As with any other activity that may affect your health and existing physical conditions, please consult with your physician before trying the equipment mentioned in this episode, whether it's during a visit to Aqua Float and Cryo, or any other facility.  

The Bult for Life Podcast is aimed at presenting our listeners with new ideas, along with tried and true techniques to help you on your journey with chronic pain, but anything that we discover and relay back to our listeners should not be considered medical advice.

With that being said, we are proud to announce that Gerrit's wife, Beth, will be joining us as a co-host for future episodes.  She has a wealth of medical knowledge and will bring a lot of great information and experience to the table.  We look forward to upcoming episodes with her, and hope that you will check them out! Thanks for listening!

If you'd like to see the full video of the session, you can check it out on our YouTube channel here!

Thanks for listening and watching!

With  Holly's background in fitness as well as her experience in the pharmaceutical field, she knows the emotional and scientific benefits of exercise, and the psychological boost that people can get from having a community and a gym family.

Skip is well aware of the benefits as well, and cautions that the business of running a gym isn't as cutthroat as you would imagine.  The permanent effect that the pandemic has brought about in the gym community is detrimental to everyone, from mom and pop gyms to the big box chains which he warns are at great risk of closing, if they haven't already.

TF Fitness + Nutrition can be found at www.tffitnessandnutrition.com

Although Gerrit attends TF, this episode is not an ad for TF Fitness, and should be considered a  general testimonial for the benefits of a gym routine wherever you decide to attend.  That being said, be safe!  Make sure your facility is adhering to strict cleaning and maintenance policies, and has your health and safety as their top priority.

He also mentions using past accomplishments, whether big or small, to remind yourself of your potential during times of doubt. 

Another great point that Todd made, was to remind yourself that through adversity, mistakes, and accidents, we all have things to learn and to gain. it's not enough to simply learn these lessons, but to remember that you've learned them already when you faced similar challenges in the future.

Beth references some of her influences in doing research on the effects of Gluten and other grains, one of which was the Book "Grain Brain" by Dr. David Perlmutter.  She also mentions learning a lot from renowned physician, Dr. Mark Hyman.

Beth also trained and worked with Robban Sica, MD at www.centerhealingarts.com , where she gained a tremendous amount of insight into functional medicine along with general health and wellness.

How we should frame this experience for children?

Gerrit and Beth talk about setting schedules and focusing less on math and science, and more on making this as positive an experience as possible as we attempt to home-school our youth.

How can families dealing with chronic illness communicate their needs and feelings clearly with loved ones?

Gerrit and Beth have worked, and continue to work on, the most effective way to clearly discuss the challenges that living with chronic illness can present.  They have some great advice to help keep the peace around the home, and for everyone to feel like they are getting what they want and need out of a relationship.

How important is physical activity and exercise during these times?

The fact that the Bult family is an extremely active and physically fit family doesn't mean that those who may not be at the same level should feel intimidated or excluded.  Everyone is dealing with their own limitations, and if we can focus on just doing something....something creative, something fun, or something challenging, then we will come out of this a little stronger physically and mentally.

We sincerely hope that throughout all of the new challenges that we face as a global society, that you are maintaining as much positivity and optimism as possible.  It is our mission to be there for you when you can't find a way to be positive, and to encourage everyone to find ways to make the best of their current situations.  We hope that in some way, our stories and our messages are helping people.  Please reach out with any feedback that you might have.  We would love to hear from you.

Exercise/Recovery Related People Mentioned

Ed discusses his thoughts on the best ways to fix your body after a workout, or when you are feeling pain after strenuous exercise.

• Kelly Starrett at the ready state (formerly mobility WOD)
• Donnie Thompson's product - The X-Wife
• Chris Duffin of Kabuki Strength
• Stuart McGill - Back Fit Pro

Diet

Simple question, simple answer.  When Gerrit asks Ed about his diet, he is quick to recommend one plan.

• Stan Efferding's Vertical Diet

Martial Arts Training

Ed mentions how his interest in martial arts developed into counter-violence training, which Gerrit refers to as training for "real shit."

• Michael Van Beek - Focus Counter Violence

To learn more about the legendary powerlifter Ed Coan, check him out here.

Dr Frank, a native of Northbrook, IL, began his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating with a degree in Biology. After a 3 year hiatus playing professional basketball at home and overseas, Dr Frank continued his education at the prestigious Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. His training continued at Wake Forest Baptist Health, where he completed a fellowship in NeuroRehabiliation.

Dr Frank has spent the last several years treating several different types of chronic medical conditions. It was during that time that he began his interest in regenerative and anti-aging medicine, and has gone through extensive additional training with the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr Frank looks to treat the cause of the disease, not just cover it up with medications. As a Rehabilitation physician, Dr Frank focuses on restoring the body to its highest functioning capacity.

By opening the Frank Institute for Health and Wellness, Dr Frank has created a unique, one of a kind practice that focuses on the person as a whole.

If you or anyone that you know suffers from chronic pain, please share our podcast. We know that everything that we've learned from other chronic pain sufferers has helped us in our journey. Whether it is practical information, or critical inspiration...it's community that will make us stronger, and get us through the every day struggle.

Thank you so much for listening.