Author: Tom Stratman

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Your Thoughts and Your Body Weight

Switching Out Negative Thoughts

Part 1 of 3

As a fitness and life coach, my first approach to addressing body-weight issues is to discuss your thoughts and emotions on the subject. Do you view yourself as overweight? When you look in a mirror, what are your thoughts about your body? Are they negative? How often do you think about it during your day? Do you compare your body to others and then wish you looked more like them? Can you visualize how you want to look physically?

How you think and what you feel are of the highest importance. This means taking an honest and authentic (real) look at your “State of Being.”  Are you being “Impeccable with your word?”

That is to say, for example, are you using the following type of language in your self-talk?

 “ I know I should be more disciplined in terms of what I eat.” I know I should be more active.”  These are authentic thoughts, and they have integrity because you are being honest with yourself. You are being “impeccable with your word.”  When you think these thoughts, however, how do you feel? Do they make you feel good?

Here is another fundamental axiom about you and everyone else on the planet. “You Don’t know what you don’t know.”  Let me state that again. “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

Here is what I do know. “Positive thoughts and emotions, on the whole, generate positive actions and outcomes. This is a universal law. Another is that you can become more aware of your thoughts and change them. This is where the “Rubber meets the Road.” This is the time to take action. What we are talking about is your inner self. It’s your will.

It is taking that small step to change the direction of your thoughts.

When a negative thought or emotion arises about your weight issue, do you just let it go to only have that negative feeling come back later? At that moment, what if you changed your inner dialogue to the positive? For example, “I’m calling Gina (a friend I just created, and I know you have someone like her) right now and ask her if she would like to join me in my journey to a healthier weight. If she doesn’t answer, commit to calling her again and making contact. That is a positive thought coupled with a positive action that can lead to a positive result. Just that tiny step….  Be Bold.it is inside you…

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Flexibility & Balance Training

Health and fitness-related research has consistently sought to connect, or identify, benefits of exercise in older adults.    According to the American College of Sports Medicine physical aptitude is related to health through 5 basic components: body composition, aerobic fitness, strength, local muscular endurance, and flexibility. Among these, strength and flexibility are important variables of physical aptitude. Adequate levels are necessary for the promotion and maintenance of health and functional autonomy and safe and effective sports participation.

Some studies have been performed to investigate the influence that aerobic, strength, and flexibility training have in improving or increasing flexibility (increased range of motion) without pain on both Sedentary Men and Women.The studies strongly (statistically) indicate that a combined strength and flexibility protocol is best for improving total ROM (Range of Motion) in all arthro-kinetic complexes (joints).

The bottom line for those 50 and over is that an effective training program begins with an endurance training regimen that includes circuit strength- training, balance, and flexibility.

The rewards of such a program are very simple to understand. Greater range of motion, less pain, and with a diet plan; weightloss.  You will just feel better physically and emotionally.

The influence of strength, flexibility, and simultaneous training on flexibility and strength gains Roberto Simão 1, Adriana Lemos, Belmiro Salles, Thalita Leite, Élida Oliveira, Matthew Rhea, Victor Machado Reis J Strength Cond Res. 2011 May;25(5):1333-8

The importance of trunk muscle strength for balance, functional performance, and fall prevention in seniors: a systematic review     Urs Granacher 1, Albert Gollhofer, Tibor Hortobágyi, Reto W Kressig, Thomas Muehlbauer 
pages627–641(2013)

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Weight Loss When You’re Over Fifty

Our metabolisms have slowed, we’re eating things we know we want to cut back on; but yet we choose not to….why?  Because our brains are protecting us from the pain of commitment.  The excuses it delivers.  ( No time, I don’t look that bad, I’ll just cut back on my eating, I can’t afford it, etc.)

It’s your metabolism. It has slowed with age.

Motivation….Where do you Get it?   Another human being could be a big help.  The” Buddy System” increases your chances of losing weight combined with a Wholistic Fitness & Coaching Approach.

The “Buddy System” holds you accountable to another person. It’s key.  And it’s Behavioral Science…mostly.

Diet

Instead of “ I have to cut way down on pasta & bread.”  It’s more like, “I choose to eat more veggies I like and try new things (foods) in place of old things. I like it. It’s working for me.”  “I also just cut down on my portions. “   It’s just changing things a little at a time in the beginning and working from there.

Physical Training (Exercise)

You don’t have to belong to a gym as part of your physical training program. You only need a few pieces of equipment that take little space at home.  But most importantly you will be accountable and choose to train (exercise) earnestly and with purpose.  Ie. Weight Reduction

“I used to play football, soccer & baseball back in the day. I’ll never look like that again”

(That’s true, all too true.  It’s your metabolism.) 

“I should get my butt to the gym.”

(Find another (buddy) to train with and hire an “Over Fifty “Strength & Conditioning Coach like me.)

So, why not?

Effect of moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss on body composition and physical performance in overweight older adults. Avila JJ, et al. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010. PMID: 20169360 Clinical Trial.

Effects of resistance training with and without caloric restriction on physical function and mobility in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nicklas BJ, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015

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Balance & Stabilization Training (BT) in Older Adults.

 Balance training has been demonstrated to be effective in improving balance and decreasing falls in cognitively intact older adults.  It has been confirmed in many clinical studies over the last decade that Balance Training (BT) is a very effective means to improve both functional and sport performance-related balance tasks over a relatively short period of time.

The Berg Balance Scale is a test used to measure and calculate a score based on a series of tasks  that are measured both quantitatively and quantitatively. It is used to access balance & mobility in physical therapy.

Proprioception is basically one’s ability to know about the movement of his or her own body part without having to look at it. … You can sharpen your proprioceptive (balance, agility) skills by practicing exercises that can help in preventing injuries to the body by making it adaptable to the changing environment.

Supervised balance training shows immediate benefit for older adults at fall risk. The long-term effects of such training can be enhanced by implementing a safe and simple home exercise program (HEP).  It is important to consult a Specialist in Senior Fitness to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your fitness program. It is an integral part of every training program that I create for my clients.

The Single Leg Balance Test
  1. Lacroix A, Kressig RW, Muehlbauer T, Gschwind YJ, Pfenninger B, Bruegger O,Granacher U. Effects of a Supervised versus an Unsupervised Combined Balance and Strength Training Program on Balance and Muscle Power in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gerontology. 2016;62(3):275-88. doi:10.1159/000442087. Epub 2015 Dec 9. PMID: 26645282.
  2. Tisher K, Mann K, VanDyke S, Johansson C, Vallabhajosula S. Functional measures show improvements after a home exercise program following balance training in older adults with elevated fall risk. Physiother TheoryPract. 2019 Apr;35(4):305-317. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1444116. Epub 2018 Mar5. PMID: 29505321.
  3. Martínez-Amat A, Hita-Contreras F, Lomas-Vega R, Caballero Martínez I,Alvarez PJ, Martínez-López E. Effects of 12-week proprioception training program on postural stability, gait, and balance in older adults: a controlled clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Aug;27(8):2180-8. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31827da35f. PMID: 23207891.
  4. 14: Orr R, de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Fiatarone-Singh MA. Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 Jan;61(1):78-85. doi: 10.1093/gerona/61.1.78. PMID: 16456197.

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It’s never too late to start exercising

Older people who have never taken part in sustained exercise programs have the same ability to build muscle mass as highly trained master athletes of a similar age, according to new research at the University of Birmingham.

Published in Frontiers in Physiology, researchers in the University of Birmingham’s School of Sport and Exercise Science compared muscle-building ability in two groups of older men. The first group was classed as ‘master athletes’ — people in their 70s and 80s who are lifelong exercisers and still competing at top levels in their sport. In the second were healthy individuals of a similar age, who had never participated in structured exercise programs.

The researchers had expected that the master athletes would have an increased ability to build muscle due to their superior levels of fitness over a prolonged period of time. In fact, the results showed that both groups had an equal capacity to build muscle in response to exercise.

The study clearly showed that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been a regular exerciser throughout your life, you can still derive benefit from exercise whenever you start.

More specific guidance on how individuals can improve their muscle strength can be provided by professionals who specialize in strength and conditioning programs for older adults. Also, I always teach my clients activities that they can perform at home to improve their strength endurance, balance, and core as an adjunct to their written training and fitness program which is designed to help them achieve the goals we set together.


https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190830082621.htm

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Increasing Quality Protein Intake Reduces the Effects of Sarcopenia in Older Adults

The loss of lean muscle mass occurring with advancing age is termed sarcopenia. This condition often leads to a concomitant loss of strength, increased frailty and risk of falls and an overall loss of functional independence in older adults..

Muscle protein balance is a dynamic process and is the difference between the body’s ability to make muscle protein versus the rate at which muscle protein breaks down.

It has been observed through clinical studies that older adults are more resistant to the production of muscle mass or what is referred to as resistance to the anabolic response. (the replacement of muscle).  The loss of this equilibrium leads to the loss of muscle mass, and this is a major factor in the development of sarcopenia.

This is part of the aging process.  The good news is that recent studies have investigated interventions to overcome this anabolic resistance.  In particular,

Combining a resistance Training program with increased  Quality Protein intake restored the anabolic (muscle-building response) in older men.  Recent studies have confirmed the same in older women.

.The present evidence strongly suggests that the loss of lean tissue in the elderly is exacerbated by low dietary protein intake.

 As such, protein supplementation may prove to be an effective approach to delay the loss of muscle mass with age and has led to calls for the recommended daily intake of protein to be increased for the older population.

The Conclusion

The present study indicates that a protein intake of 0.75g/ lb of body weight per day has the most beneficial effects in regard to preventing sarcopenia and weakness in conjunction with a total body resistance training program

So, if you weigh 150lb, you should be ingesting 110- 125g of quality protein a day. 100lbs; 70-80g per day.

I always recommend to my older clients that they supplement their diet in the mornings with a ready to drink (RTD) protein such as Boost®  or Ensure® that supplies quality Protein and adequate micronutrients as an effective anti-aging supplement. There are also vegetarian alternatives in this category.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25826683

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21529326

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30036990

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30475969

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Reducing Hip Flexor Pain and improving Hip Function and Range of Motion

If you sit at a desk for hours at a time at your workplace you’re definitely going to feel the tightness and pain over time. This is where “CAR” stretches are highly effective at improving flexibility in the two joints. CAR stands for “Controlled Articular Rotation” They are incorporated into a training program to combat the effects of lifestyles where hours are spent in a seated position. Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) will be severely restricted and Hip CARs can aid in improving ROM in the joint.

These stretches are more dynamic than the usual “static” stretches used to lengthen muscle tissues like a “supine bridge plank”. Cars add mobility (movement ) to the stretch.

These stretches are also employed after a client has been released to exercise after undergoing a hip replacement and subsequent physical therapy.

As a cyclist and an individual who also does a lot of writing (which means I am sitting for a couple of hours at a stretch) I perform these dynamic stretches at home 3 times per week. Also in training programs, I incorporate these with specific resistance (weight) exercises to strengthen the corresponding weak muscle sets to bring the joint into a more balanced tension relationship.

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The Effects of Sarcopenia as we age.

 Sarcopenia is increasingly defined by both loss of muscle mass and loss of muscle function or strength. Physical inactivity and disease – both highly prevalent in the elderly – are the main contributors to the decline of muscle mass and function.  Both resistance (Weight training) and aerobic training have been shown to increase muscle strength and improve physical function.

After middle age, adults lose 3% of their muscle strength every year, on average. This limits their ability to perform many routine activities

Studies have solidly concluded that that resistance weight training leads to significant gains in muscle strength, size, and functional mobility among frail residents of nursing homes up to 96 years of age.

A study of 57 adults aged 65–94 showed that performing resistance exercises three times per week increased muscle strength over 12 weeks. Of course, this is really true of all individuals who enroll in a  well planned and goal -oriented fitness program.

So I meet many individuals who know THEY SHOULD GO TO THE GYM.  I also know as a full-time caregiver myself that a well-planned fitness and weight management program pays off in terms of increased strength, balance, and mobility.

The key is really motivational.  It is a very large percentage of what I do. To keep my clients motivated to achieve established goals that we worked on together.

the loss of skeletal muscle mass with advancing age results in lower basal metabolic rate, weakness, reduced activity levels, decreased bone density, and low-calorie needs. The related increase in body fat is linked to hypertension and abnormal glucose tolerance. Many consequences of sarcopenia are preventable or even reversible. Progressive resistance exercises can produce substantial increases in strength and muscle size, even in the oldest old. For many older individuals exercise represents the safest, least expensive means to lose body fat, decrease blood pressure, improving glucose tolerance, and maintain long-term independence.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28181204

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2342214/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5957062/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8621102

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8621102

Tom Stratman SNAP Fitness Oakhurst Plaza Seminole, FL 33777 (727) 386-1889

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Deadlifting for Improved Core Strength

There are two types of barbells used to perform deadlifts; the straight bar and the Hex Bar (or Trap Bar).

I prefer the use of the Hex Bar when Core Training clients. Studies have shown that the design of the Hax Bar increases the resistance forces of the hamstrings in the concentric phase (the lift) and in the eccentric phase (lowering phase) there are greater resistance forces at work on the back musculature. Also the Hex Bar provides a little more stability in relation to sagittal plane motion because the weights are aligned more in the frontal plane (more centered). For many people , this is a safer exercise.

Hex Bar Deadlift

In addition, the hexagonal-barbell deadlift demonstrated significantly greater peak force, peak power, and peak velocity values than those of the straight-barbell deadlift. The enhanced mechanical stimulus obtained with the hexagonal barbell suggests that in general the Hex Barbell Deadlift is a more effective exercise than the Straight Barbell Deadlift. This is an advanced phase 2 exercise that is only undertaken once core stability and strength endurance has been achieved in phase 1 training of a beginner program or older adult program.

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