Obsessed

OBSESSED
a word lazy people use for the
DEDICATED

This is what was on DeVos' shirt today when he showed up for training. Background on DeVos... He is a 7th grader who WON the 103lb State Wrestling championship for the largest schools in Minnesota this year. Eric does not know the meaning of 'rest.' He is relentless to the point that you can throw anything at him and he will not quit (think Jason in Friday the 13th). So far this summer Eric has accomplished:

17-0 record at Nationals (team) tournament Greco/Freestyle in Indianapolis 2 weeks ago
23-0 record at Nationals (individual) tournament Greco/ Freestyle in Waterloo Iowa 1 week ago
This is a pic from a couple of years ago when he was a mere 85lbs:

*fyi this is my first pic upload on my blog...I am a little slow with technology*
**His dad is reading this and still hasn't brought me a sweet pic of his son givin' some kid the beatdown to the tune of a 5 point throw.**

Back to DeVos...

Did I mention he is 13 years old?

So his t-shirt got me thinking today...yeah, I know that's hard to believe for most of you. Being obsessed about something you love is something I HIGHLY recommend. Obsession keeps you out of trouble (well, most of the time...channel appropriately). Obsession keeps you thinking. Obsession commands creativity. Obsession with the human body is what propelled me to where I am today as a coach, trainer and athlete. Thank God I found my obsession at the age of 15.

WARNING: Obession creates independent thinking and will cause you to have moments where your 'inside' voice accidently becomes your 'outside' voice usually with impeccably ill timing (but you just can't help it ;) Politically Correct BEWARE (and get over yourself).


Obsessed.
Addicted.
Proud.

Rogue Trainer, Western Medicine & High School Elite Hockey

WARNING: The following piece of prose is for entertainment purposes only (mainly mine ;) This may cause dramatic belief inventory!

I am taking a chance to step out of the proverbial 'box' when it comes to discussion around injuries, training & rehab and going out on a 'Z' as in Z Health rant....I'm sure the termites will protrude from the woodwork with comments on this one.

Scenario began this past Tuesday 6/19/07...

Female elite High School hockey player (we'll call her 'Sam' for now) begins training with me. She came recommended from her coach (who also trains with me...smart coach ;) of the elite team. This female athlete plays for a state semi-finalist team and is on one of two 'elite' female HS hockey teams in the state...of which 99% are recruited to play D-I college hockey.

Insert first comment here: these athletes are considered elite...however, there is a HUGE GAP between where they are and their athletic potential. This is NOT their fault. The fundamentals of all sports have been lost in the pursuit of winning at WAY too young of an age in our country.

Back to regularly scheduled rant...

Sam has a R hip flexor / R groin disfunction causes an 8-9 out of 10 pain level when she skates or does sprints of any kind at this point. We find 3 Z corrective drills that take the pain from level 8-9 to level 2 in about 10 minutes. (This is still Tuesday 6/19/07).

Today, Thursday 6/21/07 Sam opts to keep her orthopedic surgeon (one of the best in the Twin Cities...aren't they all?) which I told her to and report what the doc says today.

2nd comment here: I am not a doctor. Nor do I intend to be. Nor would I want to go to school and intern for 12 years total to conclude something as ludricrous as what is to follow.

Resuming...

The ortho says that she needs an MRI because there might be something wrong with her labrum...Ok fair enough. MRI will happen sometime next week. In the meantime, doc says it could be some torn cartilage that is possibly causing her issues...fair enough.
Doc's prognosis pre-MRI & and not watching her move (as in athletically):
1 Surgery to trim the 'possible' cartilage tear (my take: so she can end her hockey career)
2 Cortizone shot (my take: so she can avoid feeling anything and really injure it worse)

...what an answer and only after spending about 5 minutes talking to her.

Now back to my Z point earlier...
3 Z drills on Tuesday took her from a Level 8-9 pain to a level 2 pain.

Today (Thursday) she returned with a pain level 4 or so. I did some more evaluation. Follow me on this one. As in earlier posts about Z... here are some key points to remember.

1) The body is an 'X' in regards to the way we function as bipeds...backforce transmission happens at the sacroiliac (SI) joint. In English, this means that when I press something with my left hand overhead, my right leg (specifically my glute/med) will act as the main stabilizer.

2) Also 'anything can cause anything'

3) Opposing joints & opposing joint positioning usually correct biomechanical issues (on the surface, however there could be MANY layers to this)

4) Any muscle/connective tissue that crosses a dysfunctional joint (jammed or immobile) will ALSO be dysfunctional...therefore showing up somewhere along the kinetic chain as 'pain'

Back to Sam and a little more about her history. Sam's R Hip Flexor is her main 'pain' problem currently...it showed up in February at the end of hockey season and flared up dramatically during track to point where she was forced to stop track. Sam severely sprained her R ankle about 1 year ago. The ortho said that her ankle has nothing to do with her hip. Are you serious? WTH?! Last time I checked my foot hits the ground when I walk or run and is connected to my torso via my knee and my hip. Maybe I'm just an alien. Sam also shoots hockey LEFT handed. Therefore, her RIGHT side must stabilize EVERY TIME she shoots LEFT handed (which has probably been 30,000+ times in her young career)

Do we have coincidence, Bueller....Bueller?? Maybe some Voo Doo orthopedic surgery? OR mayyyybbbbeeee some Mad Scientist Z neurology 101?

Position of Sam's L arm/hand when she is shooting:
L shoulder = abduction / external rotation
L elbow = slightly bent
L hand = supination

The L shoulder (her shooting arm) is the opposing joint to the R hip (where the problem is occurring).

Another coincidence? I would have to go with 'no.'

Rx = Left arm cross body shoulder circles (adduction / internal rotation / with elbow locked)

This IMMEDIATELY took her out of pain. Not home free yet however. Still having her do lateral tilts and middle/inside toe pulls to help with the former ankle problem as well.

This is what drinking Z Kool aid gets you...cool party tricks to help your clients love you more. It's not always this easy, but more times than not, it is.

There is also a tremendous gap between eastern practices and western medicine is willing to admit or explore and instead continue to appease our instant gratification society (at the same time, who wouldn't like to become pain free in under one hour without going through 3-6 months of rehab??)

Last comment: Sam is caught in the 'middle' of two extremely opposing viewpoints when it comes to her hip and her comment today: "I just wanna be able to skate full speed without pain." She is an extremely intelligent young woman who will make the right decision.

Up for debate. Challenges welcome.

Rant over...for now. Updates to come. Progress ensured.

Saturday Morning Epiphany

e·piph·a·ny /ɪˈpɪfəni/ (noun)
3. a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

What I am about to describe is common place to me and other trainers familiar with kettlebell training. It takes place in gyms, fitness centers, garages, basements, etc. almost on a daily basis now that kettlebells have began to invade the general population, although still most prevalent in 'underground-in-the-know' trainers and other folks.

Stay with me here as I paint the picture...

Today in my beginner kettlebell class, one of my new grasshoppers is a very successful executive. He runs 10ks and half-marathons on a regular basis. He does very little strength training. Now what makes this individual who we will call 'Bill' different from other people who walk in to my studio? Well, he's stopped in about 5 times 'checking things out' but never really understood the mystique behind kettlebells because he had never touched one or swung one ...until today.

Today was his 'epiphany' in many forms. Let me explain. You see our society has created a bunch of people who blindly follow whatever when it comes to fitness, exercise and dieting. The latest infomercials are full of gadgets, potions, and not so truthful statements surrounding WHAT IT REALLY TAKES to look great naked.

'Bill's' Epiphanies
#1 How difficult SIMPLE exercise can and should be in terms of form, proper technique, and conditioning when it is all put together

#2 Why all of my class members are walking around in circles when he has stopped by to watch all of those previous times...THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO RECEIVE OXYGEN INTO THEIR BODIES

#3 Distance running and machine weight training are for all intents and purposes 'pseudo-exercise' ...THEY ALLOW YOU TO FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY BECAUSE YOU ARE 'EXERCISING' BUT THEY DO VERY LITTLE FOR ACTUALLY CHANGING YOUR BODY COMPOSITION.

#4 The weights are in KILOS not pounds...this always serves up a nice slice of humble pie...I leverage the kilos to my favor. Women think they are only doing 8 lbs instead of 8 kilos and guys think they are wussies, what a great concept to put them in kilos.

#5 and the most important of all...
"I went through Mayo Clinics 'Executive training program battery of tests' and they told me I was in great shape."
In shape for what? Obviously not in shape for whatever is next! How PREPARED are you for anything? Are you 'in shape' to get through your day? Are you 'in shape' to have enough energy at the end of the day to play with your kids? Are you 'in shape' when an unwanted person comes through your front door and he doesn't realize who is going to get the raw end of that situation (which hopefully never happens)? Are you in shape for the 10k / 75 obstacle ...Volkslauf obstacle course in Bakersfield California on October 13 of this year which we are taking multiple teams to? You see 'in shape' is relative. There is ALWAYS another level.

By the way, for those of you not familiar with the Mayo Clinic it is considered to be THE BEST collection of medical doctors IN THE WORLD and it's based in Rochester Minnesota. Now they have incredible doctors and I have seen some miraculous surgeries in various people that I personally know...however, my question to you is do you strive to be 'in shape' to pass some stupid test on a treadmill or are you working towards being 'in shape' because it is in every fiber of your being?

In the words of the Philadelphia Kettlebell Club:
"Don't rely on anything you can't carry, in case civilization is temporary."

'Bill' had an epiphany or two or five today.

How many people have you helped have an epiphany?

Union Football

un·ion /ˈyunyən/ (noun) 1. the act of uniting two or more things. 2. the state of being united. 3. something formed by uniting two or more things; combination. 4. a number of persons, states, etc., joined or associated together for some common purpose: Union Football. Iowa that is. Dysart Iowa population 1100. LaPorte City Iowa population 1500. Together they are the Union Knights and they have a new sheriff in town in the form of Head Football Coach Joe Hadachek. And up until yesterday, I don't think they had any clue what they are in for this season. Probably never heard of Union High School on a national level. Probably not even on a state level. You will in due time.

You know you are in small town Midwest when you show up 20 minutes prior to start time and there are already 5 parents standing there. By start time there are about 20 people with lawn chairs watching AND they stayed for the ENTIRE session. Are they here because they have nothing better to do on a Sunday afternoon in small town Iowa? Probably. Are they here because they have heard stories about Coach Hadachek and his 'different' philosophy and training methods? More likely.

You see Coach Hadachek was my strength and conditioning coach in college. He is the one responsible for my head swimming with ideas and constantly squeezing out any knowledge I can from the pages of discerning textbooks. Better yet, he taught me something right out of the gate about APPLICATION. Theory is theory, but do you know where the weight room is? That, my grasshoppers, is where 'it' gets done. There was something about that college weightroom: down in the basement of the fieldhouse, dark, dungy, so humid you could cut the thick air stench of bodies with a machete when you walked in. A smell and a feeling that I will never forget.

Joe is a mentor to me and is more like the big brother I never had. Yesterday was an opportunity to give back to him, his new team and the beginning of the foundation of the house that Haddy built. He won't take credit for it because it is all TEAM first. Me second.

Fresh meat. 55 of 'em. Sitting there soft and undisciplined. You know it's going to be a great afternoon when during the virgin set of swings a young man in the front row had his iPod plugs in. Coach Joe said "Are those headphones?" Kid "yes" Joe "Take them out before I rip them out!" "We will not tolerate that on this team." That commanded attention from 55 young men immediately! Brought a tear to my eye as those were the days...and I didn't even play football for him. We are talkin' Lombardi style "deep down every man worth his salt yearns for discipline." That's what all of these kids are ...unbridled fresh meat yearning for discipline; most of them have yet to discover that. These kids will come to know the depth of these 2 phrases in every sense of their existence: Personally Responsible. Individually Accountable.

We attacked them like a tiger attacking fresh kill...grab the jugular and hang on rippin' into 'em. 3 RKCs plus one that will be certified in 3 weeks. 92 degrees. 2 hours and change. 10 basic kettlebell drills. I will bet there was no other football team in the nation outside for 2 hours on this beautiful Sunday afternoon doing ANYTHING, let alone learning a new school of strength and conditioning unbeknownst to them their new weight training program starting today Monday 052107. We finished the day with a little injection of 'Nellie Love' ...relays of swings and farmers walks that turned into runs. Coach wanted to see who wants it since he has only known them for 3 weeks. We put that to the test. Seniors vs. Seniors, Juniors vs Juniors, and down the ranks. 10 swings then Farmers carry 2 bells about 40 yards then the next person goes. After 2 hours of sweat, moans and glimmer of fear in some eyes I heard a couple of Frosh say 'This is fun.' Fun. What a concept. You mean these kids have the ability to learn discipline and have fun at the same time? I say 'Welcome to the Beat Down.' Now that's what we are talking about. Instilling 'FUN' back into these kids. Then as my thoughts were going off into dreamland I was snapped to attention with 'Bring it in and take a knee.' Coach Joe said a few words and then passed it to me for some final thoughts. After a short 2 minute lecture on how Mountain Dew and Twinkies are not the best fuel for young football players dedicated to their craft we brought it home...there's something that warms my heart about 9 coaches and 55 athletes breaking a huddle on... "EASY doesn't pay!!"

I was very proud to be associated with this group of young men. They have no idea what they are in for this season. 3 words come to mind: Leadership. Perennial Powerhouse. I'll give Coach Hadachek 2 years. No pressure on him. I just know his fiber. He will completely gut that program with a filet knife and stitch it back together with every ounce of his being. Is he back coaching because he misses it? Probably. Is he back coaching because he is going to impact young men for generations? Definitely.

Union Football. There is a wind in the air and it's only May. This is one team that I guarantee will outwork its opponents. 11 weeks til 2-a-days. What a great country we live in.

Simple.

Brutal. Savage. 'Fun.' -- All in the name of today's training.

I am beginning to adapt very quickly to all of my training. I really have to keep things creative right now and rarely do the same exercises two weeks in a row. I am doing some lab rat experiments as I am the rat. My CNS is very amped right now and highly malleable to all training stimulus. I am very surprised and encouraged about how 'smart' my body has become over the last 6 months.

Here's how today went down.

Z I Phase for about 30 minutes.

Training:
A1 Split Jerk 79/10 sets of 3 l,r
A2 Pistols 79/ 10 sets of 1 l,r
rest 4 minutes
B1 Double Snatches 70s/30 sets of 2

Total time 48:42

Felt really great. My mind was going crazy. For some reason simple brutal training causes my neurons to go on a creative mission to daydream new training structures and plans for me and my clients. Ohhhhh, only to their benefit!

Wisdom of the year...

My friend Mark emailed me the other day and had this at the bottom of his email...

"Your Body Doesn't Care What Your Excuse Is."

Wow. Amen to that. I hear excuses (which are 'reasons' in disguise) ALL of the time why someone can't do something. I have another friend in Connecticut that has a sign on the wall of his gym that says "Can't = 100 push ups" There are no excuses. Your body truly does not care what your excuse is. Get off your lazy bum and do something. Do something you've never done. Better yet bring a friend. The Kinetic Edge kettlebell classes are growing... The reason is accountability. And not accountability to me but accountability to the other class members. We have created a 'community' for like minded people to gather and get their ass beat into the ground (in a loving way ;) and they go thru it together. Now there is a sense of pride developing and a team atmosphere that is accentuating positive reinforcement of consistent attendance.

You do not have to be a part of the class to see results. It is however much easier to remain positive when you have others around you supporting you and being pushed to the next level regardless of what level that is for you.

"Your Body Doesn't Care What Your Excuse Is."

That also goes for food and nutrition. Imagine if your stomach and intestines could literally talk to you. What would they say by the way you have been treating them? Are you doing or are you coasting? It's easy to coast. Trying does not cut it. Trying means you won't. Can't means you won't. Do is do and doing is becoming.

"Your Body Doesn't Care What Your Excuse Is."

Your body will follow your mind. Your mind is what you have to guard relentlessly. Examine your mental patterns when it comes to exercise and food. Hold the image of what you are becoming (what you would like to become) in your mind with ONLY positive feelings and you will become that.

Great words to live by:

"Your Body Doesn't Care What Your Excuse Is."

Sport Specific Training

There has been a lot of posts here lately wanting info on sports specific programs or inquiries about specific sports (i.e. triathlon training, wrestling, kids, etc).
As a strength and condtioning professional in the field, I highly recommend against 'sport specific' training for a number of reasons...

1) 'sport specific' is a misused term in our industry and should be reserved to work on skills with in the individual sport ...NOT to describe what an athlete is doing in the weight room. Doing 'sport specific' weight training will increase the rate of injury 5 fold because of overuse injuries

2) athletes today specialize in their respective sports WAY too young 98% of the time. Kids need to develop and play multiple sports in order to be a well rounded athlete

3) I am in the business of creating better athletes. As they become better 'athletes' they will be better at wrestling, soccer, hockey, badminton, ping pong, darts (ok maybe not darts) or whatever their 'sport' is.

4) I focus on movement. Movement vs muscle. The body does not know muscles, it only knows movements. Also the strongest kid is not always the best athlete. The fastest kid is not always the best athlete. However the best athlete is among the strongest, fastest, quickest...and not necessarily the 'biggest' in terms of muscle mass either.

5) looking for specific training programs for sport. Start with the opposing muscle groups. Triathletes are the WORST! I have 3 IronMan competitors and they are destroyed when it comes to imbalances. Most of them have a posterior chain limitation and are constantly in a flexed position in the torso due to swimming 99.9% freestyle, biking (sitting in the handle bars leaned over) and running...just one example.

6) most don't understand the basics (I'm talking kettlebell training here) and they are already looking for the holy grail. The basics will do most athletes best because emphasis on the posterior chain (swings / snatches) weight in front where most sports are played (front squats) flexibility (windmills and TGUs) overhead pressing (military press) which they rarely get in traditional weight training.

OK, rant over. This should induce some good food for thought.