So About that New Workout Routine
So, about a month ago, I posted about this new workout book my buddy told me about. As one who is quite interested in fitness and overall being healthy, I was delighted to get some more information on the subject. After reading through the book multiple times I began making changes to my workout routine, and four weeks later, I can say I’m honestly impressed.
The big thing the book preaches is the need to do practical lifts that would have real word/real sports benefit. Basically, it cuts out on isolation stuff that doesn’t really help you and has you do few exercises, but ones that are more efficient to your overall goals. For me, this meant dropping bicep curls and tricep extensions (to things I found kind of lame anyway) and picking up squats and lunges. (I also changed part of my core workout, but it was only to switch up how I do crunches.) Now while I’m not a huge fan of lunges, as I find them quite boring, I can honestly say the changes are extremely helpful. The big thing I’ve noticed is just how much stronger my joints feel. Normally at this time, I’m approaching the end of my flag football season and my knees and ankles are wearing down. This year, I haven’t had any of those problems.
Plus, I’ve seen improvements in my climbing, serious improvements. Due to various injuries, I hadn’t been able to climb for six months, but the past two weeks, I’ve been back in the gym and I’m climbing at a level I never could before. I’m noticing that my core and leg strength is really helping me make moves and stay up on the rock longer than I could before. Before, I could climb 5.9’s and I may have gotten one 5.10- but that was it. With the added core and leg strength, plus the better control I’ve gained of all the muscles, I’ve been able to do a bunch of 5.10-’s and even a 5.10+. It was actually cool to hit a 5.10- on my first day back climbing after six months.
But yeah, if you’re interested in lifting, you definitely have to read The New Rules of Lifting: Six Basic Moves for Maximum Muscle
