Points of discussion this week:

• Atlas didn’t need to shrug. Just press that thing. C’mon, you lift weights, don’t you?
• Most people who get sick resume exercising too soon or exercise too hard, and end up sicker than they started. Here’s how not to do that.
• Here’s an entry for your respective toolboxes: Two free yet reasonably comprehensive online food journals.
• Look, Dr. Warden; I finally wrote it: How Strength Training Increases Bone Density.

Stay well hydrated; it’s gonna be a hot one this weekend!

A little late; I hope y’all can forgive me.

I got all my soapboxing out this week.   Here’s a recap:

• Kids should stop spending time getting virtually fit and actually go outside and run around.  At least, that’s what I wrote on Monday.  Who uses the word “simulacra“?  Me.
• A tongue-in-cheek post on how you know it’s time to get a new personal trainer.
• Scott Kustes of Modern Forager made me rethink my definition of carb-loading.  Who knew you could reconcile carb-loading and low-carb diets?
• Finally, I talked about using benchmark workouts as a motivational tool and a gauge of progress.  Now, it’s easy to know whether you’re fitter, stronger, or just plain better than you were 6 months ago.

Two of my morning clients (Christine and Ilana, I’m talking about you) will be pleased to discover that I was suitably abused at Jiujitsu today.  Just thought I’d let you know.

Have a pleasant weekend, all.

Top o’ the morning to y’all.  What did we discuss this week?

• Monday’s post helped get my unmotivated carcass onto the mat; a video of Mike Hummel benching 601, one-handed. 
• Have a friend or family member who’s worried about joint strength?  They should read about how strength training strengthens your joints. 
• And while they’re at it, they might as well read about how strength training can reduce neck pain.  Warning - science ahead!
• Seth Godin, agent of change, helped me change my mindset on how to view (and use) fitness/exercise books.  I’m hanging up my chef’s hat.

New York City is so awesome during holiday weekends, because no one is around.  Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

(Note: It occurred to me recently that I should write up a weekly summary of the random array of topics I’ve blogged about over the past week(s), for benefit of first-time and new readers.  So, here it is.)

What did we chat about this week?

Abdominal bracing: Tightening your abs during exercise is a good thing.  It improves your posture and stability and makes the gym police happy.

Training vs. Working Out: Train (for something), don’t work out (randomly).

Muscle Health: Gina Kolata’s NY Times article discusses why it’s good to strength train, with some (unwarranted) concessions to the cardio crowd.  It’s still worthwhile reading, regardless.

Reps: Why do 5 reps, or 15 reps? I discuss a different way of thinking about reps - as a representation of work and a subdivision of time.

Enjoy the weekend.