I've Moved

Hello everyone. For simplicity, I've integrated a blog into my new site which you can find here at http://www.fitnesstrainingbyjon.com
See you there!

From The Wall Street Journal - Exercising at the 'Brain Gym'

By KELLY GREENE

SAN FRANCISCO -- Linda Hale Bucklin, a 63-year-old writer, signed up on the spot when she saw a new "gym for the brain" in her neighborhood here. She now works out three times a week and credits a computer "visual processing" program for helping her find her car keys faster and sharpen her tennis skills.

On the court, "my game is just at a different level," says Ms. Bucklin. "I'm playing with 40-year-olds, and I'm holding my own really well."

Linda Hale Bucklin

Vibrant Brains, the business that drew her in, has attracted about 200 members since December 2007, according to its owners. Patrons pay $60 a month to work out on 20 computer stations loaded with "mental fitness" software, including a "neurobics circuit" that purports to stretch the brain. Ms. Bucklin says she's addicted to an art-auction game that displays a dozen Monets for purchase. "Then they'll intersperse them with other Monets, and you have to tell them apart," she says. "I minored in art history, and I still find it difficult."

Thousands of Americans are choosing to join a small, but growing, number of "brain gyms" springing up around the country. Similar brain-teaser programs are available on home computers, sometimes free of charge. The scientific jury is still out on the efficacy of such software.

The centerpiece of most outlets is a computer lab equipped with software from companies with names like Posit Science Corp., CogniFit Ltd., Lumos Labs Inc. and Happy Neuron Inc. Like gym rats who hit the weight machines or take Pilates classes, some users of the new technology say they prefer working with personal trainers. In this context, sessions are spent doing things like mental-fitness assessments and relaxation exercises in addition to basic cognitive training.

Sparks of Genius, in Boca Raton, is a Florida start-up drawing older adults with "scientific-based brain-fitness workouts." In southern California, a dozen "Nifty after Fifty" fitness clubs are combining traditional exercise with time in front of computer screens, claiming that mental calisthenics work best after physical exercise. Canyon Ranch, a Tucson, Ariz.-based spa operator, has added a series of "Memory & More" programs at its Lenox, Mass., resort, which include classes in brain nutrition, genetic workups, and cognitive training.

WSJ's Kelly Greene reports on a new kind of workout that's taking hold across the U.S. Aging Americans are using "neurobics" to exercise their brain and keep dementia at bay.

Brain exercise is spreading beyond gym walls, too. In Chicago, "Marbles: The Brain Store" offers classes on improving mental health. The New England Cognitive Center, a nonprofit group in Hartford, Conn., is teaching trainers to take its "Brain G.Y.M.M." program to community centers around the country. More than 700 retirement communities have added computerized brain-fitness centers in the past three years, according to Alvaro Fernandez, co-founder of SharpBrains Inc., a firm that surveys the brain-fitness software market.

"We saw this area explode last year," says Mr. Fernandez. He estimates that consumers spent more than $80 million in 2008 on mental fitness. "You have an industry with tools and coaches. This is more real than people think."

The industry pins its claims for brain exercise on a relatively new scientific discovery: neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire itself throughout life by creating neural connections in response to mental activity. In a study published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a clinical trial involving 2,832 older adults concluded that "cognitive training" -- such as identifying patterns in a series of letters or words -- helped improve memory and reasoning skills.

Brain Workout

Can you name who painted "The Persistence of Memory"? Fold a piece of paper into a brain shape? Try some exercises designed to test your mental fitness.

• Brain Trivia Crossword Puzzle: Test your knowledge
• Origami Brain: Make a brain model out of paper
• Cool Brain Trick: See hidden 3D images
• Brain Aerobics: Test your memory and attention skills
• Speed: Brain response to sounds

A more recent study, of 487 adults aged 65 and older, found that people who trained on brain-fitness software for 40 hours over eight weeks noted significant improvement with memory and attention skills. The study is scheduled to be published in the April edition of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

That said, "mental fitness" is still a squishy concept. Some scientists consider brain gyms simply the latest gimmick to trade on the public's fear of age-related dementia. An estimated 5.3 million Americans already have Alzheimer's disease. And as the huge baby-boom generation continues to gray, the Alzheimer's Association predicts that, by 2010, nearly a half-million new cases will develop every year -- a trend that will last for decades.

Some neuroscientists say it's simply too early to tell whether a specific form of brain exercise will result in lasting benefits or a lower incidence of dementia.

"Cognitive activity is probably good, and it may make someone sharper. But there's very little evidence that shows that these things in a controlled trial reduce Alzheimer's disease or affect everyday function," says David Loewenstein, a psychiatry professor at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.

But the "worried well" and people already in the early stages of dementia aren't waiting for research findings. More than 5.5 million copies of Nintendo Co.'s "Brain Age" games have been sold in the U.S. since 2006, the company says, jumpstarting awareness of the brain-exercise field.

While many brain-flexing centers are marketed primarily toward baby boomers, that generation's parents are signing up, as well. Last year, Eva Slane, an 80-year-old retired theatrical agent, joined Neurobics Club, a brain gym in Sarasota, Fla. "I would like to stay as sharp as I am," she says. Her favorite piece of equipment at the moment: the Dakim BrainFitness System, a touch-screen computer that uses a game-show-like format with stories, voiceovers and pre-1950s film and music clips.

Photo: vibrantBrains

Working out at Vibrant Brains, a 'brain gym' in San Francisco.

Marshall Kahn, an 82-year-old family doctor in Fullerton, Calif., says he got such a boost from brain exercises he started doing at a "Nifty after Fifty" club that he decided to start seeing patients again part-time. "Doing all the mental exercise," he says, "I realized I've still got it."

Lisa Schoonerman, the 41 year-old co-founder of Vibrant Brains LLC, says she first looked into cerebral gyms after her mother was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia -- an often fast-progressing form of memory loss. Her partner, Jan Zivic, had used earlier versions of brain games after a car accident 11 years ago left her in a coma and compromised much of her memory. Both were struck by the idea of bulking up the brain, what brain scientists refer to as "cognitive reserve." The theory: People engaged in greater degrees of mental stimulation increase their brain mass and neural pathways, protecting them if a brain injury or dementia starts chipping away at brain connections.

The duo's first storefront, dubbed vibrantBrains, has a small retail area, computer lab and a lounge stocked with walnuts and green tea. (Some nutritionists say such snacks promote brain health.) A second location opened in January.

Customer Gail Moore, 63, says it was tough to adjust to never feeling like she "won" at the exercises. "I simply hate this one called 'Master Gardener.' All the leaves look exactly alike to me, and I keep missing it. But I keep telling myself that the point is not getting very good at something, the point is doing it."

Write to Kelly Greene at kelly.greene@wsj.com

Lately

Lately I've been running around - busy with work, traveling, dogs, etc... but, I have had a chance to stay active. I finished the Solvang Century with a client and a new friend that we met on the ride that was down from Portland, OR. I decided to do the ride despite feeling awful and coughing, and at mile 65 or so it started to take it's toll. While pushing to get on a faster group's tow, I over did it and began coughing continuously. Needless to say, it was a rough 35 miles home!!! But, I was able to drag myself across the finish line and all in all had a really great time. I'll post pics soon.

I also got in touch with (on facebook) an old buddy I grew up and we had a chance to get reconnected via mountain bike riding. He came out 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning and we rode Sycamore Canyon and overlook trail back home to my place and had a great morning. We plan to do this on a regular basis on weekends when possible - let me know if you would like to join us! All are welcome.

Yesterday I was able to sneak out and paddle surf sunrise at Latigo Point. I had the entire place to myself for about an hour and a half on low tide with some solid 4ft sets rolling in. I was able to catch 4 waves without even getting wet! # 5 wave through #12 saw 2 falls. My balance is feeling very strong, and I still think that this paddle surfing is such a special form of exercise.
As I was ready to paddle home I met a new friend who lives in Cove Colony and we discussed paddle board shape and the unique shape of my 9'6" Naish quad fin and how the 12' Laird is really a table disguised as a surfboard.

There is a new Naish 9'3" board out that looks pretty cool too.
Here are some pics from my buddy Wardog's Blog at Surfing Sports in Santa Barbara

I created a new Youtube video for surfing and standup Paddle board training. It is great for a dynamic balance drill for your particular sport. If you do try this, try to do it on carpet or even on a mat since it is very dangerous. Yes, safety is important!

100 Years of Men's gymnastics at University of Illinois

March 2009 marked the 100th anniversary of men's gymnastics at the University of Illinois. I made the trek out there for the reunion, and had a great time. This a pic with two very special people. On the left is Justin Spring, an Illini Alum who was in the 2008 olympics and is now coaching at Illinois. In the center is Ivan Ivankov, the great Belarussian gymnast.

Illinois is fortunate to have such world class talent coaching for them. This should be an extremely attractive draw for recruiting new talent, and a great way for the current gymnasts to seek improvement from two world class gymnasts who can do every trick in the book!. They've been there, done that and can tell the guys how to follow in their footsteps.

Biggest Loser Fan?

For All you Biggest loser fans - I ran into Mike and Ron in Sycamore canyon today while riding the mountain bike ... They look great! that's all I'm going to say about this since I could probably get them in trouble.

Malibu Paddle Surfers

My buddy Chris (Cari says he is one of my "Malibu Boyfriends") started a blog for us Malibu Paddle Surfers. Check it out HERE Let me know what you think, and come join us out on the water!!!

50miles on the Road Bike

That's Ron In Front of me - on our way down PCH to Trancas for a cup of coffee (even though coffee isn't the best thing to be drinking on a long ride as I have discovered from first hand experience).











Yes, It is too bright for those glasses, but I was in a rush to get out of the garage this morning and didn't have time to change the lenses. There's Marshall and Mark behind me. Once Marshall saw I was taking pics, he pulled his camera out and we had an extreme photo session. We are like a bunch of girls out there!






















































































































































































It was a beautiful day out there today. I probably could have prepped more by drinking more water yesterday since I felt a bit "off" all morning. I'm blaming it on water - or lack there of.
I could also blame it on my hairy legs too. I see all these bike riders out there with shaved legs and I always wonder "does that help?" I am getting ready for a 100 mile ride (century) in solvang in a couple of weeks, and I'm actually considering shaving my tree trunks. I'm not sure why, but maybe it would help get me through the 100 miles. That's just what riders do, so maybe I should. Surfers don't do that though, and I surf. I'm confused.

Coming home, I was on my own. I left starbucks at Trancas without the other three guys I was with, and decided to climb encinal canyon. It got hot out there, and as my legs felt like they were going to fall off, but I made it, and enjoyed a fast decent into westlake down Decker. Hidden Valley was absolutely gorgeous today with so much green from all the rain we have had recently.

All in all, it was a successful day. Some tough climbing with some great riders.

JH

Great Email

I got this email from a friend of mine. I thought I'd pass it on since it is good information. Enjoy!

Jon

In case you missed this earlier ...

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY:

1. Every person has cancer cells in their body. These cancer cells do not
show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.
When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in
their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect
the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's
lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be
destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental,
food and lifestyle factors.

5 To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and
including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,
gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,
kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages
healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce
tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and
radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by
not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one
important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like
NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is
harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastrointestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and
substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic
and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork.
Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites,
which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds,
nuts and a little fruit help put the body into an alkaline environment.
About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea
is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water - best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive
enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build-up.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of
cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer
cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and
positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger,
resentment, and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic
environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax
and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising
daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular
level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

1. No plastic containers in microwave.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This
information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as
well.

Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.

Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases
dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle
Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked
about dioxins and how bad they are for us.. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.

This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the
combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food
and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using
glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food.

You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV
dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the
container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just
safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as
dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

Corporate Fitness : Update

As I wrote about last year, I work with a company in Chatsworth - Fiserv - two times per week on their fitness and nutrition. The goal has been to gradually make the group as a whole make healthier choices, exercise regularly, and now to lower their health care costs. It is working! Last year they had lower health care expenses, among other benefits as well.

Here are some pictures from the 2009 Fiserv Winter Ball -

Winter Cup '09

Here are some pics I took at Winter Cup in Vegas. You can find more on my facebook page. All in all, I was most impressed with a few young talented gymnasts, as well as the polished refined styles of the likes of Jonathan Horton, Joey Haggerty, and a few other veterans. As for College teams, Illinois looked good, yet Stanford looked nearly unstoppable. I left the meet feeling extremely happy that I am retired from gymnastics. Not to say I have any regrets or misgivings, but the level of difficulty that is being performed is much greater than when I was competing, thus much more dangerous! After reading Malcom Gladwell's "Outliers," I can attribute the increase in difficulty primarily to coaching, and the code of points demanding a higher level of difficulty. I noticed quite a few former Russian coaches on the floor this weekend -Vitaly Scherbo, Rustom Sharipov, Ivan Ivankov, Dimitry Bilozerchev, and many more - all Olympic champions and the idols of the kids they coach. I expect to see more of the trend to continue for more difficult gymnastics with better execution until we catch up with the Chinese (hopefully). Enjoy the pics, any thoughts?