Written by - I adore alliteration. Therefore my “random thoughts” title is Haphazard Hash. (hash- mixture of incongruous things).
They don't all look like this on day 1.
- I coach all kinds of athletes (adults too, not just kids). Some have excellent body awareness and one cue from me during a goblet squat will smoothly fix three problems. Others, one cue will cause a complete disaster. Knees will fall in, lower back will round and I half expect the poor athlete’s brain to start smoking. The first athlete is an absolute breeze to coach, the other can be draining and exhausting but, I think, ten-fold more rewarding when they actually get it right (sometimes months or even years later). I like both: the first athlete reminds me that there are a lot of very athletic kids out there (more so than me anyway) and the second teaches me how to be a better coach.
- Some of our teenage male athletes have complained of their hands hurting. This stems from the pressure of the bar/kettlebell on the skin where calluses will eventually form . These are my hands:
These hands hold no sympathy
Tougher hands make you a tougher person overall. Smooth hands indicate a lack of hard physical work in your life. This is bad. Man up and chalk up.
- I’m suffering from post-Harry Potter let down. It’s worst than that feeling after Christmas. I finished reading the series (again) and…well… I am forlorn. I’m open to suggestions, anyone, Bueller…Bueller…
Blast! Why are there no more?!
- “6 Pack Abz” are totally, most undeniably, overrated and not worth it. We’re told through mostly media images that a six pack is desirable. These same people also tell us it’s “easy.”
Abz are NOT what it's all about.
Poop on them. Having a physique where you can see your abs takes two things:
1. HARD work
2. Spectacular genetics
In my bodybuilding days, even at super low body fat (11%), I didn’t have a definable six pack. Know why? Because I’m not built to have one. I have a shorter torso (well, all of me is shorter) and I carry fat (even the relatively little I had then) around my midsection. And I worked my tail off in the gym and in the kitchen (and had absolutely no culinary fun to speak of for 4 years). We have athletes that desire the coveted 6-pack (male and female) and I shake my head and tell them it’s not worth it. Then I ask, “Why do you want one?” To look good? (if that’s the case, you need to seek out better company as those who are worth knowing don’t care if you have abz or not) To be healthy? (you can be healthy and I would argue healthier in some cases without the 6 pack.) I’m getting tired of the crap out there that is telling us, and especially my teenage athletes, that a 6 pack is where it’s at. Eat. Lift. Sleep. Repeat. You will be healthy, strong and happy. Waaay better than washboard abs.
- Kettle bell swings are absolutely awesome. Does your back side (from the neck down, not just your badonkadonk) lack strength? (everyone nod their head… you can’t really be too strong back there.) Add swings in a couple times a week. You’ll be impressed as your deadlift, squat, pullups and just about everything else improves too. Also, they are a fantastic way to condition without stressing your joints. Skip the jog and just swing instead.
- I hate driving.
Oh, how I hate traffic.
Stand up for less pain!
- I have cranky hips and back due to injuries. Cranky to the point that sitting for more than 30-60 minutes is not high on my list of things to-do. I usually use a half-kneeling stance (as if I’m about to propose) when I’m at home and I stand to do all my computer work when I’m in SAPT (we have a very convenient and rather random shelf that I use). My previous job required me to drive (note the above point) a lot. My hips and back hurt all. The. Time. Now, I don’t really notice them too much. If you suffer from hip/back pain, I highly recommend finding ways to stand/half-kneel more. (even in the office: who cares what you look like? Those folks don’t have to deal with the pain of sitting.) Oh, and do more swings.
That’s it folks! Hope everyone has a great weekend! Go eat some kale and watch out for ninja!
I live with two of these...
Game of Thrones?
I’ve heard of that. I started “Monster Blood Tattoo” if it’s no good I’ll try that next. Thanks!
I’m still suffering from the letdown of Deathly Hallows. A couple of short reads:
Stardust – fairy tale for older kids, like me.
Coraline – a scary story for little kids. I’m easily scared so it also worked on me.
As for series, you seem to like cats, so you might that that Warriors series. I haven’t read any, but the kids seem to like those books.
Or reread Hobbit to prepare for the movie.
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m glad I’m not the only one suffering from PHPLD. I’ve read Stardust and enjoyed it very much. Have you read the Princess Bride? Also very amusing. You are astute, Panda, I do love cats and I shall give the Warrior series a shot.
Ah, the Hobbit. I could recite it for you, so of course I will read it again come November.
You’re a rock star, I love this.
Ha, ha! Thank you Juliet! Hope all is well down in the ‘Burg!