Jan 15 2010

From Mike Boyle’s Blog: Most People Are Dead at 35

“Every man is the builder of a temple called his body”

Henry David Thoreau

old graves by jay

I agree.

If you want to see what Mike had to say, check out his blog:

http://mboyle1959.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/most-people-are-dead-at-35/

Yours in movement.

Dev Chengkalath


Mar 10 2009

The often ignored dangers of…

LARGE BREASTS.

Warning: May cause severe back pain

Warning: May cause severe back pain

“Where the heck is he going with this one?!?”

I am going to assume that’s what you’re thinking.

And rightly so. 

Read on to find out how big breasts are related to back pain… 

While I’ve discussed many learned or habitual causes of back pain, there is an area that I haven’t spent much time talking about. 

Structural causes. 

Now these types of causes are many and can include bone related issues as scoliosis (curvatures of the spine), leg length discrepancies (one leg shorter than the other), or a number of other problems related to the structural make up of various human tissues (bones, joints, tendons, ligaments etc). 

One such structural issue that is fairly common, but not often discussed, is the case of the massive mammaries. 

Being a male physical therapist working under the auspices of the Regulated Health Professions Act, I’ve had to broach this subject with my clients with significant caution.

You can’t just tell someone that their boobs are causing their back pain. Even if that’s really the case.

That being said, this problem is very real for those that suffer from it and must be addressed.

For this problem, there are a few solutions I’d like to suggest:

  1. Proper bra fitting: Obviously, not being a bra expert myself, I’ve had to reach into my extended network of colleagues and experts for information (no matter what industry you’re in, you MUST have a network you can access for things you don’t know!-but that’s for another post!) This includes the correct size, style, support and structure. Even a small change such as a wider shoulder strap can make a HUGE difference. So for all you women out there, have your brassieres professionally fitted. 
  2. Fix your posture. ‘Nuff said. 
  3. Lose excess body weight: This is not only important for back pain issues but also for health issues. My good buddy Rocco has a program that can help you out. You can check it out HERE.
  4. Get in shape: If you have a heavy chest that collapses you forward, you need strong, resilient muscles to defy gravity and keep you upright. Get strong. Get fit. 
  5. Breast reduction surgery: Sometimes, it’s gotta be done. Your health is probably worth more than having cleavage. 

So there you have it. Big breasts and back pain.

The silence has ended.

Dev Chengkalath


Jan 22 2009

Exercising for health: The fallacy.

I’ve been in the health and fitness business as a physical therapist and human movement specialist long enough to have learned an important lesson.

Health doesn’t sell.

On one hand, everyone cares about it. But on the other hand, it’s just not sexy enough.

You don’t see major corporations touting health as a major benefit of their products, unless their product is inherently unhealthy and they want you to think otherwise.  

So if health isn’t what everyone is after, what’s the holy grail? What’s everybody looking for?

 

Jamie Eason

Jamie Eason

Looking good naked.

Can you deny that?

I know I can’t.

Can you honestly say that with every grueling workout you push through, you don’t think of the benefits to your physique before you think of the benefits to your health?

I know I can’t.

And that is the fallacy of exercising solely for health. 

Keep on moving to look good naked.

Dev Chengkalath.

 


Dec 2 2008

Randy from American Idol Had It Right

Randy Jackson was a guest on ABC’s The View this morning.

Even though he had a gastric bypass to jump-start his rapid weight loss, he had three simple words of wisdom that, when applied correctly, can initiate incredible changes to you body, your health and your life.

“Just move more.”

The human body was designed to move. So move more often, and not just for exercise. Try to use your muscles whenever you can.

For example, try the stairs instead of the elevator or the escalator.

Walk places instead of driving.

If you do drive, try parking farther away from the entrance and walk a bit more.

At work, go for a walk during your lunch break.

These are all simple habits that will increase your daily movement and keep you in better shape and better health.

Just move more.

 

Dev Chengkalath


Dec 1 2008

Holiday Food Basics

During the holidays, there’s always an abundance of feasting with friends and family. By sticking with the following tips, you can curb the excess weight gain that always seems to crop up around this time of year. 

Eat whole foods over processed foods, they are more nutrient dense.

Eat high quality protein with every meal.

Eat more healthy fats such as Omega 3’s. Eat less or better yet, no trans-fats.

Learn the difference between fibrous carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates.

Get most of your carbohydrates from veggies and fruits (in that order).

Eat the right kind of carbohydrates at the right time (fibrous carbohydrates over all others when possible).

Ingest all other carbohydrates (simple or complex) post-workout; your body will use them better.

Eat more fiber.

Learn to read labels and critically analyze them.

Sound nutrition is the best method of losing body fat, increasing metabolism and buoying energy levels.

This is the best foundation for healthy living.

Educate yourself; it will go a long way.

To your health.

Dev Chengkalath