“Optimizing physical capacity requires training at unsustainable intensities.” Greg Glassman
ITS UP TO US. Spending on healthcare in the US rose to $4.1 trillion in 2020 which is $12,530 per person and 20% of GDP. In 1980, we spent $253b (9% of our GDP). For some perspective, US Healthcare costs are literally a threat to our National Security – not because we have a sick population, but because healthcare cuts into our defense budget. Sadly, the bulk of our healthcare costs are the result of chronic metabolic diseases: obesity, diabetes type2, heart disease, strokes, and most cancers. And most, if not all, chronic diseases are the result of lifestyle choices.
Pharma is Rich & Happy – To make matters worse, in my opinion, big Pharma is very eager to capture their share of the spending. And, the largest food & beverage companies would like us to continue to consume their products. The Pharmaceutical industry is the biggest spender on political lobbying in the US by a large margin ($360b / yr in 2021). Pharma is the 2nd largest TV advertiser at $5.6b per year (!), followed by the food & beverage industry at $4.5b in 2021.
The bottom line is that Pharma and Food & Beverage industries are going to fight hard to prevent change. Thus, change is truly up to us.
Socioeconomics – Reversing chronic diseases in the US will take monumental shifts in behaviors, especially in lower income communities where food choices are limited, fitness resources are unavailable, and free time is scarce. Side note: I’m inclined to vote for any politician that supports and prioritizes health & fitness for everyone. I also think CrossFit make a big difference for many people in low-income communities – and there are people working on that.
On the other hand, for most of us on this email list, we have the knowledge, capacity, resources & time to alter our lifestyles (and our children’s) to make the changes necessary to help offset chronic diseases, primarily through diet and exercise. We should set the example for others to follow. We don’t need to preach (leave that to me). We just need to lead by example. Here’s how:
- Maintain your exercise regimen and talk about it when asked. Comon’ we love to talk about CrossFit!
- Do your own research! Listen to podcasts, subscribe to reputable nutrition & fitness sources (@crossfit @crossfithealth). Read about: IF, TRE, Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Supplements, Cold & Hot Therapy, Strength Training, Cross Training….
- Control your vices! Sugar, alcohol & processed foods are the biggest contributors to metabolic disease. We KNOW this.
- Meal prep! Let your friends & family ask you about your tupperware meals.
Help Me Help You – To be honest, the health problems in this Country are sadly overwhelming to me. I’d like to be able to help everyone. I cannot. But, I can change the lives of those who come to my gym and maybe a few others who subscribe to this email. So, help me help you: please listen to the Huberman Lab podcast below on alcohol. Then, take a moment to think about how alcohol might be affecting your health. That is all.
It is up to us.
LABOR DAY HOURS: Monday, Sep 5th, we’ll be open from 7A until 1P. Open gym will be available during those hours.
- Labor Day CrossFIt (only!) classes: 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A
- Canceled: Teen Strong
TWEET OF THE WEEK: “Most of what ails us is the result of voluntary behavior.”
THE WEEK AHEAD: Check SugarWod For Daily Workouts – August Calendar & Newsletter
- Mon: Clean & Jerk. Metcon: Amrap 7m – 8 T2B, 6 Burpee Box Jump Overs, 200m Run
- Tue: (MY CHERRYPICK) Long metcon – KB Swings, Sit Ups & Rowing
- Wed: “Amanda” (CF Benchmark “Girl”)
- Thu: Amrap 22m – 200m Run, 4 WW, 200m Run, 12 DB HPC, 200m Run, Rest 2m #35/50
- Fri: Back Squat. Tabata Bike (C2)
- Sat: “Grettle” (CF Benchmark “Girl”)
- Sun: 5RFT – 12 Pullups, 12 FR DB Lunges, 15/20c Air Bike
CRAIG’S LIST:
Song. She Likes It.
Thing. InFLATED.
CF Video: New Challenge (we’ve ALL been there)
Influencer Tip: 10, 3, 1, 0 Rule
Podcast: What Alcohol Does To Your Body, Brain & Health. The Huberman Lab. Dr. Andrew Huberman PhD & Neuroscientist is one of my favs. I enjoy drinking, mostly when I’m with family & friends. So, I was apprehensive about this one. And, as expected, I was shocked at the effects of drinking – even just 1 drink a few nights a week – on the body & brain. We are harming ourselves. Huberman discusses the physiological effects that drinking alcohol has on the brain and body at different levels of consumption and over time. He also describe genetic differences that predispose certain individuals to alcoholism, binge and habit-drinking. I explain alcohol metabolism in simple terms and how it effectively acts as a poison, leading to cellular stress and damage.
Research: More Young Adults Used Marijuana & Hallucinaogens Last Year Than Ever Before, NIH Study. Alcohol, Vaping, Hallucinogens, Marijuana.. all up substantially. This sucks.
Research: Psilocybin Therapy Sharply Reduces Excessive Drinking This is encouraging, though it should be noted, the psilocybin use was accompanied by psychotherapy. Additionally, the treatment reduced the number of days of very heavy drinking, but did not eliminate alcohol consumption.
Research: Physical Activity May Have a Stronger Role than Genes in Longevity. UC San Diego.- In an 8 year study of 5,446 women 63 & older in the US, researchers found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. Higher sedentary time was associated with higher risk of mortality. Tell your parents & grandparents to get off the couch!
See you in class! Make it an awesome week.
Craig
