Exercise This: Cop shows can save your neck (and back and shoulders)

I have many clients whose professional life dominates their time and energy. They often work 60 hours a week and hope to fit exercise in wherever they can. Sound familiar?? Though I cannot convince them to scale back work hours (not for lack of desire) I often suggest this simple exercise to counteract the negative effects of a desk job.

Have you ever watched cop shows like my favorite, T.J. Hooker? (It's an oldie but goodie!) Well, the perpetrator is always commanded to do three things:

1. FREEZE!
2. PUT YOUR HANDS UP!
3. HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!

Now, I know this seems silly, but stay with me.

First, you know your day will be a long one, so every 45 minutes or so you should stop and break from what you are doing...FREEZE!

Second, you probably have been hunched over a desk of papers or in front of some sort of computer. A shoulders-forward position prevents the postural muscles of your upper back from doing their job effectively, so...PUT YOUR HANDS UP! (This second step is even more effective if you stand while you do it.)

Third, in order to truly get the postural muscles activated, HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD! Clasp your fingers behind your head and squeeze your shoulder blades together, and then relax and allow your arms to return to your sides. Repeat the steps as many times as needed. It may shock you to learn how tight your shoulders and neck really are.

Remember: Reduce tension to increase production.

body and mind

Hello Folks,
It has been a long time since you've heard from me. A lot has changed in the past year or so. I hope that all of you have experienced change in your life as well. There are several instances that have caused me to pause and reflect.

I have had a revelation about life and success in life. One of my favorite authors, Stephen Covey, states that when someone seeks to avoid work, their standards with regards to leadership, integrity, and morals are compromised. Well, folks, the revelation is this: diligence, persistence, and consistency determine your success. Your reputation and integrity are determined by these factors. Your reputation determines how many people will volunteer as advocates for your cause. Reflect on that.

Body and Mind posts are for reflection, to share my personal discoveries in the hope that as you seek success in your life, you have balance. This balance must be apparent in your pursuit of fitness, professional, spiritual, and social goals. Remember: Healthy minds precede healthy bodies, and healthy bodies help preserve healthy minds.

Art is now NSCA and USAW certified!

Art recently became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a designation earned from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). According to the NSCA, "Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance... [A] variety of academic and professional backgrounds hold this prestigious credential. This diverse group includes strength coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, personal trainers, physicians, chiropractors, researchers and educators."

Soon after attaining his CSCS, Art earned a Sports Performance Coach certification from USA Weightlifting (USAW), the governing body for Olympic weightlifting in the United States.

Art is also certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Many congratulations, Art!