It’s that time of year…or slightly past it! Time to make resolutions.
I used not to be one of those people who made resolutions. I wasn’t very goal-oriented. I was more interested in focusing on the moment.
But sacrificing long-term planning for the moment, I came to find, is as misguided as losing your now-focus for lots of pie-in-the-sky long-term plans. Both, in equal measure, lead to the best results.
With that said, I’d like to say this – whatever your specific goals for 2010, have the general goal of getting in shape. And, as far as that’s concerned, do anything!
Don’t lose your “now-focus” for long-term planning about what you want to do fitness-wise.
Here are a few ideas that might help – my review of the “best fitness stuff” of 2009.
Jump for Joy!
While my career with Exuberant Animal and play-based fitness started in 2008 at the first EA conference, I wasn’t certified as an EA trainer till 2009, and didn’t start my foot camp till last summer.
I highly recommend any of Frank Forencich’s books, and incorporating play into your exercise routine and your life. If you want ideas for how to do this, go to any local playground and watch what the kids are doing. Better yet, join them! Alternatively, for you readers out there, you can go to the EA games page.
I was introduced to the concept of “minimalist footwear” and barefoot training this year, first, by Barefoot Ted McDonald. Then, through Chris McDougall’s great book “Born to Run” (which is later on the list).
The FiveFinger shoes offer a fantastic new way to train, with a barefoot feel. I highly recommend these to anyone. Ease into their use. If you haven’t been barefoot much in the past few years, start off by wearing them for short walks, or during your regular workout, and then going back to your normal footwear.
Monkey Socks, Anyone?
Also, I highly recommend buying the Injini socks. My first pair of Vibrams got a little stinky (which is why I recommend the KSO’s over the Flow model). My second pair I ordered with about four pair of Injini toe-socks. So far so good!
The only thing about the toe-socks is, they don’t keep your feet very warm. So, if you’re in a cold climate, you might put off till later in the springtime to try these first two suggestions out – unless you’re an indoor exerciser.
Chris McDougall’s Book – Born to Run
Great Book!
While it isn’t necessarily a piece of “fitness equipment,” everyone I’ve known who has read this book has been so inspired by it that they’ve at least tried barefoot walks (if not runs, or workouts in Vibrams). I highly recommend this book!
Joe DeFranco’s Built Like a Badass Program
Meatheads Unite!
I’ve written about this program several times in the past couple of months. It is far and away the best “cookie-cutter” weight training program I’ve ever seen or used. If you’re a moderately-experienced weight trainer, buy the program and use it this year.
Kettlebells
Cannonballs with Handles
I had never been a big fan of kettlebells or kettlebell training till I used them for my Highland Games training this year. Now, I’m a firm believer in the efficacy of this training tool.
While the kettlebells are “just another tool in the toolbox,” or “just another type of load,” they offer such a diverse array of possibilities that few other “stand alone” tools can compare in the diversity of movement (except maybe one, which I’ll be unveiling in another week or so!!).
If you’re interested in kettlebells, find a good instructor to work with. Someone who is RKC, AKC, Steve Maxwell, or Steve Cotter certified will be able to get you started with great technique, and a kettlebell weight and program that are appropriate for your body.
Is that it?!
Bare-bones and Barefoot
Unless you can make it up to Whidbey Island, WA, to train with the Barefoot Sensei…yeah, that’s it! I’m not reviewing every exercise program or technique I’ve ever used here, just the ones I found especially good from 2009. If you want other ideas, recommendations, or sources, drop me a line. I’m more than happy to help!
Have fun everyone!!!