Kathy Dooley

Anatomy Angel: Improving Ankle Dorsiflexion

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Dooley Noted: 1/28/15 Every day I’m asked about how to improve ankle dorsiflexion (extension). I see many people hit the ground in half kneeling, pushing their kneecap toward a wall. They might be at that wall for a while. For the newcomers, ankle dorsiflexion is extension (increased angularity) of the talus (foot bone) relative to the tibia and fibula (the leg bones). Take the top of your foot towards the front of your shin. That’s … Read more

Grounded

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Dooley Noted: 1/27/15 Yesterday, we were threatened with a blizzard. As foolish people attempted to predict Mother Nature, I watched as people clamored to stock their shelves and get home safely. This storm threat gave me an empty evening schedule, to which I’m unaccustomed. So, I caught up on things that needed my attention. Since storms have always thrilled me, I kept my window open, eager to see the blizzard in full force. I had … Read more

Food Villains

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Dooley Noted: 1/26/2015 This past week, I had a number of clients discussing the “bad food” they ate. I heard phrases like the following: “I was bad this weekend.” “I ate crap.” “I was really bad and had bread with dinner.” I know this talk very well. The vilification of food started for me in junior high, when I started dieting. It was sixth grade. I remember my beautiful, thin classmates with boyfriends on their … Read more

Seminar Review: Taming the Bent Press

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Dooley Noted: 1/25/2015 Sometimes we are taught lifts that simply resonate with us. P When I was taught the bent press, I quickly loved it. I felt my hips move under heavier weight than I could currently strict press. This helped me gain confidence in hip wedging and getting heavy bells over my head. Dave Whitley, Master SFG and professional strongman, came to Catalyst SPORT for the first time yesterday to teach us the nuances … Read more

Making Mistakes

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Dooley Noted: 1/24/15 There’s a high price on being perfect that no one can seem to pay. People fear mistakes to the point of not wanting to try. I see it in students and patients. Yesterday, one of my amazing colleagues at Einstein was discussing with me about letting medical students make their own mistakes. “You have to make your mistakes yourself. You can’t always learn from someone else’s.” – Dr. Sam Lan This isn’t … Read more

People That Changed Me: Part 9

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Dooley Noted: 1/23/2015 The Person: Jason Kapnick Profession: strength coach, elite powerlifter, co-owner of Catalyst SPORT in midtown Manhattan How I met him: Luckily, I was invited to a difficult playtime/workout with by our mutual friend, Joe Boffi. This “Deck of Death” workout resulted in what would become a friendship that turned into a budding business partnership. How he’s changed me: Jason has shown me the spectrum of ways I can self improve. He helps … Read more

The Mind-Blowing Day

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Dooley Noted: 1/22/2015 Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege to help Einstein medical students perform brain removals. As dark as that may read, it’s one of the highlights of my teaching year. As they removed the scalp, they saw a true appreciation of its five-layer thickness. As they exposed the skull, I heard comments like the following: “Whoa. It’s RIGHT there. It seems so vulnerable.” Having removed hundreds of brains myself, I did my … Read more

Time Juggling

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Dooley Noted: 1/21/15 I have an intense schedule. But I designed it. So, it’s my responsibility to assign priority. This week, I fell short for a few people that depend on me. Knowing that “busy” is an illusion and an unacceptable excuse, I admitted my shortcomings. One must plan carefully and design a set of time management skills that helps you prioritize. I’ve designed some ways I help myself re-prioritize. Perhaps it can help you, … Read more

Why Your Back Keeps Going Out

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Dooley Noted: 1/20/15 I bet you wonder what went wrong the moment your back went out. You may have been picking up something heavy. You might have been tying your shoes. Or making your bed. Or lifting your baby. Or doing laundry. I’ve heard them all. But the event during which your back went out was only the last straw. It was a long time coming. You flexed, extended, rotated, and explored life through a … Read more

Learning to Shift

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Dooley Noted: 1/19/15 This past weekend, I was in London teaching NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) level I. When you’re an instructor and therapist, it’s not always easy to find someone to treat you. When you write a daily, quite personal blog, it’s even harder. People get nervous they won’t be able to help you. But I’m lucky to know some amazing therapists. I went to five different practitioners, each with a different idea of what was … Read more