Dooley Noted: 3/3/2015 I am forced to measure my weight about once a year. This determines how much I’m required to lift at strength certifications. Otherwise, I don’t do it. I don’t find it informative. It’s a measure of density – not of composition. The scale must not be your only measure of progress. I’ll provide an example. Fighters typically cut weight in the days before the competition. By boosting water intake one week prior, … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/2/2015 I was on press restriction for many months, recovering from an arm injury. For the last three weeks, I allowed myself to press lightly, never working through pain. I knew when I arrived at the StrongFirst Barbell Instructor certification, I would be expected to military press but never push through pain. I’d been to a half a dozen therapists, with different opinions about the pain source. I took their suggestions. Some of … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/1/2015 I am a chiropractor that co-owns a facility with two amazing athletes and expert coaches. Joe Boffi is a Muay Thai boxer and all-around incredible athlete. Jason Kapnick is an elite powerlifter. Since we opened in July, not a day has passed that I don’t see someone barbell deadlifting. I only knew the kettlebell deadlift, so I took one look at the barbell and avoided it. But as I felt my strength … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/28/2015 Yesterday, I attended the first day of the StrongFirst Barbell instructor certification. Standing next to me was my former patient. That’s right: former. I didn’t sell her some bogus package, telling her she needed to come see me three times a week for 2 months and then for the rest of her life. That might be good business for some, but I’m not going to convince myself – or others – of … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/26/15 In my 20s, I had chronic low back pain. Fittingly for Throwback Thursday, I found a picture of me unpacking luggage at age 21. Note that I am hinging through my low back, with almost zero hip movement. I limited the range of one of the most mobile joints in the body, and I traded it for spinal instability. I didn’t have help then. In chiropractic school, I learned I shouldn’t let … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/25/15 The Person: Joe Gonzalez Profession: strength coach How I know him: I had the honor of meeting Joe while assisting at a NeuroKinetic Therapy Level I seminar in NYC. How he’s changed me: Joe has strong opinions, matched with an open mind. I’ve never met anyone as good as Joe at taking in information and making it work for him. His coaching style is unique and effective, exciting and inspiring. And he … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/24/2015 We eat the junk – even if it makes our problems worsen. We skip the workout – even though we know it pays us back with energy. We pick the fight – even though we know we will feel worse. We weave the web, then act surprised when we become entangled. We throw our hands up, claiming life is out of our control. We fail to catalyze our own growth, and beg … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/23/2015 Through the avenue of seminar instruction, I am exposed to many movement specialists per year. More times than not, I hear phrases like the following: “I’m a mess.” “I’m broken.” “Fix me.” And these are therapists talking! Once someone sees an MRI or radiographic finding, it’s tough to unsee it. Once the structure has experienced dysfunction, many feel as if they are broken masses. So I thought back on the 900+ cadavers … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/22/2015 It’s rare to meet more tenacious people than Jason Kapnick and Long Duong of Catalyst SPORT. These two powerlifters competed today at the WNPF All Raw Tournament of Champions. They both have reason for great praise today, as they smashed through goals. Jason managed to pull a 1535 raw total, crushing his previous total and earning best lifter at the meet. What’s more amazing than their results? The process to get them … Read more
Dooley Noted: 2/21/2015 I travel nearly every weekend these days. I run on high octane during my week and when I’m in seminar all weekend. I take my catharsis where I can get it. It’s usually in the TSA line. I’m discouraged from eating, drinking, speaking, writing, educating, or strength training. So, I breathe and process my week. Occasionally, I’m interrupted. It happened yesterday, on my way to Toronto. Two females were behind me, discussing … Read more