10 Thoughts For 2023
A new year always brings to mind a cornucopia of thoughts. Goals to set…Looking back…Looking forward…Lots of…just…things… you know?
In that spirit, here are 10 things I’ve been thinking about in terms of fitness and nutrition. And maybe some other things, too.
Stretching can be great to help release muscles that are too tight to allow good movement. Stretching merely for flexibility, however, is generally not all that useful unless strength and mobility are worked on first. The reason is that injuries tend to occur when someone is in an extreme range of motion (a hyperextended knee or overly rounded back, for example). Without the requisite strength or movement quality to support that position, well, that’s when injuries occur.
2. Consistency, in all its forms and applications, remains the most important determinant of success. Consistently showing up, working hard, and engaging deeply in what you’re doing at that moment…That’s what success is made of.
3. You’re probably sick of me writing about this but getting stronger should always be one of your main goals.
4. DO NOT MAKE LOSING WEIGHT ONE OF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!!! If you want to know why just let me know. I don’t have the space here to give this the respect it deserves.
5. Most back and shoulder pain has more to do with everyday movement and breathing patterns than nearly anything else (that includes anything you’ll see on an X-Ray or MRI.) Adjustments, medication, and massage can only help so much. Improvement is intentional. If you don’t know what to do, think about what a reasonable adult would do and do that.
6. What you focus on makes or breaks you. Make your focus count for good.
7. Strength or cardiovascular health can be improved if worked on 2-3 times per week, but chronic pain, such as back or shoulder issues, needs to be an everyday project. Sorry, that’s the truth. Posture and movement quality are the results of ingrained habits that need constant engagement and attention to change. Don’t worry, though; it gets much easier over time.
8. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.
9. Worrying about every single thing you eat is 10x more damaging than eating a cookie.
10. If you have an appetite for incredible writing, read Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. I’ve never read anything else quite like it. It’s not for everyone, but boy, is it powerful. If you’ve read it, I’d love to know your thoughts.
Well, it’s been quite a few years for all of us but let’s do everything we can to make 2023 a great one! Happy New Year!
