Everyday Systems

[Locke1682]

Hello, I am making and using my first official shovelglove, if that's a thing, and wanted to say why.

I am an archaeologist and in my late 30s. Archaeologists ALWAYS excavate using hand tools, moving several metric tonnes of earth in a fairly short amount of time using simply spades, blade shovels and buckets. So basically the past 12 years of my life have been a combination of the shovelglove and the farmer's walk. Some metrics for those who want to try.

1, 5 gallon bucket of earth = 25lbs

1 shovelful of clay earth, ~10-12lbs

In any case, we do this for about 10 hours a day until the job is done, and in some cases you throw a pick into it to break rock layers. Needless to say it works. It works amazingly well. I don't have much in the way of glam muscles (Biceps, pecs), I have what I need, but muscles for real strength I have in spades. I have a huge core, back and shoulders, and as a resullt can lift or move just about anything.

I am adopting the shovelglove because I know this routine works and since I am starting a family I am becoming an office bound archaeologist, so I need to keep it up. This is perfect!

I even composed an ARCHAEOLOGY WORKOUT

50 shoveling motions, each side
2 minutes of Farmers Walks with 50 lbs, clean and pull at the end to chest level
50 full pick swinging motions
2 minutes Farmers Walk
50 shoveling motions
Cool down with plank and side plank.

This encompasses basically a day at excavation, just think of it. Moving 1 metric tonne of earth a day by yourself, with only a shovel!

[Locke1682]

Oh yeah, I am 180lbs, 5' 11" with 8% body fat. 32 inch waist, 41 inch chest, 12 inch arms (no arms hehe), 17 inch neck, and an awesome dog that fits in my backpack.

[reinhard]

Locke1682,

Welcome to shovelglove! And thanks for sharing this very interesting take on it. We've had "scenarios" proposed before, but none I think from someone with actual real life experience to draw from. And such interesting, unexpected real life experience! I used to think archeologists spent all their time battling Nazi's and dodging boobytraps, now I know they're really just working out all day.

Many thanks and best of luck,

Reinhard

[oolala53]

The Farmer's Walk is with 25 lbs. in each hand?
_________________
Count plates, not calories. Three a day. 8 years & counting
Age 64
SBMI Jan/10-30.8
Jan/12-26.8
Mar/13-24.9 Stayed at +/- 8-lb. for three years Sept/17 22.8 (but more fluctuation)
Mar/18 22.2

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.

[slothlike]

Great idea, when you get back in the field you'll have to let us know how well it maintained your strength.