You are how you move

Today’s workout:

Incline KB Press with bands. Loop some bands through the end of a kettlebell and press them holding the bands. Work up to 4 heavy sets or between 3-5 reps).

The Build-Your-Own-Burpee combo: This is an ongoing feature of our Brutal Recess workshops. If the basic Burpee is a pushup and a jump, then what can we add to it to make it intense, creative, playful and chock full of range of motion? Add 3-5 additional movements and practice it a few times. Then…

Overhead DB Press. Strict and heavy.
Overhead DB Walk around the gym.
The new groovy Burpee you created.
Run around the gym.

The rep scheme seems easy enough:

1st round: 6 reps of the press and burpee
2nd round: 4 reps
3rd round: 2 reps.

But this one is startling at how quickly it becomes a bit of a challenge. Mess with the reps accordingly.

You Are How You Move

The Tucson sky is huge in the summer. It sings, weeps, screams and sometimes just gives you that weird raised eyebrow thing that The Rock used to do all the time. Having a camera is almost a bane, since each moment seems more glorious than the next, and ultimately you question if any picture can do the Heavens any justice. There is an odd grace in the sky’s enormity, like watching divinity dance in high heels. You envy the movement and change it perpetuates. And don’t get me started on the fear and excitement of freedom and limitlessness.

Thanks, Allyson, for being diligent with your lens!

So what’s stopping you? What’s keeping you from dancing like the sky? Tucson asked this question, but with different words. The landscape wasn’t the only one talkin’ either. The queen of fitness, Bonnie Prudden, was holding court, along with her trusty adviser, wizard and best friend, Enid, and there was a roomful of us listening with open ears and minds. They do this sneaky thing, Enid and Bonnie and their trusted helpers. They collect a handful of folks who are willing to learn Myotherapy, a pain relief technique pioneered by Bonnie and practiced by physical therapists and massage therapists around the world. Then they teach the REAL lesson that Bonnie has been cultivating during her 96 years.

Play.

Why do we hurt? Often from enveloping ourselves in play-less lifestyles that seem to covet chronic pain. “But I workout,” you scream! Sure, but do you PLAY?! Do you twist and roll and flip and jump and, ya know, have FUN? Good… now check those around you.

(playing at the Tucson Airport on a 4-story long escalator)

Enid, who danced and jibbed and played us all through the drills, moves agelessly, despite probably approaching 60. She moved as a child and gave the movements the levity and youth they deserved. Our grace should match hers, despite anyone’s chronology, and whether everyone could or not, this group seemed inspired enough to at least strive for a little more pep in their steps.

The call of the iron did beckon while in Tucson. Bodytribe was represented on this trip by Terri, Allyson and I, and our digs turned out to be a condo at a golf resort through some kind of magic that Terri wields. There was iron hiding here at the resort, and not just the kind ya hit little white balls with. It wasn’t a difficult search, and soon I was with Barbell and all his heavy friends.

Now keep in mind, a Bodytriber’s forays into other modern commercial fitness facilities are rare. We’re not used to being the strongest, loudest, most intense person in a room like this…and I’m talking about Allyson. We’re usually surrounded by strong, intense kin in our own sanctuary, so being the only folks doing any actual work… well, it creates a weird vibe. Seriously, after spending a weekend dialoging about play, this little fitness center might have been one of the least playful places I’ve ever been. It reminded me yet again of the wit and wisdom of Bonnie Prudden…

You are how you move.

Who do you want to be?

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That was part 1 of a trip that slapped me in the head and left a pleasant sting to carry around for quite some time. Part 2, Why Is This Important? will be next week, featuring adventures in Austin.

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Important Stuff!!

First… The Tune Up workshop scheduled for Sunday is canceled… well, postponed. We’ll be back to a normal workshop schedule in 2-weeks, but this Saturday is part 1 of the Women’s Self Defense workshop. There are only 3 spots left (out of 10). If you are interested to reserve one, please let me know pronto. It is the following two Saturdays from 10-1, and the cost is $30.

This Sunday, instead of our re-scheduled Tune Up workshop, will be a seminar with the legendary Tommy Kono! So far we’re aiming for 10 am, but his schedule is demanding (he spent today with our Governor), so this is schedule to change. I’ll keep everyone updated. We’re charging $20 for a small, intimate workshop with one of the greatest weightlifters in history. Please email me for more details.

Speaking of Tommy Kono, this Saturday is the annual Tommy Kono Open at Sacramento High School. Several Bodytribers, including first timer Paige Lettington, will be testing their journey on the platform. We’ll be joined by our friend from the great Northwest (ya know…Portland), Kat Rickers of Mightykat.com. I hear there is a $5 spectator fee, but there will be some top notch competitors, both men and women, lifting all day long, so come on out and support local strength sports.
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Happy Birthday to Me

For all of you who helped me kick off the beginning of my 5th decade on this big blue ball, I give a huge thanks. Turning 40 was a warm and wonderful experience (as well as cold and painful, being pelted with over 400 water balloons!), thanks to my tribe. I’ll continue to strive to inspire you as you continually inspire me!

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