The Progressing Pilgrim

Insights for developing a healthy body, mind and spirit

  • Home
  • About
  • Fitness
  • Wellness
  • Spirituality
  • Recipes
  • Historical Videos

Funding the American Civil War-1861: A Revolution in Government Finance

January 15, 2021 By John Leave a Comment

Historical Spotlight examines the revolutionary financial methods employed by the Federal government to fund the Union army during the American Civil War in 1861. We explore how a new monetary system was created, and the implications of borrowing, taxation, and money printing.

Filed Under: Historical Videos

McCulloch v. Maryland Part 2

January 1, 2021 By John Leave a Comment

McCulloch v. Maryland was the 1819 Supreme Court case that dramatically impacted the way the United States has been governed for almost 200 years. This case dealt with issues such as what is the power of the state versus the power of the federal government, what happens when the two come into conflict, & should the U.S. Constitution be interpreted narrowly or broadly?

Filed Under: Historical Videos

How We’re Staying Healthy At 64: Barbara and John’s Diet And Exercise Strategy

December 15, 2020 By John Leave a Comment

healthy at 64

As Beatles lovers, Barbara and I have sometimes laughed about what it would be like when we turned sixty-four. If you’re a Beatles fan, you know why.

Their song When I’m Sixty-Four is a story about a young man wondering if the love of his life will still cherish him when he’s sixty-four. The man recognizes that growing older changes you. He sings,

“When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.”

Then he laments,

“Will you still need me
Will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four”

Well, at sixty-four, Barbara and I still need each other, and we still feed each other. And, as you can see from her recipes, I get fed pretty good. 

As far as the negative effects of aging go, we’re not experiencing a lot of downside to being sixty-four. We’re both stronger, healthier, and have more vitality than we had 20 years ago.

However, health officials are constantly reminding us that there is a downside to being 64. We’re told that because of our age, we’re close to that “high risk” category for catching “bad things”. You know what I mean.

That may be so. But it’s not really a major concern for us. Here’s why.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Wellness

McCulloch v. Maryland Part 1

December 1, 2020 By John Leave a Comment

McCulloch v. Maryland was the 1819 Supreme Court case that dramatically impacted the way the United States has been governed for almost 200 years. This case dealt with issues such as the power of the state versus the power of the federal government, what happens when the two come into conflict, & should the U.S. Constitution be interpreted narrowly or broadly?

Filed Under: Historical Videos

Our Strategies For Getting Healthier And Stronger at 63

November 23, 2019 By John Leave a Comment

Barbara and I are quickly approaching our 63rd birthdays. November for me and December for her. And now, even though we are kind of “senior citizens”, we are healthier, stronger, more agile, and trimmer than we’ve been since our thirties.

To be honest, I feel the best I have since I was 32 years old. For me, that’s especially significant because I suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for about 25 years. But, thankfully, I’ve overcome that and now I have enough energy to strength train and enjoy life.

As for Barbara, well, she looks “mahvelous”. And her energy levels are amazing. Take a look at her Instagram page here. At 63 years old, she deadlifts, squats, overhead presses, and bench presses every week. And after lifting, she heads to the kitchen to whip up one of those awesome recipes she features here on the blog.

Neither of us takes any prescription meds and we look forward to aging as an adventure to share together instead of something to be feared.

Now, I’m not saying that we never wake up with some assorted aches and pains. We do. But most times it’s related to that heavy weight lifting session we had the evening before. Barbara is always quick to remind me that, “It’s a good pain.” She’s right, of course.

In this post, I’d like to share with you what we’re currently doing to stay fit and trim. Our strategies are pretty much the same but in different degrees.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Wellness

Your Attitude Toward Aging Might Influence Your Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease

March 8, 2019 By John 1 Comment

How do you feel about aging? The answer to that question really depends on who it’s being asked of, right? If you’re under 40, this question probably seldom enters your mind. Like relationships, raising kids, and paying bills.

However, for those of you over 40 who know your body is starting to betray you, it might be a question that’s been entering your mind more often these days.

So, how do you feel about aging? Do you embrace the fact that you’re going to be a senior one day or do you despise it?

Your answer to the question really matters because it can profoundly affect how well you age.

A study conducted last year by the Yale School of Public Health showed that how you feel about your own aging can have a profound impact on your risk of developing dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Spirituality, Wellness

The Day The Music Continued To Die

February 20, 2019 By John Leave a Comment

people watching a music concertOkay, I said I wouldn’t do it again, but I did. I promised myself I wouldn’t watch the Super Bowl halftime show. But, alas, I watched it, again. What made me do it? Well, maybe, just maybe, I thought I might learn something new about popular music or the current pop culture.

Sadly, I didn’t learn much. While I don’t listen to popular music, I’m usually aware of who the latest pop music icons are. My younger sons periodically give me an update on who’s who in the music scene.

However, Maroon 5 wasn’t a band I was aware of until I heard they would do the show after other performers had opted out. So, I figured, let me see what their lead vocalist, Adam Levine, is all about. After all, it couldn’t be worse than that Post Malone performance I saw on New Year’s Eve. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Spirituality

How To Start Strength Training If You’re Over 45 Years Old

February 2, 2019 By John Leave a Comment

I recently received a call from my sister asking me for some suggestions on what kind of weight bench she should buy.

Being the inquisitive fellow that I am, I asked, “What in the world do you want a weight bench for?”

“Really, don’t know what a weight bench is used for?” she answered.

Touché. I deserved that. Wiseguy older brothers deserve to be knocked down a peg or two.

What my sister was really asking me though, was how she, a mature woman, should go about getting stronger.

In my last post, I explained why everyone over 45 years old must strength train. In today’s post, I’ll introduce you to a strength program that is guaranteed to improve your muscle mass and make you stronger.

And here’s the icing on top of the cake.

It’s uncomplicated, time efficient, inexpensive, can be started at any age, can be done at home, doesn’t require prior experience, and has delivered amazing results for thousands of people. Even for those in their nineties. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Wellness

If You’re Over 40 Years Old And Want To Live a Healthier Longer Life You Should Strength Train: Here’s why

January 21, 2019 By John Leave a Comment

Everyone wants to find a fountain of youth. But it’s only a myth, right? However, what if I told you there is something you can do that’s scientifically proven to help you live a longer, healthier life? And, it’s safe, effective, efficient, inexpensive, and only takes about 30 – 40 minutes three times a week.

Oh, and you can start doing it no matter how old you are! Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it! 

But it’s not. At 62 years old, I’ve done it, and it works. It’s called strength training. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Wellness

10 Ways I Protect My Back So I Can Barbell Train At 61 Years Old

December 17, 2018 By John Leave a Comment

Recently, I was speaking with my bank officer, Angelo, and noticed that he had a muscular build that suggested that he lifted weights. I asked if he did, and he replied that he had indeed lifted a lot in college. But then he let out a sigh and said, “Now that I have a bad back I wouldn’t think about lifting anything heavier than my 2-year-old son.”

He went on to tell me about how his back went out, and his wife had to call an ambulance because he couldn’t get off the floor. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Wellness Tagged With: BACK PAIN, BARBELL TRAINING, FITNESS, HEALTH, PROTECT BACK, wellness

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Hi! I’m John. Welcome to the Progressing Pilgrim. I’m 64 years young and I’ve created this blog to share the health, fitness and spiritual strategies that have turned my life around. If you’re looking to become a healthier (physically and spiritually) version of yourself you’ve come to the right place. Eat Well. Lift Heavy. Oh, I also produce historical videos! Soli Deo Gloria! Read more…

SaveSave

Subscribe

Join the mailing list

to  get the latest posts

right in your inbox. 

 

 

Your request has been accepted! Please check your inbox for a verification message.

Your data is collected, used, and protected in accordance with the 

privacy policy. 

Unsubscribe at any time.

Recent Posts

  • How Do We Know If Our Governing Authorities Are Legitimate?
  • We’re 65 Years Old And Still Getting Stronger: This Is How We’re Doing It!
  • If You’re Over 40 Years Old You’re Probably Losing Strength. Deal With It Now!
  • Knowing Your Hand Grip Strength Could Improve Your Odds Of Living Longer
  • The Whiskey Rebellion

Copyright © 2023 John Bianchi · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Medical Disclaimer