Hello extraordinary humans,

Somehow it has been eight months since my last newsletter. If I were to sum up the last 8 months I’d compare it to some kind of chrysalis type process. Not the fun last half when the previous caterpillar gets to triumphantly unfurl into a butterfly….The hard, resource heavy, and uncertain part where the little critter is simultaneously dissolving themselves, and trying to build something new, all while hoping they don’t get eaten by a bird... Or that when they do emerge, that they have 2 mostly functioning wings…

I could also sum it up by saying that concussions/post concussion syndrome sucks. A lot.

I am not through, the end result of my health journey is far from certain, and yet somehow I am building new things.

One of the best things I have built over the past year is my coaching business. Otherwise known as: Rebuild your ability to work and financially function while rehabing a head injury (zero out of 10 stars for the process, but I am extremely proud of the outcome…also fuck capitalism)

I have been fortunate enough over the past year to work with amazing performing artists, stubborn as fuck seniors, and folks like me, who are staring into the void of complex chronic illness/injury, and wondering why the fuck everything feels so out of reach.

So welcome to my next phase as a coach - training and supporting those who live on the spectrum of pain to performance.

Here are two exercises that I use for either end of this spectrum. They both play with matching tension to task, and managing pressure. Two things that when done well, improve our ability to transfer force, and move heavy load - aka do more cool shit! Two things that can also make a huge difference in how we experience pain, and susceptibility to injury.

If you are someone with a regular training practice, try one or both of these as part of your warm up and see what changes. 2-3 reps of 15-30 seconds gradually increasing the tension you are building.

If you are someone who’s hanging out on the pain end of the spectrum, keep the intensity very low and try a few short repetitions (1-3 of 2-3 breaths) spread throughout your day. *trying new things on a flare day is not a great call - ask me how I know.

The exercises:

(Disclaimer that I am not in your body, these are tools, not treatments or cures so fiddle as you see fit)

​Hands and knees tension to task (sorry about the camera angle at the end…the brain cell was out of battery)

​Seated overcoming isometric​

As always, reach out with an questions, confusion or reviews haha.

Till next time,

Sido

​