Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Month of Gratitude: Internet






November is a month of gratitude.

I am grateful for the Internet today.  While we certainly have to be careful to evaluate the quality of the information we find there, we have access to so many more resources than ever before as we figure out how to create health in our lives.

 

Need a new workout?  No problem.  What to do for that achy knee?  (The Internet is no substitute for actual medical care, but can provide handy tips for stuff that doesn’t need a doctor’s attention!)  Veggie box came full of kale and no idea what to do with it?  Zillions of recipes are right there!

 

What’s your favorite fitness site?

Monday, November 25, 2024

Monday Workout: Month End






Another month is coming to an end, so we get a shorter circuit.  Four rounds.

 

1 min cardio

 

 

 

kb swings

30

bench press

20

hamstring curls

10

tap backs

30

flies

20

plank up down

10

 

Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Amazing Stickie and Dead Hang








The Amazing Stickie loves using a pullup bar.  Today she’s using it with an exercise band to do dead hangs.

She uses a looped exercise band, pulling one end through the loop to secure it to the pullup bar.  Then she puts her feet in the band, holding on to the bar with her arms bent and her chin over the bar.  She slowly lowers herself until her arms are fully extended and then pulls herself back up.

 

A set of ten is great.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

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?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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, November 18, 2024

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

 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

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.