My AIDS Lifecycle Experience Days 1-3

AIDS/LifeCycle 6 raises a record $11 million to fight AIDS

A record 2,333 cyclists from 10 countries and 43 states rode exuberantly from the Cow Palace, as they began AIDS/LifeCycle, a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The riders and nearly 450 "roadie" volunteers raised a record $11 million this year -- surpassing last year's total by nearly $3 million.

Read more about ALC's most successful year yet.

Day 1- June 3, from San Francisco to Santa Cruz was a 90 mile ride.
My team was "Water Stop." Our theme for the day....Pirates. We were done at 12 noon so we decided to check out Rest Stop 3 Team. There we took some more pictures.

Please click on the picture to enlarge




Day 2 - June 4, Santa Cruz to King City was a whopping 105 mile ride.... yikes! It was mostly flat and a lot of tailwinds.
The cyclists stopped in small towns and indulged on artichoke hearts.
Water Stop theme...cabana boys and girls. We were based at Mission Nuestra Senora De La Soledad. Here is where the cyclists took a moment to write their dedications.
Click on the picture to enlarge.




Day 3 - June 5, King City to Paso Robles....a 77 mile ride - which they actually considered a "short day." Mind you, they still had to tackle the "Quad Buster Hill."
Because it was a "short day," the water stop team was given a day off. Well not really. We still had to help the Bike Park crew and the Food Services crew. Oh yeah, it was also the night of "Roadie Fashion Show!" Our theme was "Gods and Goddesses of Hydration."




Well....that's what I have, so far. I'll be posting the rest of the 7 days later so check back for more......

The Egoscue Method vs. Z Health

Today I had a chance to witness the assessment protocol of "The Egoscue Method." One of my clients, was very kind enough to invite me into her appointment with an Egoscue practitioner and I am very thankful for Linda's contribution in helping me expand my skill set. For those of you that are not familiar what the Egoscue Method is...it's a functional exercise approach of treating pain, postural correction and performance enhancement. Which is of course, right around the alley of what Z Health is about (Dynamic Joint Mobility). If you know me, you would know that I am passionate about helping people move and function efficiently - without pain - in their daily activities.
The obvious similarities between Z Health and Egoscue methods are; 1) the postural and gait analysis (movement analysis of your walk); 2) the ultimate goal of pain relief, postural improvement and increased performance; 3) both are a "Do It Yourself" tools to treat your aches and pains; 4) the exercises are simple; 5) where it hurts may not necessarily be the problem, it's the "all the body all the time" theory.
The differences are in the type of exercises and the system. While the Z Health focuses on short repetitions of dynamic joint movements that targets the nervous system, Egoscue does many repetitions of exercises - and some that are static, which appears to target the musculoskeletal system. Now, here's the clincher....the results in the movement changes and pain reduction are faster with Z Health because the nervous system reacts faster than the skeletal muscles. To give you an example, this Tuesday, Feb. 20, I helped Ray, a 65 year old man that was presenting with right hip pain. After analyzing his walk, I decided to give him an ankle and foot mobility exercises. Ray immediately got a pain relief and there was a dramatic change in his hip movement. It took me 20 minutes and 2 exercises. Today, I sat and observed Linda do her exercises for 1.5 hour before she got a pain relief and a change in her hip movement.
Though The Egoscue Method took longer and consisted of many exercises before seeing a result, I am still curious and would consider learning the techniques. Why? Because while Z Health may have worked easily for Ray, it may not work as well with Linda. Clearly, Linda had better pain relief with The Egoscue Method rather than the Z Health exercises I've given her. But that can be easily justified that I am only a Level 1 Z Health practitioner and I have 3 more levels to go.
Nevertheless, I would still like to add The Egoscue Method in my toolbox.

AIDS/LifeCycle Roadie

Hah...I am very excited to be one of the "Roadies" for the June 3rd bike ride! This will be my first year and I am really afraid to use the porta pottie for a whole week. But aside from that minor problem, I am so much looking forward to meet new people that are active and doing a good cause.
My goals for this event are: 1) To raise $1500 that will help to continue the fight against AIDS; 2) To learn more about movement analysis so that I can strengthen my assessment skills; 3) To make new friends; 4) To expand recognition of Fitness Concepts; and lastly 5) To gain a lasting experience.
I am certainly hoping that my family, friends and clients will support me and help me raise $1500!
Would you, please? If you want to help me, here's the link for donations,

Jasmin's AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage or click on the link AIDS/LifeCycle, located on the side bar. I would very much appreciate your kind soul.

Thank You Very Much