Overload...

I am sitting back in my office chair and analyzing regular staff and students working out. Here at my new position at Manhattanville College, I have to let anyone use the facility when I don't have athletes in here...

Over the past few weeks, there are some guys that come in and do the exact same workout every other day! The exercise order never changes, the weight never changes, their intensity never changes...needless to say...their body never changes.

Why would you waste your time coming in to workout if you are not seeing any gains or changes in your body??? I think they don't understand that you need progressive overload to accomplish your goals. I even have athletes that think the same way...I have to educate them that they need to beat their last effort on all exercises and drills. Always trying to get stronger, faster and quicker.

How do you train in the gym? Make sure you always document all your exercises, sets and reps and try to push yourself each and every time you train...otherwise, why waste your time?!?!?!?

Kayaking and Hiking in the Smokeys

I just got back from my vacation down in the Smokey Mountains. Boy, are my legs sore!!!! I was worried that I wasn't going to get into the gym for a week...but after hiking 30 miles the first two days, my body was done. It has been three days since I left the trail and I can still feel some residual effects from the hike.

So...the moral of the story. This summer you have to get out and cross train doing some sort of hiking. When you need a break from training or if you are in a unloading phase...plan a trip to your local state or national park. It not only overloads the body but it will free your mind from all of your daily stress.

Kayaking the Natahalla River was also a great workout for the upper body...I was suprised how tired I was after only a two hour kayaking trip. The pushing/pulling motion through the river definately produced the right about of overload...