Dave's ANIMAL KINGDOM WORKOUTS Blog

This blog will contain my latest thoughts on natural workouts, weight loss, and updates to this site.

Jan 5, 2009, A great idea

Today I found a great tip at a great blog called "Fat FIghter TV". What she found is a service that will take a picture of you, then digitally change it so that you're 50 pounds lighter. You can actually see in advance what you weight loss goal is!

One of the real keys to making any kind of change in your life is changing the mental blueprint you have of yourself. I think this service could really help with that. As usual, I've put a link to Fat Fighter TV below. Enjoy!

- Dave

Jan 4, 2009, Workout Log and "The Shrimp"

Today at the "Ice Chamber" blog, I came across an interesting animal exercise that I hadn't heard of before. It has to be done in a group, although it looks fun. It's called "The Shrimp". The link is below.

As far as my workout yesterday, here's what I did:

My crazy wamup with some modifications
50 hindu pushups
2 minutes back bridge
7 1/4 handstand pushups
11 panther crawls
2 minute crab movement

I had to stop the crab, as my knee was starting to act up. The great thing about natural exercise, especially those based on animal movement, is that it works your body from all angles. However, when you have loose cartilage in your knee, this can cause issues. I'm hoping to see my doctor about this in the near future.

Thank-you for stopping by and all the best

- Dave

Jan 3, 2009, Natural Weight Loss - The Animal Kingdom Way

If you want to learn the way to natural weight loss, look no further than to the animals of the wild.

Jan 3, 2009, Ways To Lose Weight

This article outlines ways to lose weight that anyone can do. The key is to make positive, long term changes, not dieting.

Jan 3, 2009, Fitness quotes from Dr. J.

Just a quick note today. At Trying Fitness, (link posted below) Eartha has put together a terrific little E-Boof FOR FREE filled with inspirational fitness quotes. I think it's a great idea, particulary for the new year. Here's a little taste for you. It's a great quote from one of my favorite basketball players of all time, Julius (Dr J) Erving.

If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end

Check it out. You'll be glad you did.

- Dave

Jan 1, 2009, My Workout Log, Zen, and Steve Jobs

Today is the first day of the new year, and I guess it's time for New Year's resolutions. My goals fitness wise are two fold. 1) to be able to perform full handstand pushups 2) just to eat healthier by preparing more meals at home.

At the Zen to Fitness site (link below!), there is a great post on New Year's resolutions, and things to focus on for the New Year. He also posts a link to a commencement speech by Steve Jobs, which I quite liked. I've read a lot of books on Apple, and at times I think Jobs can be a bit of a dink, frankly. However, he makes some nice points here. As he says, stay hungry, stay foolish.



As far as my workout goes, here's what I did:

50 hindu pushups
2 minute back bridge
6 1/4 handstand pushups
10 panther crawls

Happy New Year to All!

- Dave

Dec 31, 2008, The Workout Blog

50 hindu pushups
2 minutes back bridge
6 1/4 handstand pushups
11 panther crawls

I also had an MRI and CAT scan done on my knee yesterday. To do this, they had to inject it with freezing and a bunch of other stuff. It didn't hurt (much), but I didn't go to yoga as a result. Hopefully I'll be able to go today.

In other news, a came across another fantastic fitness blog. This one is really funny. It's called "FitnessFixation". The link is below. In today's post, they also had this great clip from "The Office". Seeing this clip makes me almost wish I watched more television (almost)

- Dave

Dec 29, 2008, Swimming - Good For Weight Loss?

Today at the weightladder (link below) there is an interesting post on the health benefits of swimming. I think swimming is a great exercise, but I wonder how effective it is for weight loss. I left a comment there that you might want to check out.

In other news, I was able to go to my Yoga class yesterday. It felt great, exactly what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, I'll be able to go today as well.

- Dave

Dec 28, 2008, No Yoga, but a New Blog!

I tried to go to my Yoga class yesterday, but I encountered the same problem. Although I could drive down to the studio, there was just no place to park! The sides of the road were basically snowbanks. I'm going to try again today, as it did rain a little last night. Wish me luck.

In the meantime, I did find another good blog. It's called the SmartFitter Blog, and it had a good posting on breathing, which is a key component of Yoga. Check it out, the links below.

- Dave

Dec 27, 2008, Getting back to my workouts and a great new Blog

How have your holidays been? For me, they've been great, although I've fallen off the workout wagon a bit. Although I have been doing my body weight exercises in the morning, I haven't been able to go to Yoga. Thanks to "Global Warming" I'm sure, Vancouver has been getting way more snow than ever. We're now on track to break a snow fall record that has stood since 1971. With all the snow, I just don't want to risk driving in the stuff. Vancouverites are used to driving in the rain, but they are clueless about snow. Today it's warm enough to rain, so I'm hoping it will wash away all of this nasty snow (or at least make it possible to drive and park). Here's hoping.

Here's the workout routine I followed yesterday

Hindu Pushups - 50
Hand Supported Back Bridge - 3:00 minutes
1/4 hand stand pushups - 6
Panther Crawls - 10 reps

I haven't been doing any hindu squats until I get my knee looked at with an MRI on the 30th. I suspect I have some loose cartilage in it, which may have to be removed. I hope so, as this would explain why my right knee has been so troublesome for the past 5 years.

On another note, I found a great blog today which basically follows my natural workout philosphy in its own way. It's called the Fitness Black Book, and the link is below. Check it out. There's a lot of good stuff there.

- Dave

Dec 27, 2008, Learn The Anti Aging Secrets Of The Animal Kingdom

Animals are typically much healthier than humans, particularly as they age. If you are interested in anti aging techniques, you can learn a lot from mother nature.

Dec 18, 2008, Beware Inertia

I came across a great article at "Get Fit Slowly", which deals with inertia. Basically, when you're eating well and exercising, it's easier to stay in that mindset and to keep going. It's almost like one of Newton's laws, a body at rest tends to stay at rest, a body in motion tends to stay in motion. This is something I've been dealing with, as I haven't been as consistent with my workouts as I'd like. My knee has been bothering me (I'm going in for a CAT scan on the 30th), and I just haven't been able to do all of the things I used to do. Nonetheless, the key thing for me (and for you) is to do what I can. Just because I can't do my Hindu Squats doesn't mean I should stop entirely. I just need to do what I can do. Anyway, read the article for yourself. I think it's worth your time. (The link is below)

- Dave

Dec 18, 2008, Great Post from the Diet Blog

I came across a good article at the diet blog today on how billions are wasted on hyped food products. Basically, the food industry knows there are millions of people out there who want to lose weight. Therefore, they often package their food to imply that it will help in the weightloss process. However, these claims are often misleading. Click on the link below for the full post

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you really want to lose weight, one of the best things you can do is to eat food in as close to it's natural state as possible. Any food that comes in a box, bag, or wrapper should be viewed with caution. Why? Because it's been processed, and this is generally bad news for weight loss. Like I said on my comment on the site, no one ever gained weight eating apples ...

Dec 14, 2008, Causes of Aging - Running?

In my e-mail last week I received an e-mail with an interesting fitness related question which I thought I'd share with you. Here it is:

I am prompted to agree. As an advocate of distance running and as a person who once ran 7 miles 3 to 4 times a week, I began to notice aging in my face and neck, particularly around the mouth. I never once realized this was due to running, but rather stress. I can say, I have now reduced my cardio to no more than 20 minutes, 3 times a week due to maintaining my weight and muscle mass.

Is there a way to correct the aging that now appears? Or is this something I must now live with?

Dec 13, 2008, Workout Log and Knee Update

I just got some news from the Doctor yesterday concerning the state of my right knee, which has been bothering me from some time. Basically, I haven't been able to bend it or straighten it as far as I would like, and it became very easily agitated if I played a sport like Tennis. I've always blamed this on all of the running I used to do. However, recently it has been bothering me more than normal, which prompted the doctor's visit. Here's what I learned.

It turns out I may have a bit of loose cartilage in my knee, which may have been causing these issues all along. Sometimes the loose bit may settle into a spot and be basically unnoticeable. Other times, however, it can flare up and cause trouble. This makes sense to me, as it really started to bother me when I performed a bunch of new exercises for a workout book I'm putting together. This isn't confirmed yet, as I'm going to need to get a CAT scan done on my knee. As I'm in Canada, I'm going to have to wait 6 weeks to get this done. Still, I'm excited about this possibility, as if there is a loose bit of something there, it can be removed and my knee might not bother me anymore. We'll see.

As far as my workouts go, I'm still taking it easy due to my knee. I went to Yoga yesterday, and I plan to go again today. That's it for now.

- Dave

Dec 10, 2008, My Workout Log +Joint Health and Yoga

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am only now beginning to get back into my workout routine after my Mexico vacation. I suppose it happens to all of us at some point. For whatever reason, you fall of the wagon diet or exercise wise and stop doing the things you know you should be doing. When this happens, the important thing to do is to not beat yourself up about it. Just start again TODAY (not tomorrow) doing a little something. Before you know it, you'll be back in the swing of things.

For myself, my right knee is still giving me some trouble. To fix this, I actually went to TWO yoga classes yesterday. I went once in the morning, and again at night. Although it was tough, my knee feels better already. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Yoga is one of the best forms of exercises you can do for your joints and ligaments. If you suffer from any kind of joint pain, I highly recommend you give it a try.

I'm seeing the doctor about my knee tomorrow. We'll see what he says.

- Dave

Dec 9, 2008, Back from Mexico

I've been a little remiss from updating my website. I've just recently returned from a vacation in Mexico and I'm only now beginning to get back in the swing of things. As far as my workouts go I went to Yoga yesterday for the first time in little over a week. It was pretty tough as I haven't done any kind of exercise for over a week. Still, I'm back at it. I should also be putting up some new web pages on this site in the the next little while, so stay tuned.

- Dave

Nov 24, 2008, My Workout Log - my injury

Not much to report here. I actually hurt my knee last week, so I haven't really been able to do a lot of exercise related activities. It is feeling better today, but it is far from perfect. I'm actually planning on seeing a doctor on Thursday about it. Wish me luck!

- Dave

Nov 16, 2008, Tips To Lose Weight - An Apple A Day ...

One of the best tips to lose weight you will find involves apples. Not only can they help you lose weight, but apples have a host of other benefits as well.

Nov 13, 2008, My Workout Log

I'm feeling better, but I'm not 100% yet. I started doing my morning workout, but I just ran out of gas. Still, at least I was able to do something ...

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
40 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats


That's it for now!

- Dave

Nov 11, 2008, Best Weight Loss Blogs

I'm still not feeling great, but I think I'm on the mend. I'm hoping to go to a yoga class tonight, at any rate. One thing I'm planning on doing in this section is highlighting other blogs/websites that I feel have good information on them. Today I came across a blog called Fat Man Unleashed. The theme in today's post is ways to stay consistent on your diet. As you know, I think the best weight loss plan is to NOT diet at all. However, there is still some good advice here that I think you might find useful.

I'm hoping to get back to my regular routine tomorrow. Here's hoping!

- Dave

Nov 10, 2008, My cold and Exercise gadgets

I've had a cold for the last couple of days, so I haven't been exercising like I would like. I just don't have the energy. Still, I thought you might enjoy this. It's a video from YouTube.



I was alerted to this video from a blog called Starling Fitness. You can check it out here: www.starling-fitness.com

Anyway, I'm going to get some more Orange Juice and go back to bed. I hate colds

- Dave

Nov 9, 2008, My Workout Log

Not much to report as far as my workouts go. I've been battling a cold bug, so I haven't been doing too much. I did go to yoga yesterday though. I have a cold which feels like it's in all of my joints, so it did make me feel better. However, I was just exhausted at the end of it. Hopefully, I'll be feeling better soon.

I hope your feeling OK.
best
Dave

Nov 7, 2008, Causes Of Aging - Does Running Accelerate The Agining Process?

When people consider the causes of aging, one cause they likely do not suspect is long distance running. However, I believe this is a mistake. Regular long distance running can cause you to age before your time.

Nov 5, 2008, Running Injuries - How Healthy Is Jogging?

Despite common running injuries like shin splints, most people believe that jogging is a healthy acitivity. But is it really? This article explains why animals don't run, and why you shouldn't either.

Nov 5, 2008, My Health And Fitness Philosophy

My health and fitness philosophy is that we should look to the example of the natural world if we want to be strong and fit. Animals don't run or lift weights, and neither should you.

Nov 4, 2008, Anti Aging Discoveries - Exercise And Alzheimer's

One of the latest anti aging discoveries is how regular exercise can slow the brain atrophy associated with Alzheimer's patients.

Nov 2, 2008, My Workout Log

Here's my workout log for Saturday.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
1:30 minute hands free back bridge
6 1/4 handstand pushups
headdstands

I'm kind of wimping out on the hands free back bridge. I need to remember to stop fidgeting if I want to hold it longer. Still, there's always tomorrow ...

That's it for now!

- Dave

Nov 2, 2008, Health Benefits of Yoga

The health benefits of yoga are not just physical, but mental and spiritual as well.

Nov 2, 2008, History Of Yoga

The history of yoga stretches back over 5000 years. This article gives a brief overview of this, as well as the more modern yoga history in North America.

Nov 2, 2008, What Is Yoga?

What is yoga? People think of it as exercise, but it can be much more than that.

Oct 31, 2008, My Workout Log

didn't go to Yoga on Thursday, as I was feeling a little bit tired. I still did my morning routine though. Here's what I did.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2:00 minute hands free back bridge
6 1/4 handstand pushups
headdstands

I think I can hold the hands free back bridge for longer. However, I have a bit of a cold, which is slowing my progress. When you can't breathe easily through your nose, it makes it much harder. I'll just have to be patient, I guess.

That's it for now!

- Dave

Oct 31, 2008, Rapid Weight Loss - Learn The Natural Secret

Would you like to learn a way to lose between 7 and 10 pounds in three days? If so, read on to learn this rapid weight loss secret.

Oct 31, 2008, Weight Loss Foods - Watermelon

If you are looking for weight loss foods that will help you burn fat and shed excess pounds, try watermelon.

Oct 30, 2008, My Workout Log

This is what I did on Wednesday. I also went to Yoga in the evening, even though I really didn't want to. I rewarded myself with a frosty float from Wendy's. I know this isn't the best thing to do, but you have to treat yourself I think, from time to time.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2:20 minute hands free back bridge
6 1/4 handstand pushups
headdstands

My 1/4 handstands are getting close to being 1/2 handstand pushups. So I'm making progress here. Like I say, just do a little each day ...

That's it for now!
- Dave

Oct 30, 2008, Fasting For Weight Loss - A Natural Way To Lose Weight

In nature, most animals do not eat 3 (or 4, or 5) meals a day. Without realizing it, they are often fasting. Just like the animals, fasting for weight loss can work for you too.

Oct 29, 2008, My Workout Log

Not much to report today. On Tuesday I wasn't able to do my usual morning workout routine, although I did do my warmup. I find I need to do something in the morning or else I just won't feel right. I did go to my evening yoga class, however.

- Dave

Oct 29, 2008, Strength And Conditioning Workouts For The Entire Body - The Bear Crawl

The Bear Crawl is among the toughest strength and conditioning workouts you can do.

Oct 29, 2008, Workout Routines For The Chest - The Dive Bomber Pushup

One of the best workout routines you can perform for not only your chest, but your entire body, is the Dive Bomber Pushup.

Oct 28, 2008, My Workout Log

This is the workout routine I followed on Monday.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2:10 minute hands free back bridge
7 1/4 handstand pushups
headstands

I also went to my yoga class in the evening. However, as I mentioned previously, the heater was not working. I decided to try the class anyway. What I learned was that it was still a good workout in the non heated room, although it was not nearly as tough. I think part of the reason is that the heat forces your heart to really work, in order to cool your body down. At room temperature, it just doesn't need to do that. Anyway, I've done a class without the heat and with it. I definitely prefer the class with it. This is what I'm going to stick with from now on.

Have a great day!

- Dave

Oct 28, 2008, A Great Beginner Chest Exercise For All Ages - The Wall Pushup

The Wall Pushup is a fantastic chest exercise for those who cannot perform a regular pushup.

Oct 28, 2008, Natural Chest Exercises - Learn to Train Injury Free!

Chest Exercises that use weights are unnatural and can cause severe injury. To develop a strong chest, <em>all you need is your own bodyweight.</em>

Oct 27, 2008, My Workout Log - Yoga Disaster!

Well, OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. It wasn't quite a disaster. Let me explain.

The kind of yoga I usually do is Bikram's Yoga. Bikram's is basically a combination of Hatha and Raja yoga, performed in a really hot room. When you first try a class, you really hate the heat. However, after a short while, you almost feel like you need it. Anyway, I went to my class, only to learn that the heater was broken! If I wanted to do a class, I would have had to do it at regular room temperature. I decided that I didn't want to do this, so I left that studio and went to another one in which the heat was working.

Ok, I know that wasn't the most exciting story in the world. Still, the moral is it would have been very easy for me to skip the whole thing and just take a day off. I didn't do this, and I was glad I didn't. I felt great afterwards. Anyway, that's what I did on Sunday. How'd you do?

- Dave

Oct 27, 2008, Advanced Bicep Exercises - One Leg Pushups

Most bicep exercises isolate your muscles in unnatural ways. Pushup variations like the one legged pushup will work your entire arm naturally, not just your biceps.

Oct 27, 2008, Natural Forearm Exercises That Can Be Done Anywhere

Interested in learning the Forearm Exercises of the Wild? If you want the strength and endurance of an animal, give the Indoor Bear Crawl a try.

Oct 26, 2008, My Workout Log

This is the workout routine I followed on Friday Pretty much the same as I did on Thursday, except that I went to Yoga in the evening as well.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2:10 minute hands free back bridge
5 1/4 handstand pushups
headdstands

That's it for now. Have a great day!


- Dave

Oct 24, 2008, My Workout Log

This is the workout routine I followed on Thursday.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2:10 minute hands free back bridge
5 1/4 handstand pushups
headstands

The other exercise I've added to my routine is performing some headstands after I get through my handstand pushups. I'm not very good at them yet, but they really help with your balance and co-ordination. As well, it really works your core as you have to concentrate so hard on stabilizing yourself, just to maintain the headstand.
That's it for now. Have a great day!


- Dave

Oct 24, 2008, A Basic Arm Exercise For Everyone - The Power Cat Push-Up

If you are looking for a beginning arm exercise that will also work your shoulders and chest, the Power Cat Push-Up is for you.

Oct 24, 2008, Natural Arm Exercises That Work Your Entire Body

These arm exercises will help you develop the sexy and toned arms you've always wanted. Plus, like all great animal exercises, they will work your entire body as well.

Oct 21, 2008, My Workout Log

I've just started a new job, so I've been a little slow in my workout updates. Still, here's what I did on Monday.

My new crazy warm-up
6 minutes Farmer Burns Stomach Flattener
50 Hindu Pushups
100 hindu squats
2 minute hands free back bridge
5 1/4 handstand pushups

Although it's not obvious here, I'm feeling a lot better about the handstand pushup. I think I'm making real progress already. I can feel myself getting stronger. The key is to do a little everday.
That's it for now. Have a great day!


- Dave