I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  Let’s all make 2010 a kick ass year!

I’m often asked about the benefits and possibilities for bodyweight style training with larger athletes.  It is obviously more difficult to move more bodyweight, so certain exercises favor smaller builds.   Easier performance by smaller individuals does not negate the  benefits that can be experienced by larger athletes however.

Below is a video example of this concept.  The man seen in the video weighs in at approximately 325 pounds.  Many of the pushup and pull-up exercises are particularly impressive at his size.

And please note, I am not suggesting that bodyweight exercise is superior to free weights.  The man seen above clearly makes use of both.  The real message behind this video is that bodyweight exercise can be a useful and fun addition, even for the largest and most powerful athletes.

How you do what you do is often more important than what you do.

Ross

I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.  I’ll be busy with the family over the next few days but will be back in action later this weekend.

I appreciate all the support and interaction within the site, and I look forward to continuing with another great year in 2010.

Merry Christmas!

Ross

It’s been almost five years since I first video taped the do-it-yourself one arm rollers.  In the time since, there have been several discussions on the forum regarding handle upgrades for added comfort and convenience.  When I first built the wheels, I admittedly opted for the fastest and easiest handle option (duct tape).  I still have the original wheels that I used over 5 years ago and they have held up very well.  I do realize however that there are better handle options available.

Below is a video tutorial that was sent to me earlier in the week that shows how to build a PVC style handle. The instructions throughout the video are detailed and easy to follow.  Thanks to Kyle for the video.

Another video was emailed to me that shows how a traditional wheel can be converted into a single arm roller.  The only question mark that I might have would be the strength of this wheel when performing one arm standing rollouts (particularly for larger athletes or those adding weighted vests).  I will update this thread if I get around to testing this wheel style.

If you are unfamiliar with this kind of wheel and what you can do with it, take a look at this past article from the site:

The Homemade Wheel

You will also find several progressions and exercise variations within this past video:

Lastly, for those who are new to the site, you can find many more homemade equipment ideas at the link below.   If anyone has any additional equipment ideas, pass them along and I will update the site.

Homemade Equipment Archive

In his late 50’s, Marco Olmo won what many consider the most challenging race in the world (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc). Perhaps even more impressive than his age is that he won the race two years in a row (2006 and 2007). The specifics of the race vary each year, but it averages between 150 and 160 kilometers with almost 9000 meters of elevation gain throughout. Each year hundreds of competitors fail to complete the course. Meanwhile, Marco Olmo earned back to back victories.

He attempted to win again at age 60 but was unsuccessful. A documentary was filmed as he prepared for the event. I have not seen the full film, but was intrigued after watching the brief trailer (thanks to Ramón for passing it along):

Within the clip, you will see that Marco is a regular working class man. He isn’t like many modern athletes who have specialists and sponsors to take care of every last detail. Marco works out by himself and has succeeded without any trainers or dietitians. He briefly speaks on this topic within the clip below (different from the trailer above).

I like this story for many reasons.  It’s obviously great to see someone in their late 50′s compete at the highest level in the world.  It is even better when the individual is just a regular person.  Marco has succeeded on his own.  He has figured out what works for him.  There aren’t specialists preparing his meals or periodizing his workload.  Marco thrives on the basics.  He is consistent, diligent, and persevering.

As has been said before, simplicity often trumps complexity.  Marco Olmo is living proof of this concept…

If you have a heavy strength workout planned for today, Konstantin Konstantinovs is an excellent source of inspiration.  I’ve never had an interest in powerlifting, but I certainly appreciate and respect this man’s amazing strength.

As for the video, there is no need for an explanation.  Beast is the first word that comes to mind.  Incredible is close behind…

In a past entry, I linked to a homemade push sled that was posted to my forum.  Here is one of the pictures:

Since posting the original entry, I’ve received several related emails from readers of the site.  There have been questions, suggestions, and pictures of other homemade models.  Unfortunately, I have yet to build one of these sleds myself, so cannot offer my own feedback.  I plan to tackle the project once this winter’s snow has finally passed.

For now, I will use this entry to share some of the ideas and images that have come through via email.  If anyone has any other suggestions, please feel free to list your comments within this entry.

First, here is a video of another homemade sled.  It appears to be easy to build and rather durable.  I also believe there are a few welder-free workarounds that could be used instead.  I don’t own a welding machine so if I prefer to build without relying on one.

Next, here is a picture of a similar model that was sent to me via email.  I do not know who created this sled.  If the creator stumbles across this entry, please feel free to add comments regarding the construction and your experiences with it.

Lastly, here is another push sled that I came across from the old Animal Ability board.

Between these ideas, I believe I have enough information to put together a fairly easy to build and inexpensive push sled.  I’d also like something that I can use without tearing up the grass.  As soon as I have solid plans in place, I will update the blog.

In the meantime, if anyone has any ideas to share, please let me know.

Ross

PS – Please see the link below for a full listing of homemade equipment ideas:

Homemade Equipment Archives

As someone who both loves the sport of boxing and is involved as a trainer, I regularly watch video of past fighters.  Youtube is obviously an amazing resource with literally thousands of bouts archived within.  You could easily spend all day watching video of past greats such as Ali, Marciano, Ray Robinson, etc.

One of the better channels that I’ve found comes from Gorilla Productions.  Just about every video they put out is top notch in terms of production quality and content.  Considering that many readers of this blog are either fight fans or participants, I’m guessing that many will enjoy their assortment of boxing videos.

Here is one recent example from just a few days ago.

Enjoy,

Ross

Following two recent posts on food production (The Future of Food and Food, Inc.), I’ve received several emails with additional viewing suggestions.  There have also been comments posted within each of the original entries.

Farms for the Future has been mentioned a few times, so I figured it would be worthwhile to embed the full video within the blog.

For those interested, the video is also available on Youtube.  Part I can be found here.

And please note that I’m not posting these videos to scare anyone, but I do think it is important to know how and where our food is produced.

In terms of nutritional strategies and ideas, I am all for simplicity.  As stated within a past entry:

In the words of Confucius,

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

Amazingly, despite originating a few thousand years ago, the statement above is still as true as ever.

Following a recent entry on the movie Food Inc., a reader of the site recommended another film (The Future of Food).  I’ve finally got around to watching the entire film.  If you enjoyed Food, Inc., I’m sure you will enjoy this one as well.  An introduction to the film is provided below:

You can watch the entire film on hulu.com (for free).  A direct link is provided below:

The Future of Food

Enjoy,

Ross