Some Thoughts On Fitness And Health In 2025!

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Hey y'all. Here's something for you.

Try this easy "hack" to instantly do more pushups!

Get stronger without moving!

Isometrics are known to improve strength rapidly (think highly targeted, specific strength training). As a result, a lot of people train them with high weight and short hold times.

However, while "strength training" like this sounds great, it took me a few years to realize the strength I actually wanted was much more in the 30-second range. While there's obviously transfer between the ranges, this way is more targeted (like getting stronger at what you can do 3-5 reps with will also improve your 9-12 range and vice versa).

This way was less strenuous (allowing me to do more), more stable, and encouraged better form for me. It also transferred well into my daily activities, which usually required more than short holds. Think of carrying a heavy bag across the yard for construction. There are also some potential rehab benefits for joints.

Neither way is necessarily "wrong," but I just wanted to share the value I found in longer holds.

Try these out for lower back pain from excessive anterior pelvic tilt!

Legal Notice: Consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. This video does not replace a doctor's visit or physical therapy program.

Ok so my kid had an ear infection, right? As kids often do.

The doctor scraped out a bit of earwax to have a better look inside.

I was sent a bill for $200 PER EAR for this 5 second procedure which I did not give permission for them to do.

That was key- they did not ASK me if they could do this "procedure". And, as I OWN a medical practice (it's me. The medical practice is me, sitting in my house on video calls) I knew to call them when this bill came in to be like "You did not obtain informed consent for this procedure, and it was not en emergency procedure. You had full ability to gain my consent and didn't. I'm not paying."

And the massive hospital who owned the bill said "yuh-huh you do have to pay."

And I said "I own a practice. I know these laws. I do not owe you money for this."

And they conducted an "internal review" and SURPRISE! Decided I totally owed them money and they had never done anything wrong ever.

And so I called my state's Attorney General office, and explained the situation because, as I mentioned, I know the law. The AG got in touch within a couple days to say they were taking the case and would send the massive hospital conglomerate a knock it off, guys letter.

Lo and Behold, today I have a letter where said hospital graciously has agreed to forfeit the payment.

"How not to get screwed over by companies" should be part of civics class.

Know your rights and know who to call when they're infringed on. This whole process cost me $0 and honestly less effort than I would have expected.

May this knowledge find its way to someone else who can use it.

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In case anyone finds it helpful because mobility aids are horrifically expensive and inaccessible…

And for those people who have access to mobility devices but might benefit from a second chair they can abuse without risking expensive damage…

Erik Kondo has made a website, Open Source Innovations, that details plans for DIY wheelchairs. These wheelchairs can be made from common materials like wood, plastic, and pvc. They are lightweight and can be custom fit to the user allowing from the same degree of movement you would get from a custom chair. And they are durable and easily repairable. (he has been stress testing his latest design by dropping it down stairs, dropping it out of a car, launching it across a driveway, and throwing it off a deck). Its 12lbs and I think he said its was in the $200 ish range for parts.

He also is working on cheap, open source, accessible designs for beach chairs, off road chairs, motorized attachments (think smart drive), and so on. Plus he skateboards in his wheelchair. Cool dude, helpful info, pass it on.

Clutch flags are easier than they look!

While strength is required, technique plays a large role.

They train the sides of your body and help you develop the ability for total-body tension. This can help with stability, core strength, and more.

In their defence, a lot of it is sand.