NO
GUTS, NO GLORY
No, this isn’t a pep
talk about the courage to get in shape. This is a “pepsin” talk for people who,
quite literally, don’t have the guts to get healthy. They have the courage, but
not the guts. By guts, I mean intestinal fortitude, a clean colon, healthy
liver and a strong core. You may be successful in the gym, but your health is
still in jeopardy without gut health and core strength. You may have nice muscle
definition and low body fat, but physical appearance has very little to do with
overall health. Needless to say, gut health goes far beyond diet. Core strength
goes far beyond having six pack abs.
FARM FRESH FOODS & GREAT GRANDMA’S CONCOCTIONS
I know a lady in her late 70’s who’s slightly overweight. She never bothered to
exercise. We were lunching together at a church picnic and she’s enjoying ALL
the yummy stuff … basically eating whatever she wants. I’m sitting there with
my bunless grass-fed beef burger, broccoli bits and unsweetened applesauce.
“Doesn’t any of that junk food bother you?” I asked. “Nope” she replied. “I can
eat just about anything.” After much conversation, we discovered the answer to
this great mystery. As a little girl,
she was raised on a farm. Her entire family worked the land and ate fresh, homemade,
unprocessed foods (as did almost everyone from that generation). When she did
get ill, her mom would administer great grandma’s homemade medicine for
whatever ailed her; cough, flu, stomach ailments … chigger bites. In sharp contrast, kids from my generation and younger were treated to a
host of preservatives, fillers, dyes, sweeteners, prescription drugs, GMO’s and
poisonous foods disguised as “healthy”. Consequently, we’re allergic to
everything, can’t eat anything and are medicated way beyond reason. Yes, we can
do 100 squats in a CrossFit session. Yes, we can lift heavy weights and run 5
miles a day. But we can’t eat a freakin’ sandwich without getting the runs and
breaking out in hives.
Now I’m asking myself, “Is this what healthy is supposed to feel like?”
FIRST,
THE BAD NEWS.
As the New Year turns a
corner, many of you have considered joining a gym and getting in shape. That’s
great. But if, after all the diet and exercise, you still have stubborn belly
fat, irritable bowels, fatigue and food sensitivities, you may have an unhealthy
gut. The point of getting in shape is not just to look good; you should feel
good too. Without a healthy digestive system, your body won’t be able to
recover. Your supplements, protein powders and expensive veggie drinks will
simply slide unused through a skinny hallway of nearly petrified fecal matter
(your colon) and into Colorado Springs’ septic system. Well … that’s one way
your money goes back to the city government!
IN
PART TWO …
True health begins on
the inside. In my next blog, since this is about Fitness, I will address
exercises that you can do to strengthen your gut and colon. Plus, I’ll share a
valuable checklist so you can be sure you’re using safe, healthy methods for
muscle recovery and regeneration.
Vicki Morgan C.P.T. is a Senior Strength Trainer at Flex Gym with ACE certifications in Post-Orthopedic Recovery and Nutrition Essentials. At age 55, she enjoys competitive powerlifting and bodybuilding. Reach her at seniorstrength.pro. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider. This article is not meant to take the place of any treatment or activity your physician has deemed necessary.
Senior Strength and Fitness 