I used to write quick programs for people I didn't know. Until I realized how that devalued me, my services, and my profession.
MEAL PREP AND SABOTAGE
A few years back I was up late at on a sunday night, prepping food for the week. I was making a big, delicious pot of chilli. I’m not sure of the exact date, but I do remember it was in the winter. I know this because I make chilli mostly in the winter. And I remember thinking about how much I would rather be sleeping because I had to be up early.
So around 10:30pm I was prepping the ingredients and gathering spices to make an awesome meal to last the week. And I began talking to myself. I told myself “It’s ok, my future self will thank me”. I didn’t know that this thought would unfold into an entire way of life for me. The first part is a bit thick, but stick with me I’m going somewhere good with this.
PROTEIN: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF EXISTENCE
The Fuss About Protein
Of the three macronutrients protein seems to be the one that gets the most praise, but not without some controversy. People still debate about: what’s the best source of protein, plant or meat? How much protein does the average person needs? Is it safe to consume more protein than you need? Will it damage my kidneys?
The answers to these questions seem to be relative. It’s difficult not to fall down a rabbit hole of information about this macronutrient. And while most people usually associate protein with building muscle, it serves such a tremendous array of function. For example, protein is involved in everything from hair and nail growth, bone maintenance, to producing neurotransmitters and digestive enzymes.
A SWEET TAKE ON CARBS
Dispelling some of the myths around carbohydrate consumption, and explaining some of the science behind simple and complex carbohydrates.
Father’s Day: Dads Wrestle With your Kids!
First and foremost I want to acknowledge my privilege as a cisgender, heterosexual male, who is of Arab descent. The points I want to make may apply, regardless of that. But I may also be wrong, because there always seems to be some kind of personal bias that I overlook.
I have a two and a half year old toddler, Firas Soren Zulfikar EL-Mokadem, who has tremendous amounts of energy. I also spend a lot of time being physical with him, it’s been like that since he was born. I hold him, kiss him, hug him, snuggle with him, and it’s the best thing ever.
THE 5 DIFFERENT KINDS OF RESEARCH STUDIES: RANKED BY RELIABILITY
BUT FIRST!
Hello Everyone! Let’s Catch some knowledge.
I want to talk to you a little bit about the different kinds of scientific studies, and how they rank in terms of reliability.
I get so worked up whenever I’m arguing with someone about an issue related to to health and fitness, and they start saying things like
“research shows that XY and Z” or “I read a study that proves This that and the other thing”. However,
1-they don’t actually provide the source.
2-They don’t say what kind of study it was
TECHNE: THE IMPORTANCE OF CUING
Another term I borrowed from the ancient Greeks, which translates to “craftsmanship” or “art”. And, as far as I’m concerned, mastering good technique is both a skill and an art.
Coaching Cues and Instructions
One of my strongest attributes as a trainer is to communicate clearly with my clients. Exercises and movements can become complex and difficult, which is why precise instructions are helpful.
I am constantly working to improve my communication skills, for coaching purposes. Most importantly, if my clients fail to understand what I expect them to do, that is my fault.
Reclaiming Health and Fitness
In the Beginning
I have been working in the Health and Fitness industry for nearly a decade, as a coach, a personal trainer and fitness specialist. I have helped numerous people, to develop and achieve goals, educated clients about the benefits of exercise, and how to do it safely and effectively.
Furthermore, I have worked hard to dispel countless myths that are rampant in the H&F industry: from “you shouldn’t let your knees pass your toes when you squat!” to “Sugar is bad for you!” and one of my personal favourites “I’ll just work it off in the gym”.
Reflections on Fitness, Health, and Philosophy
Welcome to Fitness and Philosophy! Above all you will find facts, research on health and fitness, and philosophical engagement with the material. Philosophy has always been near and dear to my heart. Beyond academia it has helped me to understand so much about myself, my life, people, politics etc.
Furthermore, the type of philosophical engagement you will find here is part existential, part socio-political, part stoic, maybe some metaphysics…I’m working on a list. Most importantly, this is an exercise and attempt to help decolonize the fitness and health industry, through the critical and philosophical valuation of health and fitness trends and practices.