Skipping - Is This The Exercise Craze That's Right For You?

Skipping.

Skipping is not just a good workout. It's a natural part of being human. We skip in play; we skip in dance; we skip just for the heck of it.  Be true to yourself.  Let go of your fears.  Bring freedom to your life.  Splash in a puddle; frolick in a field; giggle to yourself.  You’ll be amazed at the thoughts and feelings that can arise as you skip along your merry way.  Skip for the body, mind and spirit.

Still not convinced?  Check the facts.  When you measure the electrodes, you find that skipping burns more calories than running - up to 700 calories per session - and has less impact on your joints.  What does that mean to you?  How about a slimmer waist, a pert bottom and inner thighs that could crack walnuts!

Not everyone feels they are fit enough or have the right lifestyle to be able to take up skipping full-time. If you aren't used to skipping, start slowly.  Maybe take a class from a skipping instructor.   Learning the proper technique will make skipping very accessible.

Find the courage to skip.  You'll feel energized and more than a little proud of yourself.  Your experience with skipping makes a great conversation starter at parties.  It can spice up your love life too - without skipping a beat!



If you can add skipping to your life you'll end up with a smile on your face, not a grimace.

Five Minute Kettlebell Workout

This is still the best kettlebell workout video I've found. She covers the plank, press, behind head dip and lift, lunge, around the world, row, squat and two hand swing.


She left out the halo:


And here's the infamous Turkish Getup:


Or the Half Turkish Getup:

Here's a link to a bunch of good kettlebell exercises:

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a20702565/kettlebell-workout/

Some Steel Mace Workout Videos

I'm learning that the steel mace is a total body workout. You can use it for intense ways, both cardio and strength oriented. And you can also use the mace for more mindful, flowing movements. 

Here's a good strength/cardio workout:

Another good one:

Here's one that might take a little while to master:

Here's a whole playlist of exercises you can do with the steel mace:

This looks tough:

Bonus video. Not steel mace, but could it be adapted?

I wonder about this one also.

Can anything from this routine be used?

Or this?

Indian Clubs: Inward and Outward Heartshapes

I just spent about ten minutes trying to find this video. So I'm creating a post with it embedded to make it easier to find.




Here's another helpful lesson:


Some step by step images:

Inward

Inward continued

Outward

Outward continued

ZenKahuna and the Double Ball Staff

ZenKahuna (Rocannon MacGregor) is very active on YouTube. His videos often demonstrate mindful movements that one can do with clubs, maces, kettlebells and more. One of the implements ZenKahuna has come up with is called the Double Ball Staff which he says can help with brain organization and training, mobility, strengthening joints & sinews, digital dexterity, and enhancing fluid moving skills. These are made in Idaho by Rosewater Kinetics.

Image from Rosewater Kinetics' Facebook page

He's a collection of videos (in no particular order) demonstrating how to use this apparatus.

Tai Chi Ball Qigong Exercises

The tai chi ball is an exercise tool I've been learning about this week. I don't have a wooden sphere like you're supposed to use, but I do have a 4lb medicine ball so at least I can try out some of these movements to see if it's something worth pursuing further.

The tai chi ball is used for body conditioning. It strengthens the arms, torso, spine and lower back. The wood ball weighs between 2 to 10 lbs depending on what size ball you use. The motion has a cumulative effect in gradually building your physical body strength, without tensing too much, so your qi circulation can still be abundant.

For strength training the variables used are: 1) the weight of the ball, 2) the number of repetitions of each movement performed, 3) the number of movements performed in a training session, 4) the depth of the stances (lower = harder), 5) the speed of the movements, and 6) the focus, concentration, and mental intentions used in each movement.

In the beginning posture of the tai chi ball qigong practice, the mind should be calm and empty, and the weight evenly distributed on both feet. This state is wuji. Your mind starts to lead the body into the movement, internal (yin) and external (yang).

Ramel Rones - Three Tai Chi Ball Videos
Grind


Ahn Circles


Advanced Motion


Excerpt from Sunrise Tai Chi DVD

Workout at Home Using These Four Unconventional Training Tools - Primitive Fitness Equipment

So far in 2020 I have turned my attention toward diet and exercise with great results. In addition to walking/hiking I have started to incorporate some unconventional fitness methods into my practice. Here's a rundown on four different unconventional training tools that will give you a workout without having to leave home or break the bank.

Kettlebell

Kettlebell
The kettlebell or girya resembles a cannonball with a handle on top. Its center of gravity is offset from the cast iron handle and constantly shifting, which makes it hard to control. The kettlebell lends itself to flowing motions and building strength and power: swings, presses, squats, rows and carries. It is used for cardio, flexibility and strength. It has been said that if you own a kettlebell then you own a gym.

Steel Mace

Mace
The steel mace or gada is a weighted ball on a long straight handle. Let's not kid ourselves...it's a weapon! The heavy head and light handle give the mace an uneven distribution of weight, making it very unbalanced. The most common mace exercises are called the 360 and the 10 to 2, but you can get super creative with the mace. It can help with balance, coordination, posture, stability and body awareness.

Indian Clubs

Steel Clubs

Clubs
Clubs aren't lifted, they are swung. Club swinging is a very natural motion where the club acts as an extension of your arm. These ancient rhythmic movements can be set to music. The shape of a club resembles a baseball bat, bowling pin, or juggling club. It can be made of wood or steel. Lighter clubs are best for flexibility and mobility. Heavy clubs are for strength and grip. Strability, flexibility, endurance, fat-burning, lean muscle and concentration are among the benefits of club swinging. It's like a blend of cardio and weight training.

the Shena

Shena
Persian style push-ups are done on a traditional wooden board with two triangular supports which raise your hands off the floor. This board is called a Shena.  The push-up poses resemble yoga - downward dog, upward dog, low plank, deep knee bends. Persian push-ups are done slowly, methodically and strategically with an emphasis on rhythm and fluidity. Continuity of motion. The Shena adds a different dimension to any fitness practice; developing strength, flexibility, muscle endurance, stamina and agility.


There are more tools you can utilize - ropes, sandbags, pull-up bars, escrima sticks. I'm sticking to just the above four for now.