Blog Archives
The Luxury of an Open Mind
Faux Fitness challenges modern workout myths and argues for a radically different path to strength, recovery, and pain-free living. Was there a specific personal turning point that led to this book?
It only took almost thirty years. I knew the answers, but I didn’t have the equations for them, so to speak. I had always been interested in fitness/health, so I watch a lot of YouTube and read a lot of books out of interest. I wasn’t actively looking. And those pieces that formed those equations started to appear.
I suppose a combination of frustration that I couldn’t really go around telling everyone they were exercising wrong and boredom from retirement finally led me to write Faux Fitness. So, not really a specific point per se. The pieces needed came together over time.
How did you land on the term “Faux Fitness”? What separates “faux” health from real health in your view?
The current ideology for fitness is to continually injure yourself, then, without our understanding, our own endorphins would mask the trauma. Injuring yourself, even out of ignorance, isn’t a very healthy fitness model. Injury doesn’t hold a place in health. When we’re injured, we’re not at full health. Real health would mean no injury, no trauma, no endorphins, which might disappoint more than a few people.
How has social media shaped harmful fitness beliefs, and are there trends you think are especially misleading right now?
I don’t think social media is necessarily shaping harmful habits, just reinforcing them. I also don’t think there are any trends that are especially misleading. They’re all lumped together under the same veil. Ways that incur injury, which means endorphins, lather, rinse, repeat. Just new ways to accomplish an old idea.
What kind of mindset should readers bring into the book, and what would you hope they question more deeply?
Well, I would hope people have the luxury of an open mind, but there will be those who don’t. The book mentions this: mostly denial, confirmation bias, etc. People are going to accept (or not accept) the information in the book. All, some, or none of it. I’m not able to make people believe anything. I can only provide evidence. How they choose to accept it is up to them.
But I would hope that they take another look at what they want to achieve and how they may want to achieve it. And maybe decide to adopt a healthier way of doing so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Finally: a user’s manual for homo sapiens. Despite what we’ve learned, read, or been told, discover how humans really work, so you can truly understand what health, fitness, and wellness are.
Have we been doing health and exercise all wrong? Faux Fitness explains how you can make distinctive changes so you can live pain and soreness-free, decrease stress, and feel your best at any age.
If you struggle with chronic pain, weight loss, and/or stress, despite doing everything “right,” this book is for you.
With facts, common sense, a touch of science, and a dash of humor, Faux Fitness is full of enlightening information and practical approaches for exercise, diet, wellness, and even sleep.
You’ll learn:
The superpower all humans have, and what it means to be truly healthy.
Simple changes you can make to increase and improve your overall health.
Why being sore after a workout isn’t necessarily a good thing, and a different, healthier way to “crush it” without soreness.
Why you might want to reconsider your perspective on endorphin-producing activities you thought were healthy (such as running, massage, chiropractic care, and even sex).
And so much more.
This book will challenge everything you thought you knew about health and fitness. And if you let it, it will change your life.
Faux Fitness
Faux Fitness by author E J Neiman sets out to flip a whole lot of “common sense” fitness wisdom on its head. The book blends the author’s long battle with chronic pain and Dr. Thomas Griner’s work on muscles, lactic acid, and endorphins into one big argument that most of us are working out, dieting, and even “recovering” in ways that quietly damage our bodies instead of helping them. Pain means injury, not progress. Cardio that keeps your heart rate high means you sit in an oxygen-starved state and bathe your arteries in acid. Chronically tight, lactic acid-soaked muscles are behind everything from back pain to sciatica to carpal tunnel. The later chapters build on that idea and move into how to move, rest, breathe, and live in a way that lets muscles stay soft and “müshy” instead of hard and angry, and how to think more critically about every feel-good wellness trend.
I had a pretty strong emotional response to the core message. On one hand, the logic about pain and adaptation made a lot of sense to me and honestly felt a bit like getting my ears boxed. I have told myself “no pain, no gain” more times than I care to admit, so seeing that motto treated almost like a bad joke felt both refreshing and uncomfortable. The way the author connects lactic acid buildup, rigor mortis, and everyday soreness really stuck with me. The writing uses lots of stories, vivid examples, and simple analogies. That style made the ideas feel very human and grounded, not like a lecture from a physiology textbook. At the same time, the constant “sit down for this next part” tone sometimes felt like it was trying a bit hard to shock me. There were moments where I wanted the same clear idea, but with less buildup and fewer side comments.
As the book went deeper into endorphins, oxidative stress, vascularity, and “faux” health habits, I found myself going back and forth between “this is eye-opening” and “I wish this section had more balance.” I liked that the author owns his position as a layperson and keeps the language plain. I never felt lost in technical talk, and the metaphors about highways, gravity, and sports teams made the biology easy to picture. I sometimes wanted clearer boundaries between what is strongly supported, what comes from Griner’s clinical experience, and what is the author’s own reasoning. The passion is obvious and that passion is contagious. For me, the book works best when it shows patterns, shares cases, and invites skepticism, and it works less well when it leans into “we have been doing it all wrong” without pausing to meet readers who are already doing some things right.
I enjoyed Faux Fitness, and I came away looking at my own habits in a very different light. I would recommend this book to people who already like to read about health and training and who are open to having their current program poked and prodded a bit. It suits readers who appreciate clear, informal language and lots of concrete examples more than folks who want dense citations on every page. If you’re curious, frustrated with chronic pain, or just tired of yo-yo fitness advice, this is a bold, opinionated take that will give you plenty to chew on.
Joint Pain Relief is Achievable
Pain-Free Joints offers readers an in-depth look at the origins of joint pain, personal anecdotes, and effective pain-management techniques. What inspired you to write this book?
I began feeling pain in my knees in my early 50’s. I was alarmed because of the discomfort and restrictions in my activities that ensued. I decided to do some research and was surprised at the information I found. I’m not particularly athletic or workout driven but figured I could definitely adjust my diet and use supplements and that’s how my journey began. I was amazed at the difference in my joints as I started using turmeric and adopting a more anti-inflammatory diet and so I decided to write this book to share my success as well as encourage others who may be struggling with debilitating joint pain.
How much and what type of research was required to put this book together?
The research did take some time but you’d be amazed (or maybe not) at the plethora of information available on the internet so I availed myself of that and selected what was relevant to my focus. I also spoke with medical professionals who were willing to share their insights and experience as well as point me in the right direction.
What is one misconception you believe many people have about joint health?
Many people think Joint Health is difficult or impossible to achieve, and therefore joint pain is inevitable, whether it’s because of genetics/heredity or old injuries, and something they have to “live with”.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope readers realize there is hope in achieving joint pain relief by making simple lifestyle changes.
Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, injuries or the wear and tear of daily activities, Pain-Free Joints: The Ultimate Guide to Modifying Your Lifestyle or Joint Health” is your essential companion on the journey to lasting relief and vitality.
Discover the transformative power of simple lifestyle changes that can help you manage and reduce joint pain.
From the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and the benefits of specific exercises to the role of nutrition and the impact of proper body mechanics, this comprehensive guide covers it all. Learn about the latest research, practical tips and lifestyle modifications that will inspire you to take control of your joint health.
Packed with actionable advice, this book will empower you to:
Understand the common causes and types of joint pain
Explore effective exercise and activities that support joint health
Make informed dietary choices to combat inflammation
Implement ergonomic strategies to protect your joints in daily life
Develop a personalized plan for long-term joint care
So, say goodbye to stiffness and discomfort, and hello to a more active, pain-free life.
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward joint health or looking for advanced strategies to enhance your current routine, this book offers valuable insights and guidance for everyone.
Take charge of your joint health today and embrace a future filled with movement, freedom and joy!
Pain-Free Joints
Sandy Bravo’s Pain-Free Joints takes readers on an insightful journey into understanding and managing joint pain through lifestyle changes. The book thoughtfully weaves together research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. Bravo emphasizes the role of diet, exercise, and mental health in fostering joint health. The content, spanning from the basics of joint anatomy to actionable steps like adopting anti-inflammatory diets and ergonomics, is a resourceful guide for anyone battling joint discomfort.
Bravo’s writing style is approachable. She makes complex topics, like the mechanics of joint pain or the role of inflammation, easy to grasp. Her focus on holistic management, such as integrating stress-relief techniques alongside physical exercise, resonated deeply with me. It’s refreshing to read a health book that doesn’t just prescribe solutions but contextualizes them within daily life. Bravo’s anecdotes, like her conversations with a chiropractor in Chapter 2, kept me engaged. She emphasizes how small, everyday habits, such as adjusting your posture or swapping sugary snacks for anti-inflammatory foods, can drastically improve joint health. These practical nuggets made me reflect on my own habits.
Bravo’s tone shines brightest in her sections on mental health and motivation. I appreciated her candid acknowledgment of the emotional toll joint pain can take, and her advice to embrace small, sustainable changes felt empowering. The advice to use an anti-inflammatory diet, complete with detailed food lists, was a highlight. It struck a balance between being informative and actionable.
I’d recommend Pain-Free Joints to anyone looking to take control of their joint health, whether they’re dealing with arthritis, recovering from an injury, or simply aiming for preventive care. Bravo’s guidance is comprehensive yet accessible, making it ideal for readers who prefer practical, actionable advice. If you’re ready to commit to small but meaningful lifestyle changes, this book is a great companion for the journey.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B0DMPD9T52
Cancer Culture: Fixing the Landscape by Infusing Empathy
Cancer Culture: Fixing the Landscape by Infusing Empathy by Jacqueline Acho, PhD, is a heartfelt and profoundly insightful memoir that navigates the complex and often overwhelming journey of a cancer diagnosis. Drawing from her own experiences with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, Acho weaves together personal anecdotes, scientific knowledge, and a powerful call for empathy in cancer care. The book is structured into several parts, each delving into different aspects of cancer treatment, patient empowerment, and the emotional and spiritual lessons gleaned from living with cancer.
Acho’s writing is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making the reader feel intimately connected to her journey. Her ability to convey the importance of empathy in the medical field is compelling. One of the most striking features of the book is Acho’s honesty about the failures and successes of current cancer treatments. She candidly discusses the limitations of chemotherapy and the lack of progress in cancer research despite significant investments. Her critique of the “cancer industrial complex” is eye-opening and urges readers to reconsider the systemic issues within healthcare. Acho’s exploration of alternative and complementary therapies is another strong point of the book. She details her experiences with various non-toxic cancer therapies, providing valuable insights for those seeking holistic approaches to treatment. This chapter is a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to supplement conventional treatments with alternative methods, emphasizing the importance of a balanced, integrative approach to cancer care.
Cancer Culture: Fixing the Landscape by Infusing Empathy is an essential read for anyone touched by cancer, whether directly or through a loved one. Acho’s memoir is not just a recount of her battle with cancer but a manifesto for change in how we approach cancer treatment and care. Her emphasis on empathy, holistic health, and the integration of personal and professional experiences provides a comprehensive guide for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. This book is particularly valuable for those newly diagnosed healthcare providers looking to enhance their empathetic practices and anyone interested in the broader systemic issues of cancer care.
Pages: 373 | ASIN : B0D1X1YNFB
The Bell Curve of Humor
David Jacobson Author Interview
What do you find is a common misconception people have about humor?
The most common misconception about humor is you have to be born funny to use your sense of humor. Not true. Think of humor like a muscle, if you exercise it, it will get stronger, if you ignore it, it will weaken. Anyone can exercise their sense of humor and practice using it more.
I find that some people have a good sense of humor, while others do not. How does having a good sense of humor play into the habits you describe?
We are all on the bell curve of humor with some apparently more comfortable using humor and others less comfortable. Past negative experiences with humor, such as being teased or criticized for their sense of humor can definitely make one more hesitant to use their sense of humor. Some have even been mocked for the sound of their laughter. This discomfort can be overcome and practicing these humor habits can help one become more comfortable with their sense of humor.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Just in the concept stage right now, I’m looking at doing a book on the role of humor in leadership. I also have a children’s book in the works called “The Frog Who Couldn’t Jump” for children with arthritis.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
![7 1/2 Habits To Help You Become More Humorous, Happier & Healthier by [Jacobson, David]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MTk8fT92L.jpg?resize=265%2C401&ssl=1)
“7 1/2 Habits To Help You Become More Humorous, Happier & Healthier” is an easy and fun book to read. The practical applications on how to improve your sense of humor make this a ‘keeper.’ This book reveals the mysteries to improving your sense of humor to be happier, healthier, have better relationships and make you a more humorous person. This funny, uplifting and endearing book will teach you the secrets of using humor to decrease stress, cope with adversity and enhance the good times. It tells the story of one man’s rise from the depths of illness and chronic pain to the heights of success attributable to his daily humor habits. He explains his discovery of how the simple use of HUMOR can transform your life and the world you live in.
