To Your Health Columns by Brian Cole

My primary purpose in writing these columns is to offer practical functional information to improve your health and your daily life. For that purpose, I’ve not written a more important column. Walking, with good posture and a clear mind, is the most beneficial activity we can do. Doing this will… Read more »

Before we get into this month’s column, I’m going to mention what’s become my January mantra. Every year, because I get lots of positive feedback, I say some version of: Another year just flew by. And this year will fly by quickly too. Here’s the fact to focus on: You… Read more »

While my August Oyster Pointer column on not trying to stretch hamstrings seems to have triggered a good bit of attention, as promised, I’m now going to address the whole concept of “stretching.” (You can read or re-read it here.) I don’t have enough column space to be diplomatic, and I prefer blunt… Read more »

A few years ago a local physical therapist and I developed and patented a low-back strengthening machine—The Back Unit. We developed it because we each were familiar with the research that clearly proved that with low back problems, strengthening—not stretching—is the key. I’m going to expand that to other muscles,… Read more »

First, I think we should all acknowledge that we’re living in the easiest conditions ever known to our species. While I can fill this page enumerating the advantages we all share, asking you to take a moment and think about it for a bit will personalize the acknowledgment. I rarely… Read more »

When I started Personal Training Associates more than 20 years ago, my written intention statement was to first “Help as many people as I can live healthier, more fit lives.” And second, “Help as many people as I can to do this as a career.” The first comes from growing up with a wonderful father who was… Read more »

Individual opinions are all over the place regarding our health insurance. Should it be offered by private companies or provided by our government through taxes? Or some combination of both? Should insurance companies be able to charge more for someone with pre-existing expensive health problems? Should they be able to raise rates… Read more »

It’s always seemed to me that the dual goal is to accept reality while not losing sight of our ideals, our values. In a full life, disappointment is a reality. So much happens beyond our control. Avoiding acknowledgment of disappointments is denial. Denial gets us nowhere. Allowing disappointments to distract… Read more »

While I know some of you follow my columns regularly (because you tell me), I always have to remember some of you are reading me for the first time. This comfortably readable publication consistently expands its distribution and brings new readers on board. So, for my regulars: If some of… Read more »

…and the finest man I’ve known. So I’ve always held that profession in my highest respect. Life’s circumstances, my self-indulgences and a family to support early in adulthood led me along until the opportunity came for a career change. While it wasn’t practical for me to even consider the time… Read more »

I say “hopefully” because watching what is called “Reality TV” when it’s obviously staged, directed and filmed by a crew (i.e. not reality) seems an odd way to waste an evening. But I do odd things too I guess, so I’d better get to my point. In case you did… Read more »

I don’t understand all these loud angry political voices and attitudes or the folks with snakes on their license plates, complaining about being tread on (yes, I promise, I’m going to tie this soapbox into improving our fitness). Do we have problems to work on? Of course. Everyone has always… Read more »

“That” was 2015! And it went by fast. The inescapable fact is that 2016 will, too, and it will bring changes. We will either lose a few steps and gain a few pounds—or vice versa. This time next year we will either be in better physical condition or worse. The… Read more »

…and think about all you have to be thankful for. I start with my parents, then my health, my daughters and son, finding my profession and while there is obviously more, I’m going to stop right here because it’s my profession I want to write about. I can’t call it… Read more »

In my last column,”Overweight? Consider this.” , I wrote about some of our long-term overweight clients—why they continue, how they benefit, how they feel, etc. And while that column was still on the Oyster Pointer stands, I received a trade publication with research that adds another dimension to the point… Read more »

I’m going to pay respect to some of our long-term clients. Not by name, of course, but by their conditioning. My hope is that some of you reading this will be encouraged and inspired to consider your potential for self-improvement. And, after considering it, decide to take the necessary steps.… Read more »

I’m so thankful to have Personal Fitness Training as my career. I love researching and learning new ways to help others become more active and fit. There are so many pleasurable activities that can be more fully enjoyed when we’re healthy. And the path to selfimprovement is so clear. Hopefully,… Read more »

Many of us are in the middle. With daughters-sons, and also mothers-fathers, we’re often responsible for decisions that have a major impact on those we love. Middle management is always a tough balancing position, and it’s made more so when it’s about family. With our daughters and sons, I’m suggesting… Read more »

Hello 2015! These years just go by so fast. And this one will too. I know it’ll bring changes to my life—and to yours. We don’t/we cannot stand still and stop time. Along with that inevitability comes this: Neither you nor I will be the same at the end of… Read more »

Walking/running 30 to 45 minutes just about every day and two workouts per week lifting heavy weights to build new lean muscle tissue and additional exercises to target core strengthening, posture, balance and joint range of motion. Or Vowing to make some changes to eating and drinking habits. Which sounds… Read more »