Friday, August 17, 2018

Tips On Recovery

There's going to be days where the body needs to rest and heal. I'm not saying rest completely but do some form of exercise that is softer, less strenuous and lower intensity. One of the things I love to do for a recovery day is doing deep breathing exercises or focus more on keeping the joints and ligaments loose and generate blood flow to the structure of the muscles.

There's a fine line between being sore and being in pain, a lot of trainees have experienced both but some cannot tell the difference. Being sore in a nutshell is not being able to move as you normally would after a day of training and it feels like a weight is being held on you and it feels like you're carrying more on your shoulders. Being in pain means it's sharper and certain areas of the body hurt like hell and pain is pushing the body passed its threshold. I've been through both and as much as I can take it, i'm one of those people that just can't tolerate it. Some people take pain differently and if they have a sadistic way of handling it, good for them.

Recovery is that other side of the coin where the body can still do amazing things but at a lower level and help the body heal. Qi Gong is a phenomenal tool for recovery because some styles are low impact and have a way of decreasing the load on the body and strengthen the internal organs. Yoga is another great recovery tool, I do DDP Yoga from time to time because again, it is low impact but can get a lot done and stretching the muscles along with strengthening the joints.

A personal favorite is obviously animal movements because you can vary the intensity, speed and coordination of the movements to where by slowing down and concentrating on the movement or than the muscles themselves, it can be a powerful entity of being able to recover. Animal Moves stretch the muscles and if you practice a certain sequence or combo, it can be a lot of fun. Dynamic Stretching is amazing too because as you move and lengthen the body, it opens up the meridians of the body and opens up channels that can decrease tension in the muscles plus with the addition of deep breathing and focusing on the muscles, you're giving the body a chance to heal quicker for your next training session.

There's no such thing as a day off when it comes to training. You do something everyday whether it's a hardcore day or a taking it easy day. Your body will come back and fully charged when you use the right tools and exercises for you. Forcing recovery can hold you back because if you don't listen to your body, it'll bite you in the ass and you'll pay the price. However, I would take over recovery over overtraining any day but there's a balance and the body is a well-oiled machine that does need maintenance and as we age, it becomes more critical. Nobody has the same training style at age 60 as opposed to their 20's; things change and the body needs greater upkeep but it shouldn't stop you from having a healthy and long life full of wonders and happiness both physically and mentally.

Older folks need greater recovery but can still do awesome things in their training if they put their mind to it. Many just let themselves go and just let age take a hold on them and just wither away. Yes, you can't do the same things as you were younger but that doesn't mean you should stop being fit into your golden years. Research what you can use to recover and make the most out of your training you body can handle. Everybody is different but it can still do amazing things. Recover with intention and listen to your body. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Berry Madness: How This Herbal Berry Can Enhance Your Well Being




Good Morning Everyone. Let me ask you a couple things......

Are you into health?

Do you like to make smoothies or fruit drinks?

I have something worth checking out to share with you...

Schisandra is widely used in modern society... from herbal teas to fermented drinks it is quite versatile and enjoyed for its unique flavor and for the support of health and longevity.

Some of its most popular attributes are its ability to support liver detoxification, improve focus and memory, increase alertness, improve night vision, and more (to learn more click here for the all the details).

This pungent, bright, sweet, sour and bitter berry is loaded with antioxidants, these antioxidant work with the body to maintain, balance, and fight off Free Radicals which can cause cellular damage and oxidation within the body. Adding supplement such as Schisandra into our diet give our bodies the ability to maintain antioxidants for this purpose.

This one's for you Greg Russell, read the review he left about Schisandra…

“I absolutely love the flavor of the 5 flavor fruit! This is one that we run out of all too soon. I would honestly love to see a larger sized bag available, maybe even a special in a Miron jar! Definitely cleared the brain fog and aided in more focus, like that of Rhodiola, with faster response time,… maybe it’s just me, but I love a tonic herb that helps keep the neurons firing quickly with many other benefits aside from that great perk. Didn’t have it long enough for a 100-day trial, but wish I did and miss it so. Great quality too. That basically goes without saying, when discussing Lost Empire Herbs. Many thousand thank yous, Christopher brothers!”

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Have an Amazing Berry Awesome Day!

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Staying Fit With Animal Movements For Life

As we get older, our bodies tend to become a little bit less each year than when we were young. We recover differently, shift methods in order to maintain because working out in your 20's as oppose to your 30's, 40's and beyond aren't going to be the same and why would it? It is important to maintain health and keeping our bones strong in the long haul. Very few look like a million bucks at the age of 40 and beyond and even more have to take some form of therapy in order to keep hormones balanced. This is where I love how Animal Movements can keep the body in check.

Animal moves have you constantly shifting and learning how to coordinate your body's ability to stay strong, flexible and agile in awkward positions. You don't have to be a speed demon to maintain shape or build crazy muscle but it is critical to utilize your muscles, ligaments and bones regardless of age. Moving at a pace that works well for you and taking as much time as needed to recover and keep going. This way, it brings out a greater sense of development and being able to move with consistency and muscular strength.

In other countries like in Asia, India and parts of Africa, movement is essential for redefining age and long term health. Animal moves focus on strengthening the structure and keeping blood flowing throughout the cells and spinal cord. One of the first things to go as we age is our legs and it's very true. Our legs carry us and have the strongest form of the skeletal system. Squatting has a very important role so utilizing the squat along with movement such as in duck walks, chimp walks and others; In Japan, a version of the duck walk helps keep knee joints healthy and contain powerful muscular conditioning for long term results in the legs.

Another reason to move like an animal is the way it consistently creates brain power through movement and thinking into the movement. Dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain deformations have become more common than we want to believe and it is important to keep our brains strong well into our golden years. Many people do brain games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles and other games to keep their brains sharp but sometimes it isn't enough. If you're still able to move, you can do so with exercise. Yeah sure at 60 you're not going to do 500 push-ups or jump really far but you can do little forms of crawling, balancing and walking to keep the mind and body sharp as a tack.

You don't have to even do big movements, small steps and holding basic positions will work your body amazingly. Think about it, just doing 100 steps of a bear crawl or holding a squat a few minutes a day can do wonders for your body and you can adjust them for your structure. A very fun exercise to do to help get the blood flowing is what's called the Octopus in Animal Kingdom Conditioning; this exercise doesn't have you doing very much but when done correctly, it warms up and conditions the muscles and joints in the legs, shoulders, hips and chest because it can get you breathing pretty quick. If you're not up to par on the full extent of the movement, make adjustments and still get great benefit out of it. Just 1 minute of this exercise can do wonders at any age and if you do opposite arm and opposite leg movements, you're strengthening the brain and generating power in the stems.

Don't ever settle and let your body deteriorate because you're just getting older, you deserve to live with great strength and health until death comes to take you. Work your body accordingly and have fun because being in a wheelchair and letting the body rot is no way to live. Be fit at any age and keep your joints and your brain healthy. 

Monday, August 13, 2018

Compassion Isn't A Weakness

I know what it is liked to be bullied, ridiculed, humiliated and beaten down physically and emotionally. Nothing comes close to feeling weak as a person. To this day, I have days where I have self doubt and feeling like what I do isn't good enough; but then I'm reminded of who I'am as a person and what I do matters. I have developed a sense of compassion for people and showing what is important to be a human being.

Compassion is never a sign of weakness but there are people out there that want to take advantage of that and use you for your compassion to extend their own agendas. It's happened to me a time or two so never feel like you're the only one. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop having a heart for someone. Not everyone is in a war where violence is the answer. A lot of people these days do get offended by words which makes even my generation not the easiest to deal with but at the same time, words have gotten people killed for eons, its not just in 2018.

Compassion is a sign that you have a good heart and it makes you a stronger person if you have dealt with physical, emotional or mental trauma; hell even maybe all three. Some people just want to watch the world burn and feel like they're the king or queen and actually believing compassion is a sign of weakness.

In my training, it's not just for getting fit, its more on the development of becoming the strongest version of myself. Learning how to apply movement using my brain and body as a tool. My brain can only go so far because of the truma happened to me as a baby but it doesn't stop me from finding my passions and sharing it with the world. Everybody has a strength and weakness, it's the yin and yang of our DNA and as we grow not just in physical form but mentally as well, we learn what's right and what's wrong. The trouble is, many grow up never understanding the true meaning of what it's like to be a human being an realize that not everyone is against YOU and seeing the world and it's people as weaklings.

Emotional weakness is mainly used by people that don't truly understand a person's story. There's a fine line between pitying them and seeing them as emotionally weak. You grow up learning that many people are weak because they can't hold a job or aren't strong enough for their family. I have been down that road where jobs weren't easy to come by and just applying anywhere doesn't always mean you're going to get it and even if you did get it, how are you physically and mentally connected to that job? I found a job that not only pays good but I'm very passionate about it, I put my heart and soul into it. I get to share with the world my passion, my struggles, my triumphs and what gives me purpose about fitness, supplements, seminars and giving people the opportunity to find fun and exciting ways to exercise whether it's for sports, lifestyle, conditioning, overall strength or whatever they decide to get into.

Showing compassion means you have a reason to care for another human being. You feel for a person and giving yourself emotionally to be there for a person. Not everyone is going to show you the same courtesy which for them is ok. They have a different life and they have their own way of showing something but it's not always going to be pretty. Also just because I show compassion doesn't always mean i'm going to be a nice guy. Everyone has their limits to be kind and sympathetic. I do care about people but I understand what's right and what's wrong and have stepped up for people and defended them, not always physically but if you piss me off, you're going to see why you shouldn't.

Some people are just flat out cold, manipulative and full of hate that they put out these harsh rants about others and just don't care whether they're getting backlashes or not and in their own world, that's just fine with them. There are many out there that just don't give a shit and just piss on human beings that are considered emotionally weak and won't amount to anything. Granted there are people in this world that could use a tune up but at the same time, it doesn't matter how old you are, finding yourself is the biggest journey every human being has. Some have found themselves whether it's good, bad or ugly; others have pressed the reset button and rediscovering who they are but there are others that haven't found themselves yet and never made the opportunity to reach it. Our full potential is never complete without discovering our true selves.

This world is a harsh world in a lot of areas, very dark, gritty and full of loathing and hatred that sometimes showing compassion isn't enough, but it is start to send a message to the world that being harsh isn't the answer and learning to be good to one another. What I want to send to you today is that the world is a mighty big place but for others, its very small and the people within them have the potential to be a kind, warm hearted person that has a heart and soul for one another.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

The Struggles Of Stationary Movements

Ever since I've become an Animal Movement fanatic, I have struggled with regular stationary bodyweight and implement used exercises. Before I had no problem doing Hindu Push-ups, Hindu Squats, Mountain Climbers, Burpees and sprinting in place but for some reason especially recently; very few exercises actually keep me interested from a stationary standpoint because they're fun to do and I get a lot of joy out of it. Most of the time now, whenever I do certain exercises, I lose interest fast and at times I don't know why. My body responded well before but now it feels like whenever I do them, it feels like I'm in jail and I have too little space.

Don't get me wrong, bodyweight exercises, weights, sandbells, cables and the Slamball are all phenomenal in their own right and are essential to fitness in some form or another but if you have space and you can use it beyond just going up and down or side to side in one spot, why not use it? We all know the cliche' of "Anytime, Anywhere" and it is true but at the same time if you're just in one spot, why aren't you using the space that's really around you?

Very often now whenever I hear the word stationary, I think of being locked in a cell and have nowhere to go. To me it sounds negative and overwhelming sometimes. Yeah you can do many exercises wherever you go but if you stick to exercises in just one spot of space what is really going on there? Maybe because I'm getting older and understanding things more and seeing things from a different perspective but I'am telling you flat out, I feel a lot more free doing things that get me moving around more than 2ft x 2ft form of space. You have to understand, movement is movement regardless but also where is the true freedom in the space you can truly use?

I use to love doing Hindu Squats and Hindu Push-ups on a whim and loved doing different types of burpees or various weights but it just seems like I get more out of using the real amount of space that has unlimited potential. It got me thinking from a wrestling perspective. When I had my two sessions in BJJ, somewhere where I was fighting and getting the best position although I wasn't anywhere near the positions I truly wanted to be in, you don't wrestle in just a single spot. You wrestle standing, on the ground, you move around in space and time to find the best position for an offensive move or defending yourself. The mat is like a planet, there are so many places you can go. Think about that for a second. Do you have a clue what it's like to wrestle and fight somebody in a small confined space? I sure as hell don't. If that happens, it doesn't matter how good you are or how much of an ass kicking you get, if you're so limited, where's the real potential to have some form of an edge?

This is one of the things I truly love and understand about Animal Movements; it's learning how to utilize the space you can truly own and operate without being limited to a single spot. When an animal fights, it uses every resource it has and is aware of to bring the fight to their advantage; wrestling and exercise in general ought to have a similar philosophy, to use every resource of space possible to get the most out of your mind and body. If you have a group of people in a short space and need to train the best way possible that's one thing, it's another to truly be open to the possibility of getting every ounce of space you can use and progress your body's condition to the next level. If the weather is good enough for me, I'll go out and use up every single inch of space I can muster, but if it's too damn hot or too cold, than I stay in but use every inch of space I know of. I have done animal moves in the bedroom, a hotel room, my office and the garage; have thrown implements and walked with them in the space I can use. Being in spot for me now sucks big time and I don't want to waste energy being so limited yet find a way to use every inch of where I'm at.

If you have an idea of what I'm talking about when it comes to being conflicted to one spot, watch the movie Bronson with Tom Hardy, there is a scene where he is locked up to a cell where the length of the cage/cell is only large enough to where standing is almost the only option and if you had to sit, you'd have to be pretty damn flexible. That's what I feel like at times when I do certain exercises, there is a lot more behind me but because I'm in one little spot, it feels no bigger than the room i'm in. In a nutshell, claustrophobic is the word i'm looking for.

Don't limit yourself, use every spare of space around you to get the very maximum of your potential.

Learn the way of the animal by going here.

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