Bret's MC health thread

[Bret SD]

Thought I'd post a thread on various health topics which I can revive now and then..

First topic:
Many of us are now stuck without the ability to ride due to weather this time of year and have some time to work on things which will enhance their riding experience when spring rolls around. While riding my head's on a swivel, having a locked, tight or stiff neck can be a real problem.

The ability to turn our heads easily with good mobility really helps us safely navigate around on a motorcycle so this little 3 minute routine will not only help with riding, it also offers many other health benefits and really increases quality of life. Start easily and slowly, as the days go on you'll really start to feel the benefits.

If it helps even one rider here I'll be very happy.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4dmZ5_n6uU&ab_channel=MarkWildman

[Hook#3287]

That's a great vid.

No nonsense, great info, no self serving BS.

Thanks

[Bret SD]

That's a great vid.

No nonsense, great info, no self serving BS.

Thanks

You're welcome!

I like Mark, he's a very smart, humble and strong dude. He knows his stuff and doesn't present it with the usual YT 'Look at me' videos. There's a more advanced follow-up video where he introduces more angles in concert with these movements.

Lemme know if it helps you!

[Jess from VA]

In my old age, my neck will no longer let me turn my head around and look behind me (without first shifting my butt in the seat quite a bit first).  I will never let a chiropractor or anyone else crack my neck. I do have better than average peripheral vision (but am not a lizard who can look behind him while his head is pointing forward ).

Limited range of motion in old people is pretty common.  But that is some good info.  

Good mirrors (and using them) covers most problems, but sometimes you absolutely have to turn and look to be sure.    

[BigInSeattle]

I’ve been squeezing my balls lately, my recovery balls. They help out with hand strength. I’ve had issues with trigger finger and they really help out. You gotta keep your hands strong for your levers!

[msb]

I agree, excellent presentation in that video of these exorcises. Doing them regularly does a world of good...believe me, I know from experience. Helps me with the upper shoulders as well. Especally over the course of this past year with all the extra computer, phone, and Zoom time...and at this age.

[Bret SD]

In my old age, my neck will no longer let me turn my head around and look behind me (without first shifting my butt in the seat quite a bit first).  I will never let a chiropractor or anyone else crack my neck. I do have better than average peripheral vision (but am not a lizard who can look behind him while his head is pointing forward ).

Limited range of motion in old people is pretty common.  But that is some good info. 

Good mirrors (and using them) covers most problems, but sometimes you absolutely have to turn and look to be sure.   

Jess, I hear you on the tight neck as we get older and it usually starts with a locked Thoracic spine. My chiropractor is a kinesiologist and I rarely need him anymore as I've gotten better at fixing myself. Having said that, I need to see him now, my calf has been tightening up.. running too many miles the week before last was not good.
A couple things you might try are foam rolling and some light stretching, they go a long way in helping you feel less locked up and will improve circulation as well as help muscles to tone up and revitalize.
I always turn and look behind me when changing lanes, especially on the freeway where people change lanes in a flash and hit the accelerator.

If you were to try the 3 minute routine I'd do it after a hot shower when things loosen up a bit.

Anyway, my philosophy is do a little every day as a routine. It doesn't take long and will keep us in the riders seat well into old age.. whatever that is. 

[Bret SD]

I agree, excellent presentation in that video of these exorcises. Doing them regularly does a world of good...believe me, I know from experience. Helps me with the upper shoulders as well. Especally over the course of this past year with all the extra computer, phone, and Zoom time...and at this age.

That's great to hear!
I know some folks here are keeping up on these things and that's good, my reason for this thread is to nudge thinking possibly toward doing something for our health. Even small things as they add up exponentially when done consistently for days, months and years as a practice.

Thanks for your input!

[Jess from VA]

My Lumbar, Thoracic and Cervical spines remain very flexible, and the neck doesn't really bother me, unless I try to put my chin on either shoulder.  I really could benefit from some neck stretching, though when I do it, I hear worrisome creaking noises in there.  And I do need more general exercise than I get, and it's purely lack of discipline and motivation (often referred to as laziness).  

My look behind on the bike technique has changed.  With both hands on the bars, I lift my elbows and bend forward and look back underneath my armpit.  Unless I really need to look straight back, then I scootch my butt crooked in the seat, getting half the movement in my upper body, and the other half in the neck.  Doing this for years, it has become second nature now.

[Bret SD]

My Lumbar, Thoracic and Cervical spines remain very flexible, and the neck doesn't really bother me, unless I try to put my chin on either shoulder.  I really could benefit from some neck stretching, though when I do it, I hear worrisome creaking noises in there.  And I do need more general exercise than I get, and it's purely lack of discipline and motivation (often referred to as laziness). 

My look behind on the bike technique has changed.  With both hands on the bars, I lift my elbows and bend forward and look back underneath my armpit.  Unless I really need to look straight back, then I scootch my butt crooked in the seat, getting half the movement in my upper body, and the other half in the neck.  Doing this for years, it has become second nature now.

Ah, good then, having a flexible spine makes life much better. I have many ways to improve spinal flexibility and use them often, some of the training I do is very heavy and I need to keep things working smoothly.

[Oss]

thank you for a very thoughtful post

I have bookmarked the page and will try it out each day.

Can only remember 2 or 3 at the moment.  Had the same problem remembering the TaiChi moves

Every day I wake up next to the wife I say I won the lottery and go from there

[Jess from VA]

Well, based on the motivation provided in this thread, I got dressed and went out for an hour walk.    So thanks for that.

First in a month or more.  It wasn't as brisk as usual, but you have to start somewhere.

One knee was complaining about this activity.  I told it to shut up.    

[Skinhead]

Brett, Thank you for posting that.  I have noticed a significant reduction in neck mobility when riding and quite frankly, it has scared me at times.  I will definitely try this and hope the old swivel will be ready to go when the riding weather gets here. 

Are you going to Inzane?  if so look me up and we'll enjoy a beverage or two together.  Ride safe.

[Bret SD]

thank you for a very thoughtful post

I have bookmarked the page and will try it out each day.

Can only remember 2 or 3 at the moment.  Had the same problem remembering the TaiChi moves

Every day I wake up next to the wife I say I won the lottery and go from there

Oss, that's great! The first round I did of this routine I knew it was a keeper. like all martial art or even dance, you have to practice (a lot) for it to become second nature. After 34 tears of doing karate forms, I still sometimes have to think, or worse yet, I blend two different forms together into some FrankenForm 

Like you, I thank God for my health and loved ones every day. Everything else is relatively meaningless.

[Bret SD]

Well, based on the motivation provided in this thread, I got dressed and went out for an hour walk.    So thanks for that.

First in a month or more.  It wasn't as brisk as usual, but you have to start somewhere.

One knee was complaining about this activity.  I told it to shut up.   

Haha! You sound like me, though I've learned to distinguish what's whining from a body part as opposed to a real problem, as you have I'm sure.

Happy to hear I motivated you somehow brother!     I broke some new volume ground today with mace, so I'm feeling good..  it might leave a mark though 

[Bret SD]

Brett, Thank you for posting that.  I have noticed a significant reduction in neck mobility when riding and quite frankly, it has scared me at times.  I will definitely try this and hope the old swivel will be ready to go when the riding weather gets here. 

Are you going to Inzane?  if so look me up and we'll enjoy a beverage or two together.  Ride safe.

Skinhead, I'd like nothing more than to hit Inzane this year! Go easy at first with this routine and you'll definitely see increased mobility and less neck stiffness.

Due to life circumstances I doubt I'll be settled into a routine for long enough to plan an extended trip. It's over 2300 miles from San Diego to Athens Ohio. : /

One day I'll make an event and would love to have a couple beverages with you (and others)! 

[G-Man]

I like to do a good all over body stretch before riding and even during stops while on long rides.  I find that stretching allows me to be comfortable for longer time in the seat.  Unfortunately, the Valkyrie wasn't designed for taller riders.

However, I do feel tightness and fatigue sometimes, so I always ride with Motrin or some other form of an NSAID.  This usually relaxes the muscles and ends the fatigue and I'm good to go for 4 more hours.

I've made a lot of alterations and added a few items to make the Valkyrie "bigger" to avoid muscle fatigue including, Taller bars, Taller risers, Forward placed footpegs, Peg relocation, a seat that puts me back a whole inch, a Backrest, and a Taller windscreen.  And I enjoyed every minute of doing every mod myself, even if the starter button doesn't always work.  Gotta get that looked at before this coming season.

[Bret SD]

I like to do a good all over body stretch before riding and even during stops while on long rides.  I find that stretching allows me to be comfortable for longer time in the seat.  Unfortunately, the Valkyrie wasn't designed for taller riders.

However, I do feel tightness and fatigue sometimes, so I always ride with Motrin or some other form of an NSAID.  This usually relaxes the muscles and ends the fatigue and I'm good to go for 4 more hours.

I've made a lot of alterations and added a few items to make the Valkyrie "bigger" to avoid muscle fatigue including, Taller bars, Taller risers, Forward placed footpegs, Peg relocation, a seat that puts me back a whole inch, a Backrest, and a Taller windscreen.  And I enjoyed every minute of doing every mod myself, even if the starter button doesn't always work.  Gotta get that looked at before this coming season.

Stretching's a good idea and stopping every so often to walk, squat, move etc and get blood flowing is a must for me. I guess stopping every 120 miles or so for fuel isn't such a bad thing. The last thing I want to be is in a hurry to go somewhere on my bike, that kinda kills the joy for me.

Higher dose Vitamin C is my go-to for inflammation and stiffness, though I'm not above taking NSAIDS if I'm really feeling the pinch, generally I like to avoid them if I can.

What height are you? I'm 6'-2" and need to do some mods on my Standard for longer rides. First on the list is extending the risers back an inch, second is moving my highway pegs to a lower position. After that I could use a custom seat where I can be back an inch like you did. I have a FrankenShield windshield setup where I use 3 adjustable deflectors on a National Cycle Street Shield tall windshield. I didn't plan it that way but I do like it now and can adjust for all weather contingencies.  I also installed a backrest which makes it nice for LB fatigue. I'm also thinking of some type of padded saddles on the engine guards where I have the option of laying my calves over the bars for a third riding position, those I'd probably have to design and build myself.

[98valk]

neck, back problems follow Dr. Jolie Bookspan. she is the expert just about everything comes from her.

most issues start with poor posture from over the yrs esp curving our necks with head forward and rotating hips

http://www.drbookspan.com/BackPainArticleQuickStart.html


pain free techniques work well also, based on Postural Therapy.

https://www.egoscue.com/

[Bret SD]

neck, back problems follow Dr. Jolie Bookspan. she is the expert just about everything comes from her.

most issues start with poor posture from over the yrs esp curving our necks with head forward and rotating hips

http://www.drbookspan.com/BackPainArticleQuickStart.html


pain free techniques work well also, based on Postural Therapy.

https://www.egoscue.com/

That's a pretty good reference, one thing I disagree with her on is lifting with a straight back and bent knees, of course defining what is a straight back is important. If she's talking about keeping the spine vertical and using knees to lift things that's a pretty weak position. If you watch anybody pick up anything heavy they will hinge at the waist and bend the knees accordingly. I keep a flat back and hinge at the waist while knees bend also. Dr. Stuart McGill has a lot of good info out there.

My whole life I've had lower back problems on and off until I started working with kettlebells and mace. I literally have no back problems now due to the ballistic nature of the training I do. I could get into it but it's a very deep subject. I'm now a kettlebell instructor for one of the top kettlebell organizations in the world and enjoy overall strength like I've never had before. When I was younger I could lift hundreds of pounds doing various lifts, but my strength had some serious holes in it, these days if I find a weak spot I strengthen it.

The training I do is for life and living, I do carry some decent muscle mass but it's not something I train for. My strength-to-weight ratio has never been higher, even at 62 years. Anyway I could go on and on about strength and fitness as well as diet, stress mitigation and many other things involved in being healthy.

One thing we should be able to do is pick up our bikes if for some reason they are laid over on their sides, if something happened and you were out in the middle of nowhere and alone, you need to be able to do this whether it's through brute strength or some other devised method IMHO.

[Bret SD]

Gave myself a training birthday present today.. 

Kettlebell snatch using a 28k bell:
My previous high snatching this bell was 50 sets x 5 reps, today I decided to go for it with 62 sets in honor of turning 62 today. A few days ago I did a 700 rep mace session and it hit the hands palm skin pretty hard, today I wasn't completely recovered but went for it anyway. The last ~20 sets had hand skin on fire but no rips occurred. While it was a pain marathon I feel extremely lucky being able to do these things. Sessions vary in volume, this was a big one.

Clint Eastwood, when asked his secret to health and longevity, said "I never let the old man in".. these are wise words and I will keep the old man door locked for my lifetime.

Some training math:
28k = 61.7 lbs
61.7 x 5 = 308.5 lbs per set
62 sets x 308.5 lbs = 19,127 lbs total lifted this session plus warm-up sets.
Average heart rate this session was 118 BPM

Short bursts of intense work, followed by active rest until respiration rate normalizes.. then repeat until strong. I know some people with incredible strength and endurance.. I'm not one of them.. yet I remain a dedicated journeyman.

Doing this type of ballistic training keeps me strong, springy and fit, all things I consider important for riding and general living. Anyone can do this when starting within their means, many here have done kettlebell swings, which confer many benefits.. the two hand swing 'fixed' my lower back after a lifetime of struggling with it.



Hands are still intact:


Video of the movement:
https://youtu.be/KNMDX2uefzA

[Jess from VA]

Great video.     (and happy birthday)

But I have to say the first thing that came to my mind watching it was.... needs steel toe shoes (as opposed to bare feet).   

Even with the lifting chalk. 

[Bret SD]

Great video.     (and happy birthday)

But I have to say the first thing that came to my mind watching it was.... needs steel toe shoes (as opposed to bare feet).   

Even with the lifting chalk. 

Thanks Jess!

Ha yes, I've had an injury to my wrist using kettlebells while doing something stupid.
To date I haven't dropped one, however I still have quick feet in my older age just in case 

[msb]

Gave myself a training birthday present today.. 

Kettlebell snatch using a 28k bell:
My previous high snatching this bell was 50 sets x 5 reps, today I decided to go for it with 62 sets in honor of turning 62 today. A few days ago I did a 700 rep mace session and it hit the hands palm skin pretty hard, today I wasn't completely recovered but went for it anyway. The last ~20 sets had hand skin on fire but no rips occurred. While it was a pain marathon I feel extremely lucky being able to do these things. Sessions vary in volume, this was a big one.

Clint Eastwood, when asked his secret to health and longevity, said "I never let the old man in".. these are wise words and I will keep the old man door locked for my lifetime.

Some training math:
28k = 61.7 lbs
61.7 x 5 = 308.5 lbs per set
62 sets x 308.5 lbs = 19,127 lbs total lifted this session plus warm-up sets.
Average heart rate this session was 118 BPM

Short bursts of intense work, followed by active rest until respiration rate normalizes.. then repeat until strong. I know some people with incredible strength and endurance.. I'm not one of them.. yet I remain a dedicated journeyman.

Doing this type of ballistic training keeps me strong, springy and fit, all things I consider important for riding and general living. Anyone can do this when starting within their means, many here have done kettlebell swings, which confer many benefits.. the two hand swing 'fixed' my lower back after a lifetime of struggling with it.



Hands are still intact:


Video of the movement:
https://youtu.be/KNMDX2uefzA

OK, I'm all in... starting today, if this is what my abs will look like. How many weeks until I can expect to have that physique  again... 3 weeks, maybe 4? Oh man, the Mrs is gonna be so excited, can hardly wait

[The emperor has no clothes]

Video of the movement:
https://youtu.be/KNMDX2uefzA

OK, I'm all in... starting today, if this is what my abs will look like. How many weeks until I can expect to have that physique  again... 3 weeks, maybe 4? Oh man, the Mrs is gonna be so excited, can hardly wait

I’ve only done 15 minutes of exercise, with what I would call amazing results.

What do you think ? 

[Bret SD]

Gave myself a training birthday present today.. 

Kettlebell snatch using a 28k bell:
My previous high snatching this bell was 50 sets x 5 reps, today I decided to go for it with 62 sets in honor of turning 62 today. A few days ago I did a 700 rep mace session and it hit the hands palm skin pretty hard, today I wasn't completely recovered but went for it anyway. The last ~20 sets had hand skin on fire but no rips occurred. While it was a pain marathon I feel extremely lucky being able to do these things. Sessions vary in volume, this was a big one.

Clint Eastwood, when asked his secret to health and longevity, said "I never let the old man in".. these are wise words and I will keep the old man door locked for my lifetime.

Some training math:
28k = 61.7 lbs
61.7 x 5 = 308.5 lbs per set
62 sets x 308.5 lbs = 19,127 lbs total lifted this session plus warm-up sets.
Average heart rate this session was 118 BPM

Short bursts of intense work, followed by active rest until respiration rate normalizes.. then repeat until strong. I know some people with incredible strength and endurance.. I'm not one of them.. yet I remain a dedicated journeyman.

Doing this type of ballistic training keeps me strong, springy and fit, all things I consider important for riding and general living. Anyone can do this when starting within their means, many here have done kettlebell swings, which confer many benefits.. the two hand swing 'fixed' my lower back after a lifetime of struggling with it.



Hands are still intact:


Video of the movement:
https://youtu.be/KNMDX2uefzA

OK, I'm all in... starting today, if this is what my abs will look like. How many weeks until I can expect to have that physique  again... 3 weeks, maybe 4? Oh man, the Mrs is gonna be so excited, can hardly wait

Yep, 3 or 4 weeks tops! 

[Bret SD]

Video of the movement:
https://youtu.be/KNMDX2uefzA

OK, I'm all in... starting today, if this is what my abs will look like. How many weeks until I can expect to have that physique  again... 3 weeks, maybe 4? Oh man, the Mrs is gonna be so excited, can hardly wait

I’ve only done 15 minutes of exercise, with what I would call amazing results.

What do you think ? 

Not bad at all meat.. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm glad you took it as the humor it was meant 

[Bret SD]

I'm glad you took it as the humor it was meant 

Ya, I hold no grudges..
 
My political mingling with some folks on this board has been counter-productive as I got caught up in the moment.

None of us has power to do anything really, and I value goodwill here over anything else, so let's talk motorcycles, health and whatever else..

I offer you my apologies for any personal attack and lousy discourse we've had.. that's not how I want to roll with my motorcycle riding brethren. I do think you're a good man with different ideas than my own, and that's ok.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm glad you took it as the humor it was meant 

Ya, I hold no grudges..
 
My political mingling with some folks on this board has been counter-productive as I got caught up in the moment.

None of us has power to do anything really, and I value goodwill here over anything else, so let's talk motorcycles, health and whatever else..

I offer you my apologies for any personal attack and lousy discourse we've had.. that's not how I want to roll with my motorcycle riding brethren. I do think you're a good man with different ideas than my own, and that's ok.

And I offer you mine as well 

[Bret SD]

I'm glad you took it as the humor it was meant 

Ya, I hold no grudges..
 
My political mingling with some folks on this board has been counter-productive as I got caught up in the moment.

None of us has power to do anything really, and I value goodwill here over anything else, so let's talk motorcycles, health and whatever else..

I offer you my apologies for any personal attack and lousy discourse we've had.. that's not how I want to roll with my motorcycle riding brethren. I do think you're a good man with different ideas than my own, and that's ok.

And I offer you mine as well 

Thank you sir

[Bret SD]

Some more video snippets of strength training:

32k kettlebell snatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BLAoZnS9Uw

Double 28k kettlebell cleans, then mace 360's with a 30# mace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxb1itI5D4A

Short bursts of heavy effort followed by rest until breathing normalizes allows you to put up some huge volume and aggregate poundages while keeping recovery a priority. Occasionally I'll put the pedal to the metal (1-2 times monthly on average), as that's part of the overall. Those sessions take more from you regarding recovery. Running and breathing practice are also part of the recovery process along with some other measures.
Using these methods you're always close to peak performance, from there a short peaking protocol is all it takes for a max effort or event.

Doing this type of training keeps you strong for riding and endurance events. A simple program of kettlebell swings, heavy carries and pushups will get you strong, and the strength you'll gain is the all-terrain kind. Any exercise where you sit down is a non-effective way to train, whole body movements will build 'farmer strength' and give you life strength, the kind we really need.

I'm not knocking other training methods, all I'm saying is what I do works and builds strength over months and years. These days I'm lighter, older and stronger.. anyone can do this. 

[msb]

Some more video snippets of strength training:

32k kettlebell snatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BLAoZnS9Uw

Double 28k kettlebell cleans, then mace 360's with a 30# mace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxb1itI5D4A

Short bursts of heavy effort followed by rest until breathing normalizes allows you to put up some huge volume and aggregate poundages while keeping recovery a priority. Occasionally I'll put the pedal to the metal (1-2 times monthly on average), as that's part of the overall. Those sessions take more from you regarding recovery. Running and breathing practice are also part of the recovery process along with some other measures.
Using these methods you're always close to peak performance, from there a short peaking protocol is all it takes for a max effort or event.

Doing this type of training keeps you strong for riding and endurance events. A simple program of kettlebell swings, heavy carries and pushups will get you strong, and the strength you'll gain is the all-terrain kind. Any exercise where you sit down is a non-effective way to train, whole body movements will build 'farmer strength' and give you life strength, the kind we really need.

I'm not knocking other training methods, all I'm saying is what I do works and builds strength over months and years. These days I'm lighter, older and stronger.. anyone can do this. 

Ya OK Bret, I'll get right on those I spend a lot of time in my garage especially on rainy days. If the Mrs is also home, she'll pop her head in there now and then to make sure I haven't injured myself wrenching or with a power tool, or perhaps fallen asleep under a bike or something. I can just imagine her discovering me prone on the floor with a 30 kg kettleball buried in my gut
Seriously though...it would be nice to get to that level, but I think I'll just continue on with my much more realistic for me approach to keeping this old bod here at least semi-fit.
Enjoyed the videos though...just hope you don't inadvertently swing one of those kettleballs over towards that nice Valkyrie sitting there

[Bret SD]

Ya OK Bret, I'll get right on those I spend a lot of time in my garage especially on rainy days. If the Mrs is also home, she'll pop her head in there now and then to make sure I haven't injured myself wrenching or with a power tool, or perhaps fallen asleep under a bike or something. I can just imagine her discovering me prone on the floor with a 30 kg kettleball buried in my gut
Seriously though...it would be nice to get to that level, but I think I'll just continue on with my much more realistic for me approach to keeping this old bod here at least semi-fit.
Enjoyed the videos though...just hope you don't inadvertently swing one of those kettleballs over towards that nice Valkyrie sitting there

Haha Mike, I won't throw one at my Valkyrie any time soon  

I would and have recommended two hand swings and Turkish getups to friends and family in first starting out with kettlebells.

These videos are from a couple years ago, keep in mind everyone starts at their own level. Men should start at 16 kilos in general, really strong ones can start at 24 kilos for two hand swings and I recommend everyone start getups with no weight or with a light shoe sitting on your fist (in case it drops on your head  ) until they can groove in the movement, it's kinda like loaded yoga as your body moves around under the weight.  

Two hand swings @ 48k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvMuhuALArA&ab_channel=BretS

Turkish getups @ 40k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Q3UFA-cm0&ab_channel=BretS

The Turkish getup video was done about a week after I got hit with that nasty flu that was killing people that year, my girl caught it at work and I was taking care of her. That was the last time I got sick, after that I started on a good Vitamin and cold shower regimen, so far it's working great.

I highly recommend this book by Pavel Tsatsouline, he's a Russian who introduced kettlebells to the US in the late 90's. It explains very well the purpose, methods, exercises and results from two simple kettlebell exercises. This regimen serves as the 'Swiss Army knife' of strength development and maintenance, it's used by many people including military front line operators due to its effectiveness and small equipment needs.
 https://www.amazon.com/Kettlebell-Simple-Sinister-Revised-Updated/dp/0989892433

[Bret SD]

Reggie Jones

With the realization that we have a largely aging population here at VRCC I thought posting this would be in some way beneficial to those of us who are thinking 'I'm over the hill'.
Reggie Jones was a World War II Navy veteran who became a lifeguard in 1944 in New York at Jones Beach. He remained a lifeguard there until he finally could not pass all the physical tests at age 80, he only missed one test by 2 seconds that year. His story is fascinating and worth a read.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/14/nyregion/reggie-jones-dead.html

Our bodies are very forgiving and respond to exercise in any form, even at an advanced age. Fending off sarcopenia doesn't take a lot of work, just consistent work. Russians don't use the term 'workout', they prefer to call it a recharge, leaving a gym with a quivering body soaked in sweat and completely spent is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing. I almost always leave something in the tank and train to be strong and energetic, sometimes I'll test my condition going far above and beyond what is normal. That's only once in awhile, and is part of my training plan.

Nobody here needs to train like I do, and I know a lot of folks here are doing some type of training. If we want to ride a motorcycle safely and have a ton of fun well into an advanced age we need to work for that, otherwise advancing age and entropy will eventually act as a fun stopper. Most of us can ride until the day we drop if we so desire.

If we don't step out of our comfort zone, how do we even know we're alive?  Pain and discomfort are gifts that keep on giving when dosed correctly.

Like Clint Eastwood says, [paraphrasing] Don't let the old man/woman in 

[98valk]

https://www.t-nation.com/

[Bret SD]

https://www.t-nation.com/

Interesting! As always, these things are overpriced. In my studies there are many ways to increase cellular health and maintenance which are much cheaper. We also must remember that simple exercise done consistently changes the way our body operates, it literally changes the way it does business on a molecular level.
I saw a chart last year sometime which talked about Lifeline versus Healthline, can't find it now. Our life line is pretty simple, a beginning and an end. When it comes to our health line, the chart showed the health line climbs rapidly after we're born and levels off, then at a certain age our health line drops as quickly as it rose. The goal is to keep the health line up to a high level until death.. I'd rather have less years with great health than a scenario where more years are tacked on to the end when good health is gone.

I told my son if I ever end up in a wheelchair and am unable to take care of myself I want him to take me up to the top of the mountain where I can roll myself off, it would amount to one last feeling being more alive than probably ever in my lifetime. 

That may sound a bit dramatic but those are the thoughts and feelings that motivate me to do the things I do, and to be the best I can be regarding physical and mental health. I also like to do things that exercise my brain, as it tends to decline with age if we don't do things to keep it sharp. I'm a man on a lifelong mission, and it's an awesome way to live.   

[98valk]

I posted that for all of the nutrition and training articles they have.  not for their products

[Bret SD]

I posted that for all of the nutrition and training articles they have.  not for their products

Yes, I understand, T-Nation is loaded with some good info, I've been part of that scene for years and years. I don't agree with everything they have to say, but on balance it's a pretty good source for learning something new now and then.

[98valk]

https://startingstrength.com/