If you find yourself in Wilmington, NC you should give Aqua Float and Cryo a shout and set up a visit.  The facility has everything you might need for non-invasive recovery and relaxation.  Learn more at their website here.

As with any other activity that may affect your health and existing physical conditions, please consult with your physician before trying the equipment mentioned in this episode, whether it's during a visit to Aqua Float and Cryo, or any other facility.  

The Bult for Life Podcast is aimed at presenting our listeners with new ideas, along with tried and true techniques to help you on your journey with chronic pain, but anything that we discover and relay back to our listeners should not be considered medical advice.

With that being said, we are proud to announce that Gerrit's wife, Beth, will be joining us as a co-host for future episodes.  She has a wealth of medical knowledge and will bring a lot of great information and experience to the table.  We look forward to upcoming episodes with her, and hope that you will check them out! Thanks for listening!

Dr. Christina Pate,PT, DPT, CSCS, FMT is a  very knowledgeable Physical Therapist that really cares for the recovery and development of her patients.  Gerrit and Christina recorded this actual physical therapy appointment at Vidant Health in Wallace, NC. 

If you'd like to see the full video of the session, you can check it out on our YouTube channel here!

Thanks for listening and watching!

We know that there are mixed emotions about what should be open, and what should remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Skip and Holly talk about the compelling reasons why people not only SHOULD get back to their regular exercise routines, but why the NEED to get back.

With  Holly's background in fitness as well as her experience in the pharmaceutical field, she knows the emotional and scientific benefits of exercise, and the psychological boost that people can get from having a community and a gym family.

Skip is well aware of the benefits as well, and cautions that the business of running a gym isn't as cutthroat as you would imagine.  The permanent effect that the pandemic has brought about in the gym community is detrimental to everyone, from mom and pop gyms to the big box chains which he warns are at great risk of closing, if they haven't already.

TF Fitness + Nutrition can be found at www.tffitnessandnutrition.com

Although Gerrit attends TF, this episode is not an ad for TF Fitness, and should be considered a  general testimonial for the benefits of a gym routine wherever you decide to attend.  That being said, be safe!  Make sure your facility is adhering to strict cleaning and maintenance policies, and has your health and safety as their top priority.

There are so many great takeaways from our conversation with Todd. One of them being a mantra that he saw posted at a gym that he visited, "better than yesterday." In its simplest form, that is what we wish for on the Bult for Life podcast. 

He also mentions using past accomplishments, whether big or small, to remind yourself of your potential during times of doubt. 

Another great point that Todd made, was to remind yourself that through adversity, mistakes, and accidents, we all have things to learn and to gain. it's not enough to simply learn these lessons, but to remember that you've learned them already when you faced similar challenges in the future.

Beth and Gerrit offer up a variety of anecdotal and practical information about Gluten and the effects that it has on inflammation in the body.  That being said, it is suggested that you do additional research, and consult your physician before making any major lifestyle or dietary changes.  While we believe that eliminating gluten in your diet can only help...we don't know all of your specific conditions and dietary needs specifically.

Beth references some of her influences in doing research on the effects of Gluten and other grains, one of which was the Book "Grain Brain" by Dr. David Perlmutter.  She also mentions learning a lot from renowned physician, Dr. Mark Hyman.

Beth also trained and worked with Robban Sica, MD at www.centerhealingarts.com , where she gained a tremendous amount of insight into functional medicine along with general health and wellness.

Nick Marki is a physical therapist, founder, and owner of Beach Barbell along with his wife Brittany.  He has a passion for helping people recover injury, both past and present. He's also been active in the fitness community most of his adult life. He discovered that by combining his PT skills with years of experience in fitness and strength training that he could create a unique place where he could share his knowledge and develop fitness programs tailored to fit each individual’s goals, function, and activities.

Gerrit is joined in this episode by his wife, Beth, and his son Jake.  We recorded this episode remotely from their home.  Some of the great takeaways discussed in the episode are below:

How we should frame this experience for children?

Gerrit and Beth talk about setting schedules and focusing less on math and science, and more on making this as positive an experience as possible as we attempt to home-school our youth.

How can families dealing with chronic illness communicate their needs and feelings clearly with loved ones?

Gerrit and Beth have worked, and continue to work on, the most effective way to clearly discuss the challenges that living with chronic illness can present.  They have some great advice to help keep the peace around the home, and for everyone to feel like they are getting what they want and need out of a relationship.

How important is physical activity and exercise during these times?

The fact that the Bult family is an extremely active and physically fit family doesn't mean that those who may not be at the same level should feel intimidated or excluded.  Everyone is dealing with their own limitations, and if we can focus on just doing something....something creative, something fun, or something challenging, then we will come out of this a little stronger physically and mentally.

We sincerely hope that throughout all of the new challenges that we face as a global society, that you are maintaining as much positivity and optimism as possible.  It is our mission to be there for you when you can't find a way to be positive, and to encourage everyone to find ways to make the best of their current situations.  We hope that in some way, our stories and our messages are helping people.  Please reach out with any feedback that you might have.  We would love to hear from you.

Over the past year, we have had our own ups and downs, and we've realized that in our efforts to help those living in the chronic pain and chronic illness community, that you've helped us just as much, if not more.  The messages we've been receiving are sometimes hard to read.  There are really good people out there going through really bad things.  There are others that have found a way to thrive through their limitations, or have made it to the other side of heartache.  It is our goal to harness the power of the thrivers to empower those of you that need a boost of support or inspiration.  If you let us know how we're doing, we'll get that much better at doing so.  In this episode, Gerrit reads some of the messages he's received on social media related to the show.  We hope you enjoy!

Gerrit and Ed talk about a wide range of topics, in what we hope is the first of many conversations with one of powerlifting's most knowledgeable minds.

Exercise/Recovery Related People Mentioned

Ed discusses his thoughts on the best ways to fix your body after a workout, or when you are feeling pain after strenuous exercise.

• Kelly Starrett at the ready state (formerly mobility WOD)
• Donnie Thompson's product - The X-Wife
• Chris Duffin of Kabuki Strength
• Stuart McGill - Back Fit Pro

Diet

Simple question, simple answer.  When Gerrit asks Ed about his diet, he is quick to recommend one plan.

• Stan Efferding's Vertical Diet

Martial Arts Training

Ed mentions how his interest in martial arts developed into counter-violence training, which Gerrit refers to as training for "real shit."

• Michael Van Beek - Focus Counter Violence

To learn more about the legendary powerlifter Ed Coan, check him out here.