crazy4health’s BodyBlog

Most people have a huge misconception when it comes to fitness and working out. They have this narrow view of the possibilities that are available.

O’ God, I don’t want to spend hours on a treadmill and waiting to be next on chest press machine. I don’t have time to drive to the gym, besides it is such a pick up fest there!

These are just some of the typical responses I hear. I agree that if you only look at the typical workout routine and gym these things might be true. However, there is a whole world out there that they have not explored. There is a whole workout culture of people who workout anywhere that interests them. They use their bodyweight, every day items, and even stones and heavy branches.

I must confess I am one of these people. I get bored very easily, especially just using weight machines. This has caused me to be less then consistent with my workouts in the past. However, now that I have stepped outside of the box, my workouts are shorter, more intense, and much more fun. In fact, I would say that it is almost addicting coming up with new ways to work my body.

Getting started
 

One of the ways that I first started was watching the Worlds Strongest Man competition on TV. This has become a yearly event for me to watch every December. Most people sit there and marvel at the strength of these athletes. At first I did too, until I realized that what they were doing on TV I could be doing as a workout.

Think about it flipping tires, pulling objects with a thick rope, and lifting stones among other things can give you a great workout. If you look at any elite athlete that needs power for their sport, they are starting to incorporate this type of training into their workouts. They know how effective it can be.

Here is my challenge to you. First, watch a strongman competition on TV the next time it’s on. While you’re watching brain storm how you can do some of the lifts at home. Here are a few ways to get you started:

• Fill a wheelbarrow  and push it around the yard for time
• Find a heavy stone and pick it up for reps
• Get a sand bag to lift and carry across the yard
• Find a old tire and tie a rope to it, put something heavy on the tire and pull it

These are just a few quick ideas. If you are creative, you’ll be able to find many more.

Secondly, start looking at every day items and finding a way to exercise with it. After a while, it becomes a game of how many exercises could I do with this object. This summer I did a whole workout with just the picnic table. I was breathing heavy and beat afterwards. So not only did I get a great workout, but I didn’t have to drive to a gym and be stuck inside.

I look forward to hearing what you all come up with. It’s always fun to share creative exercises with others.

Yours in Health

I was reading the Ninja’s blog today and was moved by the story he was telling about. Check it out here:     http://blog.bodybuilding.com/ninjabill/2009/01/09/what-would-you-do/

I also re-published it at my other blog:              http://strengthdoctor.wordpress.com

I urge you to read the Blog and help out by donating and spreading the word to everyone that you can.

This is when we are at our best, Helping others!!!

Playgrounds nowadays seem to be filled with trash. Yep, you heard me correctly. Or shall I say, “read” me correctly

I see trash hanging out at playgrounds, sitting on the monkey bars, smoking cigarettes, writing with marker on the park benches or picnic tables, throwing garbage on the ground and completely abusing the outdoors.

I feel playgrounds are like the lost gems of strength. I have gotten some of my best every workouts by bringing a kettlebell, sandbag and sled to the local playground.
The freedom is truly endless, there are no rules, no crappy music to stop my thunder, fresh air to breathe compared to the dead air of the uninspiring gym crowded with wimps, cry babies and cell phone lovers.
I mean, come on now, how the heck can you get psyched to squat 400 lbs when you’re on the phone with your buddy right before your set?
I throw my kettlebell around, push, pull, carry and yes, I did say throw. Throwing kettlebells is awesome for developing power. You can’t throw a kettlebell around when I’m in a crowded stinkin’ gym, right?
Then we’ve got pull up bars, parallel bars, picnic tables, stones and open terrain. Just imagine the kick butt training you can let loose with when the possibilities are wide open!
Try this playground workout and let me know how it goes for you.
And, I don’t have to remind you to shut off your cell phone do I?
Didn’t think so, let’s get busy!
1A) sandbag zercher squat 3 x 10

1B) mixed grip pull ups 3 x max
2A) sandbag walking lunges 2 x 20

2B) hand walking on parallel bars 2 x back and forth x 1

2C) recline rowing on parallel bars 2 x max reps
3) car / truck push in parking lot 3 x 200’
That workout oughtta kick your butt thoroughly
Hey, that’s what I’m here for!
Till the next time,
Kill it,

PS: If you like the workout and playground assault tips I just hooked you up with, you will love this:
http://tinyurl.com/9fp2fe

Feeling the effects of yesterday’s workout, a great “you did something” muscle soreness.

It was the first workout of the year and the first intense workout since I injured my shoulder. All I can say is “WOW” it was one of the most intense outings that I have had in a while. I hope you have felt that amazing feeling of being in the zone when energy, mental focus, and “take no prisoners” intensity come together in a workout. If you haven’t its hard to explain, it’s like when you get done watching a great action movie. Afterward you’re feeling unstoppable, like the biggest baddest M-fer in the world. You could go out and bench-press a bus!

While we are on the subject of intensity, I believe it is one of the main factors in making progress towards your workout goals. I have seen way too many people approach fitness and working out as a social event. We have all seen them, do one set of exercise and then talk to a friend for 10 minutes before doing another set. Maybe this is why people think they have to workout for several hours at a time. If your doing it correctly, you should be exhausted within a hour if not a half hour!! I have done many workouts that killed me within 15 to 20 minutes.

So as you begin your New Years training, go out with intensity. Don’t be one of the people who look like their half asleep, slowly going through the motions. Show some intensity and energy. You’ll feel a lot better and will make gains those other posers never dreamed of.

Hint: This works in other parts of your life as well. Those who approach life with intensity and massive action are the greatest successes!
 

Yours in Health