The Weekly Word: March 13th, 2022

What I've Been Thinking About...
A few weeks ago we were at a party for a four year old and there, we discussed a gym that their daughter went to. This gymnastic facility is nationally known and has a reputation for creating high level gymnasts. Shortly after the conversation, we decided to walk to their house to hang out for a bit and we came across a newsstand. On the front page of the current issue being displayed was an article about said gym and an abuse scandal that stems back for decades. The weird thing about it all is that if you were to go to this gym, it would appear to be business as usual. To make matters even more weird, some of the coaches embroiled in the scandal are still coaching. It is as if no one seems to care.

As a parent or coach, I think it is important for us to be advocates for our children. If things do not feel right, we have to be the ones that speak up or speak out. We need to do this in the face of being ostracized by other parents. We need to do this even if threatened to be removed from the program. We need to do this even if we fear our child will "fall behind". There are plenty of organizations who do things the right way and it is on us to seek them out...even if it makes a few people mad!

Fitness Tip of the Week
Two weeks ago we started our Intro to Strength & Conditioning program and it is off to a great start. We have 12 kids signed up ages 10-12 and we are beginning to teach the fundamentals of training. In week 1, there was a lot of talking and teaching. In week 2, the kids were ready to go. It is amazing how quick the young mind can learn skills and techniques! The bulk of their program is based on lifts that can be deemed the core four: deadlift, squat, overhead press and bench press. These four exercises will be the bulk of the program. The remaining will be on chinups, sprints, rope climbs, sled pushes, medicine ball throws, jumps and whatever else the kids deem fun.

This type of format also works incredibly well with the adult population. The goal would be to get as strong as you can in the core four, then do whatever the heck you want with the rest of your time. We have to keep in mind that the stronger we get right now, the stronger we will be when we are 60, 70, 80 and beyond! Once you build strength in the Cour Four, do whatever you want... just don't hurt yourself. This could be kettlebell training, core work or that "Buns and guns" class you have always wanted to try! In a nutshell, this is the 80/20 principle applied to the gym. 80% working on the big lifts, 20% on whatever you want. Having that variability will keep you sane and allow you to try new things!

What I've Been Listening To...
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
I read this book nearly a decade ago and I forgot how great it was. While listening, I realized that much of what he writes are thoughts and ideas that I share with others. I stole his ideas, repackaged them as my own, and didn't even remember that they were his! The opening of the book tells the story of David and Goliath and how what appeared to be a disadvantage for David (lack of size, armor, weaponry, etc.)  turned out to be an advantage. His skill as a slinger allowed him to strike from a distance where he couldn't be overpowered by the larger Goliath.  

This book follows Gladwell's habit of tying topics together that most would deem unrelated as he shares stories of war, dyslexia, classroom size, the full court press in basketball, and more. It may be my favorite Gladwell book!

Speaking of Books...
A friend sent me a text on Friday night asking if I had any good book recommendations. Here is what I sent him...

1. Breathe by James Nestor. What I learned: Being a mouth breather is no good! Also, slow down and extend the exhalations when you are trying to calm the system.
2. David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. What I learned: Perceived advantages are not always as good as they seem and at times, are not advantages at all!
3. The Longevity Diet by Valter Longo: What I learned: I am overweight and if I want to live longer, I should reduce calorie intake. 
4. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann: What I learned: Our country has a corrupt history and the treatment of American Indians in the early days was appalling. 
5. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X: What I learned: Any man, no matter how strong their thoughts, can change and be something better than what they are!

Quote of the Week
"Youth is the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in individuals" -- Thomas Paine

I hope you all have an awesome week!
Chris Fluck