Friday, February 28, 2014

Stradling Hosts Long Drive Golf Phenomenon Lee Brandon

Stradling Announces Illustrious Guest Speakers for Liquidity Panel at Oasis Summit, Hosts Long Drive Golf Phenomenon Lee Brandon in Breakout Area - 



What an honor to be invited to be part of this amazing event!  We will "ROCK" the Oasis.  Come on down and see the secrets of Champions.
First Woman to be hired in the NFL,  2 Time Olympic Coach, 2 Time World Long Drive Champion in golf

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Golf Again! Depressed By Back Pain?

Hi, My name is Harry from Los Angeles and I am 65 years old; I have played golf for 45+ years.  
Member at the Beautiful Peivate Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA.


For the last many years (over 10+), right leg sciatica back pain caused by herniated discs, scoliosis (aggressive lateral shift over 45 degrees) and spinal stenosis had greatly reduced my ability to play the game I love.   On a pain scale, I lived at 8's and 9's (10 being the most pain)!  I tried every stretching program and Physical Therapy option to no avail.  Nothing seemed to help.

I was very depressed, although I never lost hope of recovering. 

I was a good player, reached a 1 handicap in my prime. Went to many Doctors and tried many different techniques, but nothing worked for 10 years. (I had decided that I was never going to undergo surgery, nor any of these other extreme modalities.) 
Until I went to get core strengthening and golf-specific training with Lee Brandon and the AB-Inforcer® Core Biofeedback Training System.   After 18 months of specifically designed gym exercises and drills, and consistently doing the correct exercises on my own, I can now report I am finally better, stronger, and able to play 18 holes with almost no pain(.5 on the pain scale).
At the beginning of our sessions with Lee, I was in pain and we would grade the intensity of the pain (*1 minimal pain-10 maximal pain) and design the correct strengthening exercises accordingly.  
I was walking crooked, and bent forward as my upper body had laterally shifted to avoid the low back pain. I am still slightly shifted, but feel 2" inches taller and my scoliosis has diminished substantially. 
Before a round of golf, I could only hit about 10 practice shots on the range, otherwise the pain would build up and prevent me from swinging with any confidence on the course, so afraid to hurt myself further.   
After 12 weeks (2X's a week 12 coaching sessions) I was noticeably managing my pain by her education. One and 18 months of taking out my old exercises and reinventing all of my training, stretching, and swing with Lee, I am finally in a new place!
I am pain free and stronger than ever!!!!  My drives were 160-180, now I hit drives in excess of 220-230 yards.  
The other day, I hit balls on the range for almost one hour, without pain!!!  Now I can finally work on correcting all the bad habits that have crept into my swing during the last many years, dealing with my debilitating pain.
For those of you out there with a similar situation, the message is: "you can improve your condition with even basic, non invasive techniques, if well customized for your specific situation.  You don't have to live in pain!  Lee has the secrets." 



FROM THE DESK OF LEE BRANDON, CSCS:  

It's always exciting to get these powerful testimonials from those we are blessed to assist with their path to freedom from pain!  My cautionary note to all of you:  seek a credentialed specialist, then get a second opinion, a third…until you feel it resonate down deep inside of you as part of your solution!  If your still hurting, something is wrong!!!
Be careful self diagnosing.  Those of us who have been teaching performance enhancement for years, are still in business for a reason--we focus on delivering personalized solutions.  
The internet is full of too much information…or should I say mis information.  There are even protocols and exercise strategies to get you out of pain on-line that claim to do miraculous things.  Buyer beware…and if it's sounds too good…the old saying is true.
If Harry's story is your story, I have to share that his tireless efforts and drive to execute my "Spine Sparing Secrets" were driven by his goal to be pain free!  
He had the courage to take a "time out" from all the injurious things he had been doing prior to including my training system into his life until we addressed the "causes of his discomfort and stopped managing the effect!"  

Come out and support the LPGA.  I will be at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA.  If your interested in a complementary meet and greet, I have arranged a few blocks of hours to meet you all and answer your questions.  Email me for the details at LongDriveChamp@msn.com



Mission Hills Country Club

Rich in tradition, Mission Hills Country Club epitomizes the true vision of a private club. Unparalleled golf, tennis, croquet, fitness, and spa create first-class facilities for a truly world-class country club experience. The shining jewel and true sense of the Club, however, can be found in the exceptional Members and Member service, our warm staff who welcomes you to your home away from home, and the magic moments you experience when you step into the world of Mission Hills Country Club. As one of the most prestigious clubs in the Coachella Valley and a true year round club, Mission Hills Country Club continues to enhance the service and amenities we offer our Members and the over 200 new members each year.

Accolades:

  • Voted numerous times the No. 1 Private Country Club in the Coachella Valley
  • Voted numerous times No. 1 Private Golf Course in the Coachella Valley
  • 2009 USTA Tennis Facility of the Year in the United States
  • 2012 USCA Croquet Facility of the Year in the United States

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Walk Again! Dallas Project Walk





 I had the honor of working for 3 days in Dallas at the amazing Project Walk program.  If you're looking for inspiration today….look no further!

The old saying:  "The good teacher learns from the student," resonated with me as I stood silently inside one of the most awe inspiring, hope-filled facilities I've ever had the honor of visiting and working in.

Most of you who know me, know I've been blessed to travel the world and have seen numerous premier training facilities…NFL, NBA, NHL, OLYMPICS included.

At Dallas Project Walk, the focus, enthusiasm, and energy were palpable, as young and old pressed with every breath, to WALK AGAIN!

We all know the value of core strength and it's connection to movement.  My challenge was to see if what I've researched and invented regarding the spine, spine and joint mechanics had any relevance here!  I know about training Olympians, Professionals, Celebrities, and regular Joe's who just want to perform better.
This was no different! One young man pictured here stated:  "I just want to get my legs straight and stand flat with both feet on the ground!"  We worked for 45' minutes, and the results were visible with the smiles.
I just wasn't sure of the relevance or sure that there was any crossover effect in this environment?  There is minimal or no research on the relevance of core biofeedback and spinal cord disorders!  Shocking, I know!
I was blessed to spend 3 days with clients, staff, and family of those challenged by life altering events, and see if there was any additional stone we could flip over together.
I committed to being more eye's and ears…and learned so much in those few days.  It was highly technical  and the responses were consistently overwhelming.   I am still processing what we found out that day.  For the sake of this blog, I will share the inspiration and hope that maybe one of you know researchers that are interested in spinal cord research and help us explore the unexplainable positive responses manifested from our work on countless survivors and fighters that day.
This young man, lost the use of his entire torso from the neck down and had not been able to straighten his legs in months.  He was a runner and just wanted to new able to stretch out his legs.

He for the first time could feel deep muscles engaging and
see them on the AB-Inforcer using the Core Biofeedback
for positional awareness.
We turned on his core muscles, made him aware that his head and neck kept shooting forward to assist him, but that wasn't helpful.  

We gradually stood him up progressing him to both feet on the ground and the entire room stopped because since his accident he had not been able to get both feet flat on the floor no matter how much stretching was done!

This was an unbelievable moment.

By the end of the day, this young man's balance
improved exponentially by using the techniques
of the "Lights On" Core biofeedback!
The owner of Dallas Project Walk, Kendal Hall, had a horrible car accident and tragically emerged after the accident as a quadriplegic.   Her loss has not stopped nor slowed this young womens dream to walk again!  She has dedicated her life to looking for solutions that might help others in any way!

Their loss is not their story,…their spirit and fight are!

She strives minute-by-minute to get sensation back and fight the battle.  I was so humbled to be part of this revolutionary process.  I walked away feeling so blessed to tell their story, responsible to expedite research to help them on their miraculous path!

Please don't hesitate reaching out to donate to their facility.  They have scholarships that they give to those who can't afford their training(insurance doesn't cover it, and if it does it is minimal.  Their system runs on donations.

If any of you can take a moment and search your contacts and find scholars and researchers who have the grant money to assist with research, plea contact me at admin@AreYourLightsOn.com.

Finally,  their struggle made me keenly aware of my many blessings…even on the worst days, they take all my excuses away!  Get up and do something now, life can change in an instant.



Sitting up tall, unassisted!

palpating hip flexors and core muscles…
On AB-Inforcer Core Biofeedback Trainer provided
support, massage, and then lights and sound for ideal
postural positioning and engagement of postural core muscles.

Working on turning on core
muscles and learning to hip hinge!
The room stopped and cheered as Kendal
 drove her legs forward…the smile tells the story!


Please don't hesitate reaching out to donate to their facility.  They have scholarships that they give to those who can't afford their training (insurance doesn't cover it, and if it does it is minimal).  Their system runs on donations.

If any of you can take a moment and search your contacts and find scholars and researchers who have the grant money to assist with research, plea contact me at admin@AreYourLightsOn.com.  

Finally,  their struggle made me keenly aware of my many blessings…even on the worst days, they take all my excuses away!  Get up and do something now, life can change in an instant.
In Strength,
Lee Brandon, CSCS

Monday, February 3, 2014

All Things Are Possible: Salute Military Golf Assoc. Amputee Project






Core strength is critical to stand in prosthetics!
The same similar strength is necessary to find your center...



...if you have both legs, one leg or none!





www.smga.org

Oprah at Walter Reed Medical Hospital Amputee clinic



The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA)
http://www.golfsalute.org/
The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.

Lee Brandon, CSCS: Founder and President of AB-Vanced NEU- Spine® Technologies, LLC and 2 Time Women’s World Long Drive Champion, is a survivor of a near amputation of her left arm. Deeply touched by loss, she has dedicated her energies to promoting organizations like SMGA to help provide motivation, inspiration and education around “Core training” to our challenged heroes.




NO MORE BACK PAIN!






Before I started using the AB-inforcer I had constant pain and stiffness in my lower back. I don't know if it was caused by carrying around my young son, pilates, yoga, life... but nothing I tried to fix it worked. I had been told it might be arthritis and that spinal fusion surgery might help. Yikes! Luckily, I found the AB-inforcer. Within two months my back pain was gone! I've been pain free for a year now and know that it was simply a matter of not exercising with the correct postural awareness. The AB-inforcer is a no-brainer for anyone who has back pain. I consider it a life saver!


Teri's Trainer, Lee Brandon, CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), stated:  "though there are many reasons for back pain, most experts can agree that training your core muscles in good form is the first line of defense to protect the spine!  The AB-Inforcer(R) Core biofeedback trainer is a tool in our arsenal that allows me as a professional to see quantitatively that the spine is not flattening, while the correct muscles are engaging in good neutral zones.  Teri is an exemplary case, but it is a tribute to her doing her AB-Inforcer drills everyday, lifting weights twice a week, and being committed to modifying damaging habits (repetitively sitting, bending and lifting in poor posture)."

Teri's story is common.  Many of us concede to back pain blaming it on age or irreparable injury with no solution.  "  This is not always the case," says Lee. (read more)

Double Mastectomy Survivor at 80 Trains like a Champion

By Leatrice of Los Angeles
Age:  80
Santa Monica, California:  "My Life is Mine Once More--I Feel More Like Me"


"A few years ago I had to go through a radical double mastectomy. Everything in my life changed.  Though the surgery was successful, my life had changed.   I had such difficulty reaching, bending, lifting;  Basic functioning on daily activities was challenged at best.  For example, I couldn't reach for the same dishes.  My upper body was stiff and my arms were unable to straighten or stretch!  Due to the surgery, I found a downward cascading affect on my bodies performance and started having horrible back problems.  I was forced to use a cane.  The epidurals recommended by my Doctor for pain relief, did not provide me a long term solution.  I was frustrated with Physical Therapy, and at my wits end!
When I started training using the AB-Inforcer*,  I no longer needed my cane to help me walk.  I started stretching and using weights, and I am no longer bent over walking because I am aware of better posture and my balance has even improved.  I can reach, bend, sit, and do my life and FEEL MORE LIKE ME!!!  My life is mine once more!"
**WARNING: *Results may vary depending on your special circumstances.  Please speak to your health care provider and fitness professional before beginning any exercise program!
Laughing on the bike!



















Enjoying a stretch with a smile!























HEAD ON COLLISION SURVIVOR, LIVES TO INSPIRE US ALL

On paper this 80+ year old survivor knows that the odds were stacked against her.
She had survived a double mastectomy a few years ago and had been in the gym training to develop her overall strength and conditioning(full story May 16th, 2011).
Leigh smiling in intensive care



She was struck in a head on collision in November 16th, 2011, that landed her in intensive care and  on a respirator for 5 days in ICU with extreme internal bleeding, and a broken wrist in 3 places from the high speed deployment of the airbag.

Doctors were amazed at how soon Leatrice was able to be up and around and self-sufficient.

How many of us find ourselves in difficult circumstances and don't see our way through the maze of being injured?

Dr. Stuart Mc Gill, Expert on Spine Biomechanics and Professor at University of Waterloo in Canada, stated:  "the two greatest moves we can learn to execute for the rest of our lives is the  "POTTY SQUAT, and a STEP UP."

After training at the gym for two years, and learning the finer skills of a hip hinge (Potty Squat, or box squat), the first words out of Leatrice's mouth to me the first day back to the gym (8 weeks after this near fatal accident, was..."YOU SAVED MY LIFE.  Learning how to use my glutes (Buttocks muscles) allowed me to get back onto my feet faster!"

BAD RIB ROCKED DRUMMER: Core Training Added Precision to Percussion


Bo Jacobson, drummer for the Terry Byrne Band and plays bass in Automatik Slim (Tom Pettys son's band). 
Also, he works alongside composer Alan Lazar, producing the music for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Orange County on Bravo. 

Santa Monica, CA:  Bo Jacobson, Musician and student, shares his story of overcoming pain.

I originally came to Lee with a displaced rib that I had injured from working out with improper technique.

After the first session, I was so impressed with her knowledge and expertise that I asked to see her at least twice a week. In six months, she has helped transform my health and body. 


She stresses proper technique which has made me feel extremely confident in the gym knowing I am not putting anything at risk while getting the most from each rep. My previous collapsed posture and lower back problems have vanished and I have never felt healthier in my life. 

She introduced me to the ab-inforcer, which is by far the most incredible abdominal workout I have ever done in my life. It demands proper technique, which will make your abs stronger than ever while protecting your lower back and neck. I decided to purchase my own and is simple and easy to use. I get on it twice a day for a minute to two minutes each time and have found it to be the most effective way to strengthen my core. Coincidently, my work as a musician has also improved. 

As a drummer, having proper technique and consistency is very important and there is no doubt in my mind that my proper posture and strength has only improved my playing. My job as a composer also has me stuck to a chair for hours on end, but being aware of my tall posture and proper stretches keeps me from going to bed with a sore body. 

Lee is one of the best out there. She will work at a comfortable speed with you while pushing you to your limits. I feel healthier, stronger and more confident because of the training I have done with her and recommend her and the ab-inforcer to anyone looking for the most effective, proper way to train.



A TRAVELERS LIFE: Iron Man, Olympians and Travelers


Iron Man, Olympians and Travelers
By Lee Brandon, CSCS 
Your spine is meant to have curves! Sitting for long bouts on a train, plane or automobile can cause unhealthy compressions in the spine. Couple that with repetitive lifting of luggage, and you have a recipe for back pain or injury. Travelers might attend a yoga or exercise class to relieve stress and back pain while traveling, however the New York Times might argue otherwise. On Jan. 5, 2012, they published an article titled “How yoga can wreck your body.” This article sounded an alarm heard around the fitness world! So, yoga can be beneficial for some, but not for everyone. In the midst of so much mixed information, are there any exercises or stretches that truly offer an achy seasoned traveler relief? How about in the privacy of their hotel room? My answer is a resounding “Yes, with NEU Spine® Training.” 
NEU-SPINE® STABILIZATION EXERCISES:
Understanding a ‘Neutral Spine’ position is critical. (1) In other words, you can strengthen your back without putting undue stress and strain on your discs, facets and ligaments. A Neutral Spine is defined as, “The place where your spine absorbs forces the best,” which means neither bent forward into full flexion or bent backward into hyperextension. Keeping your head and shoulders balanced over your hips and feet will keep the neutral curves in the spine intact! Archaic protocols geared toward helping damaged, inflamed discs or facet joints in the lower spine end up putting additional unnecessary strain. So, tired, traveling spines need to really be cautious! Your spine training needs be pain-free. 
I always say: “Pre-hab. not Re-hab.” or “Strengthen not Strain.” 
It is imperative that you attain and maintain your Postural Stabilizers as much as possible before, during and after travel. “Strengthening your core muscles will reduce mechanical irritation upon [your] discs and facets, lessening your pain.”(3) It will also allow you to enjoy more of your up-time (time spent standing and walking). 
Will these exercises really help with my travel? 
Yes! NEU-Spine® exercises for your core and lower back are recommended by several well-respected sources (9, 10, 11). In fact, there are increasing numbers of high quality randomized controlled studies which demonstrate that, “Core Stabilizing Exercises have a profoundly positive and long-term effect on both decreasing lower back pain and improving over-all performance and function” (5,6,7,8). I have Olympians and other personal clients perform the basic “90/90 Brace” exercise daily on the floor with towels. 
Myself and Marcus Rogan (Two-time Olympic Silver Medalist in swimming currently training for the 2012 Olympics in London) states that, “The [AB-Inforcer®] hand piece lights up when you do it right!” 
He is referring to the machine’s hand-held signaling system that uses a series of lights to tell users when both sides of the spinal muscles are in alignment and active. 
Marcus on the AB-Inforcer®. If you successfully complete the NEU-Spine® exercises on towels and need a challenge, then take your spine mastery to the next level with the AB-Inforcer tool.
*Roll up a towel for the curve in your neck.  
Fold a bath towel to be positioned under your belly button.  Hold 1’ and breathe!  Or…

Remember all your strength and power comes from your core. If your core is weak then your arms, legs and head are also weak. Don’t believe me? Ask Iron Man; he used this tool in his training workouts. 




Lee Brandon is a strength and conditioning expert who specializes in evaluating and assessing postural biomechanics and function. She is the two-time World Long-Drive Champion in Golf. She currently holds multiple patents to one of the best-kept secrets in Hollywood for training the core called the AB-Inforcer® and is the inventor of the AB-Vanced Neu-Spine® Training Systems. Lee is the former Assistant Strength Coach for the New York Jets football team. Also she is an internationally known coach, teacher and motivational speaker and works as a consultant to many celebrities, olympians, veterans, universities, professional athletes and teams. She has been seen on ESPN, the Golf Channel, and highlighted in Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.ABinforcer.com 
References
  • 1. Yilmaz F, et al. "Efficacy of Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercise in lumbar microdiscectomy." J Rehabil Med 
  •            2003; 35:163-167
  • 3. Panjabi MM. "The stabilizing system of the spine: Part I. function , dysfunction, adaptation, and enhancement." J 
  •            Spinal Disord 1992; 5(4):383-389
  • 5. O'Sullivan PB, et al. "Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with 
  •            radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis." Spine 1997; 22(24): 2959-67. 
  • 6. Hides JA, et al. "Multifidus muscle recovery is not automatic after resolution of acute, first-episode low back pain." 
  •            Spine 2001; 26:243-8. 
  • 7. Hides JA, et al. " Long term effects of specific stabilizing exercises for first episode low back pain." 
  •            Spine 2001:26:243-8
  • 8. Goldby L, et al. "An RCT investigating the efficasy of manual therapy, exercises to rehabilitate spinal stabilization 
  •           and an education booklet in the conservative treatment of chronic low back pain. In: Proceedings of 
  •           International Federation of manipulative Therapists. Perth, Australia: 2000 
  • 9. Albright J. “Philadelphia Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on selected rehabilitation interventions for 
  •            low back pain.” Phys Ther. 2001 ;81:1641-1674 
  • 10. Bekkering G et al. “ KNGF-richtlijn Lage-rugpijn. Ned Tijdschr Fysiother, 2001 ;111( suppl):3 
  • 11. Spitzer W, et al. “Scientific approach to the assessment and management of activity-related spinal disorders: a 
  •            monograph for clinicians: Report of Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders.” Spine 1987; 12(suppl):1-59