Shotokan

Two people I'd check for upper body stretches would be Al Kavadlo (has a new book out! Much wow. So excite) and Rick Kaselj (physical therapist dude who specializes in corrective exercise).

 

Also, yeah blog posts. Inspiration is one part sitting down and one part doing the work. The rest comes when it comes.

Thanks for the advice on the upper body stretches.  I will look up Al Kavadlo and I have been reading Rick's work for some time now but I never really focused on my upper body mobility because my hips were so bad until I found HFS.

The sitting down and doing the work is paying off.  I published two new blog posts today and have been working on more.  Writing really has me excited.  I always like to write but just in the last few days, I have written more than I have in couple weeks.

Keep moving forward my friend!!!  I know that things will continue to improve for you!  Your positive attitude is inspirational!! 

Sleep?  What is this thing you call sleep???  I have not heard of it.  

I am getting better.  I am still not getting enough downtime but when I do fall asleep lately, I am sleeping better.  I have been trying to get to bed by 11 on working nights but the weekend nights I stay up until I am really tired.

I have been following the beat insomnia with blue energy article below and it is really helping me.

http://lifehacker.com/190143/beat-insomnia-with-blue-energy

It is really simple and it seems to be helping me sleep much better.  Since I started doing this, I am less tired during the day and much more creative than I have been in a long time.  I can fall asleep within minutes instead of an hour or more now.

Workout 24: 1/29/14

Kettlebell goblet squats - 25 x 12 - I haven't done these in a while and they were lower than before.  The stretching is helping.  Now I need to start playing with the 44lb kettlebell.

More blog post work and three new ideas for other blogs posts.

Workout 23: 1/28/14

Kettlebell swings 25 x 10 each arm.  Alternating swings.  This move really feels powerful and the back is not hurting as much.

HFS standing routine before Karate class.  

I really need an upper body stretching routine like the HFS system.

Lot of good blog post work!  The thoughts were just flowing from my fingers!

Yeah, buddy. Lunge punches... sounds like you're experimenting with that drop-step power as opposed to just the hips.

Yes, I have done those in the past in class when working with a partner and I almost dropped him.  My Sensei often told me "with the body" and that punch in particular was with the entire body.  At one point, I would hit so hard, my front foot wouldn't touch the floor so the only parts of my body that were connected was the back foot and my fist in my partners stomach.  The problem is, if the target moves, I am going to end up on the floor.  

Workout 22: 1/27/14

Kettlebell hip thrust - 25 x 15

Bodyweigh lunge punches - 5 each leg

More blog post work.

Workout 21: 1/26/14

Kettlebell swing - 20x20 

Blog post work.

Workout 20: 1/25/14

DB clean and press - 2 x 25 x 12 - I haven't done these in a while and they felt really light.

Working on a Karate article.

I was thinking MC Hammer could have helped me with those hammer curls too.

Workout 19: 1/24/14

Alternate hammer curls - 2 x 25 x 12

Working on some blog posts.

IT guys, I find, tend to have these untapped creative sides that they rarely nurture. I don't understand why not.

 

Glad that you're finding your groove again! I wasn't aware that you'd lost it. Also, yay for upper body stuff!

I have been fighting a mental battle for the two weeks and it has been draining my physical energy.  Luckily, I have had some productive writing moments during this time but my workouts have been suffering.

Workout 18: 1/23/14

I am finally getting back into the groove.  I was able to workout today and actually do something.

HFS kneeling routine  -  I was able to get a better stretch in my hips tonight than before.  Maybe the time off of the kneeling routine was a good thing.

HFS core routine - I was really feeling this today.  Doing the modified birddog movement was really making my glutes work.

Kettlebell hip thrusts - 25 x 15 - I really need to find a better of doing these.  They are still working but I am really fighting myself from falling on the floor trying to keep my shoulders on the stool that I am using. My bench is a little too high but maybe I will try it on there again.

Another blog post published for Shotokan planet.

Nice job on the plank!  Keep up the good work!

Workout 17: 1/22/14

Front delt Kettlebell raise.  2 x 10 x 10

I wrote a really good sales presentation outline for my work.  How would have thought the IT guy could write?

Workout 16: 1/21/14

I haven't done much in the upper area lately so that today and maybe tomorrow, I am going to something for the upper half.

Kettlebell curl and press - 15 x 10 - way too light.

Blog post work.  Many new idea for articles are coming to mind.  Maybe the headache from yesterday caused it.  

I really admire your dedication and persistence. Rock on.

Thank you.  

Workout 15: 1/20/14

I think my head is going to explode.  I haven't had one of these headaches in a long time.

Kettlebell hip thrusts - 20 x 15

I did get some good writing in before my head got in the way.

Dude, I know what you mean. It's almost exactly the same for me when I'm exercising with sick co-workers. So, eat your veggies and get some sleep. You gon' need it.

Thanks.  I have a pounding headache now and I think sleep is great advice.

Workout 14: 1/19/14

I am having a hard time getting in my full workouts.  My back isn't cooperating with me and my energy is really low for some reason.  It seems that everyone at work has some type of virus and I am really trying to fight it off.

Trap bar deadlifts - 145 x 12

Ab wheel roll out - 8 reps

Worked on another blog post.

Workout 13: 1/18/14

Trap bar deadlifts - 145 x 12

Another blog post published.

So, are you at the point where you get to pick and choose what parts of the HFS you do long term?

Yes, I normally do the standing routine every time I have Karate or Iaido class because it really helps me.  I need to do the band routine more in between though.  I need to pickup the core routine a bit and the foam roller part too but time has not been on my side lately.

Congrats on the partnership!!!  That is awesome news!!  Here is the start of some good momentum, ride it, move forward and do great things.  Just don't forget all us little people when you are CEO of the next multi-billion dollar company!

Workout 12: 1/17/14

HFS standing stretching routine

Kettlebell swings - 15 x 30

Blog work

Workout 11: 1/16/14

Trap bar deadlifts 145 x 12

More work on the book.