Monday Workout: Use Good Judgment

Kettle bells are fun and challenging!  I like how they work stability and strength at the same time.  They are also useful for folks who have knee issues because they get heart rate up without impact.

As a side note, these workouts are a template, not a mandate.  I substitute different exercises in when I have clients with injuries or sensitivities.  It is crucial to use good judgment when working out.  So, if kettle bell swings cause lower back pain, try woodchoppers or medicine ball slams instead.  If regular squats are too much for the knees, modify with ball squats or TRX squats or do punches instead.

Three rounds.

kb swings	30
kb twists	20
kb 8s	10
mountain climbers	30
deadlifts	20
lateral raises	10
plyojacks/jacks/mod jacks	30
squats	20
Russian twist	10

Friday Book Report: The Remembered Present

I have now read several of Gerald M. Edelman’s books.  The Remembered Present:  A Biological Theory of Consciousness continues his work toward a mind-body paradigm with a basis in science.  I do not know if his theories have been supported or supplanted by subsequent research, but conceptually at least they are persuasive and fascinating.

Because his subject is consciousness, he rejects the fiction of the outside observer in scientific methodology.  He takes pains to discuss the implications of this stance as well as the necessity of doing so.  At the same time, he scrupulously ties his arguments to anatomical, physiological, morphological evidence and outlines careful chains of argument to support his points.

I am curious (although not yet curious enough to go look) about the implications of his thought for artificial intelligence, in that he has some interesting observations about “Turing machines” and how they interact with the world.  He rejects the common metaphor of brain as computer with trenchant and often amusing language.

I like books that stretch me.  This is one.  Check it out.

Your spine should not look like this

Good posture is good for our health.  It helps keep our muscles working efficiently and gracefully.  It reduces tension on our necks and lower backs.  And we look better when we stand up tall with good alignment.

Unfortunately, our desks and computers and phones and televisions and couches are out to get us.  A large number of us jut our heads forward, round our shoulders, and slump in our lower backs.

Pilates to the rescue!  Because Pilates works our core muscles, we can develop support for our lower backs.  Its emphasis on axial alignment helps us tune in to where our head is in space, allowing us to get it back on top of our shoulders where it belongs.  Working with shoulder stability strengthens our ability to fight back against the rounding imposed by our poor sitting practices.

A strong and aligned body helps maintain a happy self.