Sea Change: March/April 2025 Editorial

This editorial is preserved from Muscle Media’s March/April 2025 issue. Dr. Tom Fisher’s first-person reflections and contributor introductions are presented in their original issue context.

What felt different in March/April 2025?

I have purposefully waited until after the Inauguration to write this editorial piece. I stated in the last issue that I had been witnessing a renewed sense of optimism and purpose being expressed in my Private Practice, at the University, and through my Muscle Media e-mail. Being a Scientist, I make every effort to resist “jumping-the-shark,” and mistakenly report my perceptions as “fact”. But the evidence has just been overwhelming. It has been so overwhelming that it might be regarded as historic.

Why pause for introspection?

Having said that, I am reminded of a basic tenet of psychology, and something that I offer to my client, patient, students, and now to you, my readers. Because we are often pre-occupied with taking care of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), we might find ourselves distracted from the meaning of what is happening all around us. I believe John Lennon said it best: “Life is what happens while you’re doing other things…” Basically, it is difficult for most of us to fully realize that we are living through History in the making.

After almost 40 years of concerted effort to study the Human Condition, I have also learned that this lack of awareness is consistent with most people being content to live “unexamined lives”. Critically looking inside ourselves (introspection) is both difficult and uncomfortable for most people. We generally prefer to dwell upon more pleasant, hedonistic, rewarding pursuits. Typically, we only resort to an inward journey when tragedy strikes.

This may occur either suddenly, or after a long period of disruption to our ADLs before there is a realization that “something is wrong.” As I noted last issue, “executives and entrepreneurs have been desperately struggling [for years] to keep their businesses, large and small, afloat while trying to accommodate $5/Gallon gas, $10 eggs, the ‘death’ of a popular beer brand, and males openly competing against females at all levels of athletics. But it seems the veil has suddenly been lifted, the jig is up, and, as suspected, the emperor has no clothes.”

Apparently, a threshold was reached, then exceeded, and there was a resounding cry of “enough!”.

How did Dr. Tom describe the change in 2025?

Those who know me as a former US Naval Aviator have no doubt as to the true nature of my personal political beliefs. However, due to the responsibilities associated with work, and the beliefs of my patients/clients/students, I make every attempt to remain as “apolitical” as I am able. However, this has become increasingly difficult with some of the political and cultural developments over the past several years.

Again, I purposefully waited until after the Inauguration to comment. In doing so, I was awestruck at the sheer speed and rapidity of the political and, more importantly, the abrupt cultural about-face. It suddenly and radically changed almost overnight. I believe that this change of direction was not a spontaneous reaction to something. Rather, I believe that this has been simmering, smoldering for several years in relative silence.

Not anymore. The “pretzel logic” is over…The silent majority have finally spoken… quite loudly…

What was inside the March/April 2025 issue?

Beyond that, what does this exciting issue of Muscle Media Rx have to offer…? Let’s start with our resident entertainment and nutrition expert, Anne, as she explains the benefits of including the vital roles fiber plays in our nutritional intake. Logan introduces us to Creatine, a resurgent “hot topic” in the supplement world. McKenna follows with an analysis of treatment options for running injuries. Helping to make sense of the nutrition, Austin explains an overview of the ketogenic diet.

After strenuous workouts, Paola explores the necessity for proper sleep to rest and recover. Loubna explains the relationship between exercise and immune system function. Then, Rene details the benefits to considering Integrative Medicine to diagnose and address common ailments.

For a bit of the training and performance side, Zachary details the use of therapeutic massage to assist in recovery. Amy describes how exercise and physical activity can be used to benefit cancer patients. Madison addresses risk factors for sport-related injuries and how to minimize the risk. Sandra investigates recent developments in the pursuit of muscle hypertrophy. Andrew addresses the recommended processes associated with healthy aging.

Andrea leads us through the problems encountered when exercising with arthritis. Continuing in the field of rehabilitation, Diamond gives us an explanation of tendon rehabilitation therapy. Finally, Nedjie explains the process of rehabilitating injuries due to osteoporosis.

What did Dr. Tom anticipate in 2025?

I must confess that I have a renewed sense of optimism I have been witnessing in my Practice. The sheer speed at which changes are occurring is something to marvel at. I’m going to continue to pay attention and see what future history this New Year will offer… Game On…!

Cheers…!

-Dr. Tom Fisher