Bigger Means Better if your Goal is to be Faster

An interesting article from Duke University states that atheletes, particularly in speed oriented sports, are getting bigger. In a word, 'Bolt':

• “The trends revealed by our analysis suggest that speed records will continue to be dominated by heavier and taller athletes,” said Charles, who worked with senior author Adrian Bejan, engineering professor who came up with the constructal theory 13 years ago. The results of their analysis were published online in the Journal of Experimental Biology. “We believe that this is due to the constructal rules of animal locomotion and not the contemporary increase in the average size of humans.”

Live Close to the Ground

You were born 'close to the ground'. You came here barefoot and naked. Your first meal was from another animal. Your first exercise used solely body weight. You began with slow movements and lots of them. As soon as you could run, you ran as fast as you could. You sought to play. You climbed and wrestled. You tumbled and jumped. You learned as you grew. You found novelty in the unlikliest of places. You had fun.

Although you didn't know it at the time, you had a head start on where you are now! So why did you go and mess with a winning formula like that?

Feed Your Mind, Grow Your Soul, Work Your Body!

Monkey King

This film has been getting a bit of air time on the climbing forums. It constitutes a nice bridge between parkour and pure rock climbing.

Round Off in to a Backflip

A nice trick. One to aspire to.....

Climbing Workout

This evening I managed to squeeze in a 30 minute workout on my climbing wall. I took big rests - up to 5 minutes, in between attempts. These rests were filled with Kay Bon Sau Fa, Jorn Sau, Charp Choi and Farkuin.

Warm Up (5 mins)
Main (25 mins)

1) Laddering (leading with alternate hands)

2) Ten Minute dead hang sequence.

I have tweaked my inner elbow on the deadhangs so might have been pushing it too far. The laddering feels pretty steady. I feel that my shoulders and back are getting stronger from the ring work and static holds.

Negatives

I have just had a week off from 'formal' exercise. Captain Kid and I have been working our handstands and some planches as part of a general play (in between bike riding in particular), but all light hearted stuff.

Today offered a chance to get back in to the mix. Inspired by Usain Bolt's performance last night, I was determined to lift my game!

Warm Up (5 mins)
Main (25 mins)
1a) Sprints to Front Facing Figure Eights (15s:50s x 4)

2a) Hand Stand Press Ups/Handstand Lowers (4x3 Emphasis on Neg)
2b) Lever (15s)
2c) BackBridge (15s)
2d) Freestanding RLLs (4x5)
2e) Pistols (4x3)

I cycled through 2a-2e four times, taking 4-5 minutes to complete each circuit. The HSPUs required moderate assistance. The last set were simply handstands against a wall and slow lowering to the ground. Gains were made on the pistols of which at least one set was completed completely free. The RLLs are now totally freestanding as well.

I left the gym feeling comfortable with my performance but reckon I could give more. A few aches and niggles seem to have been worked out by the exercise.

My Last Post, Consigned to History

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.