Lecture Notes on Knee Health and Personal Journey

Key Speaker: Ben Patrick, Mr. Knees Over Toes Guy

Introduction

• Known for expertise in knee health.
• Emphasizes importance of exercising through full ranges of motion.

Life Story Overview

• Born in San Jose, California.
• Parents: Brian and Celia, involved in commercial office management.
• Childhood included a dream to join the NBA.
• Moved to Florida, specifically Clearwater, at age six.

Early Sports and Knee Pain

• Started playing basketball seriously at age 9.
• Developed chronic knee pain by age 12 due to overuse.
• Participated in extensive practice regimes that included 500 jump shots a day.

Knee Pain and Medical Advice

• Experienced knee pain labeled as "growing pains."
• Standard medical advice involved avoidance, icing, and medication.
• Believed in "overworking" as a way to improve until pain became unmanageable.

Turning Point

• Discovered Charles Poliquin's theory of knees over toes.
• Began experimenting with deeper ranges of motion.
• Noticed improvements in knee pain with full-range exercises.

College Experience

• Received a college basketball scholarship.
• Faced resistance from college coaches regarding full range of motion training.
• Took own training approach outside of team practices.

Career Transition

• Transitioned to being a trainer after college.
• Developed a progressive knee training routine.
• Noted successful application of these methods with older populations and others with chronic knee issues.

Exercise Philosophy

• Advocates for a balance of exercises targeting strength and mobility.
• Emphasizes gradual progression, respect, and honesty in training.
• Developed an 8-step system focusing on backward walking, upper body pulls, squat mobility, and more.

Current Focus

• Passionate about helping non-exercisers begin routines.
• Uses personal training experiences with family as a model.

Final Thoughts

• Believes in the importance of educating people on knee health.
• Emphasizes finding ability levels and progressively building upon them.

Contact Information

• Active on YouTube for educational content.
• Offers app and personal coaching for detailed programs and support.