Month of Gratitude: SMR

November is a month of gratitude.

I am thankful for foam rollers, yoga tune-up balls, tiger tails, ducks, and all the various tools that allow for self-myofascial release (SMR).  In other words, the gizmos that help me get rid of the stiffness and soreness in my body.

 

There is nothing better than a good massage, but until such time as I win the lottery, I won’t be getting massage as often as I would like.  (I tried convincing my sons that one of them should marry a massage therapist, but they apparently used different and probably better criteria in choosing their partners.)  SMR is a great way to keep me happy between massages.  Plus it feels really good and encourages my flexibility.

 

What’s your favorite feel-good fitness thing?

Month of Gratitude: Uncles

November is a month of gratitude.

Today I am thankful for my two favorite fitness uncles, Uncle Joe and Uncle Patanjali.

 

Uncle Joe is Joseph Pilates, visionary creator of the eponymous system.  His determination to create health and “spontaneous zest” in his own life and the lives of others has been transformative.  I am thankful for the training I have had in his methods because it makes me a better mover and teacher.

 

Uncle Patanjali is credited with systematizing the huge complex that is yoga into sutras.  The practice of yoga brings peace to my body and my mind.

 

Who are your fitness heros?

Monday Workout: Extra Bonus Points

This week we have options.  Choose the squat pop up if you want extra bonus points.  Three rounds.

 

jacks	30
Arnold press	20
squat pop up or pushups	10
1 arm clean and press	30
flies	20
YTA	10
overhead curtsy	30
deadlifts	20
toe reaches	10

 

The Amazing Stickie and Power Step Ups

The Amazing Stickie loves step ups, but sometimes she wants a bit more challenge.  Today she’s doing power step ups.

She begins with one foot up on a strong box, step, or bench.  She pushes herself up onto that foot and lifts her other knee high, hopping up above the box.  After landing back on the box, she returns her foot to the floor.  Her arms swing as she moves for extra bonus calorie-burning points.  She usually does a set of 15 or so on one leg and then switches to the other side.

Month of Gratitude: Weights

November is a month of gratitude.

I am thankful, today, for weights.  Not just heavy things, but specifically weights.  Of course, we can get strong by lifting couches or groceries or growing children.  We can use our muscles to lift our own body weight in various ways.

 

But the person who decided that having a set of measured weights in graduated sizes is a genius.  With measurement comes the ability to track and plan and plot progress.  We can benchmark where we are and we can add incrementally to our challenges so we can develop in a healthy way.

 

Also:  weights are much easier to grip than couches or children.

 

What is your favorite piece of fitness equipment?

Month of Gratitude: Parasympathetic Nervous System

November is a month of gratitude.

Today I am grateful for the parasympathetic nervous system.  (Now that’s a sentence I never expected to write!)  The world out there likes to encourage me to be best buddies with my sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stress reactions like the fight-or-flight response.  But my parasympathetic nervous system offers a respite from that.

 

Tapping into deep breathing allows me to relax and heal, to rest, to repair the results of the day’s stresses, even if those stresses are good things like a hard workout, a challenging situation well-resolved, or a novel experience.

 

What’s your favorite way to find relaxation?

Monday Workout: Ramp

We’ve got lots going on today with compound exercises.  Ramp up that metabolism, baby!  Three rounds.

 

tap backs	30
farmer carry	20
renegade row	10
woodchoppers	30
good mornings	20
lateral raise	10
suitcase swing	30
side lunges	20
side banana	10