Michael Gonzalez-Wallace's Blog, page 38
March 30, 2012
Autism and Exercise. 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with Autism. My experience training a wonderful girl with Severe Autism
Autism and Exercise: Autism Therapy. Image Purchased: Bigstockphoto
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a new study. Autism spectrum disorders are almost five times more common among boys than girls — with 1 in 54 boys identified.[image error]
Among my daily clients include Athletes, bankers, editors in chief, actresses, models, lawyers, doctors and special needs children. Training these kids it has been an incredible experience but especially working with a girl with severe autism have reported me so much satisfaction that I can not express in my own words.
It has been an incredible journey for me, I keep learning every day and we are working as a team since we got started, 2 years ago. The capacity they have for success and their willingness to give their best still leaves me speechless even today. I have been working for the last two years in devising a specific program for them where they will improve the brain plasticity with movement, multi-tasking, sensory system, balance, hand eye coordination and confidence.
Meditation is really important for kids with Autism and everyone else. I practice with my client lying down in a dark room and relax for 5 minutes teaching breathing and a better sense of self awareness. Very excited that my client is responding so well to my program.
From PARENTS.COM Exercises for Kids with Autism – And Everyone
by Diane Debrovner from Parents.com
A smart mom friend of mine who used to be a reporter at The New York Times told me about the new book, Super Body, Super Brain, by Michael Gonzalez-Wallace. He is a personal trainer who has collaborated with neuroscientists to develop a series of research-based exercises that encourage connections between different regions of the brain. Says neurobiogist John H. Martin, Ph.D., in the book's Foreword: to keep reading click here
March 28, 2012
Cancer and Exercise-A Proven Remedy For Cancer Patients
Cancer and exercise. Exercise is a proven remedy for cancer patients.
Good Healthy Morning to all of you! As you all know by now I am extremely enthusiastic about exercise and health but only till recently I have been really interested in exercise and Cancer. I was extremely honored when a leading Hospital in New Jersey asked me to develop Super Body, Super Brain Program for Breast Cancer at Englewood Hospital . In my quest to research more about fitness and cancer I have decided to invite a top leader in the field, David Haas who is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. He has explained in a brilliant way how Exercise is A Proven Remedy For Cancer Patients, David Haas is writing the rest of this blog and you can contact him at dhaas@mesotheliomacanceralliance.org
Exercise- A Proven Remedy For Cancer Patients by David Haas
Traditional medical experts and holistic practitioners often agree that nutritional supplements add very little to an already well-balanced diet. Exercise, however, is a proven remedy that trumps supplementation for cancer and other chronic illnesses.
A 2007 report from "Harvard Men's Health Watch" suggests that exercise achieves the benefits claimed for vitamin supplements — even for people who eat a balanced diet. Many people take vitamins to protect against cancer. Unfortunately, while some vitamins reduce the risk for certain types of cancer, others actually boost the cancer risks for some people.
Exercise, on the other hand, is an important weapon for fighting cancer. It reduces the risks of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. It also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence for cancer survivors, and it increases life expectancy for many patients.
Health Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is good for physical and emotional health. Some people consider it a "miracle drug." Although it cannot cure cancer, exercise can prevent some cancers and help patients cope with others.
Regular exercise has other health benefits, too. It improves mood, reduces anxiety, builds self-confidence and promotes an overall positive outlook — things that many cancer patients often lose after diagnosis.
Exercise combats the negative side effects of cancer treatment, such as tiredness, nausea, headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite. It is excellent for general health, as well, boosting the body's ability to fight off infections and lowering the risk for diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
National Exercise Guidelines
Numerous studies conducted over half a century reveal that exercise helps people feel better and live longer. This applies to cancer patients as well as the general population.
National guidelines, such as those presented by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), guide cancer patients through the process of starting an exercise program. The ideal regimen will suit a patient's cancer type, cancer stage, physical abilities and lifestyle.
Not all patients are able to exercise. Physical activity may greatly tax a mesothelioma patient or someone with advanced cancer. Certain activities are inadvisable following mastectomy and other surgeries.
For those who can exercise, national guidelines recommend 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on five days a week. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and tennis are popular aerobic activities that get the heart pumping and blood flowing.
Strength training and flexibility exercises are important, too. Most cancer patients can incorporate light weight-lifting into their exercise regimens. Yoga and tai chi are excellent choices for flexibility and breathing exercise.
A Time for Rest
Traditionally, cancer patients were advised to avoid strenuous physical activity and get plenty of rest. This still holds true for patients with mesothelioma, hematologic cancers and end-stage illnesses. It may also apply to patients immediately before cancer treatment.
However, exercise offers a world of benefits during and after cancer treatment. That said, patients should be realistic about their exercise programs. Some days, it takes all the energy they can muster just to get out of bed. Patients have sick days and days of extreme fatigue.
David Haas who is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. dhaas@mesotheliomacanceralliance.org
Written by David Haas who is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. dhaas@mesotheliomacanceralliance.org
Thanks for reading and just wanted to share one of the latest studies of exercise and cancer
Exercise and Cancer. Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Author of Super Body, Super Brain shares the latest research about Cancer and Exercise
March 27, 2012
Announcement: I will start blogging in Spanish as well! Exercise and Neurons in Spanish!
Thanks so much to all of you for supporting me and encouraging me to start blogging in Spanish: my first official blog it is called: SUPER CUERPO, SUPER CEREBRO and my first blog is my interview for EL PAIS in an article titled : Exercise and Neurons
EL PAIS SALUD EJERCICIO Y NEURONAS
March 24, 2012
Super Plank Core Workout by Michael Gonzalez-Wallace
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace shows a core exercise in his weekly column at Body Smart Magazine-Plank Leg Up- Photo by Beth Bischoff
SUPER PLANK WITH LEG RAISE
To see a description of the exercise click here Body Smart. Check out the previous edition of Body Smart! here you can read their last week edition FOR FREE check it out here
Plank it is one of the most effective core exercises that will help strengthen your abs, your lower back and your arms. Now lets take up a notch and even challenge that core much more by raising alternatively one leg at a time while holding the plank. This exercise will deliver immediate strength benefits and abdominal definition
From Body Smart Magazine, subscribe to get my weekly move!
First lie face down on the floor or padded mat resting on your your forearms. Bring your body off the floor resting it on your elbows and toes, making sure you keep your back flat and maintain your body in a perfect horizontal line. click here to see a full description
March 21, 2012
Breast Cancer and Exercise. Michael Gonzalez-Wallace offers an individualized exercise program tailored to patients with Breast Cancer at Englewood Hospital
BREAST CANCER EXERCISE PROGRAM-Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Author of Super Body, Super Brain offers an individualized exercise program tailored to patients with Breast Cancer at Englewood Hospital
Really excited that TODAY starts my Program for BREAST CANCER patients Englewood Hospital and Medical Center! This Program has been a dream for me to convince such a prestigious institution to offer an individualized SUPER BODY SUPER BRAIN program for Breast Cancer Patients and I will be sharing results of this 10 week program-Expected results in: -Improve blood pressure and resting heart rate
-Feel more Energized
-Improve Strength and Mental Alertness
-Mental Sharpness and Focus
-Cardiovascular Activity
-Joint flexibility and muscular strength
-Increased functional capacity
-Increased postmasectomy mobility and Range of Motion
-Decreased of Body Fat
-Increased Lean muscle mass
-Reduced loss of bone mineral density
-Decreased nausea and fatigue
-Improved mood- self esteem and control
BREAST CANCER PROGRAM
1.OVERVIEW
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant(cancer) cells form inthe tissues of the breast. About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2012, an estimated 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer for more information check this phenomenal website
However there are clear reasons for hope and full recovery after treatment. Exercise can play a fundamental role in the emotional well being and also fron the physiological point of view of the individual.
It is known Chronic low-grade inflammation is a possible risk factor for cancer that may be modifiable with long-term exercise
BREAST CANCER AND EXERCISE
More and more literature is being published on the effects of exercise on breast cancer patients. According to IDEA Health and Fitness Association Magazine, It is well researched that regular exercise can help prevent breast cancer (Peel et al. 2009). Recently researchers have determined that high levels of IGF -1 often present in sedentary individuals can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence (Ligibel et al.2008)
As you can see Exercise can really help, the question is what type of exercise and there is where I come in since I have designed a really careful, methodic, safe and effective exercise program that will tackle important health functions such as strength, balance, coordination, sensory, proprioception, emotional and cardiovascular.
I will make sure to post the results and the fascinating program at Englewood Hospital. I am so excited!
Also I wanted to share one of my recent visits to one of the most important support groups for Breast Cancer: Tennis for life
Hope and resilience. My recent visit to Tennis for life it was life changing. This wonderful organization created by breast cancer survivors offers their members an opportunity to experience a pure jolt of excitement, resilience, hope and all that practicing your favorite sport, Tennis! They invited me to discuss my recent book: Super Body, Super Brain
Breast cancer is one of the most feared common cancer among American women. The chance of developing breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is beyond the staggering number of 10%.
The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States are for 2011:
About 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
About 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
About 39,520 women will die from breast cancer to see more data click here CANCER.ORG
Janet who is a breast cancer survivor and the program coordinator at Tennis for life expressed her excitement of her new life: "I am preparing for my next Triathlon and when I come to Tennis for Life I have never felt better in my life"
According to one of the members, Andrea " There was a point in my life where I needed to go to a support group for breast cancer but not to cry but to move and feel happy about myself and why not practice my favorite sport, tennis?"
According to the National Cancer Institute California researchers have found that strenuous long-term physical activity decreases a woman's risk of invasive and in situ breast cancer, according to study results published in the February 26, 2007, Archives of Internal Medicine (see the journal abstract).
Book Signing with Breast cancer survivors
BREAST CANCER PREVENTION CLICK HERE
I will be designing a specific exercise routine to help them with strength, balance, coordination and physical performance. Stay tuned!
March 19, 2012
Rotator Cuff Exercise to strengthen your shoulders and prevent shoulder injuries
Rotator Cuff Exercise. Michael Gonzalez-Wallace shows how to strengthen the rotator cuff. Exercise from Body Smart- Photo from Beth Bischoff
To see a description of the exercise click here Body Smart. Check out the previous edition of Body Smart! here you can read their last week edition FOR FREE check it out here
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles. Who doesn't know someone with a rotator cuff injury? The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. However is one of the most complicated joints in our body since over 2,000,000 Americans in 2008 visited a doctor for rotator cuff injuries. These individual muscles stabilize the shoulder to allow motion, movement and stability.
The four muscles are Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace explains shoulder anatomy and how you can strengthen this important joint-Image from wikipedia
While many athletes are prone to shoulder injuries, this joint injury it is affecting the general population representing a really important joint to strengthen the earlier the better. That is why I wanted to propose this exercise to strengthen this important joint in your body.
Description of Michael Gonzalez-Wallace's Rotator Cuff Exercise
From a standing position. Pick two dumbbells and bend your elbow forming a 90 degree angle and place both elbows at each side of the waist then move both arms backwards To see a full description of this exercise click here Body Smart
Check out the previous edition of Body Smart! here you can read their last week edition FOR FREE check it out here
March 16, 2012
Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Motion and Physical Movement. Fascinating years of history of Human Movement
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace writes about human body and movement, a historical perspective
The Human Body is the most absolute perfect machine ever invented, yes I said it right, The Human Body it is a machine that has puzzled scientists, historians, physicists and many others throughout history. I just love how the Human Body moves. Movement defines us who we are and if movement becomes impaired we lose a vital quality that is really important to us. Have you Ever stopped to think how do we move? How is it possible to move so well and then become older and become stiffer, losing balance, coordination, motion? Giant historical figures from Aristotle, Galen, Da Vinci, Newton or Galileo have been obsessed with motion, specifically with human motion. Throughout years of history and DNA development movement has been analyzed, improved, documented and well theorized.
How did I get involved in this part of human science? I have always been attracted to movement, performance and how our brain interacts with our muscles to make them move in a very well orchestrated manner.
According to David Winter who is the Author of Biomechanics and Motor Control Biomechanics can be defined as an interdiscipline which describes, analyzes and asseses Human Movement. A wide variety of physical movements are involved -everything from the gait of the physically handicapped to the lifting of a load by a factory worker to the performance of a superior athlete. Click here for more information about Dr Winter
The history of this science goes way back when it come to study movement. Kinesiology is a combination of the Greek for 'to move' (kinein) and 'logos' (discourse). Kinesiologists – those who discourse on movement-in effect combine anatomy, neuroscience with physiology, the science of function of the body, to produce kinesiology, the science of movement of the body.
Exercise science is moving to a whole new world:
What is Biomechanics? Biomechanics is the science of movement of a living body, including how muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together to produce movement.
Aristotle 384 – 322 B.C
"Father of Kinesiology" "About the movement of Animals" described Movement and locomotion for the first time
The first observation and analysis of gait The first geometrical analysis of muscular action
131- 201 A.D Caludius Galen is The First "sport physician" and "team doctor" in history – "Father of Sports Medicine" For 4 years he practiced surgery and dietetics among the gladiators, gaining substantial knowledge of the human body and human motion
Galen may have written as many as 600 treatises, amounting to some 10 million words.
His first text on physiology"On the function of the parts" . He Distinguished between skeletal muscles and muscle parts, such as the heart and the stomach
Leonardo Da Vinci 1452-1519
Considered the Human Body as the most perfect machine, Interested in envisioning the mechanics of machines. His contribution is based on Mechanical analysis of movement included soft tissue. joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
He represented the Human Body in an absolute brilliant way bringing attention to anatomy, motion and physiology click here
In 1543 published De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem (On the Structure of the Human Body). He expressed his discontent with Galen's work and stated that human anatomy could only be learned from dissection and observation of the human body. We had to wait approximately 1,500 years till Claudius Galen's theories were debated and reformulated and thanks to a great physicist like Andrea Vesalius he noticed contradictions in his work Convinced Galen's work was dissections of animals and wrongly portrayed the human body Dissected executed criminals
Then we fast forward several years and we see how Medicine and Science take a really important turn where Science, Religion and Church would be struggling till the existence of the Scientific Method and one of his mos important contributors was Galileo Galilei.
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace writes about human body and movement, a historical perspective
Galileo Galilei 1564-1642
Most fundamental contribution to science. Scientific Method Need to examine facts critically and reproduce known phenomenon experimentally so as to determine cause & effect for what is observed
Provided Foundation for Newton's 3 laws/Theory of uniform motion, projectiles, inclined plane, and he defined momentum.
Contribution to Biomechanics:
Foundation for Newton's 3 laws
Theory of uniform motion, projectiles, inclined plane, and he defined momentum
Giovanni Alfonso Borelli (1608-1679)
Discovered forces required for equilibrium in various joints of the body before Newtown developed his laws. One of the first men to understand that the levers of the musculoskeletal system magnify motion rather than force De Motu Animalium Published after 1679. He was the first one of using geometrical method to describe jumping, running, flying, swimming, etc. Gait analysis & analysis of muscles.
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace writes about human body and movement, a historical perspective
Isaac Newton & the "Principia"
Sir Isaac Newton ( 1642-1727) formulated 3 cardinal "laws" that became the basis for classical mechanics and study of motion. Through these laws he describe the relationship of forces, objects, and motion. Isaac Newton's theories have been the foundation for understanding motion and physical force systems.
Here is a summary of his Masterpiece "Principia"
Book I: Science & mechanics 3 Laws (Inertia, accleration, & action-reaction)
Book II:New scientific philosophies, Descartes & Kepler
Book III: Applications of his dynamics, Law of gravitation, Law of Inertia
A body will remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force
Law of Acceleration The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force causing it, it is in the same direction as the fore, and it is inversely proportional to its mass
Law of action-reaction For every action there exists an equal and opposite reaction
Universal Gravitation All objects attract each other with gravitational force that is inversely proportional to the square of the distance b/n the objects. This force of gravity is proportional to the mass of each of the two bodies being attracted to each other
1800 A.D. – 1900 A.D.
Period of time where the interest of of mind and body was reborn, sport and movement ideal form. Scientists express a progressive interest in human locomotion.. The Gait analysis is born
Contribuition to Biomechanics: Measuring methods developed to quantify kinematics and kinetics of movement
Measuring methods developed to quantify electrical current during muscular contractions. Gait analysis is fundamental right now since it is used in extensive centers of sports medicine and high performance sports centers. You can see how different centers are applying and perfectioning the study of human locomotion.
Source and referral "HISTORY OF BIOMECHANICS. JENNIFER KLOTZ. OLGA THEOU. NICOLE WOOD. CHRIS DUNCAN. WON CHUNG"
BENEFITS OF BIOMECHANICS
They are based in functional anatomy (how our bodies intended to move)
Metabolic demand (burning more calories since they are more muscles involved per movement) This science requires how to increase the metabolic requirement of exercise
Movement and Performance (how to enhance motor learning capabilities)
BIOMECHANICS STUDIES
Why Biomechanics is so useful when applying strength training exercises? According to IDEA Health and Fitness Association "There are a few good reasons to develop and incorporate total-body exercises into a workout. They are rooted in functional anatomy (how our bodies are intended to move); metabolic demand (how to increase the metabolic requirement of exercise); and movement and performance (how to enhance motor learning capabilities)". click here to keep reading
In other words, It is now more obvious that our bodies are far more connected than we have given them credit for.
In the case of exercise, the more intense the exercise is the greater the metabolic demand will be (Volek 2000)
March 13, 2012
Hamstrings Workout with Core Push Ups
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace shows the importance of strengthening the Hamstrings
Hamstrings Workout!
Exercise of the Week! Hamstrings Workout!
Check out the last issue of Body Smart, the best health magazine!
Welcome to my exercise of the week from Body Smart. This week I have a phenomenal exercise for your core!
This week a Core exercise that strengthens your hamstrings as well!
Hamstrings refers to several muscles in the back of your legs that are involved in many daily activities such as walking, running, sitting, driving or standing. Weak hamstring can cause weak knees, tight lower back and poor posture. This week we will help you to Strengthen the hamstrings and support better the quads, strengthen the knees leading to a better neuromuscular performance, better posture and reduce risk of injuries such as lower back pain.
Check my book Super Body, Super Brain
Get down on a quadruped position (on your hands and knees) You can get a padded surface for your knee if needed. Tighten your core and contract your abs to stabilize your spine then raise right leg till is completely horizontal with your spine, then curl your right leg to your buttocks (bending completely the right leg like in the following video
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Body Smart features "Run Smart, Run Safe" David Katz, Michael Gonzalez-Wallace and more!
March 9, 2012
The Neuroscience of Exercise: Michael Gonzalez-Wallace is Interviewed by Medhelp. 12 ways to boost your brain power
12 Ways to boost your brain power. Medhelp interviews Michael Gonzalez-Wallace author of Super Body, Super Brain
The Neuroscience of Exercise: Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Interview at Medhelp is Live
Just wanted to share a great article at Medhelp and my interview about brain and exercise
From Medhelp's Interview click here to keep reading
The Neuroscience of Exercise: Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Interview at Medhelp is Live
The fourth important pillar of brain fitness: exercise. Learning new movements (and building on their complexity) not only trims your waistline — it also nourishes your brain connections and pushes your brain to create new paths of communication, says Michael Gonzalez-Wallace, author of Super Body, Super Brain and MedHelp's Brain and Body Fitness forum MedHelpexpert. Plus, he says, click here to keep reading and please share
The Neuroscience of Exercise: 3 Exercises to Boost your brain power, click here to keep reading and please share
The Neuroscience of Exercise. Exercises to boost your brain power. Medhelp interviews Michael Gonzalez-Wallace.
To finalize this blog I wanted to share an interview at Sharpbrains, one of the best websites of brain science and latest research
Q&A with Yaakov Stern on Brain Reserve, Exercise, Cognitive Training,
Angry Birds, YMCA and more
By: Alvaro Fernandez
To finalize this blog I wanted to share an interview at Sharpbrains, one of the best websites of brain science and latest research
Q&A with Yaakov Stern on Brain Reserve, Exercise, Cognitive Training,
By: Alvaro Fernandez
I just had the chance to discuss latest neuroscientific research and thinking with Dr. Yaakov Stern, one of the leading scientists studying how to build a neuroprotective cognitive reserve across the lifespan. Dr. Stern leads the Cognitive Neuroscience Division at the Columbia University Sergievsky Center click here to keep reading
The Neuroscience of Exercise: Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Interview at Medhelp is Live-12 ways to boost your brain power
12 Ways to boost your brain power. Medhelp interviews Michael Gonzalez-Wallace author of Super Body, Super Brain
The Neuroscience of Exercise: Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Interview at Medhelp is Live
Just wanted to share a great article at Medhelp and my interview about brain and exercise
The fourth important pillar of brain fitness: exercise. Learning new movements (and building on their complexity) not only trims your waistline — it also nourishes your brain connections and pushes your brain to create new paths of communication, says Michael Gonzalez-Wallace, author of Super Body, Super Brain andMedHelp's Brain and Body Fitness forum MedHelpexpert. Plus, he says, you'll boost your balance and coordination, which helps keep your mind and body strong click here to keep reading and please share
The Neuroscience of Exercise. Exercises to boost your brain power. Medhelp interviews Michael Gonzalez-Wallace.
To finalize this blog I wanted to share an interview at Sharpbrains, one of the best websites of brain science and latest research
Q&A with Yaakov Stern on Brain Reserve, Exercise, Cognitive Training,
Angry Birds, YMCA and more
By: Alvaro Fernandez
I just had the chance to discuss latest neuroscientific research and thinking with Dr. Yaakov Stern, one of the leading scientists studying how to build a neuroprotective cognitive reserve across the lifespan. Dr. Stern leads the Cognitive Neuroscience Division at the Columbia University Sergievsky Center. What follows is a Q&A session conducted via email over the last week click here to keep reading
Michael Gonzalez-Wallace's Blog
