The Cult of Football

The Cult of Football
Most People Endangered by Football Don't Play in the NFL
"Big college football programs graduate just 55 percent of players, compared a to 68-percent graduation rate for male students overall at the same universities. Florida State, this season’s champion, graduates 58 percent of its football players, versus 71 percent for male Florida State students overall. Football players typically get five years instead of four, and don’t pay for college; meanwhile, running out of money is the most common reason non-athlete undergraduates fail to complete degrees..............But too many programs operate like cults, pulling teens away from the classroom while instilling a sense of BMOC entitlement that backfires in senior year when recruiters don’t call. One varsity player in 50 is offered either an NCAA scholarship or “ath admit” to college. Many wake up in December of senior year to discover their GPAs are too low, or extracurriculars too few, for regular college admission."  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities -- Tabatas and Heavy Bag
After seeing clients and taking care of other business today, I made time for a Tabata workout of pullups, pushups, crunches and jump squats.  I followed this a little later with a 30 minute heavy bag workout.

~Feelin' Alive!~

5 Food and Fitness Trends: Healthy or All Hype?

5 Food and Fitness Trends: Healthy or All Hype?
We're about a month into the new year, and many of us are probably test-driving new or growing fitness trends in search of weight loss, better health or even six-pack abs. Even if you aren't going to extremes to look and feel your best, chances are you're wondering if the steps you're taking to achieve your personal health and fitness goals are all they're cracked up to be. To help you figure it all out, I got expert opinions on five popular food and fitness trends.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Jacksonville Trails Run and a Back Workout
It was another great day to be out on the trails so I headed to the Jacksonville Trails for a fun run.  A little later I made time for a workout of weighted chinups, suspension alternating single arm pullups (body rows), suspension rear delt flyes, and hanging scapular depression/retraction.

~Feelin' Alive!~

9 Health Problems You Can Treat with Exercise

9 Health Problems You Can Treat with Exercise
It helps you live longer, lose weight, and gain a stronger heart. It can help you cope with stress and depression and boost your self-esteem. Exercise: It's the best medicine available, yet few doctors are going to write you a prescription for a daily 30-minute jog.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Upper Table Rock Run
The recent light rains made the trail muddy and slick again, but I still had a good run on Upper Table Rock today.
And, I saw the first signs of spring......the biscuit root flowers are just starting to show.

~Feelin' Alive!~

Good cholesterol 'can turn nasty and clog arteries'

Good cholesterol 'can turn nasty and clog arteries'
Good cholesterol also has a nasty side that can increase the risk of heart attacks, according to US doctors.
"Good", or HDL, cholesterol normally helps to keep arteries clear and is good for heart health.
But the team at the Cleveland Clinic showed it can become abnormal and lead to blocked blood vessels.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Heavy Bag
After a busy day of business, I made a little time in the evening for a 30 min heavy bag workout.
I should probably find time tomorrow for some heavy lifting and/or a good trail run in the rain.

~Feelin' Alive!~

High-protein diets may increase risk of kidney disease

High-protein diets may increase risk of kidney disease
High-protein diets, such as the Dukan diet, are currently a popular alternative to the traditional calorie-counting forms of dieting. But scientists at the University of Granada in Spain have shown through tests in rats that a high-protein diet increases the risk of kidney stones and other renal diseases.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Run and a Chest Workout
After taking a break from the trails for a couple of days, it was time to get out for a run on Lower Table Rock today.  Later, in the afternoon, I did a quick workout of BB bench presses, DB flyes, and ring pushups.

~Feelin' Alive!~

TOPFIT Daily Activities Review

It's been another great week of activity, and I've definitely taken advantage of the fantastic weather we've been having.  In addition to finally washing a few thousand miles of road grime off my car, I also made time for:

3 Table Rock Runs
1 Punisher run/hike
2 heavy bag workouts
1 squat workout
1 back workout
1 chest workout

What did you do this past week for your health and fitness?

~Feelin' Alive!~

Weight Loss Supplements Contain Dangerous Substances

Weight Loss Supplements Contain Dangerous Substances
The Food and Drug Administration issued two warnings earlier this week about several weight loss supplements having substances contained within them, some dangerous or banned, adding on to a long list compiled by the FDA since 2009. The list found supplements which can be brought in stores and online, currently stretching to 72, including several popular supplements.  read more

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Heavy Bag
After a few hours with the grandkids earlier in the day, I kind of took it easy and only made time for a 30 min heavy bag workout.

~Feelin' Alive!~