Episode 198: Hot Topics

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Things got a little heated this week on the FitCast as the cast debates about Crossfit and many other topics. Nick Tumminello also joins Kevin to talk about tabats, stretching, and much more!

FitCast News

  • Interview with Nick Tumminello
  • Episode 200, whats doin?
  • What up Leigh?
  • Online PT

Mailbag

  • My question pertains to the relationship between nutrition and ‘trigger points’:I’m a 22 year old male 5’9 and 75kg and somewhere around 12% bf – I train 4-6 times per week – with weight training 3-4 times following the 5,3,1 program as well as 1 or 2 cardio sessions (muay thai / hill sprints) also.I stretch before and after each session and foam roll regularly. My issue is that I seem to develop trigger points and knots in my muscles fairly easily and feel like I am constantly dealing with overly tight muscles and tendons all over my body. I bought myself the ‘Trigger point Therapy workbook’ which has helped in pin-pointing the right spot so that I can reduce the effects with massage or foam rolling; but as soon as the muscle is used again they seem to tighten back up.

    I am interested to know if this could have anything to do with what I’m eating – I try to follow a pretty healthy diet eating plenty of vegetables, eggs, lean meat, porridge oats, nuts, green tea etc etc with occasional packet of pop tarts or quarter pounder here and there. I consume a few supplements also: creatine, fish oil, D3 and whey and casein protein.

    Could any of these things be causing problems? Are there any specific foods that could make things worse? And are there possibly any foods that I should maybe try and consume more of to reduce the recurrence of these tight spots?

    Thanks a lot for your help and keep the awesome episodes coming.

    Kane
    Bedford, England

  • Hey Everyone,
    I really enjoy listening to the show and have even grown to like the off topic segment!
    I don’t know if you have previously addressed this question, but I would like to know everyone’s opinion of CrossFit..I realize that may be like asking McDonald’s, “What do you think of the Whopper?” – But I am curious if the Fitcast thinks the philosophy/methodology of CrossFit seems sound. I am not necessarily interested in joining CrossFit, but I do currently perform 3 total body workouts a aweek, focusing on squats, deadlifts, bench press, pull ups, dips, some ab work and running on a treadmill(at least 3 times a week).
    I look forward to hearing or reading the Fitcast response..thanks!
    Matt
    Cape Cod, MA. –Matt
  • Hey Kevin, Jon, and Leigh,Love the podcast. Last week’s discussion format (episode 197) was fantastic and the off topic about choosing video games over sex was EPIC.I’ve been strength training consistently for over 3 years and have increased strength substantially as well as filled out my previously scrawny self. My friends have definitely noticed the change, and one – who is an absolute strength-training beginner – has asked me to help him out and get started in the weight room as well. At first I was reluctant, as I am not a certified trainer, but after much persistence I caved and began putting together a simple beginner program based on my own research and experiences. We met at the gym and I walked him through it, using low weight and focusing primarily on form. He was doing really well until we got to the lower body movements. When standing in a neutral position, knees forward, his feet point out quite significantly. Almost any action I tried with him (lunge, squats) resulted in pain in his knees and hamstrings. I immediately told him to stop and have refused to help him with any lower body work. I don’t mind experimenting on myself – the trial and error method with different exercises and programs has worked really well for me – but I don’t want to be responsible for causing any strain or long-term injury for my friend. I’ve told him to find a professional trainer, but he doesn’t really have the money to do so. I have two questions that come out of this: How can I help instruct the movement so that it works for him? And more generally, what’s your take on amateur fitness enthusiasts helping out others?

    Thanks,
    Mike, Toronto, Canada

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3 Responses

  1. Lynda says:

    I really enjoyed the debate on this episode, it was lively, yes, but also backed up with knowledge – both of the first-hand kind as well as the scientific. Basically, what I have come to expect from the Fitcast, and this episode did not disappoint.

    Kevin – really appreciated your comments/observations on the crossfit phenomenom, it is good to hear your opinion, especially sinced you are experienced and knowledgeable in the area of coaching/strength training with some of the best in the industry, so thank you!

    Jon – always great to hear your interpretation of the various topics – you bring forth the voice and opinion of the scientific/medical community. Sometimes I feel as though you are perhaps limited or guarded in your need to embrace/accept only evidence-based research, but then again, that is your strength and what you bring to the table, so thank you!

    Leigh – what a wonderful moderator, and insightful fulcrum you were to this lively conversation. As always, you were able to communicate your thoughts clearly, and demonstrate your vast range of expertise in a way that was demonstrative of a level head, and kind demeanor. This is just one of the many wonderful traits you bring to the table, and why we keep coming back for more on this podcast, as well as your own writing/podcasting. So let me say last, but absolutely not least, thank you to you as well.

    Seriously guys, the Fitcast is a triple threat! The significance and power/influence of the number 3 is evident here; and delivered beautifully in this episode. Whether you want to explain the 3 by providing mathematical evidence in the perfection of the triangle, or in a more ‘natural’ (as in Nature or Biology) element of the family unit (father/mother/child), or simply just 3 friends shootin’ the shit (pardon my language), you have a winning combination. Roll with it! It’s working 🙂

    Cheers,
    Lynda

  2. Rick Kaselj says:

    Another great listen, Kevin. I thoroughly enjoyed the knowledgeable exchanges. Even the off-topic discussions were fascinating. Looking forward to another episode. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Rick Kaselj
    ExercisesForInjuries.com

  1. November 6, 2010

    […] Yet another Fitcast – this one with Nick Tumminello. This is a Great Listen! Nick, Kev, JFass, and Leigh kick around some serious knowledge on this […]