Killer KettleBells!!! KAPOW!

Some of the basics...

By Underground Wellness

Before things got cold (again), and I had to put the radiators back on full blast at home; my Saturday was spent playing touch rugby in sweltering heat, and beautiful sunshine, along the breezy Hudson river @Pier 40, Manhattan. 3 hours, many bottles of water and running induced leg cramps later (not even the banana and Coconut water [Which incidentally has 15x the potassium than my measly musa!] was enough to stop my body seizing up!). So I dragged my way up 7th Ave. and side-stepped through a bustling market with the motivation to meet my partner Yacov, and taking a long shower and hot sauna at my local gym.

"Greg!"

"Hi David." (NYSC General Manager and fellow rugger!)

"You're just in time - You are the only person who turned up!"

"For what?"

"The KettleBell class!"

"?"

So - that's where I was: I 'remember' booking a class. But I just could not remember 'when'.

Alas - it was that day! I couldn't let my boy down. I signed in. Headed on down to the studio. Dumped my kit (already soaked with sweat) and prepared myself for the pain in store - I know this was gonna hurt. I just didn't know how much...

And so - already hot and sweaty from my marathon session that morning I headed into the class. Alone. Like a bad kid sent to the headmaster.

"So - where is everyone?" I ask half jokingly.

"Beats me - people just don't know about KettleBells." Richard Lehman. I guy full of energy, broad shouldered with a smile on his face. I felt instantly motivated to sweat it out. I tell him I had previously performed some basics with KettleBells and that I ONLY have 30min in me (due to my rugby heroics that morning). "Oh - I'm gonna make you suffer!"

"Yay(!?)"

And so this is my introduction to KettleBells - we both try and get some guys from the floor to join in the class, but no-one is interested. What are they afraid of? Well they are BIG guys - pumped and rippling. They don't want to show off? Or be shown up??? We were joined by a lady with pink hair and a nose ring; "Why not..." she says.

Adam Cronin - this guy makes it easy, but these moves are something incredible!

(And that ain't no feather he's holding either!)

So - The KettleBell is a cast iron weight looking somewhat like a cannonball with a handle. There are sizes that range from 5 lbs to 175 lbs. The traditional Russian KettleBell is usually one which weighs roughly 16kg / 35lbs. Yeah - I started with the 4kg and 8kg bells. And unlike traditional dumbbells, the KettleBell's center of mass is extended beyond the hand. This allows for swing movements not possible with dumbbells. Because more muscle groups are utilized in the swinging and movement of a KettleBell than during the lifting of dumbbells, a KettleBell workout is said to be more effective, and yields better results in less time (After 15min - I was on fire!) And because the center of mass on a KettleBell "swings", micro-muscles are needed to balance a KettleBell, more so than a dumbbell. The existence of a handle allows for "release moves" which are not available to a dumbbell.

We started with a 'warm-up'. Yeah - 'WARM-UP'(!) Squats with single, and double, -handed swings. We were advised on correct positioning: make sure as you swing into the upright position to push those hips forward, and REALLY clenched the butt - YOU WILL FEEL THE BURN!!! One of the biggest injuries from KettleBells are herniated discs from poor body position. keep the back straight. We did squats, snatch, clean, jerk, crunches, lunges - every move you can think of incorporating the KettleBells - reps to get the heart pumping, presses to get the muscles burning, burpies until you were breathing battery acid!

Many times I wanted to quit - but Richard kept us both going - and the bad hard-house he'd installed over the PA shouted out like an accusation - that if I stopped, it would continue to mock me with it's laughing heavy bass! Not on my work-out, baby! I stuck it out and it felt great. I WILL be doing this work-out again.

Richard has been pushing KettleBells in NYC for a while, and I strongly advise ANYONE to try them. Cardio, strength, rehabilitation, conditioning, power. Everything is covered through this work-out. KettleBells: I'm sold!

And for all you aspiring MMA fighters out there - make KettleBells a part of your training regimen.

PEACE

The Benefits Vitamin D!!! (Jumping on the bandwagon)

New York, April. Spring.

And it suddenly got cold again.

Volcanoes...?

Before Iceland's big bang (Bjork aside); Winter cold, bare trees, and snuggling under the duvet were cosy memories. Alas, Spring has supposedly come and heralded Summer's approach. The garden is thankful of the rain and flora are exploding into shades of green, red and blue. Hopefully I will dust off the cap, unravel the shorts, and reveal my lily whites to the sun. S.A.D. should be a thing of the past...

Putting the flowery introduction aside, I wish to get down to the meat and potatoes of this posting; that is the importance of getting enough Vitamin D for you and your family. Now EVERYONE is talking wax-lyrical about the health benefits of getting your optimum dose, and the following video from the University of California highlights the importance of obtaining enough vitamin D to prevent a myriad of ailments. Take time out to watch this in full.

The generic term 'Vitamin D' refers to several different forms. The two forms that are important in human development and function are: Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants and fungi and is an 'essential nutrient' (i.e. Not manufactured by humans). Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. So... Get those pasty arms and legs out of those Winter clothes, and into the warming sun!

The major biologic function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones (Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. The average adult body contains in total approximately 1 kg, 99% in the skeleton in the form of calcium phosphate salts). Recent research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases!

The 'Adequate Intake' (AI) levels, that have been established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, to prevent deficiencies in vitamin D is 200 IU daily for all individuals (males, female, pregnant/lactating women) under the age of 50-years-old, 400 IU for all individuals from 50-70 years-old, and 600 IU for those who are over the age of 70-years-old. The daily "upper limit" for vitamin D 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age and 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women due to toxicities that can occur when taken in higher doses. If you haven't noticed; I put "upper limit" as 2,000 IU as there is much speculation as to what is the best levels to take. I take 10,000 IU during Winter months and cut down my dose considerably during Summer months. I also use my SAD Lamp when sitting over the computer tirelessly putting info to the ether!

The sun emitting UV rays

Getting enough Vitamin D in your diet is easy. It is found in numerous dietary sources such as oily fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel) eggs, fortified milk (best get unpasteurized milk - pasteurizing milk often depletes milk of essential D3! [Same for OJ - "Pasteurized and 'HIGH' in Vitamin C" really means 'added artificial Vitamin C' - SQUEEZE YOUR OWN]), and cod liver oil (also incredible for brain health and function). But, it is the sun that gives significant contribution to our daily production of vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies...

The benefits of having a good source of vitamin D in your diet are endless. But a big issue we are encounting with the Frum community within Boro Park, and believed to stem from a vitamin D deficiency; is Psoriasis. Due to modesty customs; ladies and gentlemen often wear vestiments that cover the entire body. The men sport big bushy beards, wide brimbed hats and heavy jackets. The women wear wigs and hats, long sleeved shirts and below knee length skirts (inc. Pantihose!). More often or not these materials are constructed of man-made fibres that DO NOT allow UV rays to pass through the material or even allow the skin to breathe. Often the Heimische community are NOT receiving enough vitamin D through sunlight and/or diet. One cannot often show the skin, but through wearing natural fibres, and allowing the face to be exposed to the sun will greatly improve chances of aiding psoriasis development.

Now - a number of different approaches are used in the treatment of psoriasis skin plaques. Mild approaches include light therapy, stress reduction, moisturizers, or salicylic acid to remove scaly skin areas. For more severe cases, treatments may include UV-A light, psoralen plus UV-A light (PUVA), retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane), corticosteroids, or cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). The synthetic vitamin D3 analog calcipotriene (Dovonex) appears to control skin cell growth and is used for moderately severe skin plaques, particularly for skin lesions resistant to other therapies or located on the face. Topical derivatives of cholecalciferol have also been used either alone or in combination with other agents (such as topical corticosteroids). Vitamin D3 (tacalcitol) ointment 4 mcg/grams used once daily for six months has been reported as being safe and well-tolerated. At London Healing Center we currently use Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupuncture and Herbal remedies to treat and combat psoriasis. If a branch on a tree is wilting, it is often the roots of the plant that require care. Psoriasis is exactly the same. We do not treat the symptom, but combat the cause.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, that still carries a stigma due to it's overt visual symptoms, and can be debilitating to the person who has it. Diet, lack of sunlight and stress can be triggers. The physical and mental stresses that psoriasis can put onto a person can often cause a downward spiral of health problems. In Chinese Medicine; the physical, as well as the mental and spiritual care of the client is analyzed. I have written about the benefits of sunlight, and vitamin D - but diet and stress could be key factors. Dairy, wheat, gluten, coffee and citrus can often cause a reaction in people susceptible to psoriasis. Think about cutting out one of those food types from your diet for a week, reducing alcohol, and cutting down on smoking, and see if there is a change in your health. Some certain foods and supplements include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish, flaxseed oil, 1,000 mg two times a day) may reduce inflammation
• Zinc (30 mg a day) and copper
• Folic acid (400 mcg a day)
• Quercetin (500 mg three times a day before meals
• Reishi mushroom is a superior immune booster and regulator and can, therefore, be helpful in controlling psoriasis.
• According to the Tao of Nutrition, a natural remedy for psoriasis is to apply mashed garlic to the affected areas, changing twice a day for one week.

We all know about the Mediterranean diet - olive oil, oily fish and plenty of sun. I suggest we all take a slice out of their healthy pie (or dark chocolate cake): Eat well, eat healthy, get some sun, and don't forget to smile...

London Healing Center LLC. 2nd LOCATION

Dear all,

Due to London Healing Center's expansion - we have moved our location from Bensonhurst into the heart of Boro Park. We are co-working with our good friend Shul-Chayim @ Classic Vision.

Our new address is:

5314 18th Ave.

Brooklyn NY 11204

718 236 2930

Wishing everyone a wonderful Pesach. And you at LHC soon

Greg

(Co-founder LHC)

Recent sites of interest...

I have neglected many things in wake of LHC's recent events: Our brand new treatment area, insurance mountains still left to climb (hang in there...), our own Massage Oil brand. Some particular things that have been left festering are this blog, my 'exciting' Twitter updates, and of course my deteriorating rugby skills. I have been surfing the web, and decided to add on here a few sites of interest (henc

e the really catchy title!)

This will be updated as and when, with new and exciting pages.

Of course look out for London Healing Center's new and improved site...

1. Peace One Day

21 September, 2009 is Peace Day: An annual, and internationally recognised day sanctioned by the UN, day of global ceasefire and non-violence. What will you be

doing to celebrate peace?

2. Acupuncture And Herbs by Karen Vaughan, LAc Registered Herbalist (AHG)

Karen is one of our Acupucnturists here at London Healing Center, and one of ONLY 2 Registered Herbalists in New York City. Follow her "treasure trove of information on natural healing" on AcupunctureBrooklyn.com. Why not book you appointment with Karen here at our center.

3. One in 8 Million

Living in New York.

Hearing these stories.

I know at least One of these 8 million. A great article from NY Times.

4. VIMEO

High-end youtubing...

5. Kelley Mondesire Acupuncture

Our new Acupuncturist and Muay Thai Destroyer!!! "Break 'em, then fix 'em" (Kelly)

An edible garden (Upd. Aug. 09)

Home-grown Organic corn (Aug. 09)

It tastes sweet, and crunchy - I just ate it raw!

Caught a butterfly mid-flight.

Feasting on our Lavender.

Lemon Basil and Torah(?) themed Stained Glass.

Echinacea (Jul. 09)

Lavender

5 inches of rain. In 2 hours! And it's mid-June.

This is New York and, apparently, Summer is here...

Between spells of torrential rain and 60F cold, there is occasionally sunshine. Those interim moments are spent admiring our spoils and cultivating the LHC garden. Everyone is looking to improve their lifestyle, and incorporate healthy eating into their diet; therefore I have finally put my green fingers to work. There is nothing better than plugging in the speakers into the computer, sampling some sounds while zoning into digging, pruning and raking. Barefoot on the grass, sun on my back - there is no better way to unwind.

Last year's garden was a wreck: Having recently bought the house; the back yard was scattered with corrugated iron, fencing and concrete. Plants were sprouting through cracks in the paving, the remaining rose bushes were weak and spindly. One year later, and a Fall of cutting and hacking (tough love); last year's perennials have returned with a vengeance - the Astilbies have exploded into life and are waiting for that particular day to trigger their blooms. The Clematises are climbing and painting the house in pink and purple stars. And the daisies are chasing the sunshine across the sky. This year we decided to plant a myriad of edible plants that can be used for the center: Lavender, Roses, Rosemary. Basil, Chamomile, Spearmint. All can be dried and infused in tea (I add fresh lavender to chamomile to induce sleep), eaten fresh or used in cooking. Basil can be crushed with orange peel and added to almond oil to create an invigorating, immune boosting massage oil. Rosemary oil can be put on your temples and throat to ward off infection... It also goes amazingly well with roast potatoes!

'Climbing Roses'

'Wild Flax'

There are so many ingredients that can be found even in the most urban of gardens. We have found Wild Flax growing under upturned pots - the seeds can be added to semolina and ground to make a gluten-free delicious bread. Easily digestible, high in protein, and rich in Omega oils.

The smell of these roses is incredible. Proper Old Skool. A true classic. These particular Hybrid Tea Roses have a very subtle citrus smell. Rose petals, and rosewater, is an amazing additive to chocolate. The subtle aroma, similarly to chilli pepper, really compliments ANY chocolate dessert; whether it be chocolate mousse, cakes or hot chocolate. I use the leaves and garnish them on lemon meringue pie. But they go perfectly well with an ice-cold lemon sorbet, and a chilled sparkling wine filled with raspberries. Awesome ending for a summer garden BBQ.

'Nasturtium'

Nasturtium w/ flowers (Aug. 09)

Nasturtium leaves need high sun, and damp ground. And this year they have relished the freak weather we have been 'blessed' with. The plants are happy, but my beach-bum mentality has not been fulfilled, and I am craving Vit D! Nasturtium leaves have a wonderful subtle pepper taste and work wonders raw in a salad. In summer they produce vibrant orange flowers (also edible, having an amazing sweet taste, and looking incredible whole to garnish a salad), and in Fall they produce seed pods, which in turn can be pickled with garlic in vinegar to make capers.

Speaking with our resident Acupuncturist and NYC registered Herbalist, Karen Vaughan; she takes me on a tour around the garden, and surrounding neighborhood, listing all the every-day plants and their medicinal uses. Along the sidewalk is Plantain: a volninary herb that can be used as an astrigent on cuts, bruises and burns, and even insect bites. I have an Echinacea plant (I do ask what genus - Karen tells me, but I forget - although she says you can harvest the seed heads, maserate in alcohol. "The more alcoholic, the better. Try Bacardi 151." She says with a smile. We also have Oxalis growing amongst the ornamental plants. Many will disregard this as a weed: it looks similar to clover, has three leaves, but unlike clover, it produces miniscule yellow flowers. The taste is comparable to a bitter lime - perfect for any Israeli salad.

'Lemon Basil'

This particular Basil has an extremely strong bitter taste. I tend to eat these with fresh buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried & sweet-plum tomatoes, drizzled in olive oil. These particular leaves have amazing medicinal qualities: if you are suffering from headaches or toothaches: chew a few of these leaves for their analgesic effects. They even freshen breath (just make sure you check your teeth in the mirror before you go on your date...)

'Fat Sparrow'

(I haven't eaten these... Yet)

The sweetcorn, clover and potatoes are coming on nicely too. The BBQ awaits, and we'll be sure to use the garden to it's fullest. Please send me an email with any medicinal uses, and other culinary delights you may have that I can use on my blog.

Peace - and good eating,

Greg

Spring (finally...)

'Lavender' - Charlotte Traynor

The heat wave in early May was soon cut short. Whereby soaring temperatures, and 100% humidity was soon proceded by 2 cold wet weeks. Perfect weather none-the-less for updating all things London Healing Center LLC. New brochures have been printed and they look incredible. Our gratitude goes out LHC's wonderful friend and supporter Chris Mason and my friend Charlotte Traynor - ChestnutsandSquirrels - for her fine artwork and design. My credit goes out to my partner Yacov for helping create a fine spacious addition to LHC on the ground floor. And as Winter blues thaw out and warm into Spring greens (and pinks, and yellows, reds, purples...) we continue to administer treatments to those who need them: We have a fair happening this sunday 7th June, 2009 @ Bais Yaakov in Boro Park, Brooklyn. We will be showcasing our therapies with free acupucnture treatments (hand and ear mostly) and reflexology. My days are spent preparing for such things while juggling clients.

Feel the love y'all.

'Oils' @ London Healing Center

Spring is finally here and today the sun is shining in Brooklyn. The garden is in full bloom and the roses are exploding in bombs of reds and pinks. Cat & Rat (new additions to the family) are falling off the wagon: OD-ing on 'Cat Crack' - LHC's potent, organically grown, Cat-nip! My days remain the same: AMs are diligently (diligently...?) spent in the pre-noon sun replying to emails over a warm Early Grey. The days, now becoming quite hot, I find sanctuary in the cool confines of the center. And warm evenings are now spent performing acupuncture in the patio. The mosquitoes are in hiding... 

But for how long?

And so - my blogging has been in remission. But I will be typing with a vengeance.

We look forward to seeing you all at London Healing Center.

PEACE

Greg

www.londonhealingcenter.com

Uncool to watch birds?

'Mexican Standoff'

Now - today I was watching birds.
But... I was not 'bird watching'!

Do you see the difference?

It's all in the syntax - you see watching birds out of the window, just sitting. Admiring. Being transfixed and amazed, is not the same as Bird Watching! It really isn't - I mean. Bird Watching, or ornothology, along with train spotting, stamp collecting and other such hobbies hold a certain social stigma. A sort of je ne sais quoi... Uncoolness!!! I mean - I'm cool. Aren't I? I drink Mojitos. I watch The Wire!

The fact remains - I was merely 'looking' at the birds outside my bedroom window. Not watching like some Peeping Tom. It was on a more sociological level; like observing an experiment - watching how their social circles worked, and interacted with those of the same, and/or different species. The fact doesn't remain that is was most inspiring, and deeply relaxing. No. Forget that I even took my rocking chair from the living room to place it infront of the window, and started my crochet...
I managed to count 30+ different sparrows, 2 blue Jays, a woodpecker and one male Wag Tail...
But I did have 'The Knife' playing on the stereo...

I am cool. Aren't I?
I mean - I watch birds!
But it's not 'bird watching'

Follow London Healing Center's  whimsical dealings on Twitter

Twitter / LHC_NYC 

Metal Music in a Health Center???

A 'big' decision facing me this evening, again always concerning London Healing Center:

What music to play over the PA in our waiting room???

Of course, being a place of warmth, healing and relaxation, one cannot possibly play Metal - but why not? Of course this genre is not being to everyone's taste. Granted - not everyone can melt into bliss to 'Hammer Smashed Face' - but there are those of us who wish to bathe in a place of quiet nihilism, aggressive-passivity. Metal can do this. But...

Can it live in the vestiges of the spa milieu...?

My teeth ache when I am expected to relax to Generic Movie soundtracks - They are what they say on the tin: Soundtracks - if I wanted Ennio Morricone's The Mission playing in my ears while havin a massage, I'd have brought my iPod Touch and watch the film. As for 'whale music', and singing dolphins, leave it to Saga Holidays. Mysticeti and krill, and other assorted crustaceans, may love the sound of breaking waves against a pebbled shore, but I dounbt they've really sampled the hauntingly soothing sounds of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' or Aphex Twin's 'Avril 14'...

I remember when I was 23, and dislocated my hip in a rugby match back in East London ''N'ah'mean?" Of course I am walking, nay, skip that... Hobbling for weeks until my MRI. Sitting in the magnet, I was handed earphones by the lovely Daphne, and a selection of 'Easy Listening' tracks to "soothe and comfort." Celine - I love you, but not while being electronically magnetized in a giant tin can - no. So, I took out my ear thingies, and zoned into the hammering sound of the MRI machine - loud like a jack hammer, but rythmic, mesmerizing - like a Coil recording, or Industrial throngs of Ministry - I fell into a light daze. Blood pressure dropped, and a heatbeat racing on nerves, began to regulate. Stop pounding, and fall into unison with the steady beat of the MRI. And so it remained until the end of the scan...

Yes - it is a matter of taste, but who says metal has to be ALL about thrashing and crashing. We have bands, not so much asociated with 'Healing', but noise mungering and aggression. Although many hardcore bands/artists intersect their records with haunting sounscapes, ballads, instrumental pools - Alec Empire, Twin Zero, Muse, Earthtone9 (RIP), Deep Purple to name but a few. Oh, and of course; NIN! I will always be a champion on Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor's baby has continuingly challenged hegemonic notions of metal and industrial music; seamlessly crossing from one to the other, and loved by listeners across multi-spectral music genres: dance, Drum n Bass, new rave, pop, metal...

What i am searching for, in essence, is music with soul, passion, power - something that can be played to relax, emote, nurture - to create people's own 'tin can' when they wait for their treatment at London Healing Center. Music isn't just for listening. You gotta feel it - with you mind, body, and soul. No more whale music, or pygmies with pan pipes at LHC...

Bring on the Metal!!!

Follow LHC's musical dealings on Blip.fm - Whippet

London Healing Center LLC.

www.londonhealingcenter.com

'Green Room' @ London Healing Center

The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing.
Larry Dossey
Holistic Physician & Author

Ethos:

The Big Apple is an exciting and cosmopolitan place to work and live. Belonging to such a frenetic city - it can be hard to find a haven where one can take time to relax and unwind from the stresses of modern living. In accordance London Healing Center LLC. was created by two Limeys who, in the winter of 2007, relocated from London, England to open a care center utilizing complementary care and medicine as an aid to help heal mind, body and soul.

The body has a great ability to heal itself, and in conjunction with the holistic healthcare programs offered by LHC; we can cater for the client seeking a solitary calm moment, or for those wishing to take time to instigate healing in an unhurried homely environment. Our philosophy was, and remains to this day; ‘everyone, regardless of financial standing, regardless of color and creed. ALL should be able to receive outstanding levels of complementary care, with respectful appreciation of all spirituality, religious beliefs, and community at London Healing Center.’ Here at LHC we pride ourselves in offering the best quality therapies, traditional healing methodologies utilized for generations, employed by the finest fully-qualified practitioners in alternative medicine.

We look forward to your visit.

And of course the tea is complimentary.

Greg Bloom @ Yacov Brausntein
(Co-founders London Healing Center)

'Lighting' @ London Healing Center

Treatments:

Acupuncture

Chirotpractic

Massage Therapy

Shiatsu

Medical Reflexology

Yoga (Hatha & Flow)

London Healing Center LLC.

6919 19th Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11204

001 718 236 2930

001 718 256 3106

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Twitter - www.twitter.com/LHC_NYC