Spirit Fitness

In Chinese Medicine...

2009-10-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

In Chinese nutrition, it is better to eat warm foods when the weather is cold as not to upset the balance of yin and yang as the seasons change

Steaming Outshines All Cooking Methods for Broccoli

Researchers in the Department of Agriculture at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China have published what might be the best-documented study to date on broccoli and the cooking methods that are best at preserving its nutrients. After carefully reviewing the results from 34 previous studies, these researchers went on to compare 5 different cooking methods for broccoli and their impact on nutrient content. All cooking methods were carried out for 5 minutes on 200 grams (approximately 2 cups) of chopped broccoli. The methods included: boiling, stir-frying in soy oil, microwaving, steaming, and a stir-frying-plus-boiling combination in which the raw broccoli was stir-fried for 2 minutes and then boiled for 3 minutes.

The researchers went on to analyze the nutrient content in 6 areas: protein, sugar, chlorophyll, glucosinolates, carotenoids, and vitamin C. Proteins and sugars were best retained by steaming, with microwaving doing the next best job in this macronutrient area. But the most dramatic were results in the 4 other nutrient areas, which you will find summarized in the following chart:

Cooking Method	Chlorophyll (% Decrease)	Vitamin C (% Decrease	Glucosinolates (% Decrease	Total Carotenoids (% Decrease
Steaming	almost unchanged	no significant loss	almost unchanged	no significant loss
Boiling	27%	33%	41%	13%
Stir-Frying-Plus-Boiling	18%	24%	55%	no significant loss
Microwaving	16%	16%	60%	no significant loss

All we can say is, "Wow!" When taken as a whole, the differences here between steaming and other cooking methods are even greater than we would have predicted. This is especially true in the area of glucosinolates, the sulfur-containing compounds in broccoli that can be converted by the body into related sulfur-compounds called isothiocyanates that have been shown to have cancer-preventive effects. The difference between steaming and all other cooking methods in this phytonutrient area is striking. And while chlorophyll is not ordinarily discussed as a food nutrient, some studies have shown that chlorophyll retention in a cooked food may be partially representative of that food's overall nutrient quality. That speaks amazingly well for steaming as a cooking method for broccoli.

Also striking to us is the minimal amount of nutritional difference between broccoli that has been steamed for 5 minutes and raw broccoli. These researchers found no significant difference between raw and steamed broccoli in all of the four categories measured above. That finding makes us confident that steaming is by far your best cooking method for broccoli and can do an outstanding job in preserving its nutrients.

Spirulina

2009-02-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Spirulina is a single-celled, spiral-shaped blue green microalgae grown in tropical salt lakes. This microalgae is discovered by Dr. Clement of France in 1962. Dr. Clement found that the Ganimou people living around Lake Chades in Africa had stronger bodies than other civilized people at that time, despite poor living conditions and few resources. Upon further studies, he observed that the Ganimou eats a particular blue green algae found floating on the lake's surface. This algae is spirulina.

Such simple one-celled organism already exist when life first appeared on earth. They are the earliest forms of life and is the source of all life in the oceans.

After many years of research, Dr. Clement got the attention of the worldwide medical field on his discovery. Medical researchers in Japan and Mexico were interested with the many benefits that spirulina can bring to the human body. It is being used as part of other treatments due to its nutritional benefits. However, researchers have observed that spirulina also appears to exhibit properties which promote self-healing.

Nutrition Value of Spirulina

So how nutritious is spirulina to the human body? The algae is a highly digestible food, containing 60 to 70% of protein, and provides all the essential amino acids, which is a rarity among plant foods. It is so nutritionally balanced that it is 5 times easier to digest than meat.

Besides protein, spirulina is a rich natural source of Vitamin E and B12, iron, calcium, anti-oxidants, minerals, carbohydrates and enzymes. Its rich phytochemical composition are carotenoids, chlorophyll (known as a blood purifier), and phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment found only in blue green algae. Experiments have shown that this particular protein can increase the survival rate of mice with liver cancer. That means it can inhbits cancerous cells growth. It can also inhibit viral replication, and strengthen the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system.

Anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells and/or hemoglobin, responds well to vitamin B12, folic acid and chlorophyll found in spirulina. In fact, spirulina is the richest natural source of vitamin B12, once thought to be available only in animal products. Not only that, a test have shown that stomach ulcers can be cured with 2 grams of spirulina intake per day, by coating chlorophyll onto the stomach lining. Other diseases known to improve with the help of spirulina include liver disorders, such as chronic hepatitis, and diabetes.

Another important compound in this superfood is the Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). This essential fatty acid cannot be produced by our body, yet is important for healthy bones, normal brain function, growth and development, stimulation of skin and hair growth and regulation of metabolism such as lipid.

Furthermore, GLA in vivo changes easily to arachidonic acid, and then to prostaglandin E2. The end product can be developed as a blood pressure regulating agent in our body.

An article written by Christopher Hills, Ph.D, D.Sc., titled "Spirulina as nutrition for the brain" says that "the interesting part... is the remarkable effects of this vegetable plankton on our state of consciousness particularly while fasting on nothing else... most people feel increased energy and clarity of mind after taking the Spirulina as a vitamin supplement."

According to Professor Keiun Kodo on the this topic, "Spirulina's rich and balanced nutrients are perfect for the development of brain cells. It is a well-known source of nutrient for children and adults for the development and maintenance of brain cells."

Other effects and uses of spirulina includes rejuvenation, increase of energy level, reduction of cholesterol, reducing body acidity, cardiovascular support and detoxification. The soft cell walls of spirulina allows it to be digested easily and assimilated, making it ideal for detoxifying.

Quick Facts

Spirulina is a vegetable that exists 3.5 billion years ago, and is a natural food source, not man-made in laboratories.
100% alkaline food
14 times more nutritional than milk
Richest natural source of Vitamin B12
Low in fats
Key composition:
- Protein
- 8 types of amino acid
- 18 types of vitamins
- 20 types of minerals
- Carbohydrates
- Anti-oxidants
- Gamma Linolenic Acid
There are 4 types of natural pigments:
- ChorophyII
- Beta Carotene
- XanophyII
- Phycocynin
35 types of spirulina, only larger ones with stronger replicative capabilities and higher protein content can be consumed
This includes Arthropira, Arthropira Maxima and Arthropira Platensis.

Safe Health Supplement

Spirulina is very safe for human consumption, and it is not a new health supplement. In fact, the Africans have consumed it decades ago and Mexicans now uses it to replenish inadequate nutrients in a mother's milk. More than 70 countries have approved the superfood as safe for consumption by their respective health agencies. In an evaluation of spirulina by WHO in 1992, the organisation states that:

Spirulina is a high quality food product. It is rich in iron and protein. It is safe to consume and is an excellent nutrient supplement for children.

Thanks to HealthSession.com for the info.

Mouth VS Nose Breathe

2009-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Nose Breathing

Michael Grant White, Breathing.com

Breathing through the nose has many benefits. Breathing through the mouth, many negatives. There are some researchers who believe that mouth breathing and associated hyperventilation causes or exacerbates asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other medical problems.

Always better whenever possible (deviated septum and small nostrils may make it impractical but still nose breathing 24 hours a day is extremely important for those who desire the longest and most healthy life.

1. The lungs are a primary source of our energy level. They extract oxygen from the air we breathe primarily on the exhale. Because the nostrils are smaller then the mouth, air exhaled through the nose creates back pressure when one exhales. It slows the air escape so the lungs have more time to extract oxygen from them. When there is proper oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange, the blood will maintain a balanced pH. If carbon dioxide is lost too quickly, as in mouth breathing, oxygen absorption is decreased.

2. Afferent stimuli from the nerves that regulate breathing are in the nasal passages. The inhaled air passing through the nasal mucosa carries the stimuli to the reflex nerves that control breathing. Mouth breathing bypasses the nasal mucosa and makes regular breathing difficult. During sleep, it predisposes one to loud snoring and irregular breathing and can lead to a serious condition called Sleep Apnea and heart conditions.

3. Also, when mouth breathing, the brain thinks carbon dioxide is being lost too quickly and sensing this, will stimulate the goblet cells to produce mucous, slow the breathing and cause constriction of blood vessels. Breathing through the nose also limits air intake and forces one to SLOW down. Proper nose breathing reduces hypertension and stress for most people. Kind of like a speed control (governor) on a car engine.

4. The nostrils and sinuses filter and warm the air going into the lungs. The mouth breather bypasses this. The sinuses produce nitric oxide (NO) which is a pollutant but harmful to bacteria in small doses. Mouth breathing also accelerates water loss increasing possible dehydration.

5. Each nostril is innervated by five cranial nerves from a different side of the brain. Each nostril functions independently and synergistically in filtering, warming, moisturizing, dehumidifying, and smelling the air.

6. Maintaining a keen sense of smell is very important for enjoying life and for safety and social acceptance. Think of all the beautiful smells we enjoy with our nose. Smell influences our behavior, our memories, and many autonomic nervous system functions which are below the level of conscious awareness. This is because the receptors in the nose, known as olfactory bulbs, are direct extensions of a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, also known as the Brain's brain, is responsible for many functions in our bodies, particularly those that we consider automatic: heartbeat, blood pressure, thirst, appetite, and of course, the cycles of sleeping a waking. The hypothalamus is also responsible for generating chemicals that influence memory and emotion.

7. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, the new medical description for what most of us call snoring, is a problem for about 90 million Americans everyday. Socially unacceptable snoring occurs when other people complain about the noise. They are irritated by the snoring noise because they were unable to sleep well in the same room and in some cases the same building. Snoring is a major social problem. It can also lead to major medical problems if snoring and mouth breathing combine to cause irregular breathing during sleep.

8. What you do during waking hours carries over into sleep. Any opportunity for mouth breathing inhaling or exhaling will increase the chances of mouth breathing during sleep. Hospital studies have established that nocturnal mouth breathing is a primary cause of loud snoring. Snoring is a precursor to sleep apnea and apnea a precursor to heart attacks and dying in one's sleep.

9. Nose breathing imposes approximately 50 percent more resistance to the air stream in normal individuals than does mouth breathing, resulting in 10-20 percent more O2 uptake. (Cottle, 1972:Rohrer, 1915) There must be adequate nasal resistance to maintain adequate elasticity of the lungs. (Cottle 1980)

10. Breathing through the mouth with the nose obstructed usually imposes too little resistance and can lead to micro-areas of poor ventilation in the lungs (atelactasis). Many years of breathing against excessive resistance as with nasal obstruction, may cause micro areas of poor ventilation (emphysema). Barelli (Behavioral and Pshchological Approaches to Breathing Disorders.p.50 )

11. Body temperature may be influenced by the temperature of expired air (Scott, 1954; Weiner, 1954)

12. Work of lung movement doubled when nose breathing creating mild resistance training.

13. Chin-Up Strips are safe, inexpensive and easy to use. In fact, if you mouth breathe during waking hours you will want to: USE THEM during the exercises in the Optimal Breathing Improvement Program AS WELL AS DURING SLEEPING. They may also assist reducing the number of colds for reasons not yet certain.

They are by now in many drug stores in the US. Ask your druggist for them. We include a sample in our Sleep program.

14. Training yourself to nose breathe while waking can help the way you breathe while sleeping.

15. COLDS
Lessening of the common cold is another good reason for nose breathing. The mucous (white blood cells that kill germs) membrane lining the nose extends all the way from the inner linings of the nostrils down the trachea to the bronchi the directly enters the lungs. Germs get caught and die in the mucous.

16. SINUS blockage and difficulty nose breathing. What would make spinal fluid leak out of your nose? Dr. Hanson: In patients who’ve had a head injury, their dura, which is the leathery material that surrounds the brain and encloses it, can tear and they can have cerebral spinal fluid leaking through the dura into the nose. They can also have the same problem after sinus surgery. In both cases, there’s a potential for bacteria to get into the lining of the brain, which is obviously a bad thing.

"People with chronic sinus conditions should use a sinus rinse daily as it promotes drainage of the sinuses and speeds healing of inflamed tissues... "Self-Healing" Dr. Andrew Weil M.D.

17. SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK
Sleeping on one's back is helpful as it helps maintain a consistent body position and allows gravity to assist the mucous to drain into the throat and not getting built up in the sinuses and nose. Our Sleep Program has several exercises to train one to go to sleep on one's back and stay there throughout the night. Some may find that sleeping on the back makes them snore more.

Understanding Lactic Acid and it's function

2008-11-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Lactic Acid and Weight Training
from The ministry of Fitness

1. What Is Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid is a colourless compound produced by almost all tissues in the human body, necessary for the body to function daily. Lactic acid is produced and circulates through your bloodstream all the time, albeit in small amounts. Lactic acid, like Creatine, can also be produced synthetically, for use in biodegradable polylactic acid products (PLA). Although, why you'd want to supplement with Lactic Acid is anyone's guess.
Lactic acid is usually formed by fermentation of glucose, a carbohydrate, by a process called glycolysis. This is a chemical process in which glucose is broken down to pyruvic acid, and carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP) are released. If there is an excess of pyruvic acid, lactic acid is then formed.
However, this is a reversible reaction. When the Lactic acid receives oxygen, it is converted back to pyruvic acid, for later use by the body. The lactic acid is carried by the blood from the cramped muscles to the liver where it converted back to pyruvic acid, and then to carbon dioxide, water and ATP. Hooray for science.
Lactic acid is a by-product, produced by the body's tissues, primarily muscle, in order to obtain energy by metabolising glucose in the absence of oxygen. The glucose is either supplied from the blood stream or from it's stored form, glycogen, in the muscles. This is called anaerobic respiration (without oxygen).
Lactic acid (in large amounts) is usually formed during strenuous exercise, and a large amount of lactic acid in muscle leads to fatigue and can cause muscle cramps.
Lactic acid also causes the souring of milk, by fermentation of lactose. This makes Lactic acid useful commercially, as it is used in preparing cheese, sauer, soft drinks, and various other food products.
2. Lactic Acid and Weight Training

When you train hard, you usually get that burning sensation in the muscles that you're working. This "burn" is caused by an excess of Lactic acid in those muscles.
If you are exercising past the point where you cannot provide a sufficient supple of oxygen to the working muscles, lactic acid will aculate in the working muscles and the blood stream.
Bear in mind when training to failure that muscle failure cannot be achieved without feeling a burning sensation, and you are not pushing yourself to muscle failure if so. This is called training at a Sub-Lactic acid level.
At a Lactic acid level this means that you are feeling a strong lactic acid build-up, or burn in the working muscles on your last two repetitions.
You should struggle on your last two repetitions. This is why so many personal trainers say "Feel the burn!" Although if said trainers do repeat this ad nausem to you whilst you are on your last rep of bench pressing 300lbs, you have my full permission to beat them up. Unless they're bigger than you, of course.
Occasional training to failure actually improves aerobic conditioning. Intense exercise that produces lactic acid raises muscular endurance quicker than moderate exercise alone, because as you improve with training, the now er muscles process the lactic acid quicker, therefore the less often you experience the burn. Ya see?
The best way to get rid of the lactic acid in your cramped muscles is to keep exercising at a slower pace. Lactic acid is removed more quickly during walking than during complete rest, as you are keeping your blood flow steady and constant.
So, cooling down allows the blood to continue to flow through the muscles, allowing the lactic acid to be carried to the liver to be converted back to pyruvic acid.
Adequate rest should be taken between heavy sets, just enough so that you can supply oxygen to your muscles to reduce the lactic acid buildup. If you don't, the large lactic acid buildup will make you feel tired and nauseous after your workout.
So, to conclude, periodically going for "the burn" is a good thing, but just remember to rest between heavy sets, breathe deep, and to cool down adequately after any strenuous training.

Adrenal Burnout

2008-11-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

ADRENAL BURNOUT SYNDROME
by Lawrence Wilson, MD

© Revised December 2007, LD Wilson Consultants, Inc.

Thousands of people suffer from constant fatigue that is not relieved by rest and sleep. This is the main symptom of adrenal weakness or adrenal burnout syndrome. This article examines this extremely common syndrome – its causes, symptoms and the process of recovery of vibrant health by natural methods.

WHAT ARE THE ADRENAL GLANDS?

The adrenal glands are rounded, disc-shaped glands about 3-4 inches across. One sits atop each kidney, located on either side of your lower back, just above where the ribs end. You may at times feel a sensation of pressure in this area when under stress. However, muscular tension and other factors also commonly cause pain or a sensation of pressure in this area.
The adrenal glands are essential for life. They secrete a number of hormones that prepare our bodies to respond to stress. These include adrenalin, also called epinephrine, noradrenalin, also called norepinephrine, cortisol and cortisone. The adrenal glands also produce aldosterone, estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, pregnenelone and DHEA.
These hormones regulate many body activities. Of greatest importance for this article is that the adrenal hormones, particularly adrenalin and cortisol, activate the body’s fight-or-flight response.
This consists of increasing the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood, raising blood pressure, and promoting increased energy production. There are many other effects of the adrenal hormones, but we will focus on these effects for now.
Of great importance to our discussion is that the adrenal glands are innervated and stimulated by activity of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic or automatic nervous system of the body. This is the part of our nervous system that activates when we must respond to threats to our life.

A DEFINITION OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

The adrenal glands may develop various types of problems. Before we define adrenal burnout, let us briefly discuss these rarer conditions.

Cushing’s disease. Severe overactivity or hyperfunction of the glands is called Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease. It is characterized by a ‘moon face’, obesity in the trunk, muscle weakness, poor wound healing, kidney stones and often psychological symptoms.
This condition is relatively rare and usually caused by a tumor of the adrenal glands that secretes cortisol or cortisone, two of the important adrenal hormones.

Addison’s disease. Extremely low adrenal activity is known as Addison’s disease. It is characterized by weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, changes in skin color, dehydration, anorexia, nausea, decreased cold tolerance and dizziness. It is also a fairly rare condition, though I have met people who say they have Addison’s disease when they really are just in adrenal burnout, which is very different.
Addison’s disease is also caused at times by a tumor on the adrenal glands that shuts down the glands completely. It may also be caused by a severe shock to the system, as happened in the famous case of John F. Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy developed Addison’s disease when his small patrol boat was suddenly rammed by a Japanese destroyer on a dark night during World War II. Most of the crew was killed instantly. He survived, but the shock damaged his body severely.

Adrenal burnout syndrome. Adrenal burnout syndrome is basically a mild form of Addison’s disease. It is a low functioning or underactivity of the adrenal glands. It may also be termed adrenal insufficiency or adrenal exhaustion. It differs from Addison’s disease in several important ways:

1. In most cases, it can be corrected using natural methods. We do not like using cortisone therapy or any bio-identical hormone therapy for this condition. Most often it is not needed and just slows true recovery of the adrenal glands.

2. In most cases, the cause is not a single shock to the system, as with Addison’s disease. Instead, it is usually a slow decline in adrenal activity due to nutritional deficiencies and the accumulation of toxic metals and chemicals in the body. As these causes are removed, the adrenal glands easily recover.

3. Unlike Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency or burnout is very, very common today, especially among adults. However, few physicians are prepared to diagnose it.

Fatigue versus adrenal burnout. Adrenal burnout syndrome differs from simple fatigue in that burnout is not relieved by getting a few good nights sleep, as is the case with fatigue.
This is the case because adrenal exhaustion is not just a sleep deficit, although that may be an aspect of the syndrome. Burnout is a deeper derangement of the body’s energy-producing system, of which fatigue is one symptom.

DETECTING ADRENAL BURNOUT

Unfortunately, when a patient complains of fatigue, depression or other symptoms that are often related to the adrenal glands, most of the time the doctor does not ask the right questions and does not run tests of the adrenal glands.
Instead, patients are told to take a vacation, or given an anti-depressant, or told it is “in their head”.
The right questions, however, would often be enough to assess the condition fairly accurately. These would include “How many hours of sleep are you getting?” , “Do you use caffeine or other stimulants” and “What other symptoms are you having?”. Let us examine how this can often identify adrenal burnout, even without other testing.

Signs and symptoms. A simple and quite reliable way to assess adrenal burnout in a general sense is with signs and symptoms. A common sign, for example, is a low blood pressure in the absence of other obvious causes.
Usually, the person will also often feel fatigued, even though one sleeps well. If one is not sleeping, the problem may simply be a sleep deficit. One may not feel tired, however, if you drink coffee, other caffeinated beverages or use other stimulants.
Another common symptom is depression. Others include joint pain, cravings for sweets, pain in the low back area and perhaps excessive thirst or craving for sweet and salty foods. Together these symptoms can help one decide if one needs further testing.

Hair mineral analysis. We have been using hair mineral analysis to help assess the condition of the adrenal glands for almost 30 years. We have done over 15,000 of them and are very satisfied with our results using this method.
Indicators for adrenal insufficiency on the hair mineral test, provided the sample is not washed at the laboratory, include:

1. A sodium/potassium ratio less than about 2:1.
2. A sodium/magnesium ratio of 1:1 or less.
3. A copper level of 10 mg% (100 parts per million) or more.

The hair mineral test also tells us how to correct the condition and is a very cost-effective and non-invasive test. In a few instances, high amounts of toxic metals in the body or other imbalances can distort the readings.
In these cases, we begin a nutritional balancing program based on what is revealed on the test. The true condition of the adrenals will be revealed on a retest in several months in almost all cases.
For this reason, we do not require any other type of testing besides the hair analysis and a complete list of all physical and mental symptoms.

Blood, urine and saliva hormone testing. Many holistic doctors today are testing the levels of adrenal hormones in the blood, urine or saliva. This is definitely a step in the right direction. However, we do not use these tests, as a rule, for the following reasons:

1. Not needed. We find the hair mineral test, when understood properly, provides plenty of information about adrenal activity.
2. Cost. Hormone tests are usually several hundred dollars. This is prohibitive for many people, especially compared to the hair mineral test.
3. Staging not needed. Hormone tests can assess how impaired the adrenals are, as does the hair analysis. However, we find that correction is not as dependent on the degree of adrenal weakness as much as it depends on how well one follows our directions for recovery.

CAUSES OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

Excessive stress, an important cause of burnout, can be from many sources. Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes. Mental, emotional or spiritual stress may be a major factor. Financial, family or other stress may also contribute to burnout.
Any excessive stress can deplete the adrenals, especially when weakened by poor nutrition. Working too much or emotional stress are two common causes. Excessive stimulation, especially for children, is another cause. Fast-paced, high-stress, fear-based lifestyles are a sure prescription for adrenal burnout.
Other stressors in cities are noise and electromagnetic pollution. Cell phones, microwave towers and appliances like televisions, microwave ovens and computers give off strong electrical fields.

Nutritional Deficiencies are a common cause. When under stress, the need for nutrients is much greater. Carbohydrates, when excessive in the diet, stress the adrenals. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues.
Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. These include B-complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc, chromium, selenium and other trace elements.
The reasons for this begin with how food is grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils. Processing and refining further deplete nutrients.
Habits such as eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value derived from food. Also, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients.

Toxic metals and chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the food. Other sources are dental materials and skin contact with chemicals. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications add to the body’s toxic load. Most people do not realize that antibiotics and many other drugs accumulate to some extent in the liver and other organs.
Toxins may also be generated within the body due to impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it either ferments or rots in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed into the body.
A healthy body has the ability to eliminate many toxins on a daily basis. However, as adrenal weakness develops, the body’s ability to eliminate all toxins decreases. This produces a vicious cycle in which weaker adrenals impairs the elimination of all poisons, which then further weakens the adrenals.

Chronic infections play a critical role in some cases of adrenal exhaustion. Chronic infections may originate in infected teeth or gums, though they can be located anywhere in the body.
They contribute greatly to the toxic load of the body. Infections also cause inflammation and stress that must be countered using the adrenal hormones such as cortisol and cortisone.

Stimulants damage the adrenal glands. They whip the adrenals. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common stimulants.
Less obvious but no less important stimulants may include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, fearful news and even movies full of suspense or violence.
Other activities that may act as stimulants and must not be overlooked include vigorous exercise, sexual preoccupations, recreational drug use or other thrills. These often provide a temporary “high”, which is caused in part by the secretion of high amounts of adrenal hormones. However, over time, this weakens the adrenals and can eventually lead to adrenal depletion and insufficiency.

Stimulant use, however, can also be a result of adrenal burnout. While stimulants can cause or contribute to adrenal weakness, some who use stimulants do so because they are in adrenal burnout already.
Stimulants are attractive to one in burnout to provide temporary energy. This is an important appeal of the drug culture, both legal and recreational. It is also the appeal of loud music, sexual addiction, and even anger.
These activities or attitudes can provide enough adrenal stimulation to allow a person to feel better temporariy. This is an important reason why giving up one’s addictions can be difficult.
When one gives them up, one must face the fact that one is exhausted, depressed and often just feels awful due to adrenal burnout. It is safe to say that most people addicted to stimulants or other drugs including cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana, and others has some degree of adrenal insufficiency.

Unhealthy responses to stress are another cause of adrenal burnout. These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid.
Don’t worry, be happy is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to high strung, nervous individuals and those with very active minds, as they are especially prone to adrenal burnout.

Congenital Weak adrenals. Many children today are born with weak adrenals due to their parents’ nutritional deficiencies. This is not a genetic problem. Instead, it is due to the nutritional imbalances of the mother, in particular. These are passed through the placenta to the unborn child.
For example, if the mother is zinc-deficient, as most are, the baby is born low in zinc and often high in copper, cadmium or other minerals that substitute for zinc to a degree.
Fortunately, this means the problem can be corrected, though it is better to prevent it, of course.
By age three or four, these children are in burnout. They are often sick, depressed and have difficulty in school. Some of these children react to the situation by becoming hyperactive, compulsive, obsessive or by developing various other behavior problems.
On their hair mineral analyses, these children are often in a state of burnout at this early age, a relatively new phenomenon, in my experience. By gently rebuilding their body chemistry, however, their behavioral and other disorders generally vanish in a few months to a few years.

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

In addition to fatigue, weakness and often depression, symptoms often include a craving for sweets, low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Low energy impairs every system of the body. Thus, secondary symptoms can range from impaired digestion, aches and pains to chronic or recurring infections.

Emotional and mental symptoms. Often, emotional and psychological symptoms are present or even predominant. Depression is very common. Apathy, despair and even suicidal tendencies are also quite common.
Emotional instability, mood swings, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and irritability are also common symptoms associated with adrenal burnout syndrome. The world can look evil, one loses faith in people, and a hopeless attitude is not uncommon.
Compulsiveness and obsessive-compulsive tendencies may be associated with adrenal burnout. One may become addicted or very attracted to excessive exercise, sex, loud music or other forms of excitement. The unconscious goal is always the same, to stimulate the adrenals into activity.

Many areas of life affected. Adrenal burnout affects every area of life. One may lose interest in friends, family and work. Relationships often suffer when one person in the relationship goes into adrenal exhaustion.
Unfortunately, many with adrenal burnout function on anger and resentment. These act as adrenal stimulants, providing a negative energy with which to function. Most of the world, in fact, functions on the negative energy of anger.

Bigger implications. While it is beyond the scope of this article, entire nations can go into adrenal exhaustion as a result of wars, famines and other catastrophes. When this occurs, the attitudes of the people change, and with it the leaders they elect.
This has happened many times in history, and is an important hidden factor in our politics of today in America. For example, a population in burnout does not feel capable of taking care of themselves. They will vote for more and more government welfare programs, often bankrupting the nation, without understanding the consequences of their votes.

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

Low cortisol symptoms. Low blood sugar, low blood pressure, low temperature, depression, joint pain and allergies may result from low levels of cortisol.
Multiple chemical sensitivity is an extreme allergic condition associated with adrenal burnout. Later, blood pressure may rise as toxic substances build up in the arteries and kidneys.

Copper toxicity and burnout. Elevated copper and low zinc related to adrenal burnout impair the immune system. Chronic infections may develop. The stage is also set for the development of degenerative conditions. Cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases may be end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy depletion.

Thyroid imbalances and burnout. Often secondary to adrenal exhaustion are other glandular imbalances such as hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland and the adrenals have a very close relationship and stress on one always affects the other.
Much less common is the development of a secondary hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid. This may be a compensation for low adrenals, as the condition will disappear as the adrenals are allowed to rest and rebuild.
The adrenal glands produce estrogen and progesterone. They are the main source of these hormones after menopause. Premenstrual syndrome and hot flashes often have to do with weakened adrenal glands.

Reduced cellular energy prodution. Depression and apathy are often the result of low energy production in the cells. Also, cortisol provides a natural ‘high’.
Thus, low cortisol can contribute to feelings of depression and even despair. Unsure if there is energy to get through the day, anxiety may occur. Irritability is common as one is less able to handle even minor stress.

Burnout and metal toxicity. When the adrenals are weak, copper builds up in the body. Elevated copper enhances emotions. Panic attacks, bipolar disorder, mood swings and schizophrenia are related to copper imbalance.
As one’s energy level declines, other toxic metals build up as well. Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, beryllium and others contribute to hundreds of physical and emotional symptoms.

MYTHS ABOUT BURNOUT

Myth #1. Burnout is psychological. Burnout is a breakdown of the energy system of the body. Vital minerals are depleted or “burned out” (used up) and replaced by toxic metals.
Psychological stress may be a cause, and burnout can affect one’s emotions and behavior. However, burnout itself is biochemical, not only psychological.
Recovery may involve improving emotions and dealing with psychological issues. However, it also involves rebuilding body chemistry because it is a physical condition as well.

Myth #2. People in burnout have no energy and cannot work. Many in burnout hold full-time jobs or other active lifestyles.
They may also appear in good health. However, they are often tired or stressed. They may require stimulants in order to keep going. Some bury themselves in their work to forget how tired they feel. One can go on like this for years in some degree of adrenal burnout. This usually stops, however, when burnout gets very serious, as there is not enough energy to continue working hard and living a very active life.

Myth #3. Vigorous exercise is good for burnout. Vigorous exercise can be attractive to those in burnout. Exercise may temporarily make one feel better.
While it may provide a boost, vigorous exercise further exhausts the bodies of those in burnout. People in burnout need to reduce exercise, often to a minimum. This helps conserve their energy and helps to allow their adrenals to rebuild.
Exercise in moderation can assist circulation and oxygenation, factors that may help with burnout. However, excessive exercise of any kind uses up energy and adrenal reserves that individuals in burnout do not have and cannot afford to lose.

Myth #4. A vacation, a diet or a nutritional supplement can cause recovery from burnout. Most people never recover from burnout, although they could if they followed a nutritional balancing program to the letter.
Recovery also requires a strong commitment to healing. Recovery also takes at least several years. If one recovers faster, one was not in adrenal burnout.

Myth #5. Burnout occurs mainly in men. In fact, it is more common in women today. This is due mainly to lifestyle changes in women.
Many women now work outside the home and raise the children as well. Many are also in single-parent homes or both parents work just to pay the bills and taxes.
Women are also more prone to copper toxicity, thyroid imbalances and other factors that can contribute to adrenal burnout. Women also do not realize in most cases they are different from men and have greater needs for rest and sleep. For all these reasons, we see more burnout in women today than in men.

Myth #6. Burnout only occurs in those in high-stress jobs. Burnout occurs in all groups, regardless of occupation, income or educational level. In fact, many homeless people are burned out.
This helps account for why they may give up hope or be incapable of holding a job or supporting a home. In addition, burnout is a worldwide phenomenon today and is not limited to certain parts of the globe.

Myth #7. Burnout occurs only in adults. In fact, it is common today in children and even babies. Most children today are being born nutritionally depleted and toxic as a result of the ill health of the parents. This can be measured with mineral analysis.
Minimal brain dysfunction, chronic ear or other infections, crib death, delayed development, learning disorders, failure to thrive, ADHD, autism and anti-social behavior may all be symptoms related to adrenal dysfunction in our children.
Vaccination, wholesale drugging of the children and other abominations led by our public health authorities and the medical profession are only making the problems worse in the long term. Children usually respond very rapidly to nutritional balancing program. This is not at all the same as throwing a lot of good food and vitamins at a child. It must be targeted, based on a properly performed and correctly interpreted hair mineral analysis. I teach this science to anyone who will listen.

Myth #8. Burnout affects only physical health. Burnout affects every area of life. Family and work are often affected. Relationships often suffer. One may lose interest in everyone and everything.
There simply is not enough energy available for intimate relatioships or for activities beyond those required for survival. Friends, family and employers are often unaware of what is occurring, which only worsens the situation.

Myth #9. A hectic lifestyle causes burnout. This may be one of many causes. Oddly, however, a hectic lifestyle can also be a result of burnout.
Excessive activity, overwork and a very busy life can be a way to stimulate one into action and a compensation for feelings of exhaustion. When such a one stops working and running around, he will feel just how exhausted and perhaps depressed he really is.
A hectic lifestyle can therefore be a stimulant, like caffeine of loud music. It always makes burnout worse, but it may be the result of burnout, not the original cause.

Myth #10. Overwork for years causes burnout. This is possible. However, adrenal burnout may also occur quickly due to a single shock or just a few traumas that occur in rapid succession. In some caes, however, it is not be related to any single trauma or activity. Often a combination of factors causes burnout.
Whether one goes into burnout from an illness, accident, divorce, overwork or other stress depends very much on one’s ability to handle stress, rather than the absolute amount of stress. In other words, some people handle stress and trauma far better than others. For this reason, we recommend a grounding, centering meditation to everyone with adrenal exhaustion. For more information about this, click on the article on this website entitled, Meditation.

Myth #11. Burnout is an overused term without a scientific basis. Just because burnout doesn’t show up on x-rays or certain blood tests does not mean it is not real. Burnout can be measured and quantified using tissue mineral testing and hormone testing.
The term is not overused. In fact it is greatly underused. A large percentage of the population is in burnout and it would be helpful if physicians understood it better, even if they have no drug “cure” for it.

Myth #12. Plenty of sleep will take care of burnout. Unfortunately, this is not so. The person in burnout is unable to regenerate itself adequately during sleep.
In fact, waking up tired after 8-10 hours of sleep is a primary symptom of burnout. Like a weak battery, the body does not recharge itself during sleep.

Myth #13. Cleaning out toxins will take care of burnout. The accumulation of toxins that occurs as the body can no longer remove them properly contributes to burnout. Exposure to toxic metals or chemicals can be an important factor in burnout. Eliminating them is helpful.
However, energy is required to release toxins. If the energy system is weak, just fasting or detoxifying will not be enough. Fasting, in fact, can and usually does make the situation worse.
One must rebuild the entire energy system by balancing body chemistry and providing nutrients as well. A one-month or even six-month ‘cleanse’ is nowhere near adequate. It can take over a year just to replenish one mineral.

Warning - For those in later stages of burnout, extreme detoxification programs such as fasting, raw foods or even chelating agents can be dangerous. This is because the body may lack the vitality to properly eliminate toxins.
Also, the eliminative organs are compromised. As a result, toxins that such programs release from various storage tissues may be redeposited in more vital organs such as the brain. This can significantly worsen one’s health.
A gentle, complete program of rebuilding and nourishing the body must accompany any efforts to eliminate toxins. In fact, as vitality improves, toxin elimination will proceed on its own.

Myth # 14. One will come out of burnout when one changes whatever factor or behavior caused the burnout. This means that if you just quit your stressful job or your stressful marriage, you wil recover from burnout.
I wish this were true. It is not how it works, however. As one goes into burnout, vital minerals become depleted and toxic substances replace them. The toxic metals become part of the structure of enzymes and even parts of organs and glands.
For this reason, although one changes one’s diet, lifestyle, attitudes or behavior, the toxins remain. This is very frustrating for people who expect a recovery after they leave a stressful situation such as a bad marriage, for instance.

Myth #15. To recover from burnout, just reestablish close communication with those who are close to you. This is the cure for burnout in one popular book. Re-establishing excellent communication with those you love is always helpful. However, in my experience it is usually not enough.
In fact, it can be a source of frustration. Reason for this are:
1. As stated earlier in this paper, your loved ones often do not and cannot understand what has happened to you.
2. Burnout often affects your perception and attitudes. Therefore re-establishing good relationships can be complex.
3. Burnout is usually a multi-faceted problem that demands a more complete approach than just communicating better.

Myth #16. To get out of burnout, one needs to get back in touch with oneself. As with Myth #15, this is an excellent concept, but in my experience is not nearly enough for recovery. One reason is that getting in touch with oneself is often complicated when the brain has excessive toxins, thanks to adrenal exhaustion.
Burnout, for example, often causes terribly low self-esteem because one’s energy is low and thinking is foggy or clouded. Adrenal burnout causes most of its victims to become overly introspective. This is helpful in some ways, but damaging in others. The positive side of this is discussed at the end of this paper, and is very important not to miss.

Myth # 17. One can recover from burnout in matter of months. It takes at least two years and often longer. Layers of toxins, infections and other adaptations and compensations must be undone.
Each adaptation uses up energy so that when one begins correction, there is little energy to work with. This slows progress and is one reason correction takes several years.
Eliminating toxins that have become integral parts of the organs and glands also takes time, like rebuilding a house.
Also, most people must replenish twenty or thirty trace minerals. This takes time, even if one does all the correct procedures to restore one’s health.
If one recovers in months, I would assume one was not in severe burnout. However, often, a small recovery can feel like a cure when it is not.
As an analogy, those in burnout need an overhaul, not a tune up. One needs to commit to doing whatever it takes and devoting a few years to healing. This needs to become one’s primary occupation or job for a while, allowing all other interests and activities to become secondary to the commitment to healing.

Myth #18. Burnout is not an important medical problem unless the stress of burnout causes high blood pressure or another symptom. Burnout is degenerative exhaustion. It sets the stage for all degenerative diseases, because energy is a common denominator of health.
All illnesses start with fatigue. The body is like a newer car with power steering, power brakes and power windows. When the power goes down, the entire car stops working right. Burnout is a serious medical problem, although symptoms may be vague and unrelated to a specific disease.

Myth #19. Burnout is new phenomenon. In fact, burnout is as old as humanity. Understanding adrenal exhaustion can even help us understand the rise and fall of civilizations.
For example, it is known that many great civilizations, including perhaps our own, have fallen slowly or even suddenly. Why does this occur?
One way to understand the fall is that the people, as a whole, go into adrenal burnout and cannot sustain the intellectual, cultural and social traditions of the culture. Wise leaders and strong traditions become replaced with vulgar habits, lower moral standards and leaders who sway the people’s passions, but do not appeal to their higher sensitivities.
Constant wars, as occurred in Europe, can also contribute to burnout. Toxic technology can also take its toll. The Roman Repulbic was famous for its lead water pipes, for example. We are famous for our medical drug cures and surgeries, both of which involve a lot of toxic chemicals. Industrialization has brought large amounts of many toxic metals into our homes, air, water and food.
Even oppressive political and economic systems can contribute in some nations. This is a problem with the socialist and fascist ideologies that spring up around the world. They repress the people and, as a result, the people do not function well after a time.
Freedom, in contrast, tends to help people live better and function better. This was the goal of the founders of America, of course.

Myth #20. Burnout only affects one generation at a time. This is perhaps the most pernicious aspect of burnout. Children born to burned out parents will be born nutritionally weaker and thus more prone to adrenal fatigue themselves.
Children today are going into burnout, as a result, at a younger and younger age. So the story of adrenal exhaustion cuts across generational lives.
This was ably demonstrated by Dr. Weston Price, DDS, in his classic book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. Melting pot nations like America have an advantage in this regard. New immigrants are often the more ambitious ones that are in better health and can help rejuvenate the population.
Also, nations that emphasize freedom and individual rights allow people to devise better ways of coping and maintaining their health that those that are stuck in rigid prescribed social structures.

RECOVERY FROM ADRENAL BURNOUT

Recovery from burnout is certainly possible. We have helped many people to do this. Our program is all about diet, rest and other lifestyle changes.
Be prepared to spend several years on a nutritional balancing program. This does not mean you cannot work or take care of your family during this time. However, lots of rest is critical and recovery still usually takes several years of effort. The following is an outline of the program we recommend for adrenal burnout:

1. An improved diet. For more on diet, click here for the Slow Oxidizer Diet Plan.
2. Plenty of pure water to drink. We prefer distilled water to begin with, and later spring water, in most cases. At least use a carbon filter on your tap. We don’t like reverse osmosis water very much, nor do we like most alkaline water systems, “drinking water” or tap water.
3. An improved lifestyle. Loads of rest is the single most important lifestyle change. For some other details, click on The Healing Lifestyle and many other articles on this website about lifestyle.
4. About 6 or 7 basic nutritional supplements. These must be targeted and individualized using a properly performed and properly interpreted hair mineral analysis. For more information, click on Nutritional Balancing And Why I Recommend It.
5. A detoxification protocol is helpful, though perhaps not always needed. This involves the use of a near infrared sauna and perhaps coffee enemas or colonic irrigation. This is included with all nutritional balancing programs. For some general information about these procedures, click on Detoxifcation Procedures.
6. A meditation-observation exercise that is extremely centering and grounding. Click on Meditation to learn more about this excellent and simple procedure.
7. Shifts in your attitudes and perspectives on life, when needed. Attitudes of forgiveness, letting go, positivity, spirituality, prayer and more can speed up healing greatly. Several articles on this website such as Letting Go and others discuss how important these can be for healing.

Addressing all these aspects is the way to assure success. The preceding are general suggestions only. If possible, work with someone on our list of recommended practitioners. These are the only people I can recommend. Others, no matter what their education or experience, often do not know how to correct adrenal burnout syndrome. You may also work with us by mail if you prefer. Click on Find A Practitioner for the list of approved practitioners.

What about adrenal and other testing? In general, we require only the hair mineral analysis, with repeated tests every six months for several years. Food allergy testing may be helpful, but usually not needed, in cases of severe food intolerances.
We do not tend to need hormone tests, blood tests or other types of tests, although we are happy to review any tests you may have. However, we never discourage other testing when needed.

What about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy? We do not use any hormones at all. This is important to emphasize. Many holistic doctors suggest using low-dose cortisone, DHEA, pregnenelone, testosterone and other hormone replacements.
We do not find this necessary. Also, we find that even bio-identical hormone therapy may easily delay real healing of the adrenals. We much prefer to rebuild the adrenals through nutrition and detoxification and we have excellent success if a person will follow our simple dietary and lifestyle program.
Hormone replacement often complicates things because the body’s hormonal regulatory and feedback system is very complex and hard to duplicate with hormone pills or shots.

What about anti-depressants and other drug therapies for burnout? We very rarely recommend any pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drug for any reason.
Exceptions include if one absolutely cannot sleep or perhaps, if one has a severe parasitic infection or some other serious infection. In almost all these cases, however, natural products such as colloidal silver, herbal remedies and other work well at a lower cost and with far fewer side effects.
We do not take people off prescribed medication. That is a matter between you and your prescribing doctor.

THE BLESSING OF BURNOUT

Adrenal burnout can be the best thing that happens to a person. It is a wake up call. Often, some area of life is out of balance or alignment.
Addressing burnout is often the starting point for a deeper exploration of self. Rather than just existing as a programmed zombie, adrenal burnout may be the beginning of real living.
This was the case for me, and for many patients I have worked with. I suffered from adrenal exhaustion for a number of years. As I began to understand the condition better, I made many changes in my diet, lifestyle and most critically, my thinking.
I forced myself to do coffee enemas, to walk every day and to meditate daily, although I did not enjoy doing any these things, at first.
I let go of family ties and other relationships that I discovered were toxic and harmful for me. I also moved out of the polluted city, although the process was terrifying because I had very little energy or money to accomplish the move.
Perhaps most important was the need for more subtle changes in attitudes and mental tendencies. I realized how important it is to give up all victim thinking and negative thinking. I had to let go of thinking of anyone else as a victim, either, although that may sound like a strange attitude. I have written about this in other articles on this website.
I also dwelled upon and developed the spiritual or real part of myself. This is an incredible benefit if you can make yourself do it. In the process, I had to leave behind the superficial life style that I, like most people, had lived most of my life.
These shifts have served me extremely well, as they have served thousands of others I have since worked with. Thus, I have learned it is wrong to think that adrenal burnout, or any serious condition, is just a curse to be “handled” as quickly as possible. If you act this way, you may miss the greatest blessing of your life.

MSG – The “Hidden Sources”

2008-09-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

What could ultimately be responsible for your poor health?
Iris da Silva, RHN, NCP, RhA
Registered Holistic Allergist and Nutritionist
Have you ever picked up a bag of Doritos
and wondered why you couldn’t stop at
eating just a few or your favorite cup of
coffee has suddenly become the super size
you just have to have everyday. Most
people think of it as giving into their selfish
cravings and go on about their day. These
same people maybe also be complaining
about their bad headaches, bloating, or
inability to lose weight. What could these
symptoms mean? A possible reaction to
MSG (monosodium glutamate).
MSG is a known excitotoxin and can trigger
additive type habits. It is considered a
flavor enhancer as opposed to a food
additive. It increases the taste sensation
that makes us overindulge in food and to
keep it appealing to the eye. The most
common name MSG is known under is
“natural flavorings”. It is found naturally in
seaweed, soybeans, sugar beets and corn.
MSG directly affects the brain and the
nervous system by entering through the
blood brain barrier causing neurons to swell
and die within minutes. More importantly,
it plays on the hypothalamus which is
responsible for regulating body
temperature, water balance and
metabolism. This control unit also signals
the pituitary gland to secrete the majority
of our hormones like antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) and thyroid hormones (TSHthyroid
stimulating hormone, throxine T3
and T4 ).
When glutamate reaches within the cells it
can produce profound reactions that may
include severe headaches, diarrhea, bloating,
seizures, fatigue, shortness of breath,
tingles, swelling in extremities, extreme
thirst, skin rash/hives, depression, mood
changes, and fluid retention. It has also
been linked with hyperactivity among
children, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
disease. Reactions to MSG or the free
glutamate (free glutamate – not bound to
amino acids) may occur 10 min. to 48 hrs.
after consumption, depending on the
amount ingested. Due to the delay in some
individuals, they may not correlate their
health problems they are experiencing to
food they ate at a dinner. By understanding
the effect that MSG can have on the brain
alone, you can begin to realize that it can
affect individuals in many different ways.
Consumers must be aware that products
labeled “NO MSG, No Added MSG or No
MSG Added” may still contain MSG under
another name or if the ingredients they
used to make the product already contains
it. Food manufactures are not required to
put it on the label if they did not add MSG
in when manufacturing the food item.
Below are some of the common names to
watch out for when shopping.
Foods that always contain MSG or free glutamate when seen in the following:
MSG
Monosodium glutamate
Monopotassium glutamate
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
Gelatin
Yeast extract
Yeast food or nutrient
Autolyzed yeast
Textured protein
Calcium caseinate
Sodium caseinate
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed plant protein
Autolyzed plant protein

Periodization of Strength Training

2008-03-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

To keep our body changing we must change up our training regime.

Try this 5 reps 5 sets routine for 1 month and watch your strength and size explode.

Training days 3
Exercises:

Day 1:
Flat Bench 5 reps each set with your weight increasing each set, you should max out your weight by set 4 and 5 and be only able to complete your 4th and 5th rep.
Squat: Same as bench for reps/sets
Cleans: Same 5reps 5 sets

Auxiliary Exercises:

Knee ups (use chin up bar)3 sets 12 reps each
Alt Dumbbell Curl 3 sets 12 reps

You are resting for 90 seconds between sets on the 5 set exercises and 1minute for the Auxiliary. Rest 2minutes between Each new exercise.

Day 2

Leg Press
Incline Bench Press
Dead lifts

Auxiliary:

Tricep Press Downs
V-sit ab crunch

Day 3

Squat
Flat Bench
Straight bar row

Auxiliary:

Shoulder Press (dumbbells)
Bosu side crunch

For weeks 2-4 repeat the days above changing between 2 days a week with squats and 2 days a week with leg press. Be sure to include these compound movements in your routine. Remember do 5 sets with 5 reps for the compound exercises, and 3 sets with 12 reps for the auxiliary exercises. Rest 90 seconds between reps and 2 minutes between exercises for the 5's and 1minute rest between the Auxiliary exercises.

Enjoy and record your results!

You are What you Eat

2008-01-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

You are what you eat, so eat well. A stupendous insight of civilizations past has now been confirmed by today's investigative, nutritional sciences. They have shown that what was once called 'The Doctrine of Signatures' was astoundingly correct. It now contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides the eater. Here is just a short list of examples of Whole Food Signatures.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Grapefruits, Oranges, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes

Alkaline Water

2007-12-31T08:57:00.000-08:00

Acid-Alkaline Balance
Proper Health starts with the correct acid-alkaline balance in your body. The pH level (acid - alkaline measurement) of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. Extended acid imbalances of any kind can overwhelm your body, and lead to health complications.
Just as the body regulates its temperature in a rigid manner, so will it manage to preserve a very narrow pH range - especially in the blood. As a matter of fact, the body will go to such great lengths to maintain a blood pH of 7.365 that it will even create stress on other tissues, body systems, and organs to do so. Chronic acidity will interrupt all cellular activities and functions - it interferes with life itself.
When the pH of the body gets out of balance (too acidic), we may experience low energy, fatigue, excess weight, poor digestion, aches and pains, and even more serious disorders.
The cycle of acidity begins primarily as a result of three things:
1. Ingesting acids. Eating too many acidifying foods like processed sugar, meats, dairy, coffee, alcohol, etc. Create an acid ash in the body. These acids can overload the body’s ability to neutralize them.
2. Creation of acids. Pathogens and microforms create acidifying toxins in the body. As the body becomes more and more acidic, bad bacteria, yeasts and other microforms proliferate in the body. Since these organisms are living, they eat as well as create resulting toxins. These toxins are often very acidifying.
3. Improper elimination of acids. Not all acids are the same; some are weak and some are strong. Weak acids like citric acid are much easier to neutralize than strong acids like uric acid. The body uses many systems in order to buffer acids including breath, mineral reserves, and fat. When the body’s buffering systems become compromised, excess acids build up.
The process of reestablishing acid-alkaline balance begins with proper diet and nutrition. This includes eating alkalizing foods (vegetables, low sugar fruits, etc.), super hydration (drinking plenty of alkaline water ionic and structured), and proper supplementation.
pH Balance begins with super hydration
Water is the most crucial factor in establishing and maintaining proper acid-alkaline balance. Since your body is 70% water, it is extremely important to constantly replenish your supply of it. The body loses 2.5 liters of water every day just through normal bodily functions. The quality of the water that you drink is just as important as the quantity of water you drink. The water you put in your body must be able to prevent toxins and chemical substances from accumulating and creating destructive influences on cells. Water must also transport minerals and nutrients required for cell metabolism, and remove any substances that can damage the cell.
In order to hydrate your body optimally, you need to drink water that is alkaline and ionized. Alkaline water helps to neutralize stored acids and toxins. Once these acids are neutralized, they can then be removed by the body. Alkaline water containing ionic minerals also acts as a conductor of electrochemical activity from cell to cell. Reports from studies suggest that ionized, alkaline water can help the body resist disease and slow aging by:
• Increasing Intracellular Hydration
• Replenishing Essential Minerals
• Stabilizing and Protecting Cells
• Helping To Maintain Normal Blood Flow and Acid Alkaline Balance
• Flushing Out and Preventing Wastes from Accumulating in Cells
• Preventing Free Radicals from Forming and Damaging Other Cells

Spirit Fitness 100 day Challenge Healing and relaxation Med

2007-03-15T23:53:00.001-07:00

Spirit Fitness 100 day Challenge Vision Video

2007-03-15T23:52:00.001-07:00

Dream great dreams for this is where you create the life you live.

Rod Coulter

Universal Laws

2007-03-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

Universal Laws

Drs. Milanovich and McCune in, The Light Shall Set You Free (1998), state there are 12 Universal Laws, and 21 sub-laws, that describe ways in which cause and effect are related. The Universal Laws can also be viewed as guidelines for behaviors that will enhance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth. Dr. Bailey works with her clients to help them understand and apply these laws to their lives.
The Universal Laws are all inter-related and are founded on the understanding that everything in the universe is energy, including us, and that energy moves in a circular fashion. At the microscopic level, we are a whirling mass of electrons and energy atoms spinning rapidly. In fact, everything in the world is comprised of energy and we are intimately connected with this sea of energy, this sea of whirling electrons.
Our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions are all forms of energy. What we think, feel, say, and do in each moment comes back to us to create our realities. Energy moves in a circle, so what goes around comes around. The combined thoughts, feelings, words and actions of everyone on the planet creates our collective consciousness, it creates the world we see before us.
The exciting news is, because our thoughts, feelings, words and actions create the world around us, we have the power to create a world of peace, harmony and abundance. In order to do this, it is essential that we learn to control our thoughts and emotions. Understanding the Universals Laws help us to do this.

1. The Law of Divine Oneness:

The Law of Divine Oneness helps us to understand that we live in a world where everything is connected to everything else. Everything we do, say, think and believe affects others and the universe around us.

2. The Law of Vibration:

This Universal Law states that everything in the Universe moves, vibrates, and travels in circular patterns. The same principles of vibration in the physical world apply to our thoughts, feelings, desires, and wills in the Etheric world. Each sound, thing, and even thought has its own vibrational frequency, unique unto itself.

3. The Law of Action
:
The Law of Action must be applied in order for us to manifest things on earth. Therefore, we must engage in actions that support our thoughts, dreams, emotions and words.

4. The Law of Correspondence:

This Universal Law states that the principles or laws of physics that explain the physical world – energy, Light, vibration, and motion – have their corresponding principles in the etheric or universe. “As above, so below.”

5. The Law of Cause and Effect:

This Universal Law states that nothing happens by chance or outside the Universal Laws. Every action has a reaction or consequence and we “reap what we have sown.”

6. The Law of Compensation:

This Universal Law is the Law of Cause and Effect applied to blessings and abundance that are provided for us. The visible effects of our deeds are given to us in gifts, money, inheritances, friendships, and blessings.

7. The Law of Attraction:

This Universal Law demonstrates how we create the things, events, and people that come into our lives. Our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions produce energies which, in turn, attract like energies. Negative energies attract negative energies and positive energies attract positive energies.

8. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy:

This Universal Law states that all persons have within them the power to change the conditions in their lives. Higher vibrations consume and transform lower ones; thus, each of us can change the energies in our lives by understanding the Universal Laws and applying the principles in such a way as to effect change.

9. The Law of Relativity:

This Universal Law states that each person will receive a series of problems (Tests of Initiation) for the purpose of strengthening the Light within. We must consider each of these tests to be a challenge and remain connected to our hearts when proceeding to solve the problems. This law also teaches us to compare our problems to others’ problems and put everything into its proper perspective. No matter how bad we perceive our situation to be, there is always someone who is in a worse position. It is all relative.

10. The Law of Polarity:

This Universal Law states that everything is on a continuum and has an opposite. We can suppress and transform undesirable thoughts by concentrating on the opposite pole. It is the law of mental vibrations.

11. The Law of Rhythm:

This Universal Law states that everything vibrates and moves to certain rhythms. These rhythms establish seasons, cycles, stages of development, and patterns. Each cycle reflects the regularity of God’s universe. Masters know how to rise above negative parts of a cycle by never getting too excited or allowing negative things to penetrate their consciousness.

12. The Law of Gender:
This Universal Law states that everything has its masculine (yang) and feminine (yin) principles, and that these are the basis for all creation. The spiritual Initiate must balance the masculine and feminine energies within herself or himself to become a Master and a true co-creator with God.

Sub-laws

In addition to the 12 Universal Laws, Drs. Milanovich and McCune (1998) state there are 21 sub-laws of the Universe that are governed by the Higher Self. Using Milanovich and McCune’s stellar work, Dr. Bailey works with her clients to understand and apply these laws to their lives by first differentiating between the voice of the ego and that of the Higher Self, and then by practicing techniques designed to align one’s self with her or his Higher Self.
The 21 sub-laws are actually human characteristics that relate to the Universal Laws. These characteristics are: Aspiration to A Higher Power, Charity, Compassion, Courage, Dedication, Faith, Forgiveness, Generosity, Grace, Honesty, Hope, Joy, Kindness, Leadership, Noninterference, Patience, Praise, Responsibility, Self-Love, Thankfulness, and Unconditional Love.

PeaceMakers Preview John Hagelin on Peace

2007-03-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

Peace wave is all over the world

Break-The-Fast

2007-02-26T23:25:00.000-08:00

Start your day off right, set yourself up for success by fuelling your body at one of the most important times of the day, Breakfast.

Look at the word and break it down... BREAK FAST. So your body has been in starvation mode for hours. If you are like many and find it difficult to eat first thing, then start with a grapefruit to get your digestive enzymes working.

Brenda's favorite Recipe:

every morning I really truly enjoy my Pancake. Not your normal pancake as you are thinking but a clean, perfect foods meal.

1/4c.-1c. of dry Oatmeal
1/2c-1c. Egg Whites (option to add one full Omega-3 egg in mixture or on top when cooking)
1T. of Maple syrup or Honey
dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and or pumpkin spice.

Options to include - 1/4 of apple, small hand of dried cranberries, raisins or blueberries (watch sugar levels add up quickly including calories with that and a possible insulin spike), organic dry nuts, Hemp Hearts on top once cooked. Can use sugar free ED Smith Syrup alone or with Hearts to help them stick.

Once all desired ingredients are in a cup blend together with a spoon or even better use a hand Braun to smooth it all out nicely. Pour onto a non-stick pan (maybe add a little 'safe cooking' oil to prevent sticks) on medium/high heat covered for 4-5 minutes and flip, cover for another 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy as is as an easy make,take and run meal or with Options on top. Another nice topping is organic all natural almond or Peanut Butter.

Supplementalabsolutes for all training

2007-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

The world of supplements is simply massive. In order to wade through this, rely on your industry professionals, do your own research and ask lots of questions.
Remember results will vary person to person, but the fundamental thing we all share is that , we all break down our muscle during training and we all build muscle using amino acids.
We reccomend the following as a definate to any nutrition/supplement program, for every person.
Glutamine, Creatine and a High quality Whey Isolate protein shake. Now the amounts of each of these will vary with your current program. Remember the golden hour this is the hour right after your workout, make sure to get your protien and carbohydrate meal in during this time to prevent muscle catobizing.

Glutamine:
Glutamine is an amino acid (a protein building block). It is the most abundant amino acid found in skeletal muscle. Although glutamine is not considered an essential amino acid (because it can be manufactured by the body), during times of intense exercise the need for glutamine increases dramatically.
Benefits of glutamine supplementation:
• Helps enhance the immune system.
• Used in the muscle for synthesis of muscle protein.
• Decreases the craving for sweets and sugar; this is obviously beneficial for people wanting to lose weight.
• Especially important for strength athletes is that glutamine stimulates the release of growth hormone, volumizes muscle cells, reduces muscle soreness, enhances muscle recovery and helps control toxic ammonia.

Creatine:

Benefits of creatine supplementation:
• Creatine is a natural substance that is required for all muscular contractions.
• Creatine may enhance strength, improve muscular endurance, speed up recovery time and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
• Creatine also offers other benefits including cell volumization and hydration. Cellular hydration is necessary for promoting muscle growth and development.

Whey Isolate Protein:

Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for individuals of all ages who value the role of a healthy diet in helping to maintain and improve their health. Whey protein isolate, the purest form available, is unsurpassed as a source of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. Essential amino acids are the building blocks for healthy muscles, skin, nails and other body tissue.
Whey protein has long been considered the "Gold Standard" of protein for serious athletes who work hard to develop and sustain a lean, strong and well-defined physique. Research studies support this belief. Athletes need more protein in their diet, often as much as twice the recommended daily allowance.
The protein they choose makes a difference and here are several reasons why whey protein is a preferred choice for athletes of all types.
Whey protein is a naturally complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. It has the ideal combination of amino acids to help improve body composition and enhance athletic performance.

Whey protein is a rich source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. BCAAs are important for athletes since unlike the other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training.
Whey protein provides the body with BCAAs to replenish depleted levels and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue.
Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Research has shown that individuals who exercise benefit from diets high in leucine and have more lean muscle tissue and less body fat compared to individuals whose diet contains lower levels of leucine. Whey protein isolate has approximately 50% more leucine than soy protein isolate.
Whey protein is a soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body. It is often referred to as a "fast" protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles.
Whey protein helps athletes maintain a healthy immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant required for a healthy immune system and exercise and resistance training may reduce glutathione levels. Whey protein helps keep athletes healthy and strong to perform their best.

for more information on whey protein go to the whey protein institute here

100 Day Challenge

2007-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Good Intentions With each good intention you put out a rocket of desire, that's why at the beginning of something new there is so much wonder and excitement, be strong stay the course follow your goals. It is after this "rocket of desire" has gone out of our site that we begin to wonder what our goals mean to use. At this point your only job is to trust in the process. Be Patient and remember you are the director.

Rod And Bren's Outline

100 Day Challenge

Rod and Brenda's Challenge Includes:

Daily review of goals and reality board.
Motivate and Inspire 100 people to do the challenge
Regular Sleep Schedule (find out if you need 7,8 or 9 hours of slee, this will depend on your place in life, age, stress levels etc... Find your amount and maintain it.
Daily Review of the Secret's motivational clip
Reading 3 books each
Following our workout program (Contact us for idea's or help in this area)
Living on purpose and using the Law of Attraction, co-creating our reality and manifesting our dreams.

As we define this over the next few weeks, I am sure this information will be updated. Enrich your live and life with passion

remember, just Ask

For all the video's check out our YouTube site here http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=rdjcoulter

You Get what you feel About

2006-12-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Remember, you get what you feel about what you think about.

So thinking about what you want is an excellent place to start, further your success by feeling your way to your goals. Understanding the body's reactions to emotional response and stressful situations. At these points in time it is most vital to listen to our higher self, that little voice in side of your head. We all have this ability, choose to use yours. So Understanding your emotions and where you are personally on the emotional scale will find you on your way to a positive future and happiness.

Once we work out our emotional scale, be it wherever, you now know and can move forward. Again choice is yours. So to move with ease through these points, a great tool is to use meditation daily. Learn simple techniques and within minutes you will be in the creative alpha state where all of your life decisions are best made.

To understand more fully the emotional guidance scale, refer to Esther and Jerry Hicks website http://www.abraham-hicks.com/

November Newsletter

2006-11-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

What a Beautiful morning as I look out my office window and see the frost still on the tree's. Winter is close at hand, and with winter comes busy times for all.

...did you know that we have a flexible schedule?
Spirit Fitness is available to you Monday through Saturday!
Pick your time and lock it it for your best results
Book in now and commit to your health! Click Here to book

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete everybody will respect you.
Lao-Tzu

Hurray for Hollywood!

Spirit fitness client, Shannon Sauer is off to compete in her first Bikini Contest.

This is what she had to say about the whole pre-contest prep...

SF:How do you cope with having 4 kids and training along with contest prep?
SS:It is very difficult. Luckily, I have an amazing trainer who is positive and upbeat and makes me feel Like I can do anything. She builds me up when I feel like I cant do it anymore, and helps me stay focused. Ive tried to get my kids excited about the show and they are looking forward to seeing me compete. Ive reassured them that while its been a very busy 4 months for us, this kind of training wont last forever and Ill be back soon! Stick with me!
SF:What motivates you?
SS:The desire to win and to feel good about myself. I feel healthier than ever (even if more tired!) but Ive always wanted to show myself that I can set a high goal and achieve it, even if its only stepping onto the stage.

...more on Shannon on the website. check back with us to see how she does!Read on...

Keep your re-focus timer on loud!

On a flight from New York to London, the pilot must make constant adjustments to ensure the proper course is achieved. If they are off even a few degree's, over time that distance off course could be massive.
We are much the same in our daily lives!We all set goals and targets, and from time to time we can all get pulled off course.Learn to recognize the signals of this happening in your life. There are always signs, you just have to tune into them.

Need some help re-focusing? We can help email us here for more info

Did You Know?...

...We also do meditation sessions

Sessions consist of ½ hour minimum suggested time.With area's of focus being...
Weight loss
movtivation
learning to meditate
meditate in seconds
understanding the alpha stage
Personalized meditation Learn how to meditate anywhere at anytime! Just not while your driving please! :)Read on...

Martial Arts can re-ignite your training

Empty your cup. Pause and be.Learn how to clear your mind in stressful situations, stay focused and calm.

Incredible physical benefits including:
Cardio Vascular
weight loss
Improved mental Clarity
Increased learning
Core strength
Flexibility Training

Each class consists of a full body warmup, martial arts practice, followed by a stretch and meditation sesssion.

Drop in and try one out!
Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30

Private Martial Training Available.

Click here for more info Read on...

Recipe of The Month "low fat breakfast pancakes"

Using a hand blender mix together the following:1/2 cup of oatmeal (adjust according to desired carbs)250ml of egg whitessprinkle of cinnamonShot of vanilla extractadd choice of berries/fruit
Cook in a pan on the stove as you would any other pancake. Serve with syrup, peanut butter...yum!!
Option:Add whole egg to center of mix after it has been poured into the pan.Read on...

2006-04-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

NSI Martial arts and the impact on my life:
By Rod Coulter

This impact is so great that I wouldn’t really know where to start, so I will start in the middle, around 1996 I met a dynamic Instructor by the name of Datu Kelly Worden. Jay Creasy brought him to Calgary for a seminar. I know that the arts have lots to offer and there are many styles and systems etc… The thing I always found in past was that each one tried to be their own system, their own way, which in concept is kind of cool for diversity, but the reality is there are only so many ways to kick and punch. Bam! In comes Mr. Worden and Modern arnis, Renegade JKD and NSI, I don’t think my eyes could have opened any wider. The Modern Arnis was labeled the art within your art, meaning you can take the system and drop it right on top of what you have already been practicing and there would be a seamless transition, if you let it…

The next step would be accepting the fact that what I had been practicing for so many years, really was not very effective in a street combat situation, this at first was very overwhelming and I can remember feeling very confused and lost. Also when you bring in weapons training it can really shake things up with regards to moral behavior, pre-disposed thoughts on violence etc... The beautiful part about starting day one with the weapons training is that they really teach you how to move, how to stand, how to open your hips etc… thus speeding up the learning curve greatly, coming from a traditional back ground based in Kempo and Ninjutsu this was both very exciting and shocking. The excitement of course was in the movement, the feel, and the flow. The shock comes in knowing you could have cut off a decade of training time.

Connecting the Systems

Modern Arnis, Renegade JKD and NSI really have to go hand in hand as the transitions between the lines, the flow of movement all becomes one. Knowing we as humans need to label and name things, lets just define them as we can, thus these systems are made.

Modern Arnis created by Remy Presas in it’s self is a conglomeration of multiple systems put together, Renegade JKD created by Datu Worden is an offshoot of JKD created by Bruce Lee, and JKD in its self is also a conglomeration of multiple systems, NSI or Natural Spirit International is a grouping of these systems put together by Kelly S Worden basically in a nutshell.

The impact of training in these systems is almost immeasurable due to the fact that it impacts your life in all area’s, knowing that the development of the neuro-muscular system is massive and scaleable, noting that studies have been done showing the growth of the rear lobe over weeks of simple activities such as juggling let alone years of practice with double sticks! So knowing that, how do we define the impact? Our complete thought process and physical movement is now changed forever. In fact we become smarter, more aware and empowered.

I noticed the change right away with my teaching, my students were learning faster, their movement was fluid, and excitement in the class was higher. I felt I was really onto something great, thus the past decade has been an incredible journey of discovery and play.

Enter the multiple options for the teaching; it would really be unlimited to ones imagination as the transfer of skills from the dojo to real life is limitless. I personally use the skills developed to help in the study of guitar, business strategies, life coaching, personal training and so on. Once one masters the skill of any art, you can take this skill and overlay it onto anything you decide to do.

Perceptual Reality

What you may perceive to be may very well be completely different then I or someone else may perceive. You have to learn to understand your views on life and your surroundings and be sensitive to the actions and reactions from those you encounter on a daily basis. Realizing that the day you are having may be the best ever in your life, you just won the lottery, your dream mate came into your life, whatever it may be, then you come across mad angry guy, do you step into his energy and escalate the situation or do you realize that something tragic may have just happened in his life and he is in a state of shock so you show him compassion and love.

Spatial Awareness

80 miles an hour can really sting! Understanding your surroundings and the ability to move or be limited in motion can be vital to your survival. Stick training, boxing, grappling, counter movement etc… will all serve to enhance your awareness both in the physical realm and in mental clarity.

Confidence

To be self empowered and confident in one’s abilities is a step towards freedom. Trust in yourself and live in the process, keep your patience and understand the journey is yours to unfold.

Building Attributes

Simple drills such as 12 count striking patterns can serve to develop multiple attributes to many to even begin to list but here are a few, footwork, spatial awareness, timing, coordination, confidence, aggressive understanding, zoning, respect and so on. As the student progresses they put these drills in combination to create their own flow.

Learning Curve

Traditional bell curve would be straight up, in all area’s, confidence, ability to defend one’s self, retention of material. The system is complete and very easy to place into any art you currently study with a seamless transition, the only difference you will notice, especially if you come from a linear background is your ability to move, flow and dance in as little as one class.

About Datu

“I want to build leaders, people who are willing to think for themselves”

…Datu Worden

So very powerful, Datu Kelly S Worden lives by the words he speaks, he holds no punches and is a true warrior through and through. In his 40 plus years in the martial arts he has had numerous achievements that many martial artists aspire to. He is true to his art and honestly wants to share it with those who are willing to listen. He is a teacher’s teacher; he is funny and a true artist with sharing his material.

Nagare-Flow

2006-04-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Nagare, to understand flow and our system
by Rod Coulter

I like the Formless flow of the style. It’s how we train with Natural spirit modern arnis and Ninjutsu.

Form without form, what I mean is

Learn the form and then rip it apart and learn the flow.

I will share with you what I know and hopefully I can show you the nagare, the flow, it comes from within each individual.

Your natural spirit, the way you move naturally.

Learn to release the rigid ness of the "form" and flow, use what works for your natural attributes

Everything we train begins with a form; then we release that into our own natural flow.

Intro to the martial side of Spirit Fitness

2006-04-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Spirit Fitness
the martial side

The Martial aspect of Spirit fitness encompasses the following but is not limited to:

Ninjutsu
NSI-Modern Arnis
Renegade JKD
Non-Classical Wing Chun

Other influences include, Kempo, Silat, Kuntao, and chi gong.

I want to thank the following teachers who have been not only a positive influence, but guides, mentors, wells of inspiration and also I thank them for letting me be free to discover my own true path: Sensei Jay Creasy, Datu Kelly Worden, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, Sensei Gil Lafantasie, Guru Rico Gomez, and in memory Master Phil “Red Dragon” McAndrews.
Also I would like to thank my students for teaching me everyday, for without them this would not be possible.

Rod Coulter
rod@spiritfitness.ca
www.spiritfitness.ca