Here's a recent article I wrote on my thoughts of an ever increasing problem facing our younger generation. I've included a quick video of a group of 14 year olds who train at our facility.... see what you think.
The Trouble with the Youth of Today!
Now just before you all run forth with the hate mail, hear me out. I’m not talking about the loutish, anti-social, ASBO collecting behaviour we see every day portrayed in the media. I’m not in fact talking in a negative way about our young generation at all. As a certified strength coach and ex-athlete who happens to coach and train many children from the age of 12 upwards, my concern is with the exercise (more to the point, the lack of) that they currently do.
Let me tell you a quick story ….
A client of mine is a PE teacher. He tells me that due to a child falling from a small balance beam (about 12”) and breaking his ankle the school can no longer do any activity that has the children about the floor. It seems the school was sued by the boys parents.
What are the implications here?
No gymnastics certainly.
What about jumping? Playing basketball? Volleyball? Netball?
I’ll tell you where it ends. Children will grow up heavier than they’ve ever been before, weaker than they’ve ever been before , more unhealthy, have less bone density; does this sound familiar? It should do, it’s happening right now. Active 13, 14 and 15 year old kids are coming to me unable to squat because of weakness and poor posture, unable to do one correct push-up without collapsing, and none of them even attempt a bodyweight pull-up/chin-up.
Who’s to blame for this?
After speaking to my PE teacher client you couldn’t blame him. He wants to teach his pupils bodyweight exercises and gymnastics techniques, but is forbidden by his bosses and the local authority. Speaking of which, where have all the adventure playgrounds gone? We used to go to the park to do chin-ups, pull-ups, climb ropes and swing on the monkey bars. My 3 year old son doesn’t want to go to the local swings because it’s too unstimulating for him! He’s much rather come into the gym and jump over hurdles and swing on our ropes and power rings, try to lift weights like Daddy.
We have to return to basics. We need to set these children stronger and fitter, or else we will have a nation of weak, fat, unhealthy children and young adults who will pretty much bankrupt the health system.
It’s not that far-fetched is it?
Paul
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Books I've Read
I'm continually asked what books I'd recommend, so I've included on the blog a listing of all time greats & current reads.
All are worth a look.....
Paul
All are worth a look.....
Paul
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Will Smith on the Law of Attraction
A friend of mine sent me this video and although it's been knocking around you tube a while I think it has real relevance. Check it out and see what you think...
Paul
Paul
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Still on Track?
So here we are.... January 14th, 14 days into the resolutions!!
How are we getting on?
Be honest.....
If you're like most people you're already off the wagon. I've seen it in the gym. People pour through the door at the start of the year with fantastic intentions only to hit the buffers days later.
Why is this?
Well, let me ask you a question. Did you right your goals down? Do you read & affirm them daily? Do you wake up in the morning with a plan of attack and then review how you got on that evening? Are you accountable to anyone other than yourself?
To be honest with you, I used to be the same. Then I was recommended a goal setting program that sounded to good to be true. 100 goals in 100 days. So I had a look at it, and, with curiosity peaked, bought it and cracked on with my 100 goals. Was it easy?
No!
Did I do 100 goals?
No! I did 87, which was probably 87 more than I would have done without it. My goals ranged from clearing out my wardrobe to moving into a bigger facility, both of which I achieved. The 13 I didn't do got put on to the next 100 days and I continue to work towards them.
So what was the program I used?
Dax Moy's Magic Hundred. Follow the link below and have a look for yourself.
Click Here!
Paul
How are we getting on?
Be honest.....
If you're like most people you're already off the wagon. I've seen it in the gym. People pour through the door at the start of the year with fantastic intentions only to hit the buffers days later.
Why is this?
Well, let me ask you a question. Did you right your goals down? Do you read & affirm them daily? Do you wake up in the morning with a plan of attack and then review how you got on that evening? Are you accountable to anyone other than yourself?
To be honest with you, I used to be the same. Then I was recommended a goal setting program that sounded to good to be true. 100 goals in 100 days. So I had a look at it, and, with curiosity peaked, bought it and cracked on with my 100 goals. Was it easy?
No!
Did I do 100 goals?
No! I did 87, which was probably 87 more than I would have done without it. My goals ranged from clearing out my wardrobe to moving into a bigger facility, both of which I achieved. The 13 I didn't do got put on to the next 100 days and I continue to work towards them.
So what was the program I used?
Dax Moy's Magic Hundred. Follow the link below and have a look for yourself.
Click Here!
Paul
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Thoughts on turning 40
Happy new year to you all!!
A new year in which I have hit a new milestone..... 40 years young!!
It's interesting what responses these milestone birthdays attract. Some I've heard include... "so how do you feel now you're 40?", or "you'll have to slow down in the gym cause you're 40 now!"
Give me a f***ing break!
What is our obsession with age, old age & eternal youth especially. Do you think we can't stay fit strong and healthy into our old age?
Jack LaLanne anyone? For those of you who don't know who Jack is check out a youtube video or two. This is a man who preached health and vitality and the benefits of exercise to a vast American television audience for close to 50 years. But not only did he talk about it, he was a living example, performing amazing feats well into his 80s.
We also have some great examples in the athletic world. A favourite of mine is Bernard Hopkins, the ex middleweight world champion. Here is a man who, using incredible mental focus and drive, fights on at 43 with incredible success.
Do you think these and countless others worried about turning 40, or any other age for that matter? Nor do I.
Stop using age as an excuse!!
Paul
A new year in which I have hit a new milestone..... 40 years young!!
It's interesting what responses these milestone birthdays attract. Some I've heard include... "so how do you feel now you're 40?", or "you'll have to slow down in the gym cause you're 40 now!"
Give me a f***ing break!
What is our obsession with age, old age & eternal youth especially. Do you think we can't stay fit strong and healthy into our old age?
Jack LaLanne anyone? For those of you who don't know who Jack is check out a youtube video or two. This is a man who preached health and vitality and the benefits of exercise to a vast American television audience for close to 50 years. But not only did he talk about it, he was a living example, performing amazing feats well into his 80s.
We also have some great examples in the athletic world. A favourite of mine is Bernard Hopkins, the ex middleweight world champion. Here is a man who, using incredible mental focus and drive, fights on at 43 with incredible success.
Do you think these and countless others worried about turning 40, or any other age for that matter? Nor do I.
Stop using age as an excuse!!
Paul
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