Shuttle's "Best of the Week" Dec. 19 - 25

THIS WEEK IS CHRISTMASTIME....

And because of this wonderful time of year, we've decided to do things a little bit different in this post.

Christmas is the season of perpetual hope. It is the time of dreams dreamed and wishes wished. The following are some of the wishes we wish for you this holiday season:

1. The caregiver below whistles while he works - and in the process heals bodies and gladdens hearts. Our wish is that each of you - physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches - will have a renewed understanding of the great work that you do.

To all who assist the patient or athlete in coming back from injury, we say, "Thank you!"

2. In wouldn't be the holiday season without all the football bowl games. And since everything is riding on these games, athletes and teams can play with complete abandon. Consequently, the spectators get to see some of the greatest games ever played. 

Our wish is that you get to see at least one game this holiday season that causes you to spontaneously bust out laughing. 

3. We know that sometimes you deal with very difficult cases, some very severe injuries - and the work you do in rehabilitating those patients can be, at times, truly miraculous. But, we also understand that sometimes the work you do may seem a little mundane.

Well, we want to say "thanks" for helping us with the mundane - you know, when you teach us a strategy for standing at the kitchen sink or how to vacuum properly. Our wish is that you'll keep teaching us the simple, everyday stuff - how to live life without killing ourselves. 

4. Is there anything exercise CAN'T do? We know it can help you lose weight. It can help you gain weight (if you want). It can strengthen your heart, your lungs, your joints, and your muscles. It can cause your spirits to rise and your blood pressure to fall. It's arguably the greatest miracle drug known to man. (And do I need to mention that it also single handedly keeps thousands of coaches, personal trainers, and other fitness fanatics gainfully employed each year? OK, and it also helps us sell our Shuttle MVP, 2000-1, Recovery, Balance and MiniPress!)

Our wish is that you never stop preaching the virtues of exercise!

Photo by: Andres Rueda

5. Finally, we wish you all good things this holiday season: love, joy, laughter, good will towards men and women, and on earth peace... and QUIET!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!