Snow Battles, Dopa Band Training & Isometrics

 Well, more or less just shoveling snow when it comes to the battles. It has started snowing here a little more consistently but it isn't too bad. Get up at 5 in the morning, put on the jacket, the beaning, snow boots, got sweats on, put the gloves on, grab my shovel and have at it. It's so peaceful out, just the sound of the light wind, seeing footprints of deer, still dark out and being in the moment. The perks of being out in the fucking cold LOL.

Staying consistent with the Dopa Band Deck Of Cards Workout doing a total of 500-1000 Reps at a time. It has become more of a breeze to get through and my breathing is steady throughout most sessions. It's fun, quick and practically meditative. My favorite deck to use is the Golden 100 Dollar Bill Cards, easy to shuffle and it's just cool to look at. So far my best time doing 1000 Total Reps is around 43 min and change, high as a kite afterwards and have such a huge grin on my face (mostly cause that fucker is finally done). 

At times if I need a break from the band, I'll do 500 Step Up Workouts and/or do Isometrics to keep the joints strong. With the Isos recently, I have mimicked picking up and moving a shovel to stay durable and strong. Shoveling snow isn't too difficult but it does have you use muscles that aren't used everyday unless that's your job or it snows 95% of the time where you're at like on the East Coast or something. It's important to keep the joints healthy as well and Isometrics can help make things like this more consistent without straining yourself. Never had issues with snow shoveling whether it's powdery or wet and heavy but some people have and it can make a person ache afterwards cause the movements can be hard on the body. 

More on Isometrics, it's just also another method to work with on days where it's better to do holds than do crazy calisthenic stuff or weights. Some holds I'll do for 7-12 seconds of high intensity, others I'll go for 30 seconds to a minute or longer depending on what I want to do. Have a variety and strengthen areas that will help you keep active without pain. It's another part of the journey and doing what works best for you. Stay in shape as best as you can at just about any point in time. You never know what you'll need to be in it for.

You can keep going with what gives you the best benefits. There's no one method that will give you every result you ever wanted, spice it up, learn things and see what makes it enjoyable, challenging and fun for you to do in order to live life like a badass. You got this and you have the power to make things happen. Get at it and keep being amazingly awesome. As always, if you're interested in the Dopamineo Bands, use my discount to get 10% OFF your order and have a blast with these bad boys. 

The Snow Has Fallen...FACK

 It is the first big snow day here in Hayden/Coeur D Alene Idaho which means time to get the jacket, sweats, gloves, boots and of course the almighty shovel. Life can't be anymore fun...Bullshit. To sum it up...Whoopie Fucking Doo. 

For real though, shoveling snow can be an invigorating experience and teach you valuable lessons like hard work, handling yourself in various conditions, getting the most out of the time you use like putting on some tunes. Sometimes it'll feel like you're in a war with the snow because it sometimes can get slushy so it weighs more as you pick up and toss. I envy those who live in warmer climates that don't have to do that unless you work at a site and shovel or farmer carry gravel and dirt. 

Many people around here do have snow blowers but there's something about having a shovel in your hands and putting in the work to ensure the people you care about can get out safely and get to where they need to. Hell yeah a snow blower is much easier to use but not everyone can afford one or even understand how to operate one so you go old school. Having a shovel and working heavy snow at times can be a test of your will and enduring strength. Some will say snow shoveling is not that big of a deal and saying how hard it is makes you sound weak and pathetic but the truth is, not everyone can last doing an hour or more of shoveling snow especially if its slushy as hell and if you live up in the mountains without many people around, a shovel can be your best friend or a pain in the ass. It's a matter of perspective.

It's always a good thing to help a neighbor when you can especially if that neighbor has kids and they're trying to get their car out. A snow blower won't always be the best option. That's what I love about this neighborhood, there are people who look out for one another and if there's an opportunity to help out, you do what you can. With all the crap that goes on in the world, there's still humanity somewhere and we have to hold onto that as best as we can.

One of things that has helped me stay injury free during the winter months and shoveling snow has been Isometrics. You wouldn't think that was possible but the fact is, moving snow can feel awkward and using muscles you normally don't use as you twist, pick up, turn and toss can have an impact on the body. Isometrics can give those movements a bit of leeway as you push/pull and twist in different directions. Hell there are workouts where I practice Isometric Shoveling in order to train my body so I don't hurt myself. There are people who do get hurt shoveling snow and it does happen often, not in a major way but enough where for some people there are issues especially in the hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. 

Now I'm not saying it takes a ton of strength cause it really doesn't or it makes you a better athlete, but snow shoveling isn't an easy task it's not meant to, simple yes and not difficult but you never know what you'll end having to do cause it can powdery one day and feel like easiest thing ever, the next day with slush, it can feel heavy as hell and the body has to adapt otherwise something could go wrong. This is where muscles do well for you but strong tendons and ligaments make the biggest difference. Obviously it's not a muscle builder or make you shredded but it is hard work and builds up mental toughness. 

Stay safe out there, help a neighbor, keep warm as much as you can and keep your body and mind healthy. Real strength comes from within and look out for one another, we can always use a bit of help sometimes. As always, be Amazingly Awesome.