Todays Workout - Twist and Shout

5 Knees-to-Elbows,

10 Sandbag Thrusters,

50 Sandbag Wood-chops.

Complete 5 rounds as fast as possible.

Record your time.

Train hard!

Todays Workout - Sandbags Suck

100 Sandbag Thrusters,
100 Sandbag Shoulder Squats (alternate shoulders as necessary),
100 Sandbag Cleans.

Complete all reps as quickly as possible.

Record your time.

Train hard!

Todays Workout - Simple

30-20-10 repetitions of Sandbag Thrusters and Pull Ups.

Men aim for a 30kg sandbag; women aim for 20kg.

Record your time.

Train hard!

Shut Up and Train Article and Brand New Tank Tops

I recently wrote an article called Shut Up and Train, which can be seen in the upcoming June/July edition of My Mad Methods Magazine that is on sale now.  The philosophy of this magazine is based upon the concept of Unconventional training.  This speaks to me on a personal level since I didn't grow up in a conventional way.  In fact, I had quite an unconventional childhood and have continued this way in to my adult life.  Many may think this could scar a child or cause instability due to being raised under different circumstances than the typical American family.  Becoming the product of an unconventional upbringing has carried over in to a profound way of adapting easily. Thinking outside the box and has allowed me to embrace these methods of training as a way of life with an openmind.   Shut Up and Train is an attitude driven article from the past 14 years I've been listening to every excuse in the book of why one doesn't commit to training.  It's taken me this long to truly understand how the mind works towards "exercising" or which I like to call training.  Quick side note: A blog post on Training versus Exercise is coming real soon so stay tuned.  The article in this magazine is designed to give you the tools to get motivated, trash the excuses and show up.  With a very tough love approach, I bring to you "Shut Up and Train" in My Mad Methods Magazine.  There is currently a discounted price for the entire online or hard copy edition that includes some powerful pieces from some of the top female coaches.  On top of great training information,

Shut Up & Train Tank Top - Lauren Brooks

GET YOUR TANK TOP NOW before they sell out

HERE

Product Description

This is the first official My Mad Methods Contributor Apparel piece. It's a workout tank top featuring a saying by Lauren Brooks, "Shut Up & Train." Get yours now!

This Dark Grey and Magenta Unconventional Fitness Tank Top. This is a Magenta/Pink screenprint on a Dark Grey tri-blend American Apparel Racerback Tank. Perfect for working out.

Todays Workout - Get it Done Son!

Run 1km,
20 Sandbag Zercher Squats,
20 Sandbag Push Press,
20 Sandbag Shoulder Squats,
20 Sandbag Bent-over-rows,
20 Sandbag Back Squats,
Run 1km.

Record your time.

Choose a sandbag weight that challenges you.

Train hard!

New workout and get a free sandbag training book!

5 Sandbag Bear Hug Squats,
5 Chin Ups,
25 Push Ups.

As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes.

Men aim for a bodyweight sandbag; women aim for 60% of bodyweight.

Record your score.

Train hard!

May Promotion

Get a free paperback copy of my book, The Complete Guide To Sandbag Training, with every purchase of our Special Edition Sandbag!

Click here to check out the deal

The Beneficial Relationship Between Cancer and Exercise

Here is a guest post from Melanie Bowen, an author for the Mesothelia Cancer blog.  Most people in their life will witness a family member or friend with cancer.  I was very open to having this piece on my blog.  Please feel free to leave a comment below.  Would love your feedback or your stories with this topic.  

The Beneficial Relationship Between Cancer and Exercise

by Melanie Bowen

Rather than feel victimized, cancer patients are often encouraged to concentrate on ways they can aide their own recoveries.  Doctors realize that people who are newly diagnosed with cancer may be tempted to dwell on their uncertain fates and the months of treatments that await them.  However, isolating themselves and focusing solely on this uncertainty can be detrimental.  Today�s cancer patients are advised by their doctors to take charge of their physical conditions and to assist in their fight against this disease.

Fighting cancer typically involves a combination of mental preparedness and physical commitment.  As some authoritative sources have pointed out, mental toughness alone often cannot win the battle.  People must resolve to improve their physical endurance if they want to beat cancer and enjoy lengthy, if not permanent, remissions.  Even if they have never before exercised, patients are told to commit to some type of exercise regimen that they can complete every day.  Regular and continued exercising can be the key to beating cancer and keeping it at bay.

Even so, many people might wonder what kinds of exercise are ideal for cancer patients.  Many people, because of their treatments, may have limited physical reserves and be unable to exert themselves.  Doctors often suggest walking as a way to get regular exercise.  Walking is appreciated as a low impact activity that provides many of the benefits of higher impact exercises.  Even people who suffer the worst side effects from radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery can walk small distances in a bid to improve their physical wellness.  

People with more stamina and mobility may enjoy more intense workouts than those who were not previously active. Whichever level you are beginning at, it is important to talk to your doctor to develop an appropriate plan for your diagnosis and current condition. No matter how short the sessions may be, every little bit can help. Even a short walk around the block can help increase circulation, strengthen muscles and release endorphins to improve the mood.

Many cancer patients do not realize that dwelling on their treatments for mesothelioma and other conditions can negatively impact their lives.  They may not be aware that this worry limits their objectivity when focusing on their long-term prognoses.  Taking charge of their health by committing to daily exercise can greatly improve their moods and benefit their overall quality of life.  Exercising may be the last thing on their minds after they are diagnosed.  However, exercise may be key in their recoveries.

I can tell you first hand that exercising on a regular basis can go a long way. My grandmother was not an active person before her liver cancer diagnosis, and was truthfully over weight. She began walking and even lifting very light weights not long after her diagnosis. Although she ended up succumbing to the disease, within a few months we saw a huge change in her outlook along with a boost in her energy. It was evident that even a little bit of physical activity allowed her to enjoy her last few months with a far more positive attitude and energy for life.