A thought provoking photo taken by photographer and ICKB lifter Christy McDonald the day before the 2013 IUKL Kettlebell Sport Classic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Our son Mateo’s birthday falls within the month of April which is Autism Awareness Month. In honor of his sixth birthday, we created a list of 6 effective ways to connect with children like Mateo.  We hope these ideas are useful to you when making connections to children of all developmental stages.

Cheers,

Maya & Steven

1. When speaking, get down to eye level, preferably below a child’s gaze so that you are looking up at them. Some children with Autism are sensitive to dense crowds, lights, sounds, new faces and unfamiliar voices which can be overwhelming. You can help filter the sensory distraction by coming in closer proximity and kneeling down or sitting on the floor.

2. Slow down and use less words. Children with special needs process information at a different pace than you do. Adjust your cadence to give them a chance to catch up. Think here and now: use child-size language in the present moment. Keep in mind they hear you even though they may not be able to express it.

3. Your energy and tone of voice matter most. Some children, like Mateo, are overreactive to the sensory stimulation in their environment. Therefore, use a quieter, softer voice to promote calmness and engagement.

4. Wait for an authentic response rather than fill in the silence with words. Extended pauses and breaks in conversation are a natural part of relating to our children. You can help them develop their own ideas by patiently waiting for them to express themselves. When in doubt, wait ten seconds longer.

5. Use “positive opposites” when giving children support. Children with Autism often do things that require assistance or redirection. When providing help, tell a child what to do rather than what not to do. For example, instead of saying, “don’t grab the toys” try saying, “you can be next.”

6. Play is the way. The best way to connect with all children and especially those on the Autism Spectrum, is to engage in child-size play. Try imitating their ideas before you initiate your own. Our children want to know that you recognize their interests and share their ideas.

Vice President Calvin Coolidge and House Speaker F. H. Gillet exercising in House gym, January 1923.

Wondering what this gym looks like today…

Have a great morning!

Here is a video of people juggling cement blocks weighing 20kg – 65kg each. It has been noted that the Chinese have used kettleblocks and kettlebells for athletic development for centuries. But unlike their Russian counterpart, the Chinese did not develop a formal sport from this exercise tool.

Kettleblocks and kettlebells can be found on the training grounds of many physical development centers in China including the military and the temples of the Shoalin Monks.

To end the year with a bang, members of Monday night’s ultra-competitive courtesy-free Battlezone agreed to hold one last special session today at 3 PM to determine the Quarter Final Winner as well as the Grand Champion of 2012. All Ice Chamber members are welcome to spend an hour of x-mas eve with us to cheer on your peeps this afternoon!

Will Dado tie Doug? …or will it be a sweep for Doug? With this much on the line, it might come down to roshambo.

STRATEGIES for a HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

Shopping and the Office :

• Keep an insulated bag in the car pre-packed with nuts, fruit and water
• Take along something to drink like tea in an insulated mug, which saves money and avoids temptation.
• Always have a meal plan for the day. Decide ahead of time if and where to stop for lunch. Sitting down for a real meal gives everyone a break and encourages wiser food choices.
• To avoid temptations at  work, keep dark 70% or more, good quality chocolate at your desk and have a little when worse options are presented

Parties, Get-Togethers, and big Holiday Meals:

• Do not arrive starving! Have something healthy before you leave home.
• Pick and choose what really appeals to you. Choose protein rich foods first, which give you satiety.
• If you can bring a dish, be sure it is healthy and delicious.
• Decide if a food is worth having.
• If there is a dish you simply must have, serve yourself a small portion and use the 3 bite rule.  Enjoy three bites, and do not finish the rest.
• Focus your attention on people rather than food. Don’t stand next to the food!
• Consider your beverages. It’s easy to consume hundreds of empty calories in a few glasses of soda or alcoholic drinks.
• Use phrases like “Thank you, I’m sure it’s delicious, maybe later,” “I’ve had too much already, can I take some home?” or “I wish I could, but my nutritionist told me I mustn’t eat that right now.” Blame me if that works for you.
• Write down everything consumed. This has been proven to be the most successful weight management strategy!

-Tamar Cohen, Tri Holistic Nutrition

Getting to the gym everyday is the most difficult part of the journey.

“Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Garcia vs. Sprague vs. Cord for 2012 Battlezone Grand Champion.

Only 3 weeks left.  Who is your pick?