Another new member (Kayvan's progress thread)
Another new member (Kayvan's progress thread)
Hi everyone,
Some days ago, I ran across the shovelglove web page and was amused and intrigued. I went to a local hardware store and got myself a 10 pound sledgehammer (13 pounds with the fiberglass handle) and made myself a shovelglove. I love it!!! Thanks, Reinhard!
This morning was my third 14 minute SG session. I've managed to stick to this routine every day:
1) 50 Shovels on each side.
2) 20 Churn Butter (first with left hand leading, then another 20 with right hand leading).
3) 20 Chop Wood on each side.
4) 8 Levers on each side (these are hard!)
5) 10 Hoist The Sack on each side.
The above takes about 10-12 minutes and then I just play around, making up moves.
"Kill The Dragon" is one of my favorites, where you use the SG as a spear.
"Paint The Eight" is weirdly hard. This is where I hold the SG with both hands in front of me and pretend to paint a figure eight in the air.
Anyways. I'm a bit sore, but in a fun way.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Some days ago, I ran across the shovelglove web page and was amused and intrigued. I went to a local hardware store and got myself a 10 pound sledgehammer (13 pounds with the fiberglass handle) and made myself a shovelglove. I love it!!! Thanks, Reinhard!
This morning was my third 14 minute SG session. I've managed to stick to this routine every day:
1) 50 Shovels on each side.
2) 20 Churn Butter (first with left hand leading, then another 20 with right hand leading).
3) 20 Chop Wood on each side.
4) 8 Levers on each side (these are hard!)
5) 10 Hoist The Sack on each side.
The above takes about 10-12 minutes and then I just play around, making up moves.
"Kill The Dragon" is one of my favorites, where you use the SG as a spear.
"Paint The Eight" is weirdly hard. This is where I hold the SG with both hands in front of me and pretend to paint a figure eight in the air.
Anyways. I'm a bit sore, but in a fun way.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Last edited by kayvan on Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
4th morning.
Thanks, everyone, for the welcome.
As another former martial artist (Chinese Kung Fu), I was pleasantly surprised at the versatility and the difficulty of the shovelglove. After I have swung the sledgehammer around for a few months, doing a Kwan-Dao form will be a piece of cake.
This morning, I was slower than the previous mornings, so there was not that many extra "Kill The Dragon" and "Disembowel the Dragon" moves (thanks, Reinhard! That's a great name!).
I am definitely feeling it in my shoulders and arms for a few hours after the workouts.
---Kayvan
As another former martial artist (Chinese Kung Fu), I was pleasantly surprised at the versatility and the difficulty of the shovelglove. After I have swung the sledgehammer around for a few months, doing a Kwan-Dao form will be a piece of cake.
This morning, I was slower than the previous mornings, so there was not that many extra "Kill The Dragon" and "Disembowel the Dragon" moves (thanks, Reinhard! That's a great name!).
I am definitely feeling it in my shoulders and arms for a few hours after the workouts.
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Second day, second week
I took the weekend off, then started again on Monday.
Today, the invariant part of the workout (50 shovel, 20 butter-churn, 20 chop-wood, 8 levers, 20 hoist-the-sack) took about 11 minutes, giving me three minutes to have unstructured fun. I used that time to repeatedly Kill and Disembowel the Dragon.
I can already feel a difference.
My fourteen year old son has joined me this week in the early morning 14 minutes. I got him a 6-pound sledgehammer and he's having fun with it. He was complaining that his arms are sore and I told him that the same happened with me and that as he continues, the soreness will start to go away in a day or two.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Today, the invariant part of the workout (50 shovel, 20 butter-churn, 20 chop-wood, 8 levers, 20 hoist-the-sack) took about 11 minutes, giving me three minutes to have unstructured fun. I used that time to repeatedly Kill and Disembowel the Dragon.
I can already feel a difference.
My fourteen year old son has joined me this week in the early morning 14 minutes. I got him a 6-pound sledgehammer and he's having fun with it. He was complaining that his arms are sore and I told him that the same happened with me and that as he continues, the soreness will start to go away in a day or two.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
We finished the static portion of our routine in about 9 minutes today, and I even was able to move my hands a bit back from the weighted end of the sledgehammer (increasing the effort needed).
The rest of the time was spent playing around and my son and I sort of evolved a scenario that went like this:
The dragon is attacking our lands, so we must Kill The Dragon! (10-20 times on each side, spear-thrusting movements up at a 45 degree angle). The dragon is dead, let's Disembowel The Dragon to be sure! (5 figure eights in the air on each side).
Okay, now that the dragon is dead, we have to get back to our farm. We cross the lake by gondola (10-20 rowing motions on each side).
When we get there, we must feed the chickens (hold the shovelglove horizontally in front of you, and making shaking motions as you move it from side to side, to mimic spreading bird seed).
This idyllic existence is shattered when the Dragon's mate finds us!! Oh no!!! Kill The Dragon again (another 10-20 spear thrusts).
The mommy dragon falls and is dying....
Wait, this dragon was pregnant! Even as it dies, it's giving birth to baby dragons. The baby dragons are trying to eat our chickens!
Kill The Baby Dragons!!! (10-20 spear motions downward, killing the baby dragons). Okay, it's all over now. What a mess! We must clean ourselves up (being covered with dragon blood and guts), which means we need to pump some water (Make 10-20 pumping motions with the shovelgvlove on each side).
The timer then went off... I hope you enjoyed this fantastical shovelglove adventure.
The rest of the time was spent playing around and my son and I sort of evolved a scenario that went like this:
The dragon is attacking our lands, so we must Kill The Dragon! (10-20 times on each side, spear-thrusting movements up at a 45 degree angle). The dragon is dead, let's Disembowel The Dragon to be sure! (5 figure eights in the air on each side).
Okay, now that the dragon is dead, we have to get back to our farm. We cross the lake by gondola (10-20 rowing motions on each side).
When we get there, we must feed the chickens (hold the shovelglove horizontally in front of you, and making shaking motions as you move it from side to side, to mimic spreading bird seed).
This idyllic existence is shattered when the Dragon's mate finds us!! Oh no!!! Kill The Dragon again (another 10-20 spear thrusts).
The mommy dragon falls and is dying....
Wait, this dragon was pregnant! Even as it dies, it's giving birth to baby dragons. The baby dragons are trying to eat our chickens!
Kill The Baby Dragons!!! (10-20 spear motions downward, killing the baby dragons). Okay, it's all over now. What a mess! We must clean ourselves up (being covered with dragon blood and guts), which means we need to pump some water (Make 10-20 pumping motions with the shovelgvlove on each side).
The timer then went off... I hope you enjoyed this fantastical shovelglove adventure.
Last edited by kayvan on Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Third week finished.
Even though Monday was Christmas, I treated myself to a normal shovelglove session.
This morning, I finished my third week of shugging.
I can now do 15 chest down to the floor pushups, slowly, with good form, without needing to rest. Shovelglove is great!!!
This morning, I finished my third week of shugging.
I can now do 15 chest down to the floor pushups, slowly, with good form, without needing to rest. Shovelglove is great!!!
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Hey guys,
I am a 42 mother of 4 boys and one girl. I found shovelgloving from Joel Ellis' 20 minute workout site (he is an old friend). Since I am not up to a full fledged sledge hammer, I went out to the garage and got my husband's 5 pounder. The handle is a bit short, but I can use it. This is a great workout and so much fun. I love kayvan's dragon slaying theme, this may be the ticket to get my teenage boys to workout with me. The stoke the oven (Kill the dragon) move is my favorite. I have started with 21 reps each Driving fence post, churning butter, shoveling, chopping wood, stoke the oven, and tuck the bales. And 14 reps each of flip the lever and hoist the sack. Then I finish out my time with Hindu squats and stretching.
I am a 42 mother of 4 boys and one girl. I found shovelgloving from Joel Ellis' 20 minute workout site (he is an old friend). Since I am not up to a full fledged sledge hammer, I went out to the garage and got my husband's 5 pounder. The handle is a bit short, but I can use it. This is a great workout and so much fun. I love kayvan's dragon slaying theme, this may be the ticket to get my teenage boys to workout with me. The stoke the oven (Kill the dragon) move is my favorite. I have started with 21 reps each Driving fence post, churning butter, shoveling, chopping wood, stoke the oven, and tuck the bales. And 14 reps each of flip the lever and hoist the sack. Then I finish out my time with Hindu squats and stretching.
Prof Mom of 5
I have not greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
3 John 4
I have not greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
3 John 4
Week 4 finished yesterday
I'm in the weekend now, so no shugging, but yesterday I finished my 4th week.
My son is still doing it with his smaller sledgehammer.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
My son is still doing it with his smaller sledgehammer.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Cranking it up a tiny notch
I've noticed that my left arm is noticeably weaker than my right arm.
Applying the idea that to strengthen a system, you must strengthen its weakest link, I decided to add 5 reps of whatever exercise I am doing with the shovelglove, but just for the left arm.
Today was the second day of doing it. My routine with my 13-pound hammer now looks like this:
1) 50 shovel right, 55 shovel left.
2) 20 churn butter right arm, 25 churn butter left arm (I'm doing these one-handed now).
3) 20 chop-wood right, 25 chop-wood left
4) 10 right handed flip-the-lever, 15 left handed flip-the-lever
5) 15 right handed hoist-the-sack, 20 left handed hoist-the-sack
The addition of the 5 reps, along with a conscious intent to move my hands down further on the handle, has made my shovelglove time hard again. It was starting to get easy.
I think I will feel the difference in a week or two.
Applying the idea that to strengthen a system, you must strengthen its weakest link, I decided to add 5 reps of whatever exercise I am doing with the shovelglove, but just for the left arm.
Today was the second day of doing it. My routine with my 13-pound hammer now looks like this:
1) 50 shovel right, 55 shovel left.
2) 20 churn butter right arm, 25 churn butter left arm (I'm doing these one-handed now).
3) 20 chop-wood right, 25 chop-wood left
4) 10 right handed flip-the-lever, 15 left handed flip-the-lever
5) 15 right handed hoist-the-sack, 20 left handed hoist-the-sack
The addition of the 5 reps, along with a conscious intent to move my hands down further on the handle, has made my shovelglove time hard again. It was starting to get easy.
I think I will feel the difference in a week or two.
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
That's a great idea. I'll adjust my sets to do left-hand first. Thanks.david wrote:In any given set, I always do the left side first. That way when time runs out I have done equal or more total volume on the left side. One benefit of shovelglove that I have noticed is that I am much more symmetrical now strength, agility, and size-wise.
--david
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
28th day of SG
This morning was the 28th day of my shovelglove routine.
I was doing the routine with my son (who chose to get up with me at 5:45 AM to do it). I think he was not as awake as he should have been.
Halfway through our exercise, he smacked the kitchen table pretty good. Made a pretty big noise, but thankfully, no huge dent. He's lucky that Mom was not awake and that it was just me who saw it. I didn't even have to say anything.
When I get done with my sets, I do an extra mini-set just with my left arm now. I can already feel my left side getting stronger.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
I was doing the routine with my son (who chose to get up with me at 5:45 AM to do it). I think he was not as awake as he should have been.
Halfway through our exercise, he smacked the kitchen table pretty good. Made a pretty big noise, but thankfully, no huge dent. He's lucky that Mom was not awake and that it was just me who saw it. I didn't even have to say anything.
When I get done with my sets, I do an extra mini-set just with my left arm now. I can already feel my left side getting stronger.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Another couple of weks done
I started this on 12/12/06
Yesterday, I did anther session. I have been consistent and the bulging biceps I am developing are my tangible side-benefits.
So, for yesterday's workout, I took the shovelglove to work along with a kitchen timer, then slipped away in the middle of the day to retrieve the hammer from my car, do the routine in the workout room for 14 minutes, and put it back in my car.
This is not my usual practice. I like to do it before work, but I was running late, so I just packed up my shovelglove and did it when it was convenient. Yet another point for the shovelglove. It's portable (both in terms of space and time).
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Yesterday, I did anther session. I have been consistent and the bulging biceps I am developing are my tangible side-benefits.
So, for yesterday's workout, I took the shovelglove to work along with a kitchen timer, then slipped away in the middle of the day to retrieve the hammer from my car, do the routine in the workout room for 14 minutes, and put it back in my car.
This is not my usual practice. I like to do it before work, but I was running late, so I just packed up my shovelglove and did it when it was convenient. Yet another point for the shovelglove. It's portable (both in terms of space and time).
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Wow. Sorry about the table...
I think between my smacking myself in the head "churning butter," Kevin's hammer head flying off, and your kitchen table, we have sufficient material for a "shovelglove mishaps" page
Hoping we'll never have anything more serious to put there,
Reinhard
p.s congrats on the "side benefits!"
I think between my smacking myself in the head "churning butter," Kevin's hammer head flying off, and your kitchen table, we have sufficient material for a "shovelglove mishaps" page
Hoping we'll never have anything more serious to put there,
Reinhard
p.s congrats on the "side benefits!"
Heh. Yeah. I had a pet mishap too. My beagle is usually asleep in the morning and remains asleep as I shovelglove about six feet away from him. One morning, he was startled awake by a noise and managed to walk right behind me as I was on the down-swing of a Flip The Lever move. The contact with his skull made a "Thud" like noise and now he is appropriately leery of the big fuzzy thing on the end of the big yellow stick that I swing around in the morning.reinhard wrote:Wow. Sorry about the table...
I think between my smacking myself in the head "churning butter," Kevin's hammer head flying off, and your kitchen table, we have sufficient material for a "shovelglove mishaps" page
Thanks. Now I'm working on doing my moves slightly faster and with more force to see if I can build up the arms and the rest of the body even more using the shovelglove.reinhard wrote:p.s congrats on the "side benefits!"
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Two month anniversary
Yesterday was my two month anniversary with the shovelglove. Unfortunately, I had to do a mild form of my usual routine since I had tweaked something in my right shoulder.
However, laying off it for a day, drinking lots of water, and getting some needed sleep seem to have been enough for my body to heal.
Today, I was able to do my normal routine with gusto! Boy, it felt good!
However, laying off it for a day, drinking lots of water, and getting some needed sleep seem to have been enough for my body to heal.
Today, I was able to do my normal routine with gusto! Boy, it felt good!
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Changing my routine a bit
I've started playing with the following pattern (all exercises are done on the left side first, followed by the right):
21 shovel, 21 churn butter (one handed), 21 chop wood, 21 flip the lever, 21 hoist the sack
After this, I repeat the set, doing only 14 of each. If I ever get to finish the 21 and 14 sets, I'll continue with a set of 7 of each exercise.
I'm getting a more balanced SG workout by doing lower reps of each exercise and repeating the cycles (as opposed to doing 60 shovel, 50 churn butter, 50 chop wood, 25 flip the lever, 25 hoist the sack).
Another note: I did my usual 14 minutes this morning, but later on in the day, I felt like doing another 14 minutes, so I did. It felt good. I won't use it as an excuse to skip a normal set, though.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
21 shovel, 21 churn butter (one handed), 21 chop wood, 21 flip the lever, 21 hoist the sack
After this, I repeat the set, doing only 14 of each. If I ever get to finish the 21 and 14 sets, I'll continue with a set of 7 of each exercise.
I'm getting a more balanced SG workout by doing lower reps of each exercise and repeating the cycles (as opposed to doing 60 shovel, 50 churn butter, 50 chop wood, 25 flip the lever, 25 hoist the sack).
Another note: I did my usual 14 minutes this morning, but later on in the day, I felt like doing another 14 minutes, so I did. It felt good. I won't use it as an excuse to skip a normal set, though.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
- gratefuldeb67
- Posts: 6256
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:26 pm
- Location: Great Neck, NY
Hey Kayvan, I just wanted to congratulate you on getting so into Shovelglove and having such a great time with it, and involving your Son!
That's great!!! Six pound hammers are a good choice
Beware Dragons all around the world!
Hope you have a great weekend!
I might just *downgrade* my hammer at some point this year, when I can afford a new one, because the agility and ease factor might be better than with my 12 lb one, at least for these very active scenarios..
And, I read what you said about being amazed at how quick you develop those solid muscles.. I totally agree with you and it's a great feeling!
Have a nice weekend.
Peace,
Debs
That's great!!! Six pound hammers are a good choice
Beware Dragons all around the world!
Hope you have a great weekend!
I might just *downgrade* my hammer at some point this year, when I can afford a new one, because the agility and ease factor might be better than with my 12 lb one, at least for these very active scenarios..
And, I read what you said about being amazed at how quick you develop those solid muscles.. I totally agree with you and it's a great feeling!
Have a nice weekend.
Peace,
Debs
There is no Wisdom greater than Kindness
Thank you. Yes, it has been great fun.gratefuldeb67 wrote:Hey Kayvan, I just wanted to congratulate you on getting so into Shovelglove and having such a great time with it, and involving your Son!
That's great!!! Six pound hammers are a good choice
Beware Dragons all around the world!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Dang! You are using a 12-pounder? What is that with the handle? 14 pounds? My ten pound hammer weighs in at 13 pounds with the yellow fiberglass handle.gratefuldeb67 wrote: I might just *downgrade* my hammer at some point this year, when I can afford a new one, because the agility and ease factor might be better than with my 12 lb one, at least for these very active scenarios..
And, I read what you said about being amazed at how quick you develop those solid muscles.. I totally agree with you and it's a great feeling!
Have a nice weekend.
Peace,
Debs
You have a great weekend too.
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
- gratefuldeb67
- Posts: 6256
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:26 pm
- Location: Great Neck, NY
Yeah, with the handle it's actually close to 15 I think..
But the handle isn't really part of the force of pull... That's the crucial part of the whole thing.. The leveraging of the heads weight is what it's all about.
I have been totally not doing SG for a long while.. I can't figure out why.
It kinda stopped when I moved to our new cottage.. It's fairly cramped for space... And especially, I think it has something to do with the fact that my room, where there is enough room to safely or enjoyably, swing a sledge, has one tiny little window in it, in the front door.
I actually find it so depressing to be in that room, and spend most of my waking time in my Son's room which has the computer and two very large windows.. My room just feels like a box, and much of it is taken up by my bed. I don't feel inspired to do exercise in it at all, including my beloved Yoga and meditation.
Still, I'm gonna try again starting this month, since my energy is beginning to return today, after a two month stint of me and my Son being sick with flus...
Shovelglove, when I do it, has always had an amazing effect on my mind and mood.
It's a real upper!
Maybe if I stick at it long enough, I'll be able to develop strength to do a handstand in Yoga..
Have a great day!
Peace,
Debs
But the handle isn't really part of the force of pull... That's the crucial part of the whole thing.. The leveraging of the heads weight is what it's all about.
I have been totally not doing SG for a long while.. I can't figure out why.
It kinda stopped when I moved to our new cottage.. It's fairly cramped for space... And especially, I think it has something to do with the fact that my room, where there is enough room to safely or enjoyably, swing a sledge, has one tiny little window in it, in the front door.
I actually find it so depressing to be in that room, and spend most of my waking time in my Son's room which has the computer and two very large windows.. My room just feels like a box, and much of it is taken up by my bed. I don't feel inspired to do exercise in it at all, including my beloved Yoga and meditation.
Still, I'm gonna try again starting this month, since my energy is beginning to return today, after a two month stint of me and my Son being sick with flus...
Shovelglove, when I do it, has always had an amazing effect on my mind and mood.
It's a real upper!
Maybe if I stick at it long enough, I'll be able to develop strength to do a handstand in Yoga..
Have a great day!
Peace,
Debs
There is no Wisdom greater than Kindness
Past the three month mark Physical Exam Results!
Hi everyone!
I am so happy.
I had my yearly physical exam this morning. The doctor was clearly amazed with the changes I have made since the last time he saw me.
My weight on their scale was 144 (about 25 pounds less than their last measurement). My BP was 84/50. My resting heartrate was in the low 60's.
I told him about calorie-count.com and about shovelglove.com and he said "You know. It sounds hokey at first, but it makes a lot of sense. I think I'm going to get myself a sledgehammer too and start doing it."
The best part was this: When I was last there (more than a year ago), he offered to measure my body fat percentage using one of those electrical impedance devices. At that time I was up around 27% BF.
I asked him to measure me today. My new reading: 17%!!! When the device registered that reading, he shook my hand vigorously and said "Congratulations! I am impressed!"
All of the numbers match my Tanita scale (with its body fat percentage reading) which also gives me confidence in my at home measurements.
They took some blood and I won't get the results of their tests for another week.
In any case, I wanted to share my mini success here.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
I am so happy.
I had my yearly physical exam this morning. The doctor was clearly amazed with the changes I have made since the last time he saw me.
My weight on their scale was 144 (about 25 pounds less than their last measurement). My BP was 84/50. My resting heartrate was in the low 60's.
I told him about calorie-count.com and about shovelglove.com and he said "You know. It sounds hokey at first, but it makes a lot of sense. I think I'm going to get myself a sledgehammer too and start doing it."
The best part was this: When I was last there (more than a year ago), he offered to measure my body fat percentage using one of those electrical impedance devices. At that time I was up around 27% BF.
I asked him to measure me today. My new reading: 17%!!! When the device registered that reading, he shook my hand vigorously and said "Congratulations! I am impressed!"
All of the numbers match my Tanita scale (with its body fat percentage reading) which also gives me confidence in my at home measurements.
They took some blood and I won't get the results of their tests for another week.
In any case, I wanted to share my mini success here.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Kayvan,
That is awesome! Testimonials page worthy!
Congratulations!
I wish my current doctor had known me pre-shovelglove....
Reinhard
That is awesome! Testimonials page worthy!
Congratulations!
I wish my current doctor had known me pre-shovelglove....
Reinhard
Thanks, Reinhard!reinhard wrote:Kayvan,
That is awesome! Testimonials page worthy!
Congratulations!
I wish my current doctor had known me pre-shovelglove....
Reinhard
It's fun to see my words on the shovelglove testimonial page.
I have a small question: For the last few weeks I have been doing the following routine:
(21, 14, 7) x (shovel, churn butter, chop wood, flip lever, hoist sack)
I do the whole thing in the fourteen minutes, with a few seconds to spare. I am wondering what to do to go to the next level, however. The routine is starting to become just a tad stale.
Any suggestions?
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
- sledgehammer
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:52 pm
kayvan wrote:Kayvan,reinhard wrote:Kayvan,
I do the whole thing in the fourteen minutes, with a few seconds to spare. I am wondering what to do to go to the next level, however. The routine is starting to become just a tad stale.
Any suggestions?
---Kayvan
Same here and one thing I've done is substitute the exercise I found the most 'stale' in my routine for 10 hindu pushups:
http://www.hindupushups.com/
Hindu pushups give a full body workout , especially the back, abs, shoulders and triceps.
I recommend to add them at the end of the routine for when you're warm to reduce risk of injury.
Kayvan,
One thing I do to balance the two competing goods of habit and novelty is to stick with a pretty fixed routine (or two) four days a week, and experiment on Fridays. If an experiment is particularly fruitful (after having given it a few Fridays to really try it out) I consider inserting it into the routine.
For starters, there are a bunch of movements in the "standard" repertoire that you're not currently doing that you might want to experiment with: drive fence posts, stoke over, the fireman, chop tree. Then there are a bunch of not-yet standard movements that have been proposed in the forum here (and will eventually be standardized!).
Besides movements, other things you can experiment with are "scenarios" to tie them together, and rep counts.
Reinhard
One thing I do to balance the two competing goods of habit and novelty is to stick with a pretty fixed routine (or two) four days a week, and experiment on Fridays. If an experiment is particularly fruitful (after having given it a few Fridays to really try it out) I consider inserting it into the routine.
For starters, there are a bunch of movements in the "standard" repertoire that you're not currently doing that you might want to experiment with: drive fence posts, stoke over, the fireman, chop tree. Then there are a bunch of not-yet standard movements that have been proposed in the forum here (and will eventually be standardized!).
Besides movements, other things you can experiment with are "scenarios" to tie them together, and rep counts.
Reinhard
Quick update at the 4 month mark
I have been faithfully sticking to the routine for about four months now.
The other day, at the local playground, I jumped up on the pull-up bar and to my utter amazement and delight was able to do 5 pull-ups. A couple of days later, I went back and was able to do 7 pull-ups.
I have never been able to do more than one (and that one only with the "assistance" of my high school gym teacher cajoling and yelling at me to do it).
The only thing I do for strength training these days is shovelglove and sporadic sets of push-up variants, and shovelglove is the only consistent piece of my routine. I can therefore state unequivocally that my newfound ability to do pull-ups is due to the shovelglove workout!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
The other day, at the local playground, I jumped up on the pull-up bar and to my utter amazement and delight was able to do 5 pull-ups. A couple of days later, I went back and was able to do 7 pull-ups.
I have never been able to do more than one (and that one only with the "assistance" of my high school gym teacher cajoling and yelling at me to do it).
The only thing I do for strength training these days is shovelglove and sporadic sets of push-up variants, and shovelglove is the only consistent piece of my routine. I can therefore state unequivocally that my newfound ability to do pull-ups is due to the shovelglove workout!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Nice! I've tried a few times at the playground... but the "what the hell are you doing looks?" I get from the other mommies and daddies (or imagine I'm getting) stop me way before I physically max out.
7 is very respectable -- especially if you haven't been specifically training by doing them.
I'm very happy to read about all these cross-exercise strength and conditioning benefits shovelglove seems to be delivering to people on this board -- bench press, pullups, even running. It makes sense, I guess, but it's still somehow surprising.
Reinhard
7 is very respectable -- especially if you haven't been specifically training by doing them.
I'm very happy to read about all these cross-exercise strength and conditioning benefits shovelglove seems to be delivering to people on this board -- bench press, pullups, even running. It makes sense, I guess, but it's still somehow surprising.
Reinhard
Hi Kavyan,
I have been looking into wushu as a source of inspiration as well. I got a VCD with a Shuang Chui (double hammer) form which is great since you can use it "as is: for exercises using two one-handed hammers: http://www.chinesemall.com/mizushuangchui.html
I wonder if you know or would recommend two-handed weapon forms that would translate well to shovelgloving. I will definitely check the Kwan-Dao.
Thanks,
Nascif
I have been looking into wushu as a source of inspiration as well. I got a VCD with a Shuang Chui (double hammer) form which is great since you can use it "as is: for exercises using two one-handed hammers: http://www.chinesemall.com/mizushuangchui.html
I wonder if you know or would recommend two-handed weapon forms that would translate well to shovelgloving. I will definitely check the Kwan-Dao.
Thanks,
Nascif
Another milestone
As of a couple of days ago, I have been shovelgloving for 6 months.
Sometimes I do the shovelglove in my cubicle, while babysitting a build. All my officemates think it's normal now.
I love it!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Sometimes I do the shovelglove in my cubicle, while babysitting a build. All my officemates think it's normal now.
I love it!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
- gratefuldeb67
- Posts: 6256
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:26 pm
- Location: Great Neck, NY
Upping the number of reps...
So, I've been doing a lot of the following pattern: Left hand, then right hand of
21 x Shoveling
21 x one-handed butter churn
21 x chop wood
21 x flip lever
21 x hoist the sack.
Followed by 14 reps of same, and finishing with 7, for a total of 42 of each.
Yesterday, I decided to change things a bit and did a straight set of:
50 x Shoveling
50 x one-handed butter churn
50 x chop wood
50 x flip lever
50 x hoist the sack.
Again, leading with left hand first, then the right. I did it all in the 14 minutes and boy was it a nice workout!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
21 x Shoveling
21 x one-handed butter churn
21 x chop wood
21 x flip lever
21 x hoist the sack.
Followed by 14 reps of same, and finishing with 7, for a total of 42 of each.
Yesterday, I decided to change things a bit and did a straight set of:
50 x Shoveling
50 x one-handed butter churn
50 x chop wood
50 x flip lever
50 x hoist the sack.
Again, leading with left hand first, then the right. I did it all in the 14 minutes and boy was it a nice workout!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Checking in
In another month or so, it will be one year of shovelgloving for me.
Here is my recent picture, as of yesterday (10/6/07):
Here is my recent picture, as of yesterday (10/6/07):
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Yes. I've lost another 5-8 pounds or so (most days my weight fluctuates between 137 and 140) and the Tanita body-fat reading is around 15-16% now with the occasional 14% reading.david wrote:Good work! Has your weight or BF% changed since your physical?
--david
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Thanks, Reinhard!reinhard wrote:Awesome! I'm so happy to hear (and see!) you're still with it.
Great picture, you look very lean and strong.
Reinhard
As of my 41st birthday (August 19th) I came up with the idea that I would do at least twice my weight in pushups every day. My thinking is that by the time I'm 75, I'm doing 150 pushups a day and keeping fit and that the increment from year to year (two extra pushups) is no big deal.
I've kept that promise to myself and it does not take that long. I do at least one set of 41 pushups in the morning now and it takes about 1-2 minutes. Later in the day, I take a break and do another set. Another 1-2 minutes. It's gotten easier every day and my form has gotten better.
This is an application of what I'm calling "the shovelglove philosophy": small incremental efforts applied consistently to improve an area of life.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
I hope you mean twice your age.... Good idea too, I may have to incorporate that!kayvan wrote:As of my 41st birthday (August 19th) I came up with the idea that I would do at least twice my weight in pushups every day.
Reminds me of the martial art legend of the student who was instructed to lift a baby calf (the same calf) every morning before training. By the time he had completed his training he could lift a cow. Or the Paul Bunyon-esque tall tale of the gold rush prospector who would incrementally put a gold nugget or two in his pocket every day, and spend the whole day jumping back & forth across the creek he was panning. By the time he reached where the creek flowed in to town, he cashed in his gold for bank notes, and accidentally jumped over the horizon, never to be heard from again.This is an application of what I'm calling "the shovelglove philosophy": small incremental efforts applied consistently to improve an area of life.
Yes, I meant twice my age.urbansix wrote:I hope you mean twice your age.... Good idea too, I may have to incorporate that!kayvan wrote:As of my 41st birthday (August 19th) I came up with the idea that I would do at least twice my weight in pushups every day.
When I do my requisite 82 per day, I sometimes just do a few more for fun or with strange variations. One variation I like these days is what I call "Tai Chi" pushups... Start in pushup plank position and do a pushup as slowly as you can. One pushup can take me thirty seconds or longer. It's real fun torture.
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Twice one's weight might be brutally hard, but what incentive to trim down
Age sounds good too (for now -- I'd be curious whether there are any 80 year olds who can bang out 160 pushups a day).
Does the tai chi (aka "torture") pushup count as just one? Watch out or you're going to wind up with post traumatic stress disorder!
Reinhard
Age sounds good too (for now -- I'd be curious whether there are any 80 year olds who can bang out 160 pushups a day).
Does the tai chi (aka "torture") pushup count as just one? Watch out or you're going to wind up with post traumatic stress disorder!
Reinhard
Hmmm... Doing my weight in pounds is actually doable. That only adds another 50-60 pushups per day. I think I'll stick to twice my age.reinhard wrote:Twice one's weight might be brutally hard, but what incentive to trim down
Yes. Jack LaLanne, who just turned 93, could probably easily pop out 200 pushups a day.reinhard wrote:Age sounds good too (for now -- I'd be curious whether there are any 80 year olds who can bang out 160 pushups a day).
I don't do the torture pushups till I have done my 82 normal-ish pushups (mostly I do normal pushups and incline pushups, where my feet are on a chair for example).reinhard wrote:Does the tai chi (aka "torture") pushup count as just one? Watch out or you're going to wind up with post traumatic stress disorder!
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Coming up on the one year mark...
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I'm coming up on the one year mark, still doing shovelglove every weekday.
I hope everyone is having a great time with their families and friends this week.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
I'm coming up on the one year mark, still doing shovelglove every weekday.
I hope everyone is having a great time with their families and friends this week.
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
One year as of yesterday!
Yesterday was my one year shovelglove anniversary!
I did a 14 minute routine yesterday that consisted of the following exercises (done on the left side and then on the right side, for each set):
21 shovel
21 churn butter
14 chop wood
14 flip lever
14 drive fencepost
14 hoist sack
14 tuck bale
14 stoke oven
14 fireman
14 chop tree
and repeat (I got halfway through the routine the second time before the timer went off).
It feels great!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
I did a 14 minute routine yesterday that consisted of the following exercises (done on the left side and then on the right side, for each set):
21 shovel
21 churn butter
14 chop wood
14 flip lever
14 drive fencepost
14 hoist sack
14 tuck bale
14 stoke oven
14 fireman
14 chop tree
and repeat (I got halfway through the routine the second time before the timer went off).
It feels great!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.
Official congratulations! (my last was a few days premature)
And thanks for sharing the details of your routine.
Once I get the movements discussion threads all linked to the movements pages (you wouldn't think it would take this long, but I somehow always seem to have some slightly higher priority), I'll link to it from the new "routines" section.
Reinhard
And thanks for sharing the details of your routine.
Once I get the movements discussion threads all linked to the movements pages (you wouldn't think it would take this long, but I somehow always seem to have some slightly higher priority), I'll link to it from the new "routines" section.
Reinhard
- gratefuldeb67
- Posts: 6256
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:26 pm
- Location: Great Neck, NY
It's been a while!
Wow. It's been several years. I hope there are people still doing this!
I just re-started again today. I was moving some stuff around and found my two shovelgloves (a ten pounder and twelve pounder) in my office and just on a lark started up again.
I walk a lot (using my FitBit and my Inspire gadgets) and I've been thinking of getting a power-rack and an olympic weight set, but meanwhile, I figured "Why wait? I have my old friend here." so I put a timer on for fourteen minutes and started swinging it around.
I'd forgotten how good it feels to move my body like that!
Merry Christmas everyone and may you live long and prosper!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
I just re-started again today. I was moving some stuff around and found my two shovelgloves (a ten pounder and twelve pounder) in my office and just on a lark started up again.
I walk a lot (using my FitBit and my Inspire gadgets) and I've been thinking of getting a power-rack and an olympic weight set, but meanwhile, I figured "Why wait? I have my old friend here." so I put a timer on for fourteen minutes and started swinging it around.
I'd forgotten how good it feels to move my body like that!
Merry Christmas everyone and may you live long and prosper!
Best regards,
---Kayvan
Father, Husband, Writer, Software Geek.