Progressive overload and pain as language
9 Tufts Lacrosse players were hospitalized recently after a 45 minute training session with a newly minted Navy Seal. Naturally I was excited because it gives me a chance to talk about 2 important training concepts: progressive overload and pain as language.
No Bliss on the Couch
All you can think about is the couch. Peaceful sleep and recovery.
You’re hungry, tired, stressed, overworked or all of the above. The only place you want to be is on the couch. To sink deep into the cushions, feel your eyelids get heavy, your breathing slow down; this is bliss.
Father to Son: Lessons from a Fit life
You were born 9-5-22. I have no idea what I’m doing with you, so I’ll talk about something I do know. When it came time to choose a path your Dad asked himself ‘what was the most powerful experience of my life’ (before meeting you of course)? It was getting fit. Here’s some fitness wisdom.
The Arthrokinetic reflex
Life is a contact sport. Day in, day out your body takes a beating. Your muscles, bones, ego; The whole shebang. Today we focus on joints, and on something called arthrokinetic dysfunction (Yes I looked up how to spell that).
Arthrokinetic dysfunction, i.e. the arthrokinetic reflex, is a ten cent phrase that I throw out there when I’m wearing my glasses and want to sound smart. It is, above all, a way you can immediately increase strength and flexibility, impress your chiropractor, or Wow your friends at your next get together.
Warm ups are like poetry
The Truth is like poetry. And most people fucking hate poetry. – Adam McKay
Warm ups are like the truth.
Throwback: Notes on the Sugar challenge
The No sugar challenge begins with a purge
The Price to run faster
‘How do I run faster?’
This is THE question. The answer is different for everyone. Some people need more miles; some less; some need speed; some need strength. Some need to get out of their head and have fun.
Throwback: Can he outrun the Subway? (2017)
I crouched by the door, legs coiled, prepared to sprint the moment it opened. I’m 38 years old, long past prime speed, but this is a foot race with over a thousand dollars on the line: a one vs one race, man vs machine, a spiritual sequel to John Henry’s contest with the steam drill. I was going to outrun the subway.
Cold Water Immersion
I am at a Wim Hof workshop in West Harwich, Ma. I’m about to learn a first hand lesson in cold water immersion. I know the water in the giant tub is 42 degrees, but I am heading in, up to the neck, for the next 2+ minutes. Voluntarily. Have I lost my mind, or is there something to be learned in this cold tub?
The Surprising benefits of cold showers
Nothing is sacred. I used to step into the bathroom, turn the knob all the way to the left (HOT) then walk away, brush my teeth, shave or wax my legs and THEN, maybe, if the water was sufficiently cozy I’d step into the shower. Never before the water was steaming up the bathroom mirrors though. Then I read all this nonsense about the benefits of cold showers, and now, as stated above, nothing is sacred anymore.