Barefoot Running

The shift toward barefoot running continues with a nice article written by Kevin Paul Dupont. Check it out here:

http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/running/articles/2010/08/22/uncovering_a_trend_here/

Things That Bother Me: "Inadequate Power Output During Medicine Ball Exercises"

There are several exercises and movements I think are extremely underrated (i.e. push-ups, Hex Bar Deadlifts, and Anti-Rotational Cable Presses to name three), but if I had to pick a fourth it'd be Medicine Ball exercises. More specifically, one thing that really bothers me is watching people perform Med Ball exercises without full power output. In other words, they "half-ass" it. Med Balls are meant to be slammed, tossed, thrown, etc... AS HARD AS POSSIBLE unless otherwise indicated. Take a look below at the videos below for more information:

CORRECT:

INCORRECT (you can CLEARLY see both participants could be slamming the ball harder):

Just make sure you use an adequate (concrete/brick) wall so THIS doesn't happen:

Also, make sure you give yourself enough room so THIS doesn't happen:

Trap Bar Deadlift

The Trap/Hex Bar Deadlift continues to be my favorite lower body bi-lateral exercise. Check out the video above.

5 More Reasons to Add Exercise to Your Daily Routine

1. Increased energy
2. Improved sleep
3. Improved balance
4. Improved self-esteem
5. Improved strength

Why You're Not Losing Weight

We’re in month number eight of 2010, yet some of us have yet to lose the weight we initially set out to. Why hasn’t the scale moved the way we’d like it to? Here are some of my potential presumptions:

• · You’re UNDER-estimating your caloric intake- I’m not saying it’s time to start calorie counting, but I do think constructing a nutrition journal should be in your future. Seeing your potential oversights in writing may open your eyes more than you think. Aim for a high intake of vegetables, lean protein, and good fats.
• · You’re OVER-estimating your caloric expenditure- Once again, I don’t know that counting the exact number of calories is necessary, but I do think it’s crucial for SO many people to increase their exercise intensity. It’s admittedly disheartening to look around the gym (both in the cardio rooms and on the main weight room floor) and seeing so many people not pushing themselves. Your training sessions should contain moments of “temporary discomfort.” If they don’t, you simply aren’t working hard enough. Put down the novel and push it!
• · Endocrinology- If you truly are working your butt off and eating perfectly yet aren’t seeing any positive changes, it may be in your best interest to give your doctor a call. Your hormone levels may need to be examined. While this is typically the last resort, it sometimes is necessary.