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(14#) An Unpopular Superhero

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December 24, 2009
	Dr. Gary Huber : Head Medical Ego

The old fashion bench press and bicep curl are great for those that love the classics but there are a dozen new ways to get some resistance training. Go to your local gym and engage in a functional training class where they employ resistance bands. There are resistance band workouts you can do at home with the aid of a DVD or personal trainer.  One of my personal favorites is the use of Kettlebells which can be found on a website called dragondoor.com.

Kettlebells take up very little space and can be used to do dozens of different workout that will tax your aerobic capacity and offer resistance training at the same time. Don’t get stuck in the old fashion “3 sets of 10 reps” rut. Try some of the classic lifts with barbells or dumbbells but do it as part of a circuit training routine. Do this with friends to make it challenging or competitive. 

Bottom line is that this type of training is very enjoyable and extremely beneficial so if you hold some limiting beliefs then do some open minded exploration on the topic and find an alternative you find engaging. 

One of my personal favorites is a circuit that employs 30 seconds of exercise followed by a 15 second rest as you move to the next station. Don’t count reps, just go for 30 seconds.  Mix the stations up such as:  abdominal crunches, bicep curl, punching against band resistance, box jumps, another ab station, push ups, ham curls, squat thrusts, abs again, and Kettlebells. Go through all the stations 3 or 4 times.  There are no rules that you need to cling to other than find something you enjoy doing that leads to a good sweat. Start slow if this is a new concept for you and just gradually make it more challenging. 

For those of you who have already enjoyed your Hanukah, I hope it was fulfilling and now you have a bit of a head start to the finish line. For the rest of you awaiting Christmas morning, enjoy your holiday, eat the fun stuff and then get back on track as January 1^st is rapidly approaching.  

Merry Christmas!