Do You Feel It…? A Muscle Media Editorial

Archived issue-opening opinion by Dr. Tom Fisher. He describes the mood and optimism he observed and introduces that issue’s nutrition and training features.

Those of you who are regular readers probably know that I wear several “hats” … Yes, I am the Editor-in-Chief of this publication, but I am also a University Scientist, as well as being the Clinical Director of my own Private Practice (in Human Performance). For the magazine, the letters to the editor have remained steady, while my students at the university appear to be more concerned with the Holidays than anything else… But it is the buzz that I have been hearing/seeing/feeling in my Practice that I wanted to mention.

Some of it has been seen on the court/pitch/field/track and has recently caught everyone’s attention. Something palpable has happened. There seems to be a groundswell of renewed optimism, excitement, and celebration. While I’m sure we have all witnessed animated expressions in the public sports arena, I thought I would report that it is also being exuberantly expressed behind closed clinical doors.

What was the editor hearing from athletes and clients?

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

From mandates to masks, to social distancing, to “vaccines”, to bathroom confusion, to males openly competing against females, there has been a sense of cognitive dissonance and discord. I had High School ball players unable to provide game films or competition records to compete for university scholarships. Or university players seeking possible Professional contracts were prohibited due to the mass closures, cancellations, and mandated distancing rules.

This chaos was exacerbated by public shaming, the rise of what became known as the “Karen” (both male and female), and the apparent demise of achievement through merit. This was all taking place against a background of bizarre narratives, nonsensical explanations, and outright, bold-faced lies from politicians and a compliant, echo-chamber media. But it seems the veil has suddenly been lifted, the jig is up, and, as suspected, the emperor has no clothes…

Over the past several years I have witnessed powerful emotions expressed in my Practice. They typically included outrage, despair, incredulity, frustration, and disbelief. Executives and entrepreneurs were desperately struggling to keep their businesses 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.

Again, we have all witnessed violence, lawlessness, and destruction pouring out on the streets, and yet, there did not seem to be any audible public voices of dissent. But I heard them every single day from patients in my office.

What changed in the practice?

Well, that has changed. And it changed radically almost overnight. Now, athletes are openly doing “the dance” in celebration. There has been a great hope expressed by my athletes (male and female), that the whole convoluted “gender confusion” will be clarified and settled. The very scale of the change has been staggering as the people seem to have finally had enough and said “No” …

But we’ll all be waiting to see what changes occur and when…

So, what does this issue of Muscle Media Rx have to offer…?

What nutrition and recovery topics are in this issue?

Let’s start with our resident entertainment and nutrition expert, Anne, as she explains the benefits of including cruciferous vegetables into our nutritional intake. Sean introduces us to HMB, a current “hot topic” in the supplement world. Mia follows with an analysis of how and why to consider Glutamine supplementation. Helping to make sense of the nutrition, Mikayla explains the role of the primary energy systems in the body.

After strenuous workouts, Raul explores the necessity for proper sleep to rest and recover. Brianna explains the relationship between moderate intensity workouts and immune system function. Then, Ariana details the importance of developing lower limb strength.

What training and rehabilitation topics are covered?

For a bit of the performance side, Matthew details the use of Low Frequency, High Intensity training. Aldren describes the importance of being properly fitted with the appropriate athletic shoes. Brianna investigates recent developments and advancements in the world of performance prosthetics. Branon addresses the processes associated with ACL rehabilitation. Britani leads us through the problems encountered when dealing with chronic pain.

Continuing in the field of rehabilitation, Kacie gives us an explanation of FES therapy. Evan explains the process of rehabilitating injuries to the labrum. Finally, Preston leads us through the age-old use of the steam room for relaxation and revitalization.

What does the editor look forward to?

I must confess that I am excited about the optimism I have been witnessing in my Practice. (Believe me, it makes my work considerably more enjoyable, if not easier…!) Let’s see what this New Year brings…

Cheers…!

-Dr. Tom Fisher