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The Natural Movements of Nomadic Life

Every sunrise in a nomad’s life brings forth a plethora of physical activities. Setting up camp, which involves the assembly of shelters such as tents or Mongolian gers, necessitates a blend of strength, coordination, and endurance. Each action, from the stretch of lifting materials to the squat of securing pegs into the ground, mirrors exercises we’d find in a gym setting.

Then there’s migration, the very heartbeat of nomadic existence. This act isn’t a mere shift from point A to B. It’s a rigorous cardiovascular regimen, akin to the most intense aerobic workouts. Navigating rough terrains on foot, camelback, or horse, carrying belongings, and adapting to the unpredictable whims of nature make their journey a testament to physical and mental resilience.

A majority of nomadic groups weave their lives around livestock. The act of animal herding is no leisurely stroll. It’s an everyday marathon, a demanding cardiovascular workout, pacing through varying terrains, from sunbaked plains to rugged highlands.

Traditional Sports and Activities

While the chores of daily life contribute significantly to their fitness, the world of nomadic sports offers a different arena of physical prowess. Take, for instance, Mongolian wrestling. More than just a sport, it embodies a cultural narrative of agility, strategy, and strength. Research from reputable sources indicates that wrestling engages a vast array of muscle groups, enhancing core strength and flexibility.

Archery, a revered skill across numerous nomadic cultures from the Middle East to Asia, is a perfect marriage of muscular strength and mental focus. The precise control and strength required to shoot an arrow are reflected in studies like this one, emphasizing the holistic health benefits of the sport.

Horseback riding, often seen as a nomad’s signature activity, goes beyond the romantic. As outlined in this comprehensive research, riding engages the core, back, thighs, and pelvic muscles, making it an all-encompassing exercise form.

Diet and Nutrition in a Nomadic Lifestyle

Rooted in the rhythms of nature, the nomadic diet champions organic, unprocessed, and nutrient-rich foods. Direct access to fresh berries, pasture-fed meat, and dairy is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals. The prevalence of fermented foods, like the Mongolian airag, introduces a healthy dose of probiotics, promoting optimal gut health, as highlighted in this nutrition study.

Mental Wellness and Nature

Physical well-being is just one facet of the gem. The nomadic lifestyle, bathed in the serenity of nature, carves out a sanctuary for mental rejuvenation. Several psychological studies corroborate the therapeutic effects of nature, underscoring reduced stress levels, enhanced mood, and overall mental well-being.

Lessons for Modern Society

Today’s urbanized, tech-saturated world stands in stark contrast to nomadic simplicity. Yet, nestled within the nomadic tapestry are golden threads of wisdom. Integrating natural movements, embracing outdoor activities, and seeking dietary balance can chart our course toward holistic health. As several fitness experts point out in this article, imbibing even a fragment of nomadic practices can uplift our health quotient. Mongolia has developed a lot over the years, especially in terms of technology. A great example could be their locally developed job posting platform Worki. Even though they’re keeping up with the world, they still preserve their nomadic culture and the healthy lifestyle connected with it.

Conclusion

In the age-old practices of nomads, we uncover a unique blend of movement, tradition, and a profound connection with nature. Their daily routines, rich in natural movement, combined with an organic diet straight from the earth’s bounty, offer a vivid blueprint for holistic health. Amidst the hustle of our urban lifestyles, these ancient practices serve as a reminder of the importance of balance, simplicity, and the therapeutic touch of nature.

As modern society increasingly searches for wellness solutions, the nomadic way of life provides rich insights. It’s a testament that genuine fitness and well-being aren’t just about hitting the gym or following the latest diet trend. Instead, it’s about harmonizing our lifestyles with the rhythms of nature, integrating natural movements, and nurturing our mental and physical health in tandem. Drawing inspiration from the nomads, we are reminded that the path to true well-being might often require looking back to move forward effectively.

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As an avid traveler and self-proclaimed cultural connoisseur, I recently embarked on a journey that took me to the expansive steppes of Mongolia, a nation known for its nomadic culture and, unexpectedly, its camel wool socks. Mongolia, for those who may not know, is a rugged, landlocked country nestled between China and Russia, famed for its vast landscapes and the storied Genghis Khan.

The richness of Mongolia’s culture has been crafted over centuries, with many of its traditions intimately tied to the harsh yet beautiful natural surroundings. One such tradition involves the use of camel wool in everyday clothing items, a practice stemming from the Bactrian camels native to the region. Camel wool, specifically, has a distinct set of properties that have earned it a spot in the Mongolian textile market, and these woolen wonders have slowly crept into global consciousness, with camel wool socks taking center stage. But are camel wool socks worth it? I set out to uncover the truth behind this age-old tradition.

Buy Mongolian Socks: https://silkroadwear.com/mongolian-socks/

The Charm of Camel Wool

Upon setting foot in Mongolia’s bustling capital, Ulaanbaatar, it was not long before I found myself in one of the many local markets that thrive on selling authentic Mongolian wares. A pair of camel wool socks caught my eye, their soft texture and unique pattern piquing my interest. It was then that I learned about the magic of camel wool.

Here are some of the notable advantages of camel wool:

• Insulation: Camel wool is known for its superior insulation properties. It keeps your feet warm during those harsh winter months while also being breathable during summer.
• Durability: Camel wool is exceptionally robust and resilient, offering extended durability even with regular use.
• Hypoallergenic: Unlike some other types of wool, camel wool is less likely to irritate your skin.
• Moisture-wicking: The wool can wick away moisture from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable.

My first encounter with camel wool socks was a memorable one. The socks offered a comforting warmth, perfect for the icy winds that often swept across Mongolia’s landscapes. I was equally impressed by the socks’ breathability when indoors or during sunnier days.

The Flip Side: Drawbacks of Camel Wool Socks

While camel wool socks had many advantages, it’s only fair that I shed some light on the drawbacks too.

• Price: Camel wool socks can be quite pricey, mainly due to the manual labor and extensive process involved in procuring and processing the wool.
• Availability: They might not be readily available outside of Mongolia or in specialty shops, making it hard for people to buy them.
• Care: Like many woolen items, these socks require proper care. They are not suitable for machine washing and need to be hand-washed and dried flat to maintain their shape and durability.

The Verdict: Are Camel Wool Socks Worth It?

I had a delightful experience wearing camel wool socks during my Mongolian sojourn. The socks proved their mettle in the harsh winter and kept my feet dry and comfortable during warmer days. Despite the cost, the durability of these socks makes them a worthy investment.

The personal encounter, coupled with the rich history and cultural importance of camel wool in Mongolia, lends an extraordinary appeal to these socks. Wearing them is not just about the comfort they offer but also the story they tell – a story of Mongolian nomads and their cherished Bactrian camels, of surviving in harsh climates, and of traditions passed down through generations.

In my view, if you’re someone who values unique, high-quality, and ethically sourced products, camel wool socks are worth it. They’re not just a pair of socks but a piece of tradition that you get to carry along, a silent testament to Mongolia’s resilient spirit and rich cultural heritage. So, if you get a chance to lay your hands on a pair of camel wool socks, I’d say – go for it!

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I work out quite often and work long hours during my everyday life. Sometimes I just want to relax after a long day’s work. I loved swimming when I was young, and the most rewarding thing was after the swim workout when I could sit in the hot tub.

Sometimes I would sit in the hot tub for more than 30 minutes. Now that I am older, I asked myself, why can’t I just get a hot tub at home and so I did! So here are some of my important tips if you are installing a hot tub.

Tips for installing a backyard hot tub or a spa

First, think about what kind of space you have available in your yard. Hot tubs and spas come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure the area you have available before making any decisions. You don’t want to purchase something that doesn’t fit or take up too much room! Also, consider if there are any trees nearby that may interfere with power lines or other plumbing runs needed for installation.

Next, decide on the type of hot tub or spa that best suits your needs. Do you want something with jets for hydrotherapy? Or perhaps you prefer a traditional soaking tub? Think about how many people will be using it at once as well as how often it will be used. This will help determine the size and features that are right for your specific situation.

Thirdly, contemplate how much maintenance is required before making a purchase. Some models require more upkeep than others such as cleaning chemicals like chlorine or bromine as well as filter changes periodically throughout the year. If this is something you don’t feel comfortable doing on your own, then consider hiring someone who can take care of all these tasks for you on a regular basis so that the hot tub remains safe and clean at all times.

Fourthly, make sure the area where you plan on installing it is level and secure enough to support its weight when filled with water (which can be anywhere from 400-1000 gallons). If not, then some kind of foundation may need to be built in order to ensure its stability over time – preferably by professionals who specialize in this type of work! Additionally, check local building codes before beginning any installation process; certain jurisdictions may require permits depending on where exactly the hot tub will go within your property lines

Lastly consider budgeting for additional costs like electrician fees if needed due to wiring requirements; delivery fees; extra parts/accessories like steps/ladders; chemicals; covers etc… These may not be included in initial price quotes so make sure they’re accounted for prior to signing anything! Also, make sure to take good care of your equipment in order to avoid damages and repair costs. Something like a pool equipment cover will help a lot!

In conclusion, adding a hot tub or spa can definitely add an element of luxury and relaxation into your backyard oasis – but just remember there are important considerations that must be taken into account before taking this big step! Think carefully about space constraints; maintenance requirements; safety & stability factors; budgeting extra costs etc… Once all these things have been addressed then feel free (and enjoy!) to create an outdoor paradise that truly reflects both your lifestyle needs + wants!

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Mongolian Diet

Though I am not Mongolian, from my travels there, I can tell you that the traditional Mongolian diet is based heavily on meat and dairy products. Beef, mutton, and horse meat are commonly consumed, along with milk, cheese, and yogurt. These foods are high in protein, which can contribute to overall growth and development. Additionally, traditional Mongolian cuisine also includes a variety of vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, and onions, as well as grains like barley and wheat. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that can support overall health and well-being.

These foods are calorie dense, hence I think it’s the reason why a lot of Mongolians if not tall tend to be a very stocky and broad or wide type of people.

Were Medieval Mongols Tall?

It is difficult to say for certain whether medieval Mongols were tall as a group, as there is limited data available from that time period. Try reading this interesting article: Genghis Khan’s Height: How Tall Was He?

However, it is likely that many of them were taller than the average person of their time. The nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols, which included hunting and herding animals, would have provided a diet rich in protein and other nutrients that can support growth and development.

Additionally, the harsh and physically demanding environment in which they lived would have been selected for individuals with strong and resilient bodies. The fact that the Mongol Empire conquered most of Asia and Eastern Europe, where the population was shorter than they may have led to the generalization that they were tall.

When it comes to body build, Mongolians were certainly wide and very bulky especially compared to other Asians such as the Chinese Korea,n and Japanese since their diet consisted mainly of rice and grains whereas Mongols ate plentiful proteins and heavy hardy foods.

Are Modern Day Mongolians Tall?

From my experiences in Mongolia, the younger generation definitely was taller!

I am close to 6 feet and slightly above average in a lot of European countries and America, but it wasn’t uncommon to come across kids that were tall as me or even quite taller. I think due to recent development and better healthcare, nutrition, and diet, Mongols are getting a lot taller.

The older generation of Mongolians was shorter, so I definitely see a generational gap like in many Asian countries during my travels around Asia.

Are All Mongolians Bulky and Big?

I can tell you that it is a stereotype that not all Mongolians are bulky and big. Like any other population, body types and physical characteristics can vary greatly among individuals of Mongolian descent. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health can all play a role in determining a person’s size and build. It is also important to remember that making generalizations about any group of people based on physical appearance is not accurate.

The younger kids generally seemed slimmer and into more Korean fashion or look whereas the older generation didn’t mind putting on weight.

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Even though Korea is not obsessed with fitness like Americans are, I find it interesting how the average Korean is in much better shape and healthier than a lot of individuals from Western countries.

Is it cultural or is it genetic?

I asked a few Korean people along my travels why Koreans are able to keep the weight off without having to work out and despite eating fatty foods that make it easy to add weight.

Interestingly, the locals think being overweight is not healthy and thought it was actually normal to be skinny. In their minds, being skinny and thin is basically the average body shape. Whereas being skinny in Korea would actually be more or less considered anorexic in most Western countries.

I think it’s a bit of both cultural and genetic.

Korean people generally tend to have smaller and narrower frames compared to some other people and their diet consists of a lot of vegetables, fruits, fish, etc that are quite filling.

“I’m a korean girl. Korean prefer drinking to eating ..and they frequently skip their meals and mostly suffer from lack of sleep because of huge amount of work or study or drinking(its actually my case…lots of people in their 20s drink almost everyday its kinda part of culture ). Most of young people dont have drive license and they walk a lot in a day. And most of all, most korean always aware that ” I must not be fat”. Cause they care their appearance a lot compared to other countries people I think.”

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/korea/comments/4pld1n/how_do_koreans_remain_so_slim/

So lifestyle, daily eating habits, and diet seem to play a significant role.

Portion Control

Diet and food are important factors when it comes to weight. And from my observations, people tend to have discipline when it comes to portion control and how much they eat.

Generally, households teach their kids to eat healthily without overeating and this perhaps gets passed into their adult life and their future children.

“Fat Shaming” in Korea

While it would be considered very rude to remark about someone’s weight in America, in Korea, people are rather blunt and direct about telling you whether you are fat or not.

There seems to be a bit of stigma and shame if you are fat. Hence, people are conditioned by society to not become fat and maintain a healthy appearance. Not only that, plastic surgery and makeup for men are quite normal and do not have some of the shame that is associated with Western counterparts.

When Koreans “fat-shame” in most cases, it is not done with malicious intent, but rather as a joke or perhaps concern for someone’s well-being. I honestly think that is something that should be done more in the states. How many friends, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters do we know that are overweight. If we say something about their bad eating habits and lifestyle, we are considered an asshole, but in Korea, people are actually looking out for each other and want their friends and family to be healthy. Sometimes you do need some tough love…

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American Gunner is actually having a special promotion with the evatac free backpack! You can get one for free from their website if you pay shipping and handling costs. While it may not be a premium backpack, for day to day use it is perfect and has many uses for it. You do have to pay for shipping, but it is worth the cost to get a decent backpack that is almost 50 or so dollars in value.

In most places like Walmart and Amazon, you will find similar backpacks that cost around the 40-50 dollars but actually are not that different from what they are offering.

Besides for fitness use, you can also use it as a school backpack, so for college students or just people who are short on cash, it might be an opportunity to get a good deal.

How Big Is It?

It’s not that different from a normal sized backpack. For normal people who need some space for laptop, clothes, books, etc, it should be plenty enough to fit your things inside it.

If however, you are looking for a gym bag, then maybe a duffel bag might be something to consider. I found this evatac free hybrid duffel bag as well that may be better for gym use.

There are plenty of compartments, and if you prefer you can actually change it into a traditional backpack with the shoulder straps so it’s a cool feature. Besides that, the bag is ventilated so your shoes and gym clothes won’t smell as bad when you open your backpack.

Why Is It Free?

It’s probably to get their brand name out and a way to do PR campaign for their business. By supporting people in such times, it builds good will and reputation and some trust between customers. They don’t just sell backpacks, American Gunner also has offers for plenty of other fitness and outdoor equipment.

Is It Good for Travel / Day to Day Backpack?

If you are looking for backpack that is larger for backpacking around the world, then you will need a different design because it’s not large enough, but day to day use, it’s alright. It is pretty light and portable so you can fold it into your suitcase when you are traveling and use it when you need to go hiking or outdoor activities.

It should be large enough to fit things that are required for 1-2 day excursion out into nature.

But make sure to try out their offer!

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Of course being muscular can help you life more weights, however, I believe fitness should be the goal when it comes to looking good. Here is a routine I really like and recommend for people who are seeking strength and functionality.

THE 5 x 5

If you haven’t heard of the 5×5 you might be new, but it’s a pretty good routine to hit all of your body major muscle groups. Of course it won’t make you huge or take you to the elite level, but if you are starting out, it’s a good routine to build overall body mass and strength.

The Benchpress. 

What’s a good routine without the bench press? A good indicator of your strength is if you can life 1.5x your bodyweight. So for example, if you are 150 pounds, you would be considered pretty strong if you can bench 225 lbs for your maximum weight. However, we are not going for PRs. So take your time and have a good feel for when you think you are ready to perform a set.

You are not trying to max out reps or anything, but do lift 70% of your maximum weight 5 reps. Take as much time you need for the recovery. Remember we are going for overall strength, so it’s better to rest more. Once you feel ready that you recovered, do another set of 5 reps until you hit 5 sets total.

The Squat.

I must admit I hate doing squats and that’s probably why my legs are not as toned and developed as I would like them to be, but without the squat you are missing the major leg muscle groups. No amount of leg press, hamstring curls, and quad exercises can beat the squat.

You want your back to be as straight as possible when performing the sets, otherwise you are setting yourself up for injury. Imagine your spine being attached to a wooden stick on your back and that you are not able to bend it. That’s how your back should be and you should try to as far as you can go down with proper form. “Ass to the grass” baby.

The Deadlift.

The deadlift is one of those exercises that can greatly benefit you or destroy your back; you have to be careful with the exercise. If you don’t have the proper form and good warmup, you can hurt your body in the long run and wear your spine over the long run.

I recommend sumo deadlifts as they don’t require your back to bend as much compared to the traditional deadlifts. Simply place your feet wide apart and grip the barbell and pull.

Those 3 compound movements should be enough, but if you want to look into some of the other minor exercises, check out: https://www.t-nation.com/training/reg-parks-5×5-program

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If you’re trying to learn the Mongolian language my only advice is to speak it  as much as you can animate yourself in the courtroom and the people.  There are many great resources out there for those of you who are interest in the Mongolian and culture and language.

Anyways, you might be wondering whether you lose a lot of muscle when you travel around different countries and take time off. I am going to be giving some of my advice and some of my experiences with that.

The thing you have to remember with muscle growth is that you have to put strain and pressure on your muscles and break down the muscles in order to build them in order to make them bigger. You need time to rest and you need to relax once in a while, so going on a vacation is not bad once in a while for your gains. However, there is one thing to keep in mind.

If you take too long from working out, your muscles will start to atrophy after 2-3 weeks since those muscles will no longer be needed for your body. The beautiful thing about the body is that depending on your circumstances depending on environment and the strain and pressure you put on it, it adapts to that situation and it adapts to that demand.

So while you still need time to recover and for your muscles to regenerate and grow if you take too long time off if you take more than in my experience 2 to 3 weeks you start to lose muscle you and start to lose gains.

If your vacation happens to be a week, then there’s nothing to worry about because a week is a really good time for the body to rest and recover. You might be familiar with the term tapering. Tapering is essentially taking 1-2 weeks off to rest and allow your body to get adjusted to less vigorous and less intensive workouts so that you can perform better in you competitions.  I myself happened to shave 3 seconds off my 50m freestyle sprint in swimming.

For those of you happen to be taking long time off from working out and maybe going on a mini retirement vacation from working out, the truth is that you’re going to lose gains if you don’t work out and if you don’t exercise.  If you happen to be eating more than usual as well then yes you’re going to be putting on fat and losing muscle as a side effect of overeating.

The things that you can do in order to negate the effects of muscle loss and cardiovascular health is to exercise regularly while you travelling obviously. Of course if you have a local gym where you can work out while travelling, that’s the best solution, to keep on working out.

If there is no way for you to join a gym or no way to get weights and lift weights then you can try calaesthetics which is using your own bodyweight to keep in good shape.  Obviously compared to lifting weights you not going to be as big but still you’re being good shape and be fit.

So that’s just my experience in what I would have to say about the topic of travelling and maintaining your health and physique.

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RUNNING

Humans have been running since the dawn of time. Without being able to run, humans wouldn’t have become the top species on the food chain. What’s interesting is that scientists have determined that we are not necessarily on top of the food chain because we are the fastest runners, but because we had the endurance to run long distances. Your average homo sapien could run for a few miles without a breeze.

There is something called the runner’s high that you must experience for yourself. Once you get into a rhythm and a state of perfect harmony, your head becomes so clear that you forget all your worries and regrets fade away. Literally it feels like walking on sunshine and rainbows when you get into that zen like state.

SWIMMING

If you have always enjoyed being in water, swimming is the exercise for you. Swimming allows you to burn calories while building muscle. You still have to perform weightlifting exercises to build significant amounts of muscle, but with swimming you will be able to at least tone them and acquire a more fit physique without lifting weights.

Going to the swimming pool with friends is always fun way to spend your time, but if you are serious about swimming, it’s advised to do a few laps around the pool. A good workout session of 40-50 minutes will burn 500-600 calories, which is more effective than running and other types of activities.

CYCLING

Cycling is a great exercise for multiple purposes. You will get toned and strong legs as result while saving the environment. We’re not talking about stationary bikes or spinning as you call it; we’re talking about actual bicycles that you pedal. During the summer time, it’s the best way to travel back forth between places while staying in shape. An hour of cycling can burn you anywhere between 400-600 calories per hour depending on your weight. The breeze on your face is always a nice added bonus as well.

WALKING

And of course, you have walking. It’s easy, not much effort needed, but the people forget how the smallest things can make a big difference in our lives. Walking can shave that extra weight off if you make it into a habit. Compared to the old days, we drive everywhere, we sit, we watch tv; leaving very little room for the most simplest things such as walking between different places, and standing.

An hour of a brisk walk can burn a few hundred calories, and you need to be in 300-500 calorie deficit to lose ~1 lbs of fat per week. So think about it! Consistent habit of walking could actually make a big difference in your life. It’s so simple yet, we overlook very easy and simple things.

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