In recent weeks, I’ve demoed a few low-tech exercise flows with simple tools such as furniture sliders and a wooden dolly. Following those demonstrations, my inbox has filled with questions about where to acquire such equipment. Yet, while I can easily provide Amazon links to furniture sliders
Low-Tech, High-Effect
If you missed the previously referenced videos, have a look below.
First, you’ll see an inexpensive wooden dolly doubling as a full-body exercise tool. When I filmed these exercises, I hadn’t used the dolly in several months. Instead, I was moving some equipment one night, noticed the dolly, and suddenly it was kicking my ass. That’s often how my training goes. There’s not always a preconceived plan. Sometimes I’ll just get a random idea and start moving based on how I feel.
Next, you’ll see the same furniture sliders that I first demoed on this site almost 10 years ago. At the time, I would have never guessed that my $10 purchase would provide so many years of use. I’m happy to have been wrong.
What’s the Point?
Long time readers of the site have likely seen these exercises before. Some might be wondering why I’m demoing them again. Fortunately, the answer to that question is simple.
Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve been training for a long time and am fairly capable with my body. Yet, despite all my years of training, I can still walk into an old garage and get my ass kicked from a pair of sliders and a wooden dolly. And don’t just take my word for it. I’ve had world class fighters train in the same garage, and struggle with the same simple tools.
The message therefore is straightforward. You don’t need fancy equipment or facilities to challenge yourself, and that message will never expire. On the contrary, you can train almost anywhere with little or nothing, and get the job done (regardless of your ability).
Intangibles
When I started this site many moons ago, my goal was to knock down the fictitious barriers to training that the fitness industry has fooled many to believe are in existence. For example, I’m sure we’ve all seen a commercial or advertisement stating that you need a particular tool, supplement, or program. That couldn’t be further from the truth, as the word “need” is grossly overused and abused.
In fact, if we were to examine what’s truly needed to train effectively, my list would be full of intangibles. Unfortunately, there are no Amazon links to the intangible qualities that are necessary to excel at anything in life. Attributes such as dedication, effort, consistency, and perseverance are invaluable, yet can only be found within. It is up to you.
Final Thoughts
In summary, everything you need is in front of you and inside of you. Ultimately, it boils down to priorities. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way. There’s almost always someone out there who has done more than you (and me) with less. So, use what you have, be consistent and creative, and good things will happen in time.
There are no secrets to success, just consistent and concerted efforts that eventually produce results.
Related Entry:
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“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Hey Ross,
what can I do against shin splints on inside of my shin? I am a kickboxer, 22 years old, 192 cm, 110 kg. Please help me. I jump rope and I run, but I can not do this often anymore because it hurts und that means also that it hurts when I kick…
Shin splints/pain are often the result of overuse, so you should start by backing off the activities that have led to the pain. Typically, that means stopping the running and rope skipping, as you may have taken on more than your body was ready to handle. Once the pain is gone, you can likely ease back into the work, but it must be done gradually, as too much too soon will lead you right back to where you are now.
Run on a easy peace.
Every evening you put a coldpack (meat, peas) on your shins for 5 min every 10 min. To “fight” the inflammation.
Mayby to skip the rope jumping of your scedule
Look to your shoes for sport and your daily shoes (give the shoes your the best support you can get?)
Go to a sportfysiotherapist or a doktor.
Great to see you back Ross. Looking forward to more from you as always.
Ross – glad to see you posting on the blog again. Always great content, and you’ve been one of the most consistently reliable sources of good advice / guidance over the years. Thank you for the time you put in to bring content to the blog.
Ross,
Just watched the hard work video from your Sept. 1st post. Man you’re a beast.
Thanks for the new updates and congratulations to you and Katie.