As you know, I live here in Minnesota that has been on the news for horrible reasons. I’ve grown up here and spent my entire 51 years here other than the 4.5 years I was at Michigan Tech Univ doing my post grad and graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. My undergrad was in Duluth at St Scholastica and my graduate and PhD work was at the University of MN.

I love it here despite some days I piss and moan about the cold in the winter.

***Tomorrow will resume this newsletters fitness only purpose, but today I need to fill you in on what is happening here. If you'd rather not read, no problem. No harm; no foul. I love all my newsletter readers.***

In my entire time here, I have never seen anything like what is happening now. Each day, the situation feels more intense and unsettling to witness. I feel sad and scared as to how it will play out.

My reason for writing this I’ve been contemplating what I should be doing in the midst of all of it.

On one side, this is a fitness newsletter and I personally dislike other news sources where you opt in for one thing and then get a politically charged version of it that you did not expect. I despised that and I do not want to blindside you.

On the other side, as a human being trying to do the right thing, I can’t stand by and say nothing either; hence my quandary.

What is going on now is not primarily a politically issue in my mind, it is a human rights issue, which are being violated at an alarming rate in the state that I love to people that did nothing wrong other than stand up for their rights and the rights of their neighbors and friends.

It is being done to people that did nothing wrong other than to exercise their rights under the constitution and this includes US citizens.

I feel proud to see the great people of MN standing up, helping their neighbors, kids walking out of high school and marching in the cold to the capital to protest. People filming to show was is actually going on and posting it to social media. These acts are not being tolerated and never will be tolerated.

All of this brings me to my crossroads here and my proposed solution below:

1) Fitness First – this newsletter will continue in the same manner and will not be a political based thing or influence that way.
Everyone needs to take care of themselves- now more than ever, and I will do whatever I can to help you do just that. I may write more or less, right now I can’t say; hence the frequency may be variable as I am only going to send you what I feel is the best content I can personally right now and not send you some dribble to just take up space in your inbox.

2) IG – for now, my main postings on IG will be the same fitness and metal music inspired and if you want personal updates and what is going on in MN, you can follow me there and look at my IG Stories where I will share updates from here. I have been for some time. If you don’t want to see, don’t follow me there or don’t watch my stories. You can send me a DM via IG, and I may reply or may not. I have zero time to spend discussing deep issues online; however, I am more than happy to do it in person.

3) Unsubscribe at the end –If this isn’t for you, I understand. I still love you and wish you all the best.

Thank you!

Thank you for listening.

Thank you for all of your constant support, love, ideas and feedback.

Really, it means so much to me. I am able to do my life because of your support and I do not take that lightly.

I appreciate you listening here, and I am far from having all the answers on this one.

I am just another human trying to figure it out and do the best I can in my own way to make an impact in this world.

Much love to you always,

Dr Mike

PS –I debated sending this because I know not everyone will agree, but staying aligned with myself matters more than trying to please everyone. In the end I can’t stand on the sidelines and not say nothing. Thank you for listening and all of your support.

PPS – This was my gym tune today via old skooool CD with my phone off to preserve my sanity. Carve out time for yourself too, crank the tunes and get it done.

“This is our lives

This is who we are

You can't put a price on it

It's strength within our hearts

From within our souls

Stood strong throughout the years

This runs through our veins

We stay true to ourselves

(You want to see me fail...you won’t get your chance)

Who are you to judge us

Who are you to condemn us

I have respect, honour and dedication

For my family and friends” -Jamey Jasta of the band Hatebreed

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_____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag
​​Mike T Nelson is a Ph.D. and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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