It may come as a surprise, but exercising and sunbathing have a lot in common. In this post we’ll explain the similarities, and also why it’s important that you don’t be a “guiri gamba” in the gym! [A “guiri” is more or less the Spanish equivalent of “gringo”, usually used to refer to tourists or […]
Don’t Be A Lobster (In the Gym) Read More »
This is one of my favourite quotes, and for me, the perfect definition of health and fitness. I want to be ready for any adventure that life might present me. Whether that’s playing in a capoeira roda, kayaking down a river, trekking over a mountain range, biking across a country, or doing some crazy obstacle
Are you Apocalypse Fit? Read More »
[est_time] estimated total reading time In a recent exchange in the comments section on a supposedly skeptical post about the Wim Hof Method, another commenter brought up the following argument: Here’s another idea, and I know it sounds super crazy, TRYING IT FOR YOURSELF. I know this idea totally violates everything, I mean god forbid
The Pros and Cons of N=1 Self-Experimentation Read More »
Previously I’ve talked about how Functional Training is a Myth, that performing multiple sets of resistance exercise is probably a waste of time, that free-weight exercises such as squats and olympic lifts have little cross-over to sports, and that stretching has little benefit for the majority ofathletes. I know, I’m such a killjoy! Most professional
Strength and Conditioning for Sports – Separating Fact from Fiction Read More »
When I first came across it, one of the main selling points of CrossFit, was that it was a great method for conditioning your body for sports – be this football, athletics, martial arts, triathlon or any other sport on the planet. Personally, however, I think the evidence indicates that the concept of Functional Training
Why Training CrossFit is like Learning Latin Read More »
In parts I and II, we looked at the utility of static stretching for warm ups before and cool downs after exercise and activity, and concluded that for most people it is at best a waste of time, at worst counter productive. So stretching may not be an effective warm up or cool down, but
A Stretch too Far – Part III – Stretching for Flexibility Read More »
In Part I, we looked at the widely accepted practice of static stretching as a method of “warming up” before exercise, and how this practice is in fact not backed by any evidence, and may even be deleterious in its effects. Static Stretching is also widely advocated after exercise, in order to facilitate recovery, and
A Stretch Too Far – Part II – Stretching to Cool Down Read More »
Put your hand up if you hate stretching? It takes a long time out of your busy schedule, it can be pretty dull, and even unpleasant, but we all know we should do it, don’t we? Proponents of stretching BEFORE EXERCISE claim that it is an effective way to increase the R.O.M (Range of Motion)
A Stretch Too Far – Part I – Should You Stretch to Warm-up? Read More »
It’s “generally accepted gym wisdom” that 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps is what you need to do for hypertrophy, and 4+ sets of 1-6 reps is the recipe for strength. More than just “Bro-Science”, these are the rep ranges you will be taught as fact if you certify as a trainer with the American College
The debate: Sets, Reps and Training to Failure Read More »
I was an early adopter of the “barefoot shoe” – At the time I was deeply immersed in the Paleo/Primal lifestyle, and so the concept that we evolved without shoes struck a chord with me. As with other aspects of the Paleo/Primal lifestyle, however, I’ve begun to question much of the theory which underpins the
Barefoot Running Away from the Truth? Read More »