Las Vegas Fun & Testing Out A Squat Variation

 Got back around noon yesterday from Las Vegas with the Spitfire. Quite the adventure but we had a very good time, stayed at the Excalibur since we got a FREE stay. When we signed the lease on our apartment, they also provided a free room from many hotels in the world and we decided to hit up Sin City. You can see some of the photos of our trip on my Twitter/X @powerandmight.

Ate at a few restaurants in town, wasn't really impressed with most but it wasn't the worst I've had. Took a tour at Allegiant Stadium where the Raiders play. That was fucking awesome; being in the broadcast booth, seeing the suits, the locker room, some of the VIP areas, Mark Davis' Suit, seeing a lot of the Artwork throughout. 2 of the paintings we saw was of Marilyn Monroe depicted as a Raiderette which was pretty funny and the other was of Elvis Pressley as a player with the number 20 (which represented the year the stadium opened in 2020).  Lots of pictures and got to be as close to touching down on the field as you can get. The sight was incredible.

Did a ton of walking, roughly 6-8 miles a day going through shops, up many flights of stairs, over bridges and walking through casinos, hell of a way to burn off some of the food we ate. Expensive as shit but it's Vegas, what are you going to do. Got to experience the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay, seeing all kinds of animals from a Gator to a Komodo Dragon, seeing Piranha, sharks (obviously) of various kinds, big fucking turtles, Jelly Fish, Octopus, Sting Rays and many other creatures of land and the deep. Did a virtual reality theater experience afterwards looking through the eyes of a diver in the deep sea among Tiger Sharks and others, seat had a moving mechanism that mimicked being in the ocean and riding a shark to get a "feel" of how they move and see the world around them. Insane.

  Took pictures of the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio of their fall display that looked like something out of Harry Potter mixed with The Lord Of The Rings. Rode the trams from various places so we can take little breaks from all the walking. It was still hotter than Satan's Hooves out there being in the dry heat of mid-upper 80's to upper 90's so there was a lot of water drunk (especially ones with electrolytes) but it was worth it.

Our last night we spent some time on Fremont Street and quite frankly, not that impressed lol. Wasn't stupid crowded but enough to think "yeah this was more than enough" with a bunch of crazy acts (not just the performers on stage) in the street and leaving very little to the imagination with the showgirls and Coyote Ugly type dancers at many outdoor bars. Spent probably an hour or so down there before taking an uber back. 

Picked up a few souvenirs including a shirt from the Aquarium, a Bo Jackson Jersey, a deck of cards for my collection and a cool shark tooth necklace. Wife picked up a few things herself and just had that little maniacal giggle whenever she bought something, pretty funny. Overall, it was a blast, wouldn't want to go back anytime soon but every few years or so maybe but I'm more of a Disneyland kind of vacationer or maybe Hawaii next time. 

My training over the course of the trip was all in the hotel room doing Isometrics, my joint loosening exercises, a circuit of push-ups, squats and mountain climbers after a long day of walking totaling 300 reps and a squat variation I picked up on from The Bioneer where you take a step and then do a deep squat and repeat that in a flow type style to build strength, condition and building a pump in the legs. My first workout with that was just feeling it out and working the legs until I felt tired. The next couple days between yesterday and today was working the exercise doing intervals going for 60 seconds on, 30 seconds off for 5 Rounds which the whole workout was over 7 1/2 minutes. Solid micro workout that really fires the quads like crazy and resting only half the time. Great training and always liked how the guy treats training like I always have, as an adventure and showing what works while having fun with it. 

Never a dull moment anywhere I go and will train using basic stuff and make things up as I go along as well cause I love having that energy and drive along with keeping myself in shape for the fun outside of a workout. Even while walking along the strip, never really felt I needed to stop to sit down, if I did, it was to eat or sit in a squat position waiting for something otherwise always on the move. Some of those stairs there were steep but it was a fun way to work the legs, you rarely ever saw people use the stairs, almost all used the escalators. Use them from time to time but mostly climbed the stairs and I can hear my wife as I climb "You're crazy". 

That's what life is about, having adventures with the ones you love and be able to travel together and have loads of fun. The highs, the lows and whatever in between. Make the most of what you can and do things that make life grand. Be amazingly awesome and hope you have great adventures along your journey.  

A Traveling Asset That Keeps You Strong

 

Fitness is a lot of trial and error. You experiment with things, you test out the waters and you find what works and what doesn't. Some are closed off or haven't learned valuable assets of training especially if they travel. Back in the day, gyms weren't as easy as to come by and many travelers had to figure out things to keep themselves going. Some had a few things with them that they can carry, like Bob Backlund for example would take his Wheel & Foldable Step Stool and train in hotels and in the arenas. 

Those things are very good to have and if you love conditioning, bodyweight is right at the top of the list. To keep up with the riggers of travel, you can get a workout in anywhere if you have the right mindset and knowledge of what you can do. I love circuit style bodyweight exercises and have done them in airports, hotels, theme parks, on the beach and wherever it helps. However; if I had to pick a method that can be done anywhere with little to no equipment, it's Isometrics hands down.

People forget how valuable Isometrics really is especially for travelers. You can do all kinds of holds that will not only keep you strong, but also keep you energized for those long flights, crazy drives and being able to haul your bags with little effort. If I had to pick the best equipment for Isometrics, it's the WorldFit Iso Trainer. You can pack it into a little bag and throw it in your suitcase or duffle bag and you can have a workout anywhere you want and not have to move a muscle, just contract, relax, repeat and you're good to go. 

Strength Training on the road can be a challenge but with this bad boy, you can mimic just about any exercise in the gym isometrically and get something going for as little as 10 minutes. My favorites to work are the Bicep Curl, Overhead Press, Lunge, Zercher Squat, Deadlift, Seated Row & Chest Press. These alone can be done in a matter of minutes and I'd be spanked. You can do them their respective positions for 7-12 seconds or you can do them in one position per exercise and go for longer periods of time. Overcoming Isometrics truly is the Game Genie of Fitness.

One of the perks of Isometric Training is that it doesn't tear you down or make you feel as sluggish, you can use a lot of effort and not feel dead afterwards. Whenever I do them say in an airport waiting for a flight, they provide the focus and concentration, along with Spatial Awareness & Vitality. With controlling the breathing, it also helps relieve anxiety of being on a plane and being overwhelmed. It gives off that calming effect afterwards. In a hotel room, they're great for preparing for the day's activities or winding down after a day of fun and adventure. They're there when you need them and be able to carry on your day.

For a preference of which book or course to help you with this kind of training is Overcoming Isometrics With Matt Schifferle who provides not only the exercises but what you can do with a regular routine on the road to keep you sharp no matter where you are. It is by far a top 5 in the entire realm of the method. I personally believe very few can match it when it comes to the wisdom, the science, the small details and the professionalism that comes with it. 

Safe travels everyone, kick ass in your endeavors and keep being amazingly awesome.   

2001: An Isometric Odyssey....Unlocking Potential with Isometric Training For Women

In the realm of fitness, women often find themselves navigating a sea of conflicting information. Should they focus on cardio for weight loss, or hit the weights for strength? Amidst the noise, a powerful and often overlooked methodology still stands high like a Warrior Queen: Isometric Training. This ancient yet underrated approach offers a plethora of benefits tailored to the unique physiological and lifestyle needs of women. Let's fin out about the world of isometrics and uncover how it can be the game-changer for female fitness enthusiasts.

What are Isometrics?

Isometric exercises, or "static exercises," involve contracting muscles without moving the joints. Unlike traditional weightlifting or resistance training where you lift, lower, and repeat, isometrics focus on holding a position or applying force against an immovable object (overcoming) or going against gravity (yielding). This static contraction can be applied to various muscle groups, offering a versatile and efficient workout.

Benefits of Isometrics for Women

1. Time-Efficiency*: In today's fast-paced and "be quick on your feet" world, finding time for a lengthy gym session can be daunting. Isometric exercises can be completed in a fraction of the time, making them perfect for busy women. A 10-15 minute daily isometric routine can yield significant strength gains and health benefits.

2. Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention*: Isometrics are low-impact, reducing the strain on joints compared to dynamic movements. This makes them ideal for women recovering from injuries or those with joint issues. By strengthening muscles without excessive stress on the joints, isometrics can also play a crucial role in injury prevention.

3. Core Strength and Stability*: A strong core is the foundation of overall fitness and functional movement. Isometric exercises like planks, wall sits, and other bad ass holds target the core muscles effectively, enhancing stability, posture, and reducing the risk of back pain.

4. Muscle and Definition*: Isometrics can significantly contribute to muscle building without the bulk. For women looking to achieve a lean, athletic physique without excessive muscle mass, isometrics offer a perfect solution. Exercises like wall push-ups, glute bridges, and leg holds such as the Horse Stance & Split Squat can sculpt and define muscles without the need for heavy weights.

5. Improved Mental Health*: The focused nature of isometric exercises, often requiring concentration and breath control, can have a meditative effect. This mindfulness aspect can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and contribute to overall well-being. Stress can be a pain in the ass.

6. Hormonal Benefits*: Strength training, including isometrics, can have a positive impact on hormonal balance. Regular practice can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve bone density, and support menopausal health by maintaining natural muscle mass and strength.

7. Accessibility*: One of the most compelling benefits of isometric training is its accessibility. With minimal to no equipment required, women can perform these exercises anywhere – at home, in the office, or while traveling. This opens up to greater freedom to fitness, making it possible for everyone to stay active and healthy.

Isometric Training offers a unique blend of efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility that can cater to the diverse needs of women. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or an athlete, incorporating isometrics into your fitness regimen can yield profound benefits. By embracing the power of isometric exercises, women can unlock their full potential and be one hell of a spitfire. 

Be amazingly awesome and stay strong ladies, you got this.