Health and Fitness -- Strength Training (4 sets for each exercise)

The last two weeks have been focused on power. Here is one example week:

All four days I did Power Cleans (Explosive -- 4 reps), Russian Twists (Rotational -- 8 reps), and Side Bridge w/ Reach (Core Stabilization -- 10 reps). All other exercises -- 4 reps.

Monday
Knee Dominant (bilateral): Barbell Front Squat
Hor. Push (unilateral): DB Chest Press
Vert. Push (bilateral): Barbell Push Press

Tuesday
Hip Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Supine Hip Extension
Hor. Pull (bilateral): Modified T-Bar Row
Vert. Pull (unilateral): Side to Side Pull-Ups w/ weight

Thursday
Knee Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Squats
Hor. Push (bilateral): Bench Press
Vert. Push (unilateral): Alt DB Shoulder Press

Friday
Hip Dominant (bilateral): Romanian Deadlift
Hor. Pull (unilateral): 2 Point DB Row
Vert. Pull (bilateral): Pull-Ups w/ weight

Martial Arts

Brailian Jiu Jitsu has gone well so far. Although I'm still a bit of a slow learner in that field, I'm starting to understand the basics a lot more. A lot of my early struggles with Taekwondo were similar -- I put so much thought into it that I freezed my brain at times.

I've been doing some after school programs, and will be teaching a martial arts program for summer camp soon (my second year). Teaching non-regular students has many pros and cons. However, in the end: I'm always happy to find myself back in the dojang.

I posted a poll about wearing T-shirts during summer training. The results so far have been:

Yes, and I'm glad they do -- 5 (28%)
Yes, but I don't like it -- 4 (22%)
No, but I wish they would -- 4 (22%)
No, and I'm glad they don't -- 5 (28%)


My instructor announced the optional switch to t-shirts a week ago (note: our school does have some air conditioning, but most know that A/C will only do so much when training). It came a little later than usual (late May is the usual). However, he was a bit annoyed by the amount of parents who complained that it didn't come soon enough. As far as the children's class goes, I know parents will always worry about their kids (and some with right cause), but I wonder at what point kids might be getting "softer".

In the elementary school classes that I work in, I'm finding a higher number of students each year who go to the nurse's office for even the smallest things. Another thing I've noticed is the dissapointment of NOT having INDOOR recess. I remember being a child and groaning with the rest of the class when the principal announced there wouldn't be outdoor recess. I talked to a couple of teachers upstate, and they were finding the same thing.

It's possible there's something I'm missing, or perhaps my childhood wasn't that different at all, and that my memory is slightly skewed.

Favorite Quote of The Week

“Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says 'I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway'" - Maya Angelou


Favorite Song of The Week

"Fire In The Hole" - Van Halen

Tags: Health Fitness Bjj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training Toughness Summer Heat