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LIES in the gym Jan 8, 2009 | 83 Comments
You don’t have to go far in the average gym to find someone willing to give you bad information. People are full of ideas and advice about women and weights. And most of them are wrong. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common myths floating around like the alligator in the sewer stories. The difference is, of course, that there really ARE alligators in the sewer. And snakes that pop out of your toilet, heh heh.
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What you need and what you don’t Dec 31, 2008 | 18 Comments
It’s tempting to think when starting out that you need a whole array of belts, straps, gloves, and suits to begin strength training, especially if you see a lot of folks in the gym all decked out like medieval cyborgs. Well, the truth is that you don’t. Here’s what you need and what you can do without.
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Old broads: the golden years of pumping iron Aug 24, 2008 | 18 Comments
The other day I got an email from a woman who asked, “I’m 31. Is it too late to begin a fitness program?” Only in our youth-worshiping North American culture could such a question even be asked. In most other cultures in the world, the concept of aging equaling inactivity does not exist.
Above: Champion powerlifter and site reader Gayle busts out the biceps curl reps.
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No fat chicks Aug 24, 2008 | 50 Comments
I was sitting on a cold, paper-covered exam table when the doctor told me I was too fat. The sterile, crinkly surface rustled as I shifted awkwardly, trying to conceal my embarrassment and anger. I had gone in to find out why my hip hurt so much. The doctor explained that my extra weight was putting pressure on the joint and was the likely source of the pain. Then he said simply, “Lose weight,” and left the room.
How do you start out if you’re an overfat beginner? Not by taking the usual advice, that’s for damn sure.
Eating
Tofu makes you dumn?
I am often asked why I do not recommend soy protein for vegetarians. The aggregate data suggest that whatever benefit soy may offer is vastly outweighed by its many liabilities — especially when it is processed. (Really guys — did you honestly think that Tofurkey was healthy?) One key problem with soy appears to be its effects on brain health with aging.
What's new
Roller Derby boobs
As Stumpamaniacs will know, I recently did a piece in Five on Five magazine, on strength training for roller derby. Just heard from a derby fan who tells me that one of the members of the Rose City Rollers, Devaskating Deva, underwent a double mastectomy. Her teammates have come up with a novel idea for raising funds to help defray her medical bills: They’re selling plaster casts of their breasts.
Should you wish to help a worthy cause and own yourself a nifty new bosom or two, check out their Facebook page and eBay page. If nothing else, bask in the appreciation for the delightful diversity of breastitude.
Training
Yoga for Fighters: Releasing the Psoas
Most fighters end up with certain muscles totally overdeveloped. Because of the way grappling works, the psoas muscles get very, very tight. However, many non-grapplers also have a lot of psoas problems, simply from sitting all day. The psoas shortens and becomes tight. An overdeveloped, shortened psoas means less mobility, reduced speed, and greater risk of injury.
The Less Thinking, More Doing Program, The Sequel: Slightly More Thinking, Slightly More Doing
The original LTMD Program provided an antidote for those of you paralyzed by too much information. Phase II helps keep you moving forward while you continue to learn.
The Less Thinking, More Doing Starter Program
For those new to strength training, details can be a little overwhelming. After all, you might just want some simple advice on getting started. If so, this article is for you. This program starts you off with a few basic movements that are guaranteed to increase your overall strength and fitness if you’re a beginner.
Learning
Review: Everyday Paleo
A mother of three children ranging from 3 to 15, Fragoso created EverydayPaleo.com as a way to keep herself accountable, to try out new recipes, and to build a community of Paleo-style eaters trying to figure out how to implement this way of eating into their (imperfect) daily routines.
May 05, 2011 | 12 Comments »
More in Learning
- The Paleo Solution podcast
- Change Your Body, Change the World: The “Exuberant Animal” Podcast
- New Rules of Lifting for Women and podcast with Cassandra Forsythe
- Dan John DVDs and podcast
- The Female Body Breakthrough
Rants
Rant 61 April 2011: Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner: Confessions of a Feminist Nutritionist
Today I want to talk about change and transition. I want to talk about the lived realities of our bodies. I want to talk about pain. I want to talk about the ways in which self-transformation and working towards deep health are social justice projects.
Mar 28, 2011 | 17 Comments »
More in Rants
- Rant 60 March 2011: Fear is My Homegirl
- Rant 59 September 2010: I’m Not Old; I’m 37
- Rant 58 June 2010: Hot for Teachers
- Rant 57 May 2010: What’s Eating You?
- Rant 56 April 2010: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Doh! and ouch
Back pain 3: Exercises for low back pain
Here are just a few tips and ideas for low back pain rehab and prevention exercises. If you are prone to LBP then I recommend including these as part of your regular workout program.
Jul 16, 2008 | 13 Comments »
More in Doh! and ouch
- Back pain 2: Kick low back pain to the curb
- Troubleshooting
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Back pain 1: Introduction to managing back pain
- Effluvia
Women stuff
The Mummy Returns: Working out after pushing out (a baby)
Lieke Lekkas shared her training-while-pregnant experiences with us; now, an update on what she’s doing as a new mother — and of course, she keeps it real. (On labour: “It was a bit like squatting heavy with a really bad case of constipation.”)
May 08, 2011 | 3 Comments »
More in Women stuff
- Weight training during pregnancy: Lieke’s experience
- Mommy (to be) rage: Hands off pregnant ladies
- Benefits of exercise during late pregnancy
- New Rules of Lifting for Women and podcast with Cassandra Forsythe
- Baby Bells: Fit Pregnancy Workout with (Optional) Kettlebells
Inspiration
Shaky Man in the Gym 3: Trembling, but no fear
The intrepid Shaky Man, Neil, goes forth and conquers.
Apr 22, 2011 | 7 Comments »
More in Inspiration
- Everything you need to know, right here
- Female athletes – the big picture
- Training with MS: Katja’s story
- Reader Mail 9
- Shaky man in the gym 2: Keep on shakin’