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Santa was good
to me! |
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I know, I know... it's better to
give than to receive. I completely agree with that.
However, while I am receiving, I might as well enjoy it
J.
Of course I asked for a bunch of
odd fitness equipment to add to my arsenal once again.
I certainly don't expect everyone to take an interest in
these items, but thought it would be at least a little
interesting to make you aware of them. Let me take
this opportunity to introduce you to some of my new toys...
Fat Gripz
Fat Gripz are hard rubber sleeves that snap over any bar
to increase the circumference of it. Thick bar training with Fat Gripz
increases muscle activation and gives you more strength. So that means by working your hands and forearms harder,
you’re increasing the muscle activation – and strengthening
your upper arms, shoulders, chest and back.
Using Fat Gripz, you may notice that there’s
less pressure on joints like your wrists, elbows and
shoulders. By using a wider grip on the bar, you’re actually
spreading the weight more evenly.
I've looked at various "Fat Bars" for years, and they're
not cheap. When these Fat Gripz came out they seemed
like a great option for fat bar training and I'm looking
forward to putting them to good use!
Eagle Loops
I came across these crazy looking straps when browsing
for some other pieces of equipment, and they just looked
insane enough to give them a shot!
Basic exercises turn into finger-strengthening moves par
excellence when you when you hitch the Eagle Loops over a
chinning bar for pull-ups. Connect them to a bar or loading
pin for deadlifts, rows and static holds. The Eagle Loops are perfect if you're
interested in developing static strength, where you will be
steadily holding your hand open as you chin or deadlift the
weight. They are a favorite of rock climbers and martial
artists, including MMA.
Dog Bone Pull-up Bar
Yeah, you can see that I'm
REALLY drawn to these crazy grip type tools! The Rogue Dog Bone has two unique
surfaces for grip work. Use the extra fat 3" center section
or challenge your fingers with the spherical ends. The strap
can be attached to a pull-up bar or
kettlebell. Use chain to attach it to bumpers or cast
iron weight plates.
Ultimate Sandbag (Burly)
I decided
to add a 3rd Ultimate Sandbag to my collection. This "Burly"
model is best for Strongman type training. The
Burly Ultimate Sandbag and can work as little as 80 pounds
up to approximately 160 pounds. I'm already planning
to add a few choice exercises to our warrior workout
circuits to make use of this monster
J
This
dynamic system allows immense variety and fun while giving
you the results you want. The outer shell provides
five different gripping options (3 handles on top of the
Ultimate Sandbag, 2 on the opposing end, and side handles)
to train over 300 dynamic exercises.
Dip Station
Another addition to the TODAY! Fitness dungeon, I had to
make room for this Dip Station. You can build awesome shoulders, thicker delts, and killer
triceps with this freestanding
dip station. I went with the Body Solid model since I have
found Body Solid to be a very reliable, middle-of-the-road
cost, and well designed brand of equipment.
I'm already planning to be extra good next year to see if
Santa will hook me up again. You're more than welcome to come on over and play with my
new toys J.
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Sandbag
Exercise of the Month! |
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Clean &
Press Squat Thrust
Summary:
Switching things up for 2013 and
going with sandbag exercises. I've been a huge fan of
sandbag exercises for years now due to their versitility,
portability, and the amazing workouts that you can get from
them. While there are certainly several types of
sandbags, and different reasons for using each, I'm going to
focus on the standard bags that allow you to grab a handful of
canvas and really work your hand and forearm muscles in
addition to the actual exercise.
This Clean & Press Squat Thrust is an
awesome exercise for overall conditioning since it uses
multiple muscle groups. Legs, abs, shoulders, triceps...
all firing away during this one.
Target: legs, butt, abs,
chest, shoulders, triceps (hamstrings, gluteus maximus, rectus
abdominis, pectoralis major, deltoids, triceps brachii)
Description: Stand
with your feet shoulder width apart with the sandbag at your
toes. Squat down with your head up and your butt back
while you grasp the cloth at the top of the sandbag.
Explode up with your legs while you pull the sandbag up to
your chest. As the sandbag reaches your chest, drop your
elbows and load your wrists and palms below the sandbag.
Press the sandbag overhead, pause, and return it to your
chest. Reverse the motion back down to the floor as you
squat down. Jump your legs back, perform a pushup, then
jump back to the starting position.
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There's an App
for That |
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I absolutely LOVE this app! You can't
beat the convenience of shooting a quick video of your
child, a client, or athlete from your phone... stepping
through the video in slow motion (forward or backward) with
the manual scroll dial... making notes.. and recording audio
analysis. I just picked up this app for $2... compared
to the several hundred dollars that you would pay for a
video analysis breakdown at a professional service.
It's seriously a cheap tool that every coach should really
look into.
Here's the iTunes details: Record it.
Break it down. Get better. Improve your pitcher's
fastball, straighten your golf swing, easily break down a
volleyball serve, improve soccer skills, or even demonstrate
weightlifting form. Coach's Eye makes instant feedback
possible on the field or on the go.
Video Capture and
Import
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Record HD video.
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Import video from your device's Camera
Roll, email, or apps like Dropbox.
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Instant import of videos shared from other
Coach's Eye users.
Instant Video
Analysis
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Slow-motion video review is easy using our
flywheel for precise video scrubbing.
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Zoom and pan videos during analysis to see
just the details that matter.
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Draw on videos using lines, arrows,
circles, squares, and freehand tools.
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Create videos that include audio
commentary, annotations, and slow-motion.
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It's Go Time!
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RESOLUTION: (n)
a
resolve
or
determination:
to
make
a
firm
resolution
to
do
something.
"A
resolve
or
determination"
I like that word "determination".
Determination frequently makes the difference between success
and failure... between winning and losing. Determination
is a firm intention to
achieve a desired end.
"To make a firm resolution to do
something" That's right, New Year's is a perfect time to set
your goals for the year. Year long goals are called
macro goals. "I want to run my first 1/2 marathon this
year". Certainly an admirable goal, but without the
specifics about how you are going to get there, there is way
too much risk of putting things off, or not preparing
appropriately to get the job done. Once you make your
macro goals, you need to break it into pieces (micro goals)
and plan your steps. Having specific milestones, by
specific dates, helps you to focus on what you need to do to
reach your overall goal.
So now as we welcome in 2013 and prepare for
the year, take a moment to write down your goals/resolutions
for the year. Put some thought into it... write down
your macro and micro goals... and once you've done that, post
it on your mirror, refrigerator, or wall. Be determined
for success and don't accept anything less! Good Luck!
For
prior issues of this eNewsletter, to subscribe, or
unsubscribe, please visit the following
link -->
todayfitness.net/news.
Exceed Your
Potential!
Pete
Mazzeo, CPT
pmazzeo@todayfitness.net
"I
may not be there yet,
but I'm closer than I was yesterday."
youtube of the month -->
Underground Kettlebell Assault
Solid kettlebell circuit from Zach Even-Esh.
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