Athlete In The City

eighteen extreme exercises

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:52 +0000

Just found this video on youtube and was pretty impressed. Although I’ve never had much luck with the human flag, I don’t work on it much either. The straddle planche pushups though, I work at everyday. Closer but still not there. All the others I’ve got pretty well. So I guess I’m getting somewhere!

standing ab wheel rollout
back lever
hannibal pullups
korean dips
one-arm one-leg pushups
leg lifts
straddle planche pushups
L-sit walk
human flag
superman pushup
dragon flag
side-to-sides
handstand pushup to nose
elbow step pushups – together
muscle-up with false grip
stall bar hold
deep handstand pushups
bicycle pullups

fitness apps

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:34 +0000

Don’t confuse apps and gadgets for the real workout, but hey if it gets you motivated and helps you with the details, go for it.

Here’s a great NY Times article with over 10 new apps which can help you keep track of all your data. But remember it’s more about the workout and the intensity that will get you in shape, so when in doubt, pencil and paper works as well!

humans built for long-distance running

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:48 +0000

I’ve read some of this before, but just saw this article over at the New York Times which is worth a read. This probably follows somewhat in the recent fad of “barefoot running” which I’m not even going to touch with a ten-foot pole.

Never the less the evidence is there that exercise and training actually strengthens the body and joints. Why the injuries then? Well quite simply from improper training. One has to stretch the joints, and warm up slowly to activities that we don’t do everyday. Beware the weekend-warrior syndrome of not working out at all for some time, then heading out for a weekend where you think you’re in the same shape you were at 20 years old.

Ease into your training, build up slow, warmup and warmdown in a balanced way, and take stretching seriously, and you’ll continue to train injury free. It’s like they say, it’s what we were built for!

The Human Body Is Built for Distance

painkillers and training

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:53 +0000

The New York Times has a really interesting article on the usage and affects of ibuprofen on ultramarathoners. It turns out that 60-85% of marathoners in the noted studies were using painkillers, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It turns out they showed more inflammation and mild kidney impairment.Doesn’t sound particularly encouraging. As always buyer beware when it comes to supplements, and best to stick to food and diet based methods to affect the body…

calorie restriction – the fountain of youth?

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:09 +0000

A lot of studies have been coming out on calorie restriction. My personal theory is all this nonsense about how people from certain countries have better genes… it all boils down to better diet. It seems a lower calorie diet makes you younger, age better and live longer!NY Times – The Calorie Restriction Experiment

what kinds of proteins?

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:11 +0000

On and on the debate goes over proteins, although nutritionists have figured it out already.Yes proteins are key to a balanced diet, but in particular the right kinds. Which ones? Legumes, Fish, egg whites, and lean poultry. There are also quite a few food combinations for which the body can combine for complete proteins as well.Read more at CNN - Are You Getting Enough Protein

exercise and smarts

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:32 +0000

Another article, this time over at the NY Times, discussing the affects of exercise on what is called neuroplasticity, the ability for the brain to change & grow new pathways through new experiences. What Sort of Exercise Can Make You Smarter?

brain surgery then ultrarunner

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:02 +0000

Here’s an interesting story about a woman named Diane Van Deren. She suffered from epilepsy, had a lobectomy, removal of the right temporal lobe. What healed her in one way, then also pushed her to become an ultrarunner, but also had certain strange side affects. All interesting discussion of the brain, exercise, and health. Worth a read.

Brain Surgery Frees Runner, but Raises Barriers – NY Times

obesity as phenomenon of social norms

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:00:50 +0000

A fascinating article at Wired discusses the changes in a social group in Framingham MA, and how obesity spread through the population.

The Buddy System: How Medical Data Revealed Secret to Health and Happiness

exercise alone not always enough for weightloss

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:38 +0000

Perhaps this article would be better titled referring to “exercise alone” rather than just exercise, but the point is well made. They point at that “Whether because exercise makes us hungry or because we want to reward ourselves, many people eat more — and eat more junk food, like doughnuts — after going to the gym.”

That’s why most fitness regimens recommend increasing cardiovascular training on the one hand, muscle training on the other to increase body density, bone density, and muscle density, *and* calorie monitoring and restriction in certain cases on the other hand.

Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin

ideas to help your running

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:45 +0000

Probably if you read my blog with any regularity, you’ve already gotten it into your head that there is good reading on the web to help with your training. You also probably know about the heart rate monitor watches that are on the market. This article has a few other good pointers and is worth a look for those doing heavy miles and want to spice it up a bit.

CNN: Gadgets, Web sites to make you a better runner

diet + exercise stave off mental decline

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:00:09 +0000

We talked about John Ratey and his book Spark, so we’ve hit on this topic before. BUt I just saw this article recently and thought it was worth posting.

The emphasis on the diet side of the equation is of a mediterranean diet full of fruits and veggies. Check! And secondly engaging in a regular exercise program. Check!
Health Buzz: Diet and Exercise Protect Brain and Other Health News

new superfood found

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:00:55 +0000

Just read this article about a new study on Beetroot juice, and the dramatic increase seen in endurance athletes who drink the juice, of 16%!! The thought is that it may be the nitrates in the Beetroot, but scientists are still not sure. Nevertheless 16% is a big difference, as anyone training at their own edge for a long time knows, improvements seem to come slowly, and with much effort. I think I’m going to go and buy some beets for the grocery store today, dig out my juicemaker machine, and try this!!

Beetroot juice “boosts stamina”

Thx Su for the Link!

brooklyn boulders gym finally open!!

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:06:37 +0000

The new Brooklyn Boulders rock climbing gym in Gowanas is finally open. Time to get off your butts people, and head on down and start working on your climbing!

vegetarian ultraman

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:00:35 +0000

I like reading CNN’s health columns and listening to Sanjay Gupta because I think he speaks very matter of factly, and plainly about complex issues surrounding health.

Here’s a great article about a guy who, just preceding his 40th birthday, decided to get into shape, and the story of his path to the ultraman world championships.

From miserable man to “Ultraman”: A Fitness Journey