Sin can be viewed as anything that violates the ideal relationship between an individual and God. The bible lists many sins and many ways to avoid and atone for these sins. There are even seven of them that are considered deadly:  wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. I find it interesting when people speak out against "sin" using the bible as a reference tool as if they themselves are pure of heart and mind to interpret, judge and convict. 

What is my opinion on Phil and the whole Duck thing (I have never seen an episode)? It's all crap and a publicity stunt and a waste of our energy. It has completely shifted our society away from stories and conversations about happiness, generosity, industriousness, modesty, aversion, contentedness and abstinence. These are the antonyms for the sins listed above and were we to share opinions, stories and experiences using these as a template, we would be full of abundance and love.

The comments made by the duck guy have been made over and over by all kinds of people but the only fact that matters is this- Christian or not- we are not the judge or jury. Christian or not, we are to live a life full of happiness and contentment. We are to give generously. We are to be industrious. We are to be modest. We are to practice aversion and abstinence. To bask in these virtues would bring us closer to God and to one another.

We are here to love. We don't get to pick our favorite "sin" and condemn others while ignoring the personal "sins" we are currently committing behind closed doors.f

But, while I'm here let me remind you in a gentle way that God made us all mobile. God made us to lift, move and throw. To chase, build and carry.  To dig, run and play.  What are you doing to honor the body given to you? 

This past summer I interned for Angie Wolff at Hammond. I helped her set up/conduct a strength and conditioning program for female volleyball players, cheerleaders, and tennis players in middle school to high school. This was one of the best experiences of my life, but it is hard to put into word what I got out of this experience. It was truly amazing to see how Angie could motivate these girls who had zero experience in a weight room. We started the program basically holding the girls hands, and at the end the girls knew exactly what to do. It was amazing to see not only the physical improvement but also the mental. Angie gave these athletes the confidence they needed to be the best they could be. If you ever need a personal trainer or even a confidence boost Angie’s positive life style will definitely help! Being an athlete all my life and dealing with an injury that has made me make a decision it retire, it was even more touching to learn from Angie how to positively impact younger athletes to be the best they can be.

Liz

Meet my dad.

My dad, Shirl Norman Baker, Jr. is a 50-something retired military man currently waiting medical clearance to return to work as a truck driver. He loves fishing and all things country, and unfortunately, his list of vices is long — smoking, bacon, pork chops, Mountain Dew, coffee, imitation mashed potatoes and deer meat cooked in eight million different ways.

If I told you, as a health professional, that I am motivated by a bacon-eating smoker I would expect you to pause and wonder just what kind of health professional I am. But my dad has taught me two critical lessons: to meet clients where they are and never judge them for the condition they’re in.

My dad joined the military right out of high school. He was the youngest of five — quite literally treated as the baby — and raised by an alcoholic, abusive father and a mother who had to work as hard at home as she did at work. My dad’s childhood made him determined. He would abstain from drinking and find a way to support himself. His journey led him to a profession he wore with pride.

As a member of the Air Force, he traveled the world.  In service, he played softball and raised three kids while serving in Operation Desert Storm. Later, he retired lean and active. I remember my dad brushing my long black hair with a comb and hiring dozens of babysitters who would quit after two days with us. My father’s greatest lesson in my youth, however, was how to be altruistic.

We’d spend entire Saturdays mowing the yards of soldiers who left their families behind to fight in the war my dad had not yet been sent to. We would rake, mow and weed. One of our yards even won yard of the month. At the time, I hated those Saturdays. I didn’t understand why we needed to do it. Then one day, a man who had just returned from Iraq, brought my dad a beer to thank him for the months of work he had done while he’d been an ocean away. As I watched them laugh and talk I understood. Our work was a small gesture that reached way beyond Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. In addition to being far-from-perfect, there was a lot more to my dad. He would give you the shirt off his back and never think twice.

When he returned to Muddy Creek, my father welcomed the single-lane dirt road with steep drop offs and sharp curves. He was home. His new life would be just as he wanted happily fishing, hunting and living. No stress. None of the complications of raising three kids.

It’s a life his body is paying for. He’s gained more than 100 pounds. He’s experienced diseases and chronic conditions. There are countless aches and pains with common solution of prescriptions or surgeries. I wonder if his doctors have ever considered the benefits of diet and exercise? Have they made any effort to guide him toward a healthier life? An enthusiastic trainer? A physical therapist? A massage therapist? A dietician? Anything!

I train many male clients just as I wish someone would help my dad. Not with chiding and bossiness, but rather respect and courtesy. I develop a plan for restoring their fitness, and hopefully, an improved level of health. Sharing the knowledge that most diseases don’t “happen” to us. Proving that exercise and diet can change your energy levels and lifestyle. To make sure they know — as I tell my own father —that he is every bit the man he was in his twenties and thirties and his grandchildren want that same cool guy to still be hanging around in his sixties and seventies.

Every man carrying the weight of a deconditioned body is vulnerable. He needs a little push to spark the leader and warrior whose quietly waiting inside. With the right encouragement, even the shy, unaware and unfamiliar will inch out from their shell to explore the outside world.

Encouragement doesn’t come from inside a prescription bottle or by surgically removing disease and organs alone. No matter what condition you’re in, there is a healthier body inside you. It’s there, waiting. Let’s wake it up

More than 100,000 Americans will die yearly from correctly taking their properly prescribed medications.

China Study
Author: T. Colin Campbell

I think everyone knows I want to live a great quality of life. We are living longer but we aren’t necessarily living better as we get older.  I loved this book and was a vegan for 5 years with this as a steady reminder. Here are a few of my notes and a couple links to some great reviews and interviews.  I highly recommend reading The China Study.

My quickie notes…
Not all proteins, carbs and fats are created equal. The less (better quality) foods we eat, the longer we will live (healthier). Plant based diets work!

• 1-13 Americans have diabetes
• 1-3 Americans will die of Heart Disease
• People who ate the most animal-based protein/foods got the most chronic diseases
• In 1997, we spent over a trillion dollars in health care with the leading cause of death being heart disease, cancer and the medical care given.
• DEATH BY OUR MEDICAL CARE: medication errors, unnecessary surgery, preventable errors in hospitals, hospital borne infections and the largest category of death by hospital patients? “noxious, unintended and undesired effects of a drug which occurs at normal doses”.
• We can avoid genetic diseases even though we harbor the genes. The drug companies want to catalog good and bad genes so we can turn them on/off with a prescribed pill even though 20% of all new drugs have serious unknown side effects

 I can’t argue that Bill Clinton is a smart man and I agree with his decision to alter his diet from omnivore to vegan. Check out this article: 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html

Read this great article:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/nutrition-advice-from-the-china-study/?_r=0

Specific Book details:

In The China Study, Dr. T. Colin Campbell details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The report also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and opportunistic scientists. The New York Times has recognized the study as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” and the “most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease.”

The China Study is not a diet book. Dr. Campbell cuts through the haze of misinformation and delivers an insightful message to anyone living with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and those concerned with the effects of aging.

Fit Columbia. How I make Columbia Stronger.

Did you know that in addition to training private and group session for clients at Fit Columbia,  in 2013 Angie Wolff also…

• Served as a mentor for 19 exercise science majors at USC
• Served as a mentor for the WITS program for future personal training candidates
• Served as the female strength & conditioning coach for Hammond School’s tennis, volleyball and competitive cheerleading teams
• Ran with 13 non-runners in their first 5k or obstacle course races
• Served as on-line PE teacher for The South Carolina Virtual School Program (SCVSP)
• Taught physical education for University of South Carolina training 30 new students
• Presented materials on how to stay active at work to the MASCAVA organization
• Became Insanity Certified
• Served as a middle school volleyball coach for Hammond School
• Worked as a scoreboard operator for the University of South Carolina Volleyball Program
• Worked as a fitness model

MORE TO COME IN 2014!  

Starting With the Basics: The Right Sport Bra is Critical
Written by: Susannah Cole

I have been wearing sports bras for over twenty years and as a petite woman, I have not always had an easy time finding one that will fit correctly. Most bras squeeze my chest, they constrict my ribs to the point they hurt, sometimes they give me the dreaded “pit pooch” or they were just ugly.  Today I can find all kinds of sports bras ranging from $10- $100 but they seem to be complicated to buy and select for a girl that’s not very “girly”.  There was a shift in my athletic apparel when I met with Susannah Cole from Jack and Jane Sport.  She helped fit me for the right bra and asked me the right questions.  I asked her to guest blog with me so others can have some great tips on how to choose the right sports bra.

Susannah Cole:

As an owner of an athletic apparel store, I understand the attention many women pay to the appearance of their clothing on the outside, the part people see. I cannot stress enough, however, the importance of a good sports bra, not as an accessory or afterthought, but as a foundation piece. An improper fit can influence back or shoulder pain, chafing, and, perhaps less importantly, the look of the clothes layering over the bra.  A customer comes into my store looking for sports bras for several reasons. Occasionally, it’s because her trainer has sent her my way, informing her she shouldn’t work out in a regular bra. Other times, a woman knows what has worked for her in the past, but has recently changed her body shape, or is recovering from an injury, and her current bra isn’t a good fit for her anymore.  Whether you have a general knowledge about sports bras, or you’re completely at a loss and need one-on-one help, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your next athletic bra.

First, I always ask what the customer will be doing in the bra. High impact activities, such as running or jumping rope, certainly require a larger amount of support than low impact athletics, such as yoga or barre classes. When looking for a high impact bra, note the level of compression and encapsulation. Encapsulation refers to two distinct cups that hold each breast separately, with a triangular piece between the cups that should rest flat against the breastbone. For larger girls engaging in high impact activities, a bra that combines encapsulation and compression is often the best bet. For smaller ladies, a compression bra may be all they need. Second, I typically ask ladies about padding. Is it a preference? I would guess that about 60% of my ladies prefer it. The reasons vary. The padding does provide shape to the ladies, but most of the time women are more concerned about modesty, and the padding helps ensure nothing shows through their clothing.

Finally, I ask about the bra’s structure preference. A traditional M frame bra has wide set shoulder straps that rise straight up from the top of the breast over the shoulder and down to the clasp in the back near the outside of the shoulder blades. This design tends to minimize horizontal movement of the breasts during activity. By contrast, in a racer back style, the straps are set closer the center of the back, and allow for more freedom of arm movement. Some ladies have a preference based on activity, but more often than not, the decision is made based on the aesthetics of the clothes they are wearing over the bra. Do they care if the straps show, or can they use those bra straps to their advantage? For example, it isn’t unusual for a woman who prefers to wear mostly black, to buy a pink bra for a pop of color at their shoulders. They are still in their comfort zone for the most part, but a colorful bra gives some variety to their attire.

Once we’ve picked out a few options, I always encourage ladies to try them on in the store. The decision is typically made on a combination of comfort, bounce testing, modesty, and overall fit. If the cup size is too small, the breasts will spill out of the top or sides of the cup. Too big, and you will see wrinkling of the fabric in the cup itself.

Finding the right sports bra can seem overwhelming when you see all the choices out there. Truthfully, trying several on is the best way to go. When you’ve found the right one, you just know. At Jack and Jane Sport, we are always happy to help a woman find the right bra for her, and if we don’t have what she needs, we will help her find someone who does. Bra shopping won’t be so intimidating once you know how to look.

I had the privilege of speaking to the MASCAVA organization today about how to stay fit while working long hours behind the desk. I decided the best way to present this information would be to teach them how to be prepared and make the most of the what they already have access to.

PREP: RABBIT BAGS & WORKOUT KIT
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.  ~ Confucius

Rabbit bags are pre-packed snack size baggies filled with your favorite snacks.  We make sure our kids have snacks and we need the same. Pretzels, Chocolate Covered nuts/berries, trail mix, dried fruit. If you have a fridge, you can put carrots, cucumbers and other veggies.

Workout kit includes a note card of the week’s WOD, tennis/dog ball, band, 2lb db, rubber band

BODY MAINTENANCE:  GOALS & WOD
"Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong."~John F. Kennedy

GOALS
1. Get up from floor or chair without using hands (keeps core strong)
2. Maintain or increase shoulder mobility and body flexibility (reducing chance of a hump back and/or kyphosis)
3. Add weight bearing exercises to ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists (prevents injury and falling)
4. Get heart rate up everyday (circulates oxygen & blood)
5. Get inverted everyday (circulates blood and other bodily fluids)

SAMPLE WOD  1x8 (beginner) 2x10 (advanced) 3x12 (athletic)

Sample exercise and sample stretches listed below
Monday: Desk or wall push-up/tricep dip   (Open Cow Face)
Tuesday: Dumbbell tricep overhead press, Sit/Stand from chair punching with dumbbells (Tricep Stretch)
Wednesday:  Wall Sit Bicep Curl, Shoulder Press(Hamstring Stretch)
Thursday: Calf Raises & Step-ups(Tree Pose)
Friday: Band Sumo Squat* & Dumbbell Chest Fly(Carpel Tunnel Stretch & Rubberband work)
* Easier- sit/stand instead of squat

Change up your walking routine by adding quick jogs, little hops, sprints, skips, lunges, weights; or even better walk a different route each day and add some hills.  Change up the routine of walking up and down stairs by taking them two at a time or jogging up while walking down.  Keep changing up your routines.

Challenge courses find plenty of enthusiasts

Adventure Racing is a new high-intensity endurance sport capturing the attention of thousands throughout South Carolina. Each race features a unique set of obstacles that are physically and mentally challenging. The Spartan Beast was held in October, 2012. Over 3,000 participants ran 13 miles with more than 25 obstacles, including mud crawls, fire jumping, and rope climbing. When the race ends scores posted are not just best times but completion statistics and injury reports. This made us wonder; why are so many flocking to this new sport? Read More.

South Carolina’s response to obesity is to create a strategic plan with layers of programs, revisions, policies, and online reporting systems. This may work for some, but a growing number of us need more than bicep curls and crunches to 5k programs; we need . . . an adventure.For thousands of South Carolinians, adventure racing is the answer. Read More. 

Fit Columbia is a host site for graduating students in the personal training program. 

http://www.witseducation.com/fit/store-shop/personal-trainer-certification-course/

10 ways to encourage your children to get active and stay fit. Read More. 

A REFERENCE FROM JULIE ROSS
HAMMOND SCHOOL 5/2012              

Having known Angie Wolff for two years, I am thrilled to share my knowledge of her from both personal and professional perspectives.

As a woman and a mother, Angie fills the lives of everyone around her with love, compassion, honesty, and loyalty.  She exudes a joy for life and uplifts all who come in contact with her.  Because she appreciates the uniqueness of individuals, Angie encourages us to celebrate our differences as we recognize our common goals whether in the classroom, on the volleyball court, or in an administrative meeting.

As a professional, Angie makes a wonderful addition to any staff.  Her mind is always brainstorming for creative and innovative ways to accomplish her goals.  Having powerful energy and being self-motivated, she initiates projects, beyond her expected responsibilities, and sees them through to their completion.  An example, among many, of this attribute was her development of an annual health week in the upper school.  This project exposed the students to a variety of community speakers who educated them on topics such as proper snacking, diabetes, body image, etc.

Because of her connections in the community, Angie brings valuable resources to her job.  For example, through her contacts at University of South Carolina, she developed and implemented an intern program with the Department of Exercise Science.  This internship provides Hammond with personnel for our summer conditioning program while allowing the USC students hands-on experiences.

As a teacher, Angie has demonstrated her ability to meet the students exactly where they are in their development and set attainable goals, so as not to overwhelm. She is very adept at adapting strategies to each individual personality.

Strong, self-motivated, goal-oriented, compassionate, intuitive and benevolent – weave all of these traits together and you have one awesome individual in Angie Wolff.

Sincerely,
Julie Ross