Sunday Story…What (part 3)

Exercise

Many of you want to know exactly what I have done to get to the CrossFit Games. What exercise protocols did I follow? When and what did I do? And I am going to lay all of that out for you in next week’s issue. But this one’s for you. What do you need to do to be fit and healthy, because, honestly, what I have been doing has moved from optimum wellness to an edge that skirts over-training and an obsessive focus on a specialty fitness regimen.

Here are the 5 things you must do to begin the road to optimum health and fitness

#1 you have to move

It sounds simple, I know, but you really need to move. Walk up the stairs instead of the escalator, or walk on the people moving sidewalk, park further away from the store instead of looking for the closest spot, take a walk after dinner, or ride your bike once in a while. Just move and move often. It doesn’t count as exercise either by the way, it is basic human maintenance…you were made to move, not sit and rust.

#2 you have to pick up heavy stuff often

I want you to pick up heavy things every day. Learn how to do it safely and keep your ego in check but pick up a variety of heavy things in lots of different ways almost every day. Especially squats. This is one of the most critical movements you can do…pick up weight, put it on your back, squat down and stand up. Do it right (get instruction), do it often, and do it in lots of ways.

#3 you have to move really fast sometimes

When you were little you had races all the time, remember? Race you home! Race you to the pole! You were always racing to get somewhere. You need to race again. Go as fast as possible, stop, catch your breath and do it again. Sprint like this 2 or 3 times a week. Combine it with lifting heavy things.

#4 you have to challenge yourself with new stuff

Learning new things does not come easy to us as we age. Just like it is easier to not move it is easier to not do things differently or learn new skills. Learning new skills is critical to our brain health, and let’s get real…without a brain being strong is just dumb. Doing things that make us uncomfortable will serve you in the long run…especially the things that help us maintain balance and flexibility…like being upside down!

#5 you have to play

Just play. Throw a Frisbee, swim for fun, a little beach volleyball, maybe some badminton or croquet…just play. Remember all those games…hide and seek? Kick the can? Kick ball? Tag? Red light, green light? Ask your kids to re-teach you, they are still playing those games. Then just play with no outcome in mind, no winners no losers just play for the sake of playing.

If you do those things every week, you will be well on your way to improved health and fitness. It won’t take long, either, especially if you follow what parts 1 &2 talked about…Eat Real Food and Sleep!

Next week…the competitive construct or the life of the unpaid professional athlete!

Namaste

John Mariotti

www.crossfit-odyssey.com

www.martialartsnevada.com

www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com

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