The Health Guru: December 2011

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Proper Bench Press Technique

It's the most common weightlifting press done but it's also the one most commonly done incorrectly.

Finally, a solid video detailing how to do bench press with proper technique.

Some things I learned:
-squeeze shoulder blades together to start
-keep feet planted far apart on the floor and press into the ground for leverage
-on the way up, try and break the bar; on the way down try and spread the bar apart

This video from Westside Barbell discusses narrow, medium, and wide grip for the bench press:

This video from Crossfit Football is good because it also explains how to properly spot someone during a bench press:

Another Crossfit Football Bench Press Technique Video:

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Thoughtful Piece on Eating Flesh

"I realized I didn't have a problem with meat. I had a problem with the inhumane practices of the commercial meat industry."

Full Atlantic article.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Gymnastics: The Pinnacle of Athleticism

Staff of Life

Now most people assume that whole wheat is the paragon of health foods out there. It's also widely believed that if you don't have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity then there's absolutely no issue with wheat.

Think again.

"In just a mere 50 years, grains – wheat, in particular – have become a mutant species crafted by the hands of human intervention in the name of increased crop yields, resistance to drought, disease, and heat, as well as an end to world hunger – all of which are honorable causes and tremendous scientific achievements. However, the accelerated evolution of wheat through hybridization – a feat that would make Gregor Mendel proud – has been to the detriment of human health" (Underground Wellness article).

Einkorn wheat --> Emmer wheat --> Triticum aestivum --> modern wheat