Mind Shift

About the Book

This book attempts to address the subject of physical training as it relates to health and fitness from a both philosophical and pedagogical perspective. In that, the current popularization of fitness seems at odds with its original intent; which was the cultivation of the mind-body and spirit ( an internal manifestation of intent) through the systematic practice of a discipline such as yoga, martial arts, gymnastics or dance or a training program specifically designed to prepare an athlete for sports participation-track and field, basketball, football, etc., which required the participant to have mastered the basic physical prerequisites-good posture, balance, coordination, agility, suppleness, command of basic calisthenics, and kinesthetic awareness, necessary for high levels of performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. This book’s premise is about making a mind shift from the current definition and practice of physical fitness as portrayed by many popular fitness media personalities, health and fitness magazines and many big box health clubs, to one in which the acquisition of physical fitness is likened to the study of the martial arts where one follows the path, or commonly referred as the way or (Dao). The characters depicted in the book, though their backgrounds may differ, follow a physical fitness similar in fashion. A regimen that owes much of its origin to ancient Chinese martial arts, calisthenics (body weight training) propagated by the ancient Greek athletes and the physical cultural movement of the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s that took place here in the United States and in parts of Europe. The aforementioned had a common philosophy. And that was physical training, whether for the purely aesthetic, muscular strength, athletics, or general good health, should be systematic, progressive, efficient, and most important work. In other words, progress that is validated through observation-well coordinated fluid movements, better stability (balance), improved posture and aesthetics. And measurable-able to successfully perform a series of basic strength to body weight tests: pull ups, dips, push-ups, sprints with perfect form. Hopefully, in some small way, the stories in this book about characters striving to achieve physical mastery of a discipline or engaging in a challenging free form of movement for the sheer delight of it, will give the reader pause the next time he or she hears about the latest exercise gimmick or gizmo or the next must have fitness celebrities’ workout DVD. And maybe, just maybe, they’d be on the verge of a mind shift.

About the Author

Don has had a lifelong passion for understanding the interconnectedness of the mind and body. From his very first purchase of a Joe Weider Muscle Magazine, at age eleven, which exposed him to the purely aesthetic pursuit of physical ideal through body building, to his immersion years later, in Chinese and Brazilian martial arts, both of which, provided a mind-body-spirit synergism that formed the basis of a whole body natural approach to physical training Don currently implements with himself and the athletes he coaches. From the athlete who needed to improve overall strength and endurance to prepare for cycling the French Alps, or the runner preparing for the Boston Marathon who needed rehab for chronic knee pain, to the bride to be who wanted to shed a few inches from around her waist and buff her arms to look perfect in her wedding dress, all achieved their respective goals safely and efficiently under Don’s guidance. A few of the testimonials Don has received from participants regarding their training experiences. “Thank you so much for all of your help and encouragement. I am so grateful to be working with you, and your knowledge and insights.” —Abby “Don will insure that you are not only getting stronger, but that you are gaining strength, mobility, and agility in a sustainable, applicable, and injury free way.” —Leigh “Don is truly a master of his craft—he understands human physiology inside and out and clearly delights in applying his formidable knowledge to help his clients.” “He blends knowledge and experience with a common sence approach to help you achieve your goals safely and effeciently.” —G. Allison, MD, Boston-area physician In 2011, Don launched All Natural Athlete. ANA is a training program designed to optimize all aspects of physical conditioning, athletic performance and, as a by-product, enhanced aesthetics. A devotee of bricolage, he assembles a diverse range of training methods that he constructs in specific ways allowing him to create training programs that delve deeply into the inner workings of human movement, mind-body connection, and elite athletic performance.