Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2009
Recommended Sites for Wellness and Workouts
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Adam Glass is a Strong Guy. I'd like to put that in perspective: he's a *practically* strong guy. That doesn't mean he's practically as in almost strong, but practically as in "fit for purpose," functional, expressive of same. Now, he does lots of cool strength demos, from ripping card decks to bending nails, closing grippers and pressing very heavy things up into the air from the ground, but fundamentally he is a grounded strength and fitness practitioner - all these prac terms practical, practitioner - all speak to expertise derived from lots of practice of skills.
I'd like to recommend his blog, Walk the Road Less Travelled, to you because he takes the time to shoot videos of him doing what he does, and he discusses it too. He has a rich section of article from strength training to practical tips on card tearing. Most particularly, i like the videos. They're kinda freaky and inspiring all at the same time. I also like the fact that Adam's gym looks pretty basic - in other words, proving once again we don't need tons of "stuff" to get strong, but it does take practice practice practice. it's just that practice of the right technique works. As Adam Glass demonstrates. Thanks Adam.
The next blog i'd like to bring to your attention is Georgie Fear's Nutrition Solutions. Ms. Fear is a registered dietician, trainer and phd candidate. Her site is full of nutritional goodness about the kinds of questions around food most of us have all the time - how much sugar ok; why peas might be worth a second look; isn't diet soda ok? how do you get vitamin d into your diet and why should you care?
Why should you trust Georgie's blog? For me, besides listening to her explain stuff in conversation (reflected in this post - just look for her name) on the blog and at the Precision Nutrition forum, she's a Registered Dietician. I only learned this past year that that qualification is a Really Big Deal - lots of university level education, practicums, exams. Where anyone and their dog can call themselves a Nutritionist, the RD really has been trained and is then grilled about knowing their stuff before they get certified by the Commission for Accreditation for Dietetics Education. That she's also now doing a PhD in nutrition suggests a serious interest and commitment to the topic. The style of the blog is well grokable. My guess is you'll be pleased you took a peek and have it as a reference.
Thanks Adam and Georgie for putting out the knowledge on strength and nutrition practice. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
Adam Glass is a Strong Guy. I'd like to put that in perspective: he's a *practically* strong guy. That doesn't mean he's practically as in almost strong, but practically as in "fit for purpose," functional, expressive of same. Now, he does lots of cool strength demos, from ripping card decks to bending nails, closing grippers and pressing very heavy things up into the air from the ground, but fundamentally he is a grounded strength and fitness practitioner - all these prac terms practical, practitioner - all speak to expertise derived from lots of practice of skills.I'd like to recommend his blog, Walk the Road Less Travelled, to you because he takes the time to shoot videos of him doing what he does, and he discusses it too. He has a rich section of article from strength training to practical tips on card tearing. Most particularly, i like the videos. They're kinda freaky and inspiring all at the same time. I also like the fact that Adam's gym looks pretty basic - in other words, proving once again we don't need tons of "stuff" to get strong, but it does take practice practice practice. it's just that practice of the right technique works. As Adam Glass demonstrates. Thanks Adam.
The next blog i'd like to bring to your attention is Georgie Fear's Nutrition Solutions. Ms. Fear is a registered dietician, trainer and phd candidate. Her site is full of nutritional goodness about the kinds of questions around food most of us have all the time - how much sugar ok; why peas might be worth a second look; isn't diet soda ok? how do you get vitamin d into your diet and why should you care?Why should you trust Georgie's blog? For me, besides listening to her explain stuff in conversation (reflected in this post - just look for her name) on the blog and at the Precision Nutrition forum, she's a Registered Dietician. I only learned this past year that that qualification is a Really Big Deal - lots of university level education, practicums, exams. Where anyone and their dog can call themselves a Nutritionist, the RD really has been trained and is then grilled about knowing their stuff before they get certified by the Commission for Accreditation for Dietetics Education. That she's also now doing a PhD in nutrition suggests a serious interest and commitment to the topic. The style of the blog is well grokable. My guess is you'll be pleased you took a peek and have it as a reference.
Thanks Adam and Georgie for putting out the knowledge on strength and nutrition practice. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
PDF
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Summer in Revew: Diet Science, Turkish Get Up, CK-FMS, Complexity and 'Tude - oh and kilts, too
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This summer has seen a lot of interesting activity in terms of approaches to training. The CK-FMS (reviewed here) introduced a bunch of us to the concept of looking at patterns of movement to help us understand how best to tune other moves. As a part of this, it seems we've all gained new appreciation for moves like the Refined Turkish Get Up. Discussion about optimally effective form is ongoing still. RKC's like Dave Whitly have talked about how they're pairing back their TGU work just to focus on this precision.
Within this quest for perfect form (and have you seen Will Williams do a kettlebell front squat?) have been discussions around how to achieve that perfection relative to simplicity at one phase and complexity in another - what is the tension between simplicity and complexity?
In other notes, i spent time to review the science claims of the warrior diet, a way of eating popular among many in the hard style RKC community.
One of the things i've learned is that adherents don't care if the science part of the diet's presentation is questionable, if it works for them, mate! If nothing else, my interest in how/why intermittent vs frequent feeding approaches work for some. As research discussed this summer shows, more than anything, it's staying connected with your support group when dieting.
Other nutrition questions that have been explored are around the Elevation of Fat as the new Black of nutrition and the conflation of carbohydrates as the new dietary evil. Caffeine is also in the precarious position of being both praised and burried. And then, if we're talking about nutrient extremes, there's Lyle McDonald's insightful anodyne reference on Ketogenic Diets. Or maybe you'd just like some miso soup?
In matters of style, there's Kilts & Kettlebells. Whether 21st Century hand made in Edinburgh or Utilikilts - or some other kind entire, there's no denying that kilted kettlebell'ing is grand (never mind the nuances of swinging while swinging). And as to form and function, well flat footwear has also been explored - when bare footing that deadlift ain't possible.
And speaking of deadlift, a few athletes have been inspiring in the DL (like Ruth Kasirye) and elsewhere like Ross Enamait (or did i ask, have you seen W2's front kb squat?)
Great as well to have been able to say hello to Rannoch (who is profound), Mike (who's so knowledgeable) and Rif (who's becoming a zen monk) in person after reading their stuff with mein bitte for so long. It's also been great getting to chat with Rich and Franklin and Rip. Thanks for dropping by gents; please continue to visit and share your thoughts. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
Within this quest for perfect form (and have you seen Will Williams do a kettlebell front squat?) have been discussions around how to achieve that perfection relative to simplicity at one phase and complexity in another - what is the tension between simplicity and complexity?
In other notes, i spent time to review the science claims of the warrior diet, a way of eating popular among many in the hard style RKC community.
One of the things i've learned is that adherents don't care if the science part of the diet's presentation is questionable, if it works for them, mate! If nothing else, my interest in how/why intermittent vs frequent feeding approaches work for some. As research discussed this summer shows, more than anything, it's staying connected with your support group when dieting.
Other nutrition questions that have been explored are around the Elevation of Fat as the new Black of nutrition and the conflation of carbohydrates as the new dietary evil. Caffeine is also in the precarious position of being both praised and burried. And then, if we're talking about nutrient extremes, there's Lyle McDonald's insightful anodyne reference on Ketogenic Diets. Or maybe you'd just like some miso soup?
In matters of style, there's Kilts & Kettlebells. Whether 21st Century hand made in Edinburgh or Utilikilts - or some other kind entire, there's no denying that kilted kettlebell'ing is grand (never mind the nuances of swinging while swinging). And as to form and function, well flat footwear has also been explored - when bare footing that deadlift ain't possible.
And speaking of deadlift, a few athletes have been inspiring in the DL (like Ruth Kasirye) and elsewhere like Ross Enamait (or did i ask, have you seen W2's front kb squat?)
Great as well to have been able to say hello to Rannoch (who is profound), Mike (who's so knowledgeable) and Rif (who's becoming a zen monk) in person after reading their stuff with mein bitte for so long. It's also been great getting to chat with Rich and Franklin and Rip. Thanks for dropping by gents; please continue to visit and share your thoughts. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Rannoch is Profound
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Rannoch Donald is known to some for his Simple Strength kettlebell glyph.
To others he's the RKC from Scotland.
If you haven't read his blog, you own yourself the pleasure of the text. It's so straight, clear and no bullshit, it's like a field in the morning after the rain. a breath of fresh air. It doesn't matter if he's talking about training or dining, it's real (i like real).
If you read only one (well, other) blog today, hope you'll check out Rannoch's. Likely, you'll be back.
And if you like what you read, perhaps you may consider buying a t-shirt. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
To others he's the RKC from Scotland.
If you haven't read his blog, you own yourself the pleasure of the text. It's so straight, clear and no bullshit, it's like a field in the morning after the rain. a breath of fresh air. It doesn't matter if he's talking about training or dining, it's real (i like real).
If you read only one (well, other) blog today, hope you'll check out Rannoch's. Likely, you'll be back.
And if you like what you read, perhaps you may consider buying a t-shirt. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
More Inspiration: David Swenson and Ashtanga
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This Lanky Texan is not whom you'd expect to be an Ashtanga meister.
This is the closest public video i can find: his First Series DVD has no audience/performance; it's a really nice walk through of the first series. Even if you don't want to do ashtanga, it's a great watch.
Tweet Follow @begin2dig
This is the closest public video i can find: his First Series DVD has no audience/performance; it's a really nice walk through of the first series. Even if you don't want to do ashtanga, it's a great watch.
Tweet Follow @begin2dig
Saturday, July 5, 2008
More Inspiration: Ross Does Real
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Every once in awhile you see something where your jaw just drops. Steve Freides of the Tactical Strength Challenge pointed this article and video out today as a demo of plyometric upper body work by Ross Enamait
If you haven't encountered Enamait before, it's well worth the trip. This video demonstrates what strength can be wrought from basic, clean, hard work. His fame is low tech, hard core training. It just screams "real," don't you think?
Tweet Follow @begin2dig
If you haven't encountered Enamait before, it's well worth the trip. This video demonstrates what strength can be wrought from basic, clean, hard work. His fame is low tech, hard core training. It just screams "real," don't you think?
Tweet Follow @begin2dig
Monday, June 23, 2008
Inspiration: Ruth Kasirye Deadlifting
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(If you're interested in deadlifting, you may also be interested in the Deadlift Resources page)
I can't find much information about this gal who seems to be listed as Norway's best female weightlifter, but her style, doing these smooth deadlift repeats is inspiring.
This is an example of an Olympic style deadlift, as called by Mark Reifkind, champion powerlifter and senior kettlebell instructor of Rif's Blog fame.
Over on DragonDoor's forum, Mark Reifkind describes the differences this way (we were talking about when it might be more appropriate to use oly shoes rather than flats for a DL)
Likewise, Rif says of this vid:
"awesome effort...a great example of a flat back clean grip deadlift."
Yup. i'm inspired. But what does "to be inspired" mean?
I remember being at a great intimate concert once featuring a pretty amazing Canadian songwriter, and someone saying to her afterwards "listening to you makes me feel like i could go home and write the best song in the world"
At the time (younger, naive-er, aspiring songwriter [side a] [side b]) i snorted when she told me this, thinking you can't just whip off a song: it takes talent AND practice. Lots and lots and lots of practice: you can't just do it. But she said no, that was great. I think i understand that now.
When i look at Kasirye deadlifting like this, so smooth so easy, in a weight class much down from mine, i think "i can DO this" - any maybe someone would snort, seeing where i'm at right now. The difference is, perhaps, i know how much work this takes, and that may not be where i get to. But seeing this, i know it's possible for a smaller gal than i to do something like this. With apparent ease and grace. To see what is possible is to know it can be done, and that i may well have more potential to be tapped, to get closer to where Kasirye is.
To see what had seemed impossible - where no model had been before - as possible. That's inspiring.
And one more inspiration: last year i saw RKC Angela Craig win the TSC, pulling 264lbs in the DL. That was inspiring, too, for other reasons beyond just the numbers.
I guess the point is, there are great models to make us perceive the impossible as possible. In this case, it's also the grace with which the move is made that inspires, too. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
I can't find much information about this gal who seems to be listed as Norway's best female weightlifter, but her style, doing these smooth deadlift repeats is inspiring.
This is an example of an Olympic style deadlift, as called by Mark Reifkind, champion powerlifter and senior kettlebell instructor of Rif's Blog fame.
Over on DragonDoor's forum, Mark Reifkind describes the differences this way (we were talking about when it might be more appropriate to use oly shoes rather than flats for a DL)
OL shoes are great for the deadlift IF you deadlift like an Olympic lifter, i.e shins forward, flat lumbar spine shoulder blades pulled back.A clean grip deadlift which the ol guys use as an assitance move for their cleans and snatch pulling.With the heel you will use more quad and upper back off the floor. rather than the traditional posterior chain of the powerlifter.
however, using them with tradition powerlifting style,i.e shins vertical, hips higher, throacic spine more flexed, scapula more protracted and most important, the load on the posterior chain OFF the floor, would though you forwards and probably mess you up.
Of course EVERY body is different and the best way to tell if it's going to work for you is to try it.I have a very "jon Kuc" style deadlift and they actually helped me off the floor for awhile. harder for me to lockout though. in the end I went back to the wrestling shoes.
hope this helps
rif
http://rifsblog.blogspot.com
Likewise, Rif says of this vid:
"awesome effort...a great example of a flat back clean grip deadlift."
Yup. i'm inspired. But what does "to be inspired" mean?
I remember being at a great intimate concert once featuring a pretty amazing Canadian songwriter, and someone saying to her afterwards "listening to you makes me feel like i could go home and write the best song in the world"
At the time (younger, naive-er, aspiring songwriter [side a] [side b]) i snorted when she told me this, thinking you can't just whip off a song: it takes talent AND practice. Lots and lots and lots of practice: you can't just do it. But she said no, that was great. I think i understand that now.
When i look at Kasirye deadlifting like this, so smooth so easy, in a weight class much down from mine, i think "i can DO this" - any maybe someone would snort, seeing where i'm at right now. The difference is, perhaps, i know how much work this takes, and that may not be where i get to. But seeing this, i know it's possible for a smaller gal than i to do something like this. With apparent ease and grace. To see what is possible is to know it can be done, and that i may well have more potential to be tapped, to get closer to where Kasirye is.
To see what had seemed impossible - where no model had been before - as possible. That's inspiring.
And one more inspiration: last year i saw RKC Angela Craig win the TSC, pulling 264lbs in the DL. That was inspiring, too, for other reasons beyond just the numbers.
I guess the point is, there are great models to make us perceive the impossible as possible. In this case, it's also the grace with which the move is made that inspires, too. Tweet Follow @begin2dig
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