 other trainers, 1 orthopedic, and 2 other 'specialists' all of who basically said they could not do anything for her other than a cortizone shot (and we all know how I FEEL about that!...of course she made the correct decision and declined :)
Z Eval: I started doing some drills with her seeking the highest payoffs in the order that her body likes. I find 5 drills that are perfect for her. Test visual system and find 2 discrepancies. Re-test the R phase drills with the rehab eye positions to solidify the work.
Result: Knee pain level 7 to 0.
Time: 1 hour.
*Disclaimer...is it always this easy? No. Is it this easy 80% of the time? Yes.
Client #2
Female / Early Forties
This one has been long-term. We are now in our 20th week of working together 3x/week. In great shape, is going to begin training for a Half Ironman which her friend talked her into (I have explained the consequences...and sometimes that is all I can do :)
Complaint: Low back pain most of the time directly above Left hip. Acute problem happened picking up her son and has lived with this for 7 YEARS. Pain level as high as 8 initially 20 weeks ago. Since then other things have unraveled and manifested as the back pain has decreased. So we do something different almost every day. (She is diligent with her rehab drills at home).
Z Eval: I started with attempting to find high payoffs. This has definitely a work in progress. August 1st marked the first time in 7 YEARS that she was without back pain. I have played with all types of things and sought out other Z trainers for advice. This has challenged me to a much higher level of trusting my intuition based on what I see at a gut level each day she comes in. Have learned a lot by means of the term "anything can cause anything" (because some day there is no 'explainable' reason why a specific drill decides to be 'the one' that eliminates the pain that day.)
I'm just glad that she is in it for the long haul and has more patience with herself than I am with not being able to 'fix it' immediately.
**Not all clients are 'fixed' in under an hour. This particular client still has some mobility work to do and solidify her current state, yet we have come a long way.
When you are serious about a Z Private Session to eliminate pain or improve performance contact me at info@keperformance.com
20070812
Today Show Friday August 10th
Major debate on Friday's edition of the Today Show. This was very interesting to me and hopefully it will be to you.
What I am about to explain (you can search the msnbc.com website and find the actual video) may offend you. This topic is not about 'touchy feely' it is about the pathetic state of health and fitness in our country. I know you are amazed that you are reading yet another one of my blogs addressing this issue :)
Here goes.
Paying people to get in shape or Charging people to get in shape?
About 3 years ago was when I first heard of insurance companies paying a portion of an individual's health club membership. A step in the right direction, in my opinion, to enhance the health of this country and the insurance companies beginning to switch their focus to 'health' rather than 'sickness.' I also do some consulting with a very progressive corporation when it comes to health & fitness program offerings to employees and have seen some major changes some of the people.
This is different and something I have yet to hear of prior to Friday (I am very fond of this idea).
The CEO of Clarian Health Partners in Indiana (an entire statewide hospital system) was interviewed on the Today Show discussing his new policy:
Employees will pay the company for smoking and the degree to which they are overweight due to the rising health care costs of the employer. Now many people are appalled at this idea. Let's look at both sides.
For years, our country has stood for freedom in all shapes and forms. The minority of the people respond to this. People overwhelmingly respond to a 'fear of loss' rather than a 'desire for gain'. This means there will be more program adherence if they have to PAY instead of receiving it for free. The CEO of this company took it a step further and is penalizing those in poor health to pay even more to offset their health care costs.
Penalty vs Rewards
Penalties seem to bring the best in most people. Rewards only bring it out in the few.
Some people need a hug. Most need a KICK IN THE ASS.
This is why I am for this type of program. It gets people moving, because they don't want to pay out of their own pocket. Therefore, they are benifitting in a host of ways: paying less, getting in shape, having more energy, losing weight, feeling great, setting an example to their kids, and on and on.
What is the downside to any of those? I don't see any.
Now the debate was that is invading people's personal lives. Get past the group hug. Seriously. These people will not do anything until FORCED to do so. They aren't going to willingly start tomorrow, next week, and for sure not on January 1st (which might be the biggest lie ever told!)
Face it. In this country, Money = commitment, money = accountability. Commitment & Accountability rule the world. If they did not exist, not much would get done. Most people need to pay in order to be committed and they need to pay to be accountable. That's just the way it is. I myself have a business coach that I pay monthly consulting fee in order to hold me accountable to my goals and business ideas.
Do you have a coach? If not, get one. When you begin to pay for something, suddenly your demeanor changes for the better, and most likely so will A LOT of other aspects of your life.
What I am about to explain (you can search the msnbc.com website and find the actual video) may offend you. This topic is not about 'touchy feely' it is about the pathetic state of health and fitness in our country. I know you are amazed that you are reading yet another one of my blogs addressing this issue :)
Here goes.
Paying people to get in shape or Charging people to get in shape?
About 3 years ago was when I first heard of insurance companies paying a portion of an individual's health club membership. A step in the right direction, in my opinion, to enhance the health of this country and the insurance companies beginning to switch their focus to 'health' rather than 'sickness.' I also do some consulting with a very progressive corporation when it comes to health & fitness program offerings to employees and have seen some major changes some of the people.
This is different and something I have yet to hear of prior to Friday (I am very fond of this idea).
The CEO of Clarian Health Partners in Indiana (an entire statewide hospital system) was interviewed on the Today Show discussing his new policy:
Employees will pay the company for smoking and the degree to which they are overweight due to the rising health care costs of the employer. Now many people are appalled at this idea. Let's look at both sides.
For years, our country has stood for freedom in all shapes and forms. The minority of the people respond to this. People overwhelmingly respond to a 'fear of loss' rather than a 'desire for gain'. This means there will be more program adherence if they have to PAY instead of receiving it for free. The CEO of this company took it a step further and is penalizing those in poor health to pay even more to offset their health care costs.
Penalty vs Rewards
Penalties seem to bring the best in most people. Rewards only bring it out in the few.
Some people need a hug. Most need a KICK IN THE ASS.
This is why I am for this type of program. It gets people moving, because they don't want to pay out of their own pocket. Therefore, they are benifitting in a host of ways: paying less, getting in shape, having more energy, losing weight, feeling great, setting an example to their kids, and on and on.
What is the downside to any of those? I don't see any.
Now the debate was that is invading people's personal lives. Get past the group hug. Seriously. These people will not do anything until FORCED to do so. They aren't going to willingly start tomorrow, next week, and for sure not on January 1st (which might be the biggest lie ever told!)
Face it. In this country, Money = commitment, money = accountability. Commitment & Accountability rule the world. If they did not exist, not much would get done. Most people need to pay in order to be committed and they need to pay to be accountable. That's just the way it is. I myself have a business coach that I pay monthly consulting fee in order to hold me accountable to my goals and business ideas.
Do you have a coach? If not, get one. When you begin to pay for something, suddenly your demeanor changes for the better, and most likely so will A LOT of other aspects of your life.
Amusement Park Musings
Sad, very sad. The state of health in Minnesota (and our nation). Friday afternoon landed me and my girlfriend at Valleyfair (Minnesota's version of Six Flags) for some R&R...and the ultimate in people watching and human behavior. WOW. That word says it all. After 4 hours of people watching and some time to reflect it is time for a rant.
There is only one thing that pisses me off more than adults being so lazy that they are beyond apathy when it comes to taking care of themselves. What is that ONE thing that is worse? They are living examples to their children who are now severely overweight because their parents are too frickin' lazy to take control of their own lives along with taking responsibility for their kids' future health. The environment that kids today are growing up in is atrocious. Get off your rear end and DO SOMETHING. I don't care if it is walking around the block, playing catch with your kid, going for a bike ride, just do SOMETHING!
I have yet to see very many overweight kids with thin, in shape parents. But I see HUNDREDS of obese kids with obese parents. Why is this? My number one conclusion comes down to NUTRITION. Parents eat like crap so kids eat like crap because CRAP is what is in the house. WAKE UP! Packaged food is KILLING YOU. I am in disbelief what I witnessed at this amusement park.
At each ride there is a sign that explains how tall you have to be, the 'thrill rating' of the ride, and who SHOULD NOT ride including pregnant women, back & neck problem people. OK that is all normal ...yet NOW THEY HAVE ADDED IN A SPECIAL BOX AT THE TOP OF THE SIGN and I quote...
"NOT DESIGNED FOR LARGER PEOPLE"
Are you kiddin' me? This is such an epidemic that we now have to address this on a sign at the amusement park?
Folks this is affecting YOU and those around you A LOT more than maybe your pigeon-holed belief system is allowing you to think. If you are overweight, be offended enough by this post to do something. If you need help, I will help you. I will not tolerate your B.S excuses, but I will help you change your mind and your body. Most of all it is affecting your children and future generations. STOP. Change. It's not difficult, but it will require some discipline.
I am not saying you have to be a supermodel (which most of them are very unhealthy at the other end of the spectrum) I am asking you to take responsibility for yourself and your family and CHOOSE to change the health concerns of those closest to you.
That's it I'm done.
BTW, I did have a GREAT time at VF going on every serious ride the park had to offer and laughing the entire time my girlfriend was getting nauseated...and SHE was the one who suggested we go which was the best part of the entire day :).
There is only one thing that pisses me off more than adults being so lazy that they are beyond apathy when it comes to taking care of themselves. What is that ONE thing that is worse? They are living examples to their children who are now severely overweight because their parents are too frickin' lazy to take control of their own lives along with taking responsibility for their kids' future health. The environment that kids today are growing up in is atrocious. Get off your rear end and DO SOMETHING. I don't care if it is walking around the block, playing catch with your kid, going for a bike ride, just do SOMETHING!
I have yet to see very many overweight kids with thin, in shape parents. But I see HUNDREDS of obese kids with obese parents. Why is this? My number one conclusion comes down to NUTRITION. Parents eat like crap so kids eat like crap because CRAP is what is in the house. WAKE UP! Packaged food is KILLING YOU. I am in disbelief what I witnessed at this amusement park.
At each ride there is a sign that explains how tall you have to be, the 'thrill rating' of the ride, and who SHOULD NOT ride including pregnant women, back & neck problem people. OK that is all normal ...yet NOW THEY HAVE ADDED IN A SPECIAL BOX AT THE TOP OF THE SIGN and I quote...
"NOT DESIGNED FOR LARGER PEOPLE"
Are you kiddin' me? This is such an epidemic that we now have to address this on a sign at the amusement park?
Folks this is affecting YOU and those around you A LOT more than maybe your pigeon-holed belief system is allowing you to think. If you are overweight, be offended enough by this post to do something. If you need help, I will help you. I will not tolerate your B.S excuses, but I will help you change your mind and your body. Most of all it is affecting your children and future generations. STOP. Change. It's not difficult, but it will require some discipline.
I am not saying you have to be a supermodel (which most of them are very unhealthy at the other end of the spectrum) I am asking you to take responsibility for yourself and your family and CHOOSE to change the health concerns of those closest to you.
That's it I'm done.
BTW, I did have a GREAT time at VF going on every serious ride the park had to offer and laughing the entire time my girlfriend was getting nauseated...and SHE was the one who suggested we go which was the best part of the entire day :).
20070801
What we do at Kinetic Edge
Everyone who is not 'in' the kettlebell community wonders what type of things we do with minimal equipment. Here is a sampling...more videos like this to come.
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