1. I started a little deadlift specialization program this week.  So far, it’s beating me up like a rented mule – and this is just the introductory week.  I don’t know if it will get me to 700, but at the very least, it’ll prove whether deadlifts to excess really can kill someone.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

(I still get a kick out of how disinterested the air conditioning repair guy in the background is during this video)

2.A big congratulations goes out to CP athlete Danny O’Connor, who ran his professional boxing record to 9-0 with a third round knockout on Thursday night.  I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anyone get knocked out with a body shot, but let’s just say that this was one for the ages.  When his opponent actually regains the ability to speak, digest, and walk upright, I’m sure he’ll agree.

Next up for Danny is a big fight on November 7 at the Hartford Civic Center, so we’re back in the gym getting after it today.

3. My fiancee went to get her annual physical the other day, and because she started a new job with a new insurance plan, it was her first time with a new primary care doctor.  Since she knew bloodwork was going to be part of the drill, I had encouraged her to ask to get her Vitamin D levels checked.  The doctor replied with, “No, we won’t do that.  You’re not post-menopausal.”

Are you serious????  Um, Vitamin D isn’t just about bone health.  As Chris Shugart covered in a recent article, it has some pretty darn extensive roles in the body, and it’s been established that a large chunk of the population has insufficient – if not deficient – levels of Vitamin D.

I find it fascinating that this doctor wouldn’t hesitate to order cholesterol and glucose measurements for a second year in a row, yet would rigidly oppose testing for something that’s a heck of a lot more useful (even in someone under the age of 30).

Not surprisingly, from what my fiancee (who is also a doctor) told me, she had a terrible bedside manner to go along with her complete lack of preparedness and openmindedness.  She even busted out the body mass index line with a female patient who deadlifts over 250 pounds and can do ten body weight chin-ups.  Women can have muscle, you know.

Needless to say, she is down one patient now.

4.  Here’s a great, comprehensive article on antioxidants by John Romaniello and Joel Marion; it covers what works and what doesn’t, and does so in an entertaining format: Movie Stars, Blockbuster Berries, and You

5. Chris Frankel from TRX is in town to do an in-service for our staff this morning.  We started using these just a few weeks ago and are excited to see all the new tricks and tips Chris has for them.  Check them out for yourself HERE.

Have a kick-ass weekend. This kid definitely will!