Hey check out Missmirakwon on Flickr lifting 85kg hex dead lift. No really, look at it, you need to look at it.
Did you look at Missmirakwon’s video like I told you to? Good, because I did that this morning. I lifted 80kg hex dead lift 8 reps (or “times” if you’re outside of the gym). I felt good doing it; and fantastic afterwards.
I’m documenting this because I did have a plan of abandoning the hex dead lift upon entering the gym this morning. I’d decided that I couldn’t lift 80 kilos after last week’s ugly attempt - 6 wobbly reps with poor form. During the week I’d done a few High Intensity Intermittent Training (HIIT) sessions at the University of Auckland’s gym and it seems to have made a real difference. Which proves, yet again, you don’t always have to lift heavy stuff to lift heavier stuff.
Now, I’ve been working with a personal trainer for a year. If you have known me for a year, and I hadn’t told you that I’d been working with a personal trainer for that whole time, you’d be surprised. I don’t look very different at all now compared to 12 months ago. But I am, in fact, very different.
Not only am I much stronger, I have better balance, my sleep is much better, my “digestion” is marvellous, I can get down onto the floor and, get this, get. back. up. again. I know, right? Incredible.
The first session I had last year, I had to do some stuff on the floor a) I nearly died and b) I couldn’t get up again without first crawling over to a chair and using it to help me back onto my feet. I don’t need no stinking chair no more. I have strength in my legs now!
But no, you won’t notice just looking at me. I still look overweight and dumpy but change is a-foot from the inside-out.
Digital fitness
Seconds Pro app
I know that most smart phones and watches have timers on them of some time. But Seconds Pro is so much better than any built-in clock. If you do HIIT, Tabata, or any exercise where you have a certain amount of time exercising and resting, this is the best bloody app I’ve found. Programmable, colour choices, sounds counting up and down so you don’t have to keep looking at the phone - it seems expensive compared to other apps in the market but truly, best value for money amen.
Natacha Oceane
I know, she’s a person, but she’s a flipping generous and fit one. Each week she shares an exercise routine via Instagram you can use for free. She’s also developed a small but perfectly formed stable of exercise regimes available for purchase and use via the Aflete app. Check her out because she’s revolutionised thinking around exercise and revved up my gym visits thanks to her CUT workout schedule #fangirl
Chris Hemsworth Spotify Playlist(s)
21 songs in a playlist that just work with your exercise session. I think Mr Hemsworth has shared other playlists for different body parts/tempo, but this one just works for most of my sweaty workouts so far. Check it out and let me know how you go.
Yoga with Adriene
Adriene and her youtube.com yoga is so good it might just change your life, man. She’s got something for everyone; from a ten minute session for busy people to a 30 day guided journey. If you think yoga is passive, do a couple of her sessions and you’ll find both your body and mind will feel the difference. Oh yeh, and it’s 100% free!
UPDATE 14/05/2019 - 85KG X 6 REPS