Don't you love good discussions centering on sarcomeres, sliding filament theory, myofibrils, crossbridges, ATP production, fiber recruitment patterns and mitochondrial function? By chance this is unrognizeable terminology, my point is proven -- our appreciation of muscle is grossly inadequate.

I wish we could give muscle a new image, one apart from the physique distortions of bodybuilding, especially that which is chemically enhanced.

Muscles, or more precisely the force production of muscle enable us to move, work, perform chores, accomplish tasks, remain ambulatory, enhance our skeletal system and contribute to good health. Have you noticed that those unable to use their muscles (i.e. Christopher Reeves) die earlier?

To help you better appreciate muscle -- the complex, intricate, amazing organism it truly is, I've assembled several YouTube lectures. I also encourage you to read Dr. Doug McGuff's article, The Fountain of Youth, from which I've quote several times in previous weeks here, and in my podcast/CD program (no direct link is possible; you'll have to visit McGuff's website and click "articles" then "Fountain of Youth").

The first video is a basic overview; afterward, it gets quite involved. The purpose is to demonstrate the elaborate system that is muscle contraction. Please give these a try:

Dr. Robert Droual, a professor at Modesto Junior College, has several muscle anatomy posts:

Whew! Got it? Can't say I understand all this, but it sure looks like muscle activity should burn calories.

If you read Dr. McGuff's article, this video will help you understand mitochondria:

If you're hungry for more, venture onto YouTube; there are plenty more muscle anatomy videos.

Haven’t tried these, but they sound good:

• Big Fat Blueberry Muffin
• Holy Guacamole
• Hot Boneless Buffalo Wings
• Double Trouble Chocolate Trifle

There are fewer than 200 calories, and apparently the portion size is greater than a smidge. These are from ‘Hungry Girl’ Lisa Lillien, a recent guest on Good Morning America which has made her recipes available. Hurry; not sure how long they’ll be posted. You can also find a link to her segment. Youtube had a couple clips of her, too, including this one from July 2008 with Dr. Melina (look for Margarita recipe).

Tanya Zuckerbrot has some calorie-cutting suggestions, such as cream cheese versus peanut butter, or pecan pie versus pumpkin pie:

Dr. Doug McGuff has new posts on YouTube demonstrating his "Body by Life" workout. There's a series of Doug's own workout, as well as the workout of his wife, Wendy. Searching his name will also reveal a workout in Austin, Texas, on a motorized piece of equipment (now in development) that is somewhat similar to a trash compactor. We'll probably be posting these in future weeks, but if you're eager, you can find them by searching YouTube.