Dooley Noted: 12/8/14 I can’t seem to walk a block without seeing an advertisement for “toning” fitness classes. This got me thinking: What does “toning” even mean? I remember nearly wearing out a Buns of Steel video in high school, watching the aerobics instructors in their swimsuits. I thought the same thing then as 20 years later: This video isn’t what they do to look like that. I never got the least bit of tone … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/7/2014 Eric Moss is a fantastic fitness coach and professional strongman. At a kettlebell seminar, he saw me frustrated with a skill. He told me about the power of the mind and of good, clean technique. With them both, anything was possible. He told me to read “The Mighty Atom.” I was so moved that I knew pursuing strength would be part of my life. He invited strongman Chris Rider to Eric Moss … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/5/2014 Yesterday, a patient made an incredible observation about himself in my office. Patient: “I never used to have to think about bracing my belly before picking up my daughter.” Dooley: “Well, that’s one of the reasons why you have back pain.” You’re not worse off because you have to consciously change an unconscious habit. Yes, it takes work. But you are gaining control that you may have never possessed. Maybe you never … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/4/2014 Far too often, I have patients that have little clue why they had the surgery they endured. Yesterday, the conversation read like this: Dooley: “Why did you get a surgery?” Patient: “I had foot pain. I have flat feet.” Dooley: “You have 2 flat feet. Why surgery just on the right?” Patient: “The surgeon said I have arthritis.” Dooley: “Research supports that arthritis is a poor predictor for pain. Any diagnoses other … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/3/2014 As my boyfriend kissed me goodbye this morning, he stated something poignant. “You raised your shoulders when you kissed me. Give me a stronger kiss.” He was right. I dropped my shoulders and hit repeat. I was stealing my own strength and stability with an unconscious, everyday habit. Let’s face it: no matter how many hours you spend in the gym, you spend much more time out of it. Your everyday habits … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/2/14 I saw your invite to play the latest crush/saga. It interrupted an important email return to a patient. While you played your game, I returned to an inbox full of emails. I wrote patient notes synced to my cloud. I uploaded rehab videos. While you played your game, you thought you should invite me to join. But I will never join your game. I live every moment of my life as if … Read more
Dooley Noted: 12/1/2014 I was once at a kettlebell seminar. I overheard a seasoned and qualified trainer say the following, with pride: “I would never be coached by someone who couldn’t lift more than me.” I was shocked by this judgmental statement. If one is truly focused on self-improvement, one can learn from anyone that is willing to teach. Great example of this truth are my business partners. Jason Kapnick and Joe Boffi are both … Read more
Dooley Noted: 11/30/14 A qualified and professional massage therapist was treating me this week. She spoke of how she had grown complacent with her skills and techniques, before taking a seminar with me. She said she now had no choice but to learn more. That’s the endless cup that is knowledge. Once you get a sip, you just want more of the cup that never seems empty. But what you know now is not to … Read more
Dooley Noted: 11/29/14 This week, a patient came to see me. He admitted that his muscles felt so tight that he received massages twice weekly for the past year. That begged a litany of questions. Dooley: “Do you get relief from the massage?” Patient: “Sure – while it’s happening.” Dooley: “But nothing lasts?” Patient: “Nope.” He noted that he did a series of stretches, every morning and evening. Dooley: “Do they help?” Patient: “While I’m … Read more
Dooley Noted: 11/27/2014 My life has been turned upside down in the last year. When I got flipped around, I wasn’t in the same place. Like any major changes, you roll with it to be productive. And this has been one productive year! I felt some thanks were necessary. 1. Thank you, Ma and Pa Dooley, for showing me that family comes first. And when cancer threatens you, you overcome it with a unified front. … Read more