What is the basis of Z-Health?

For optimal accelerated results in decreasing pain, changing body composition, preventing injury, and enhancing performance for an athlete, a coach must first never underestimate the power of an individual’s nervous system. Neurology varies among and within individuals and therefore should be the primary focus of manipulation for physical modification. The Central Nervous System’s (CNS) top priority is an individual’s survival. This means of survival does not come without cost however. The Central Nervous System interprets and adapts to survival threats as compensations. These adaptations and compensations are the basis of Z-Health Principles: Proprioception, Efficiency, Arthrokenetic Reflex, SAID, and Wolf’s Law. The principles are interrelated, effecting individual structure and consequently function.

Proprioception, the brain’s 3-D map for an individual, is enhanced or inhibited by past experiences of success or pain. Protection from pain is top priority for the nervous system. Consequently, the body responds to pain as a threat. Any and all threats are responded to equally (the CNS has no “threat gage”). The body also seeks the path of least resistance at any cost for mobilization. The path of least resistance becomes inherently interpreted as efficient movement, and because the “body always adapts to exactly what it does,” (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand Principle) the body will develop compensations. Pain and efficiency continually transform the proprioceptive map to develop SAID compensations.

Compensations present as Wolf’s Law and the Arthrokenetic Reflex. The body lies down excessive tissues (indeterminate of threat) under lines of constant stress, Wolf’s Law defined, e.g. heel spurs due to repetitive heavy heel strikes. Due to constant heavy heel strike and the consequent jammed heel joint, the individual will shut down communication to the hamstring. This is defined as the Arthrokenetic Reflex: Jammed joints create weak muscles. Conversely, open mobile joints creates strong muscles.

If an athlete continually works to re-wire the once painful interpretation as safe, through quality R-Phase drills, the adaptation will then produce a new SAID. Consequently the individual’s structure will follow the new safe function, resulting in effective efficient mobility.

Praise for Strength by Sara Workshops

Nov 7 Gainesville, FL Feedback:
1. What did you like most about this workshop?
"Getting to know a senior & Z-Health"
"Clear, concise explanations & demos"
"[Learning] different ways to describe the process of kettlebell moves helped me improve and will help with future clients..."
"Learning level II [RKC] moves and I LOVE that [it] was [a] small [group]. I didn't feel lost in the crowd."
"Adding more skills to my 'newbie' kettlebell learning. Most excellent to have the only female SrRKC come to Gainesville!"
"Z-Health & Level II skills...small size [of the group]."

2. What did you like least about the workshop?
"[I] would never say 'like least' but some of the movements are beyond my current skill level. But it is great to be exposed...makes me want to continue!"
*This question was left blank on many to all forms

3. What was the most valuable information provided?
"I did a weighted get-up!"
Pistol cues
"The Z. Re-teaching of technique."
"The Z neuro info & demo"
"Introduced me to Z-Health and showed me new kettlebell moves I can implement" "Simple cues to help my clients & being evaluated by more experienced RKCs."

4. What three words best describe this workshop?
"Awesome, Informative, Makes me want to continue"
"Great, Full, Informative."
"Very, Very Informative."
"Excellent, Clear, Challenging"
"Improvement, Integrity, Rewire"
"Intimate, Informative, Friendly, Non-Intimidating."

On a scale of one to five, please rate the following
(1=Strongly Disagree. 2=Disagree. 3=Neither Agree/Disagree. 4=Agree. 5=Strongly Agree.)
I would recommend friends & family attend a future Strength by Sara Workshop:
All but one replied with "5," that one replied with "4."

This workshop exceed my expectations:
All replied with "5."


The presenters messages were communicated clearly & effectively
(Fellow RKC Jennifer Bryan taught the snatch. Fellow RKC Tim Shuman taught the Bent Press):
All but one replied with "5," that one replied with "4."


Sufficient Time was allotted for training activities:
All but two replied with "5," those two replied with "4" (one noting more time was needed on Clean & Jerk. Note: The Clean & Jerk was not a part of the agenda. I slipped it in at the end because we had a little bit of time to introduce it.)

This Strength by Sara workshop was useful:
All replied with "5."

I would attend a future Red Star Athletics workshop:
All replied with "5."

A recent e-mail regarding the workshop I did in Chico, CA on 4 Oct:
"I really enjoyed the workshop you put on for us in Chico. I use many of the joint mobility exercises you taught us every day. Many of my running friends have expressed an interest in perhaps doing a class. I learned so much that afternoon and am so thankful not only for what I learned but for what I've been able to help some of my friends with since your class.Thank you again." -Tina

When is the next Red Star Athletics: Strength by Sara workshop you can attend?
Join RKC II Karen Smith and me at her studio in Virginia Beach, VA in December!
Sign-up through http://www.kettlebell-elite.com/ or e-mail me to reserve your spot: SaraCheatham@hotmail.com

Thank a Vet. Hug a Vet.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." (unknown)

My article in Military Spouse Magazine

Click the pictures to enlarge and read the scoop!

Review for Ginnie Springs Workshop

Information-packed Workshop! Review Rating: 10

This weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting Sara for a day-long workshop covering both kettlebells and Z-health. I cannot speak highly enough of her in every regard. She is professional, caring, knowledgeable, hardworking, and inspiring. For almost 8 hours, she broke down basic and advanced kettlebell exercises and interspersed pearls of neurophysiologic wisdom, managing all the while to maintain a smile and wonderful attitude. I look forward to my next opportunity to learn from her.

Thank you Jennifer! We had a great time and the weather was perfect!