Dr. David M Robertson

Accuracy over outrage. Reason over dogma. Truth over feelings.
Leadership Science | Health Science | Author/Writer
Ready to go to Mars

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Congrats! You're one of the few seeing this! Don't forget to scroll my feed every so often. You simply have not seen the vast majority of what I've provided, and I'm sure there is something on their you'll like.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Let's knock out that health factoid for the day. I think I have a good one for you.

You were probably told that you should stretch before a workout, right? Actually, static stretching before performance (the kind where you hold a position for an extended period) has been consistently shown to REDUCE force production, DECREASE power output, and IMPAIR neuromuscular coordination. Not good!

In fact, a 2013 meta-analysis published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that pre-exercise static stretching reduced strength by 5.5%, power by 2.8%, and explosive performance by 2.9%. You are literally making yourself weaker before you compete or train. It gets worse, though. Later evidence would show that it can actually increase the odds of injury.

Granted, the effects are dose-dependent. For example, VERY brief static holds of 45 to 60 seconds or less have a trivial impact on performance. The meaningful impairment kicks in with longer duration or repeated holds, which is exactly what most people were taught to do.

The question is "why?" Well, static stretching temporarily desensitizes the muscle spindles, which are the sensory receptors that detect changes in muscle length and trigger the stretch reflex. That reflex is part of what gives you explosive, reactive power. So, if you suppress it before you need it, you've literally compromised the very system on which your performance depends.

Now, this doesn't mean that flexible work is useless. It just means that timing matters. Dynamic warm-up (controlled movements that progressively increase range of motion and elevate core temperature) prepares the neuromuscular system without suppressing it. Things like leg swings, hip circles, arm rotations, and sport-specific movement patterns prime the body for output rather than sedating it.

Anyway, static stretching has its place. But that time is probably best post-workout, when the goal is recovery, tissue lengthening, and parasympathetic activation.

The problem was never the tool. It was the timing. So, warm up, of course. Just don't sedate.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@JMehelic47475 There are MANY misunderstandings about healthy and/or nutritious foods. I was floored to discover just how much of what we were told was wrong. The scary part was that much of what I discovered wasn't even taught in my school. I found the studies doing research projects.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

So, all sugars and fats are bad, right? That's what many have been sold for years. The conditioning is real, but it's also probably wrong. Contrastive Inquiry wins again!

Researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait tested the assumption that being on a sugar-free, low-fat diet is a great idea. Their findings add to a mounting body of evidence that demonstrate the opposite to be true. In their study, the sugar-free group developed insulin resistance, metabolic changes, and elevated inflammation in both the colon and liver compared to controls.

Here's some clarity. Yes, refined sugar is a problem. However, the sugars found in fruits are typically not, and this is especially true if the fruit was consumed whole (no juices). After all, your brain runs on carbohydrates. Moreover, your hormones, cell membranes, and neurological function depend on fat, so it's usually a bad idea to remove those.

Anyway, from a health science perspective, the issue was never sugar or fat. It was always which ones, in what form, and where they came from. Sources matter. So says our physiology.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

That's funny.

[Jonathan Gunson. Writer @JonathanGunson]

If you're a writer you'll know the feeling.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Quick Reasoned Leadership tip.

The best leaders are not the ones with all the answers. They're the ones who know where to find them. If they're doing right, those answers can usually be found from the team.

Here's what you should do. If you're navigating unfamiliar territory, admit it. Resist the urge to think this is a weakness. That's actually situational awareness and it helps to build respect. In fact, the leaders who advance fastest are usually the ones who recognize when the dynamic has shifted and turn to their people accordingly. The faster they do that, the faster they solve problems.

Now, if hiring was done correctly, your team members are subject matter experts in their own right. Treat them that way. Seek their input. Share the options you're considering. Also, make yourself accessible for one-on-ones and deep-dive conversations. Create space for genuine Contrastive Inquiry, where competing perspectives are evaluated honestly.

And when someone's insight shapes your decision, you should say so. Credit them in front of the team and celebrate the win together. That's Validation Exchange, and it builds the kind of trust that makes people bring you their best thinking next time instead of keeping it to themselves.

Just remember that the leader who pretends to know everything gets compliance and sub-par outcomes. However, the reasoned leader who admits they don't know everything... they're the ones who get help, commitment, effort, and more successes.

[Wondrous Nature @nature_c2ngn]

Canyonlands National Park in Utah 😍

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Here's your health factoid of the day. Let's talk about the evil and dangerous cholesterol.

Actually, cholesterol is entirely misunderstood. In reality, your brain doesn't exist without it, it's essential for many body functions (like building cell membranes and aiding in the digestion of fats), and it's the precursor to every steroid hormone in your body.

One can note the various stealth or overt ailments that are seen in those trying to eliminate cholesterol from the body. In fact, very low levels are linked to increased health risks such as hemorrhagic stroke and nutrient deficiencies (along with the various ailments that come along with that).

The point is that the blanket 'cholesterol is bad' narrative significantly oversimplifies the true biology of what's going on. Indeed, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the topic. Be careful what you choose to believe.

Thankfully, your liver naturally produces most of it as long as it has enough of the precursors. And if you're curious about that, it's made from pieces of whatever your body is breaking down for energy, like fat and protein. Pretty cool system, actually.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Had a great question: "Health and leadership? Those are two worlds apart! What gives? Also what's with the brain stuff?"

Actually, I see them all as closely related. Think about it. Effective leadership requires strategic decisions. Strategic decisions require cognitive power. Cognitive power requires optimal inputs and overall health. So, I study and practice all three.

Interestingly, what I have found over the years is that physical health and conditioning, cognitive clarity, and strategic and disciplined execution multiply each other. From a Reasoned Leadership perspective, working all three simultaneously produces results that no single domain has been able to replicate on its own.

Ultimately, I'm all about superior outcomes. These three together provide the best foundation for my clients to achieve theirs. So, no, they're not different. For me, they are just different sides of the problem.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@georgevibing Lol... good call

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

There's a deal?

You do? You don't? You do? You don't!

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@JMehelic47475 @nicksortor Funny you should say that... I posted this reply to another post just days ago:

https://t.co/xp77OvA68l

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@Lukewearechange Yeah... but we'll need the cover sheet on that report.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

I love how he looks at failure and risk.

[Joe Rogan Podcast News @joeroganhq]

Interview with Elon Musk from 2012: " My proceeds from PayPal after tax were about $180M, $100M of that went into SpaceX, $70M into Tesla, and $10M into SolarCity and I literally had to borrow money for rent."

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@Rado9910 Because it's physiologically irresponsible?

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@cam_johnson92 Yup. Of course, I figured you would know!

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

Okay... that's awesome... and messed up, all at the same time. Makes me wonder how many would even get it.

Like or comment if you understand.

[LeoDaVinciWave @LeoDaVinciWave]

Julius Caesar knife block.

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@brockpierson Busy

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

@JMehelic47475 Yes, it is! :)

[Dr. David M Robertson @DMRPublications]

As beautiful as this is, all I can think about when I see this is "mosquitos and ticks."