I remember the time in my life I was most obsessed with exercise. At 20 years old, home in Los Angeles for the baseball off season, I was at the peak of my training. It was January, and I always started to feel like I wasn’t prepared for the upcoming season at precisely this time. I lifted weights in the morning, then headed to the field to throw, take swings and run in the … [Read more...]
Two Weeks or a Lifetime?
Every January, folks around the world commit to better health. Unfortunately, many gravitate towards fad diets and cleanses as their jumping off point. These diets make trendy claims about quick weight loss and detoxification. Those enticing promises are just enough bait to entice people to swallow the hook.For this new year, I suggest a different, fresh tactic. Start … [Read more...]
When Less is More
In 1999, I was a rookie with the Detroit Tigers. After a game, I strode confidently into the Kansas City Royals’ weight room, rested the weight bar on my shoulders and settled in for some heavy squats. I rocked my hips back and dropped into my form, feeling totally in control. On the way back up, I got stuck. I leaned forward and the bar spilled over my neck. More than 500 … [Read more...]
Fitness Through Vacationing
Spending each day pushing awkwardly with one leg, squatting, swiveling the hips – it sounds less like fun and more like work. I realized, however, my recent snowboarding trip could have very well posed as a health spa vacation.I don’t believe that calories are a good place to focus attention, but they can paint a useful picture. Snowboarding on a mountain, at a moderate … [Read more...]
Overcoming Challenges (with sample workout)
I woke up on Sunday to snow falling. The light flakes were aesthetically inspiring, but set me to hemming and hawing. The Montana cold is uncomfortable to say the least, but more importantly, snow on the ground doesn’t provide much traction. Sprinting in this weather carried the risk of a slip and possible injury.What to do when nature or something similar hands you a … [Read more...]