Thrive Fitness Review

I finished off Brendan Brazier's new book Thrive Fitness. by preparing one of his recipes – an Agave Mustard Dressing . And even though I did reduce the amount of oil, it was divine drizzled over a fresh salad.

Now back to the book…

First off I have to say I was blown away by Brendan’s frank honesty. As he elaborates on the beginning of his career as a triathlete – you discover he did not just wake up one day Fit. It took years of training with sometimes discouraging results. I related to his attempt to become a faster swimmer. He spent hours in the pool each day – for three years! Then he finally got some advice from a top swimmer. Who said, “Stop… I know what your problem is; you don’t know how to swim.”
I began running this way – miles and miles of huffing and puffing – before someone said, Hey, slow down – you have to build a base first.

He elaborates on the 4 Components of Vitality:

• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Stress reduction

And how they are connected!

The Fitness section includes easy, well explained exercises to do. These workouts are ones you can "do at home.” It includes a blank training log you can copy. It’s very thorough and has a star rating system - before and after a workout - what a great idea! (I wish he would have listed which muscles were involved with the lifting moves. That’s the Type A in me.)

The Nutrition section - Fuel for Fitness is interesting. There are recipes for Energy bars and Recovery drinks. But as I said before in a previous post Thrive Diet Review. I’m not quite ready for a total raw food diet. As a vegetarian, I do incorporate many of his healthy choices on a daily basis. It’s easy - to eat fresh fruit every day. And I’m already sold on coconut water!

The book ends with a Q and A session – which is a perfect venue for curious meat eaters who would like to learn more about a vegetarian / vegan lifestyle.

I would like thank Kelly of Sequel Naturals for sending this book my way; and to Brendan for promoting the vegetarian lifestyle!
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Home Workouts

What accomplishment are you most proud of from the past year?

I would have to say my transition from doing a strength workout at the gym to the home environment without feeling guilty!
When my gym moved and membership was canceled I continued to visit drop-in centers at local gyms. I would come home exhausted and usually spent the evening complaining of a sore back or whatever.
I would always over do it!
Now, I workout at home. I use a variety of strength techniques and training equipment including:

• Kettlebell
• Workout Videos (On demand)
• Free weights
• Squats, crunches and pushups
• Core stuff with bands
• Chin-up bar (On my wishlist)

It does take a little more determination with distractions such as Twitter. But I’m pretty proud of the results.

What accomplishment are you most proud of from the past year?

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Workout Before Work

I watched some tele this morning while working out on the home Elliptcal. (Learned all about rock gardens and conifers from an 80 yr old...)
All this before getting ready for work!
If I save my runs or workouts for after work – they never get done! (What about you?)


Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers

Juneathon Day 12
Elliptical 20 mins Strides 770
Squats 3x10

Have a great Friday!

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Behold the Kettlebell

It's not that the gym visits don’t work – they do; but after 13 years I’ve become uninterested / bored.
So starting now, and through the New Year, I will be experimenting with other methods to tone muscles. (Please send me any of your suggestions.)

Behold the Kettlebell



Description
These babies come in many sizes and styles. They apparently originated in Russia - but there is speculation that "kettlebells were used by Greek athletes and gladiators thousands of years ago."
I had to scan the internet to find the appropriate weight for my fitness level. Recommend starting size was 8kg or about 15 pounds.

Performance
It appeared much smaller than it’s stated weight. And came packaged with an informative DVD.
BTW. There is no shortage of good and bad techniques demonstrated over at YouTube. Noted: Many folks listen to Metallica while swinging these things around...

Summary
The most difficult routine for me so far was the Turkish Getup. It takes practice! I was concerned about my back. And of course the obvious fear of hitting myself in the head. I also discovered my right side is way stronger than my left. My favorite routine was the front squats. Doing squats with a solid wt in front feels great!
How I feel today: I have no ill effects except for a stiff left hand – my back is OK. The hamstrings and shoulders feel like they had an all over workout. So far - so good :0

Have a great Monday!

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