Physical fitness is more than just strength. It’s the ability to play with your kids when you get home. It’s the ability to enjoy your weekends with a round of golf or dancing the night away. And it is absolutely key if you want to continue to enjoy all these things as you age.
There are so many different ways to approach strength training: free weights, kettlebells, TRX suspension training, resistance bands and body weight training. Strength training can improve your posture, your energy levels, your self-image and it can and should be fun.
And of course there’s yoga. Yoga isn’t just stretching and flexibility. You’ll also gain strength, balance and greatly improved body awareness.
Whether your movement happiness is yoga, tai chi, rock climbing, cycling, stand up paddleboard or Brazilian jujitsu, it all counts toward your physical fitness. While strength training and GYROTONIC® training can help improve your performance in any of these activities, by themselves they all ask you to move with a purpose. And because you enjoy them, you’re more likely to get out a move.
I love the water. My move from Atlanta back to San Francisco was in a large part due to my need to be near water. Now that I’m here, I plan on taking up some great water sports like kayaking, stand up paddleboard
Read moreSkiing on water, skateboarding down a mountain. What, what??
Well what about equally scantily clad men? Take away the sexuality and add in even crazier gymnastics and yogic flexibility and you’ve got Mallakhamb.
Originally used as a form of training for wrestlers, since 1958 Mallahkamb is it’s own competitive sport in India.
Read moreMallakhamb – Pole dancing like you’ve never seen it.
Ever since I was young I’ve wanted to take up a martial art. Twice before I’ve started but something else came up at the same time and I would wind up not having the time for martial arts.
Back in 1998 I started training in 8 Step Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Shyun Style Tai Chi.
One of my big pet peeves when I observe people training at gyms is self aggrandizement. Constantly looking at yourself in the mirror (while somehow never managing to correct the horrible form) is one obvious form of preening. But another one, that actually annoys me even more,
Read moreGet up off the floor! Laying down isn’t a workout recovery.
I admit that I have an unfair advantage relative to most of the world, especially other city dwellers.
Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach are outdoor gems and most people won’t have access to anything like them. To have a great inner city park, sure. To have a beach, sure. To have an inner city park with dirt paths
Read more“Trail Running Rules!” or “Treadmill, you’re dead to me.”
Our friend Henry over at GymTalk recently interviewed Brandon Richey, a well respected strength coach and kettlebell aficionado.
Brandon gave us some awesome tips on strength training and conditioning and he shared some of his experiences of being a top level strength coach.
Hi Brandon, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself and Brandon Richey Fitness.
Read moreInterview with coach and kettlebell instructor Brandon Richey
I think most people who go to the gym really miss the point of “physical fitness”. It seems to be too much narcissistic posturing. Hence the term “mirror muscles”. They miss the entire idea is to be able to MOVE better. Yes, be stronger, but in a way that matters.
Wow.
Something comes along that is truly exceptional. Like Kenichi Ebina, for example.
I don’t currently own a television (hope you’re enjoying that gorgeous 37″ plasma TV, mom!) and even when I did, I never watch “reality” television. My television is pretty much for enjoying movies on Netflix.
Read moreKenichi Ebina shows what body control really is with this performance!
Every Saturday I can, I head over to Tough Love Yoga and take a class, usually from my most favorite of all yoga teachers I’ve ever taken from, Neda Draupadi Honarvar.
It’s not just the fact that we listen to awesome metal music during class.
Read moreCulmination exercise: Build your workout to a crescendo
I’ve never gone skydiving and it is high on my list of things to do this year. Since my cousin is a skydiving instructor, I’d say I have a better than average possibility of making it happen.
He’s also beginning to work in indoor skydiving tunnels.
