Somadynamics means "ever-changing body" or "body in constant change." The heart, lungs, skeletal muscle, posture, gut and butt change over the years BUT the rate of change and the dynamics of change are due much more to the personal choices we make than to advancing age. The physical capacity of the body diminishes with disuse, not years lived to the extent that most people assume.
For example, we can mimic all the conditions of the elderly in healthy robust young people through extended enforced bed rest. Conversely, we can increase muscle mass, reduce the percent of body fat, and enhance flexibility, balance and the sense on well-being in older subjects well into the eighth decade and beyond.
In this blog, I explore somadynamics in the context of our inner selves—the Greeks were the first to correctly recognize the vital interconnection of mind, body and spirit—as well as advocate for restoring sustained and vigorous physical activity to our daily routines. It saves lives and money and makes us feel better in the process.
The Fall Equinox: A Time For Healthy Changes!
I had a wonderful time playing the Native American flute at Unity Church of Fairfax, Virginia celebration of the Fall Equinox Sept. 20.
The chaotic times of summer and rapid growth …
Reflections on My Cousin, Frank Gifford
THE GIFFORD CLAN: This is about half the total number of my Gifford cousins during Thanksgiving, circa 1947. Frank is standing to grandma’s right. I'm the little guy standing in front of her.
I have received condolences from friends and family all over the country since I learned of Frank Gifford’s passing on August 8, 2015. He was my first cousin on my mother’s side …
A Reality Check for Wellness Programs
“Health Check for Wellness Programs” by Lauren Weber in today’s Wall Street Journal has some of the facts straight, which is better than most stories on this subject.
We have learned …
Misdiagnosis
Medical expert Richard Besser, M.D., reported about an “epidemic” increase in torn ACL knee injuries in elementary school children on the “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” yesterday (…
Know What’s Killing Team Sports? Parents
Perhaps you saw the recent story in the Wall Street Journal about kids playing fewer teams sports. My alter ego, Da Ole Coach, certainly did and here’s my report on what he had to …
Shiver Me Timbers! Another Piece of Impractical Research
It’s the movement, not the frigid water, that keeps this bear in shape.
Here we go again. Can’t help myself. It drives me crazy. This is the oldest crap in history. "Cold exposure – an approach to increasing energy expenditure in humans” in Trends in …
Cranking Up Our Engines
Man’s capacity to engineer movement out of life is amazing. A generation ago, I can remember my grandpa cranking up his Model A Ford. Many readers will not understand, so allow me …
We’ve Got a BIG Problem; So Do Elephants
Ever on the alert for cutting edge health science research, Zusha Elinson’s front page article in the Wall Street Journal about a planned elephant preserve in California for obese …
Start with Strength Training
Dr. Wayne L. Westcott’s article "Strength Training Benefits: The First Step in Reaching the Sedentary” gets the story on muscle mass straight. Boy (and Girl), is this important — …
Jacki’s Strong Step Video, Circa 1992
Way back in the early '70s, I was introduced to Aerobic Dance at a White House meeting of the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. Frankly, I was somewhat skeptical. How could dance deliver a serious workout?
The answer to my question is well-illustrated in this early ‘90s spin-off of the original aerobic dance concept pioneered by Jacki Sorensen, who is still going strong.
In this piece we use steps and light dumbells, which give a perfect combo: aerobics plus strength training in the same workout in a carefully choreographed sequence of music and movement. Credit goes to my two partners' sisters: Janci Farwell (dark hair) and Rochelle Slayback.
(Warning: This is a strenuous workout and, as with any exercise, should not be followed unless you have been previously engaged in regular, strenuous exercise and talked to your healthcare provider.)