The Weekly Word: January 16, 2022

What I've Been Thinking About...
I was reading a book titled Merchants of Doubt and in it, it shows how a handful of scientists played major roles in decisions regarding things from second hand smoke to global warming. In the book, it brought up a quote from economist John Maynard Keynes that goes, "there's no such thing as a free lunch". I liked the quote initially but had to do some thinking before understanding what he was inferring to. 

What I believe Keynes was saying is that with new things, unintended consequences happen as a result of something that you did not foresee. For example, an increase in production, which was a good thing for the economy, led to environmental damage. Same idea with other things like the invention of DDT which did a great job removing mosquitoes but it also did harm to other small animals which eventually worked its way up the food chain. Things that were deemed good initially were then criticized for the damage that was occurring as a result. 

I think about how this concept plays out in our day to day lives. What are we doing today that we will one day deem unwise? These things are hard to prognosticate but as we look back in history, there is always something like "wow, I can't believe they used to do things that way!" I wonder what it will be...

Fitness Tip of the Week
I have used this post-Covid time to relax a bit and not do much physical training. It has given me some time to think about the type of training that would benefit me most and it led me to shift my intentions a bit. The focus of this program will be on cardiovascular health. The secondary focus will be on flexibility/mobility with strength training mixed in three times a week. Here is how the program looks: 

1. Find 60 minutes a day for walking. The most reasonable approach to this would be to sprinkle in 10-15 minute walks multiple times throughout the day. Park further away, walk while on the phone, take the stairs, whatever it may be. If 60 minutes is not possible, set a goal for steps per day and hit that number. Here is how I would do it: If you have a watch that tracks steps, see what your average for 2021 was. Add 10% to that number and try to hit that everyday in 2022! No excuses, no explanations!
2. Get the heart rate elevated with cardiovascular training 20-40 minutes every other day. Building this system will go a long way towards improving your health and living longer. Get the heart rate elevated for 30-40 minutes a few times a week and you will feel like a new person!
3. Train your muscles with strength training 3 times per week. I plan on doing a deadlift, a squat, a press and a pull. On these days, I will also carry kettlebells for distance. Simple and hopefully sinister!

P.S. I will be writing an article on this program and also recording a podcast outlining the details. If you want more information, let me know and I can get it to you!

Revolutionary Resolution
This weeks focus was on SILENCE. As Franklin describes it, "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation." 

This virtue has two components to it. The first focuses on speaking only when things may benefit others or yourself. There is no gossip here. If it doesn't do anyone any good, keep it to yourself. The second portion of this focuses on avoiding trivial conversation. This message is one in which needs more attention, especially with things like social media. In the gym, I hear all kinds of conversations from kids. One thing that constantly gets brought up is how they let trivial matters effect their moods and the friendships they have. Kids spend way too much time worrying about how many likes they get and if so and so saw the post. I think there is nothing more trivial in life than this but yet this is life for middle school and high school aged kids everywhere. We are living in a very strange time.

What I've Been Reading...
The Longevity Diet by Valter Longo
This book takes a look at the role diet plays in disease prevention and quality of life. One thing that we control that directly affects our health is what we consume. In this book, Longo outlines many studies in regards to diet and how to live a long, healthy life. The goal for Longo's clients is to not only add years onto their life but to add life into their years. You want to reach the age of 60, 70, 80 and beyond and function in a way where you are able to enjoy life and have fun. 

Quote of the Week
"We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men" -- George Orwell

I hope you all have an awesome week!
Chris Fluck