Flexibility Training: Experiments
I love flexibility, and flexibility work.
Some people think it’s necessary. Others despise it. According to my observations, points of view are in great part related to the kind of physical discipline one is involved into. I’ve been into martial arts for many years, so following my theory, I guess my opinion of flexibility training is biased in favor of it.
Handstand progression (#8) and other Training Shenanigans
Within the last year, my training has been directed a lot towards general weightlifting strength, endurance and ability. Some of my favorite progressions:
- 1 rep max Deadlift: 275 lbs to 375 lbs in 4 months;
- Power Clean & Jerk : 135 lbs up to 195 lbs 1RM in 6 months;
- Clean & Jerk : Ditto;
- Push Press : 12 642 lbs to 61 305 lbs in Volume (200+ reps @ 115 lbs in 20 minutes)
- Plate Curl: 25 lbs with each hand
These are among those I’m the most proud of, but they definitely are not the only ones. My PR (Personal Records) log is getting bigger everyday I train, thanks to the beauty and genius that is the Gym Movement Protocol. I’ve been using this protocol regularly for almost a year now, without a single need to switch to something else. I highly recommend you to have a look at it.
In the recent weeks I’ve felt an intrinsic need to alter my focus towards more of my bodyweight goals of strength and ability. The arrival of summertime definitely is part of the factors in this change.
Are you fully appreciating your life?
As humans, it is impressively easy to take things for granted. Just look at these few examples:
- Food: Go to the store, buy, eat. Repeat. No questioning where it comes from, what’s in there, how is it fueling your body, will there still be more of it next week. Nah. It’s food, tastes good. Ever heard of that question asked to a kid, “Where do eggs come from”? He answered “the grocery store”. Yep, they magically appear there.
Of Strikes and Belts
– Note: This clever title pattern is directly copied from the classic “Of Mice and Men”, for absolutely no reason –
Last week, I passed a belt test to get my brand new green sash in Fang Shen Do Kung-Fu. I am proud to say that it went very well and I can see the progress I made from the last time.
Progress is an amazing feeling, and testing your abilities and skills is one of the best ways I know of to measure personal progress. In this regard, Martial Arts have been of tremendous help and have ever been my guide.
