Monday, August 16, 2010

Cheap choices for punching bags

Punching bags are a lot of fun, good exercise, and an old-school workout tool that most people can benefit from. But there are some problems with getting a punching bag in the home: not only are they expensive, but they rattle and shake the house when you try to use them.

Get an inflatable punching bag -- inexpensive and relatively quiet

Inflatable punching bags are around half the price of even the most inexpensive standard heavybag. Plus they're not as bulky or space-consuming as regular ceiling-mounted heavybags.

What to look for in an inflatable heavybag

They're not all the same. Some are made just for kids and they don't stand up to an adult's power. Plus, they're too small for anyone over kid-size to use.

but others are a bit better for adult workouts. These larger, more substantial inflatable punching bags have sturdy bases that are weighted with water, and they're at least 5 feet tall.

With these sorts of a inflatable punching bag, you can get a cardio workout, then deflate it and put it away to free up some space in your workout area. It's not as good as having a regulation heavybag, but it's better than nothing!

A good workout

So, you can use one to work on your muscular endurance or your reflexes (because they spring back at you quickly after you bop them). And if you're into boxing or fighting, they're a good way to practice punching combinations.

Just avoid kicking it because even the heaviest inflatable punching bag will scoot across the floor under the power of a good kick.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Want to be a bouncer? Learn the tricks and techniques used by security guys.

By Raymond Murray




If you spend enough time in an established bar or nightclub where alcohol is freely flowing, sooner or later you'll witness someone who just can't hold his liquor.

In drinking establishments, most people get mellow and happy, but a noticeable minority gets angry, argumentative, and combative.

When these drunken troublemakers start to act up, bouncers are worth their weight in gold.

Most long-time bouncers are good at defusing hot tempers and restoring calm to what could have been an explosive situation. But occasionally, they're forced to get physical.

Here are some ways that bouncers try to get the upper hand when it comes to physical violence:

Observation

Bouncers don't just stand around flirting with girls. Not if they're really good at their job, that is.

They are masters of observation. They see what's going on, they notice patterns and trends, and they can spot trouble from a mile off. A good bouncer knows if a loud-mouth drunk is just spouting off, or if he's trying to divert attention from his group of friends who are up to no good.

Effective bouncers and security guys rarely go into a sticky situation without knowing exactly what they're getting themselves into. They know how many guys are in a group of troublemakers, where they're located, and what they're up to.

Overwhelming force

So the drunken tough-guy wants to fight the bouncer one-on-one in the street? Not a chance. Bouncers are working for a living. They're not interested in seeing who is braver or tougher.

They'll happily gang up on a drunk if it means they can get him out of a crowded bar without injury to the drunk, other patrons, or themselves. Pride has very little place among nightclub security personnel. They get the job done without exposing themselves to possible injury.

And if they're by themselves? Same idea: if force is required, make it overwhelming so the drunk has no chance to turn the tables and injure anyone else.

Calm in the face of the storm

Nobody ever benefits from going into a berzerk rage and flailing about wildly with bad intent. This might be a tempting strategy if you have no other choice, but it's always better to be rational, cold-blooded, and calm.

Good bouncers don't let their emotions get the better of them. If they have to throw a punch, you can be sure that they'll be able to justify it later in court. And further: you'll notice that experienced security guys prefer strikes and punches that don't leave marks: body shots, for instance.

And if you keep reading, you'll find out how security guys can hit harder than any drunk, with the help of an innocent-looking piece of clothing!

Keep things off-balance

No experienced bouncer will go toe-to-toe with a drunken maniac. Nor will they corner him and force him to fight. They always keep the drunk moving towards the exit, fast and steadily so he has no choice but to move in the "right" direction or fall over.

Bouncers always try to give an adversary a chance to save face by turning and leaving gracefully. Fighting is a last resort.

Put technology to work

Do you ever wonder why bouncers always seem to wear gloves (or at least have a pair stuffed in their back pocket)? It's because they know that strong, healthy hands are the key to winning a fight. Check out the link to find out about hard knuckle gloves and how they help you hit like a charging rhino. Or, click through to our increase punching power tutorial for some basic tips on punching like a bouncer. Remember: be safe and be sane!




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Murray


http://EzineArticles.com/?Tricks-Used-by-Bouncers---Why-Theyre-Tougher-Than-You&id=4696023




Monday, July 19, 2010

Do Knuckle Pushups Help You Punch Harder?

Lots of martial artists and others involved in fighting sports want to get a more powerful punch. And since it stands to reason that wrist, hand, and knuckle strength is an important factor to increase punching power, they start doing knuckle pushups as a combination of upper-body strength training, muscular endurance training, and knuckle conditioning.

But do knuckle pushups really deliver all that they promise? Will your punching power skyrocket just because you've been doing them for a few weeks or a few months?

Let's examine the issues surrounding knuckle pushups for punching power.

Increased range of motion

When you do pushups on your knuckles instead of on your palms, you are using an increased range of motion. In fact, you increase the distance that you have to move your bodyweight by several inches. This is one factor that makes this style of press-up more difficult than the traditional form we're all familiar with.

But all this does is increase the stretch in your pecs and anterior deltoids. It's not really specific to punching training, and it doesn't give you any benefit when it comes to hitting harder or increasing handspeed.

Less flex in the wrist

Knuckle pushups seem to mimic the position of your fist and wrist when you're landing a punch. So, it stands to reason that they'll help condition your wrists and knuckles for punching.

Most people who swear by this style of pushup agree that it does help a bit during punching.

But no matter how well conditioned your hands are, if you punch with improper form (or if you hit something hard) you'll hurt your hands. Knuckle pushups are a good way to get your hands in shape, but they're no real substitute for skill training or working on proper punching technique.

Knuckle pushups for bare knuckle fighters

So you want to condition the knuckles and fight without handwraps, gloves, or other pieces of protective gear? Do you fantasize about being some sort of tough-guy street fighter who is prepared for any situation?

That's all fine, but be realistic.

No matter how well-conditioned your knuckles are, they can't withstand hitting someone in the teeth: they'll get sliced open like a ripe peach.

It's better to spend more time on technique training and less time on knuckle conditioning which is of dubious value, if any.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Boxing Tips For Novices

Anyone who takes up boxing knows that it demands high levels of fitness from its participants. But a lesser known fact is that you need to be able to work out with intensity without destroying your delicate joints. Until you have a good overall level of strength and conditioning, boxing training will be very difficult.

As a boxer, you should exercise with a high level of intensity; in fact, you should max out at least once per "round". Combining this high intensity with a typical interval training routine is the best way to develop the sort of conditioning that the sport demands. Until you can keep calm and under control during the most rigorous workouts (and under the stress of sparring), you are not yet ready to box seriously, so start working at it as soon as possible.

Since boxing takes place over timed rounds (either 2 minutes for amateurs or 3 minutes for professionals), your training should mimic these rounds. Drills should be intense for 3 minutes, then easy for the 1 minute "rest" period. Of course, it's not ideal to actually rest during your workouts, but the intensity should attenuate to simulate a rest period.

Most people who develop and stick with a cardio program like to keep their heart rate at around 60 to 70 percent of its max. This lets them work out for a sufficient amount of time. But boxers can't stick to "easy" workouts like this. As a boxer, you have to regularly take your heart rate up to 90%, and keep it there for a minute or more. Until you are capable of this sort of physical fitness, you can't step in the ring and spar with any hope of success.

Another aspect of boxing training that you need to be aware of is plyometric training. This 'high impact' training is necessary because it's the only way to get your heart rate and intensity up as high as possible. It is demanding training, but it's not something you can do without.

For conditioning and most importantly, skill training, you need to start working the heavy bag. This is a popular exercise that most people enjoy, but you'll short-change yourself unless you hit the bag with power and speed, all the while concentrating on keeping your form perfect.

But punching with power isn't the only thing you'll work on when you hit the punching bag. You also need to think about your footwork and your head movement. Always switch things up so your body doesn't adapt to the movements. You do want to adapt to the actual combinations, not the exercise itself.

Finally, to improve your stamina and conditioning, keep the pace as fast as you can handle, but keep the intervals short. A good way to develop this sort of stamina is a 'punch out drill' which has you hit the bag as rapidly as possible for 2 or 3 minutes, with a minute of rest afterwards, then another circuit.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

How to use a wallbag for punch training

No matter what martial art you study, it's important to train your striking power and accuracy. One of the best ways to do this is with a Wing Chun bag. There are several different styles that are in common use, but the exact style isn't as important as is the diligence with which it is used. No one style of punching bag is better than the other, but styles of training are certainly different and they vary in effectiveness.

Since this article is specifically about wallbags, that's what we'll focus on. But don't let that fool you; the other types of bags -- heavybags, focus bags, slip bags, etc. -- are equally as important if you want to learn how to hit fast and powerfully.

Here are some workout tips that will get you going with your wall bag almost overnight!

How to fill the wallbag

Traditional fillings for wallbags vary depending on whether you are being taught by a Wing chun traditionalist, or by a more contemporary instructor.

If you prefer a hard material to fill your bag, you could use ball bearings. But most old time martial artists prefer something with a little bit more "give", like beans, rice, or aquarium gravel.

However, in today's climate of long-term health, it's important not to do damage to the hand just to toughen it up. Everything else being equal, it's probably best to use some cloth to fill the bag. You can mix cloth and beans or rice if you want it to be harder, but not hard enough to cripple your fragile hand bones.

If you are really in good shape and have been training with a wall bag for years, you can graduate to filling it with sand. Sand is too hard for beginners, but it's not as difficult to use as beans or something equally as hard.

Conditioning with the wallbag

This is not the reason you use a wallbag. The heavybag is the tool to use when you want to get into fighting shape. But, as you can imagine, the wallbag will serve for conditioning to a degree.

Always make sure you take care of your hands. This means avoiding cuts, bruises, or scrapes that might stop you from training with the proper degree of intensity.

Also, instead of merely punching the wallbag, make sure to work on open-hand strikes and knife-hand chops too. These varied striking surfaces will help your conditioning in ways you might not realize at first.

Mounting the wallbag

Make sure you have a good, convenient place to mount your wallbag.

Although this style of punching bag saves a lot of space when compared with a heavybag, it still takes some room. And, more importantly, it can result in the destruction of your wall as you pound it day after day.

Therefore, the wall you use should be tough and sturdy. A masonry wall is perfect. Drywall isn't.

Although hardcore Wing Chun addicts like to put their wallbag not on a wall, but on a tree trunk, this is probably unnecessary for the vast majority of us.

Finally, mount it indoors. If you allow it to get soaked with rain, it'll be of little use to you.

Sections of your wallbag

Normally, a Wing Chun wallbag is constructed with several sections or partitions. The three-sectioned wallbag is meant to allow you to practice striking at three different levels.

But more than that, you can also fill the different sections with a different material, giving your conditioning a whole new dimension.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Common Boxing Myths Explained

Boxing myths are all over the place these days. Lots of people think they know all there is to know about boxing. After all, how complicated is it for a couple of guys to to strap on some gloves and punch each other until one falls down?

Most beginner boxers are this way: they begin to think that anyone who talks a good game about boxing knows what he's talking about. It doesn't matter what the actual truth of the situation is, the loudest talkers generally get the most attention.

There's nothing wrong with being nice to these sorts of know-it-alls. But you'd be wise to pay attention only to folks who have actually walked the walk (as opposed to those who simply talk the talk). In fact, this is the biggest difference between a pro boxing trainer and someone who just hangs around the gym once in a while. The pros have seen it all and they know what works and what doesn't.

Let's examine a few common boxing myths:

Boxing Myth 1: Slow, long-distance running is necessary for a boxer


While there's nothing inherently wrong with long, slow running, it won't serve you as well as other forms of cardio and conditioning. In modern times, many boxers have dispensed with the long-distance roadwork. Fighters now favor other forms of general purpose cardio and conditioning. Modern conditioning workouts are muscle-sparing (they don't burn as much muscle as traditional running does).

Boxing Myth 2: Muscle causes you to be muscle bound and slow


This is a tall tale that causes much more harm than good.

Of course, there are some overly-muscular people who lose flexibility and agility because of their unbalanced physiques, but thankfully these folks are few and far between.

In fact, boxers will generally end up with an ideal amount of muscle mass, simply by following a well-designed boxing program.

To box well, you need as much strength as possible while still maintaining your muscular endurance (and, of course, your preferred bodyweight).

Boxing Myth 3: Fat doesn't matter, I can still be fat and fit


Wrong. If you are a fighter, you need to cut as much fat as possible so you can carry the most muscle for your given body weight.

If you're carrying around some excess flab, you won't be as capable as someone who is "fighting fit". It's that simple.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Learn how to fight, but do it responsibly


When you’re faced with an overly aggressive person, you probably won’t react very well unless you have some training to help you deal with the situation. The ability to “calm the raging beast”, so to speak, is a useful skill that anyone can learn. Unfortunately, like most skills, it can let you down on occasion. Sometimes, generally when alcohol is involved, there’s literally not a thing you can do to diffuse a tense situation. Sad to say, there are times when you need to fight, and knowing how might just save your life.

Occasionally, someone will confront you with passive-aggressive behaviors. These include things like calling you names or trying to bully you. In these situations, you don’t need to get rough with anyone. The way to handle yourself is with words, not fists. But if you are really in danger of falling victim to bodily assault, you have to know something about self defense. There’s no way around it: to be fully secure, you have to know how to fight.

There is an important skill that most police (or others who deal with violent people) possess. That is, the ability to judge at a glance if a situation is potentially troublesome. This sort of ‘survival skill’ requires you to figure out how most people act when they are just having fun, so you can avoid misjudging a situation. You don’t want to get physical with someone who is only playing around, right? If someone is accosting you with some good-natured name calling, you shouldn’t hit him, it’s that simple. On the other hand, you need to be able to recognize when name-calling is simply the first step towards escalating the level of violence from verbal to physical.

It is never a good idea to go around looking for a fight. But you should always be ready for one, if the situation dictates it. When you find yourself in dangerous places where people are drinking, this caveat is doubly true. It’s triply true when the alcohol is inexpensive, plentiful, and relatively un-regulated. In cases such as that, you have to be careful because there is a level of danger that is always present.

On the other hand, nobody wants to go around half-cocked at all times. Staying clear-headed and calm is something you should strive for. But this may mean limiting your alcohol consumption, or abstaining altogether. It does you no good learning how to fight if you are the one who flips out on other people at the drop of a hat. Learning to fight should go hand-in-hand with learning how to act in a responsible manner.

The good news is, it is easier than ever to learn how to fight because there are plenty of reputable places on the web where sober-minded people congregate to discuss serious issues such as this.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Buster Douglas versus Mike Tyson -- 20 years later

Check out this great article Douglas versus Tyson -- 20 years later from ESPN.com.

They do a good job of explaining the circumstances which surrounded this fight. And, people who are not into boxing can enjoy it as a human-interest story, too.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Virtual boxing classes with today's top trainers


Did you know that you can take boxing classes with world-class trainers, no matter where you are or what your skill level happens to be?

That's right, many of today's top trainers sell virtual lessons that are available on dvd for much less than the cost of a session with a trainer down at the local boxing gym.

Boxing classes in your own home?

Obviously there are some things -- like sparring -- that you can't learn at home without a training partner.

But there are so many more tricks, tips, and techniques that you can learn at home that if you're really serious about doing this the right way, you'd be shortsighted to pass up the opportunity.

After all, you can visit any boxing gym and prove to yourself that the simple act of showing up and going through the motions doesn't guarantee success. A quick look will prove to you that most of the boxers at any gym have serious issues with bad form, improper technique, and a lack of understanding of the finer points of the sport.

And yet, most of these boxers have access to a trainer at the gym. So why do they work out and spar with technique problems?

The sad truth is: lots of trainers just aren't articulate enough (or patient enough) to to teach you how to do the things that they can do instinctively. It takes more to train someone to box than simply saying "watch how I do this thing". Boxing classes should address your personal strengths and weaknesses; there is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching boxing.

With virtual boxing classes, you can get the absolute best boxing instruction available anywhere, and you won't feel rushed or embarassed if you have to go back and rewind in order to truly understand the finer points of a punching move or defensive technique.

When you realize that lessons from top-class trainers like Jeff Fenech, Kenny Weldon, Chris Getz, or Freddie Roach are as close as your DVD player, you'll wish you'd taken this opportunity ages ago.

Imagine if you'd started a year ago. Right now you would feel great because you'd have all the knowledge you need to make the most of your potential.

Don't put it off any more. Guess what? Some of Freddie Roach's lessons start at only $10 for close to an hour of instruction. Click through to Freddie Roach Advanced Punching Techniques and learn from the best.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Private Boxing Instruction From Today's Top Trainers


Boxing training can be frustrating. Usually, you'll pay to use a boxing gym -- where you have access to the facilities and the shared equipment -- but you won't get much in the way of instruction except for group classes that are more like fitness workouts than they are skill training.

If you want some one-on-one time with a boxing trainer, you have to make a deal with him -- which can be surprisingly expensive -- and maybe even cut the gym in for a percentage.

This can quickly add up, and unless you are a professional or have hopes of turning pro at some point, the costs can become prohibitive.

Of course, if you're like most of us, you know that you could be much better than you are now if you only had access to some private boxing instruction.

And while you're dreaming about what might be, you might as well wish for a world-class trainer like Freddie Roach or Kenny Weldon to be the one who gives you these lessons. Imagine how much you could learn from an instructor of that caliber; you'd be unstoppable!

Guess what? You don't have to put your dreams on the back burner and settle for second-best!

With video coaching, you can have private boxing lessons with Freddie Roach and others, right in front of your TV. These days, your DVD player is almost as important as your local boxing gym because it is the key to learning the tricks and techniques that can turn you from a dud into a stud.

In the sport of boxing, information can be hard to come by. Most trainers hoard their knowledge and tricks; they only give it to the fighters who show massive amounts of potential, or to those who are willing to pay good money and know how to keep their mouths shut. Trainers know that their information is like money in the bank, and they keep as much control over it as possible.

But now, thanks to the internet and to online retailers like Amazon.com, you can buy boxing lessons from the world's best trainers for less than the price of a session with the trainer down at your local boxing gym.

Did you know that you can get a one-hour lesson with Freddie Roach for around $10? How can you pass up a chance like that?

What's more: you can find lessons tailored to your skill level. It doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner or a fighter who is ready to learn some advanced moves; there are boxing instruction DVDs that are perfect for you.

So don't be afraid to set your sights a little higher. Why waste time and opportunity going through the motions at the local boxing gym when you can learn from the best? You'll still want to go to the gym, but now it'll be to work out and to spar rather than just keeping your eyes and ears open and hoping to pick up some tips from the ones who are better than you.

Take charge of your sport and make yourself the one who others look to for information.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Is heavybag training making your punches weaker?


Do you get the feeling that you’re not hitting the punching bag as hard as you should be?

Are you flailing away like a deranged chimpanzee without making the bag move very much at all?

If so, you’re not alone. Lots of people use the heavybag inefficiently. They may get a good, sweaty workout, but they’re not building any of the skills that’ll work for them in the boxing ring or on the street.

It’s the guys with solid technique on the punching bag – the ones who make it “jump” when they hit it – who feel like the Incredible Hulk every time they leave the gym. Their punches crack like thunderclaps and all the spectators turn to watch them go through their heavybag rounds.

If nobody is turning to watch you work the heavy bag, chances are you have bad habits that are robbing you of speed and power.

It all starts with footwork. Unless you can move with the bag and effortlessly keep yourself in proper punching range, your shots will be as weak as water.

But footwork isn’t the only part of the equation. Proper weight transfer is essential too. Are you sure you’re not a “one legged fighter”? Lots of weak punchers are…

Finally, you’ll never feel like you have a couple of sledgehammers attached to your fists unless you pivot properly when you punch. The pivot gets everything aligned so the most body weight possible lands right on the end of your punch.

Do you want opponents to just shrug off your combinations and bombard you with their most powerful stuff? Of course you don’t. That’s why you have to work on your technique first, before you try to kill the heavy bag.

But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, right? It’s obvious even to non-boxers that if technique is flawed, results will be disappointing.
However, there’s a point to all this. Read on…

Since you read this far, odds are you feel like there is a definite problem with your technique. But if you’re working out at home, with hardly anybody around to teach or critique you, you may not even know that you have problem with your punching form. And if you work out in a boxing gym, but you still think you haven’t learned correct form, the same problem rears its ugly head.

You need good, clear instruction on the fundamentals of form and technique. Whatever your personal situation, you’re obviously not getting it.

But the good news is you can have it. It’s as close as your computer or your TV set.
These days, with the advent of video coaching, world class trainers like Freddie Roach, Kenny Weldon, Jeff Fenech, and Christopher Getz are as close as your DVD player. You don’t need to pay some inarticulate trainer in a dirty boxing gym for halfhearted advice that won’t really help you. Instead, you can get clear, well-presented information straight from the best of the best.

And best of all, you can get it whenever you want, just by hitting the “play” button.

Boxing training DVDs don’t take the place of good workouts and personal coaching; nevertheless they’re indispensible because they fill in all the blanks for you.

You’ll never again have an excuse for not knowing a move down to the smallest detail.

Knowledge doesn’t necessarily equal power, but it certainly equals potential. Add in some hard work and ambition and you’ll have all you need to feel like a new man!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Get fit and in shape - and learn some skills too!

Most fitness programs have a major flaw: they don't hold your interest for very long. It can be difficult to keep working out day after day and week after week with very little to show for it except a vague sense of "being in shape". After all, fitness is great but you don't necessarily have to do the same thing, over and over again, to get fit.

You probably want a workout routine that can get you in top condition while also giving you useful skills that will serve you well in the real world.

Read on for some suggestions:

Try working out like a boxer

Have you ever considered boxing-style training?

You don't have to be a Mike Tyson clone to benefit from this sort of training. Just because you don't want to walk around picking fights doesn't mean that you can't learn a few moves which might help you out some day.

There are few -- if any -- athletes who are as fit as a boxer before a fight. Consider a pro boxer: when his career, health, and pride depends on how physically capable he is, you can be sure that he does only what works instead of what's hot or trendy at the moment. No late-night TV infomercial is going to convince a world-class boxer that he needs some bizarre workout gizmo to get in shape. He uses the collective wisdom of more than a century's worth of boxing trainers to get into the sort of shape that makes him the equal of any man.

What equipment do you need?

With nothing more than a jumprope, some floor space, a pair of running shoes, and perhaps a mirror and an instructional DVD (I recommend Ultimate Boxing Lessons), you can learn simple footwork, all the basic punches, and a set of exercise routines that will strengthen your legs and back, your core, and the rest of you too. Better yet, you'll burn calories and get the sort of conditioning workout that treadmill-plodding gym-goers can only dream of.

When you're ready to take it to the next level, a heavybag gives you a great workout and teaches useful skills too.

Will this turn me into the next Floyd Mayweather?

Unfortunately, no. You won't become a boxer -- or even a very good fighter -- just by training by yourself in front of a mirror. To really get better, you need more... But hey, you'll be better than you were when you started, and that's something. After all, you don't learn anything useful by walking on a treadmill; boxing workouts, however, do teach usable skills, even if only at a relatively lower level.

If you want to get really good, you'll need sparring and other forms of practice with a partner. But it's all about getting in shape and learning, right? That can wait.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Do pressure points work?

You hear a lot of hype about "pressure points" and various super-secret martial arts that exploit these mysterious areas on the opponents body to achieve a quick, humiliating victory.

But is this all a bunch of hogwash?

The answer is: yes.

A knowledge of pressure points and/or how to attack them is useless for self-defense (or for anything else, really).

What is a pressure point?

The real term for pressure point is plexus. You've probably heard of the most famous of these areas, the solar plexus. It's a collection of nerves and blood vessles that happens to be near the surface of the body, just below the point where the ribs come together.

If you strike this area, your opponent will experience pain and momentary shock-like symptoms.

Similar areas exist in the body. They all share the common characteristics that several nerve groups come together at a point near the body surface.

Are pressure point attacks worthwhile for self-defense?

Other than Mr. Spock from the old Star Trek television series -- who was able to disable the bad guys with his patented Vulcan nerve pinch -- nobody has ever used a pressure point attack for anything worthwhile.

It's just not a viable option for self-defense.

After all, why fool around with stuff like that when you can do something that's guaranteed to work? There is no secret that eye pokes, groin shots, neck/throat strikes, and the like are all highly effective for self-defense. Use what works and leave the mystical mumbo-jumbo to Hollywood.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

A new year is here!

With the new year comes a great new chance to set goals for yourself.

Since three months is an ideal time period for working towards a goal in fitness or athletics, it's great to start at the beginning of the year. You'll have four full goal-achieving periods with which to play with.

How about something like this:

  1. Add some muscle mass

  2. Maintain muscle and cut fat

  3. Work on cardio

  4. Work on skills (boxing training, for instance)



For anyone who never seems to follow through with workout plans, this sort of goal-setting is a great starting point for getting yourself to where you want to be.

Once you have the basic framework, start drilling down into the details and get all the information, equipment, and inspiration that you need to succeed!