Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Cross Country...

In my post just a few moments ago, I failed to mention that the effects of a previous class on Monday is also having lingering effects on my body. Prior to Log training, some of us that participated in Log Training also participated in Cross Country exercises.

Cross Country in Nabard Combat entails the use of controlled kicks with weights on each leg (at the ankle) and in this case on our waists as well. Each set of kicks are marched from one end of the academy to the other at which point we turn around and repeat the exercise back to the starting end. These combination kicks are controlled and continuous all the while focusing on the muscles of the entire body to provide the balance necessary to perform the kicks with the added weight at the ankles.

Well, with Monday's Cross Country exercise Master was a little creative. We were to hold each kick with precision and purpose (not unusual in itself), then step into a deep lung/squat before continuing the kick combination. Either of these things is in itself not unsual. However Master used this approach for the entirety of the class resulting in extra "special" benefits. The additional focus on the deep lunges and squats while continuing the kick combination contributes to the Nabard student's conditioning and strength. It also helps having 10 lbs on each leg and a waist weight belt...

Some New and Some New "Again" Exercises

With as many available exercises as we have with Nabard Log Training, it is no wonder that we sometimes develop new exercises as well as rediscover those older exercises which are really fantastic. Well, this past Monday night was one of those classes where we explored new exercises. Let it be known that they were fun and more than efficient at creating a powerful workout. I am feeling the workout still the day after and believe that I will continue to realize the effects of the class again tomorrow.

Couple the new exercises with the constant revisiting of older tried and true exercises and there is never a reason for boredom. Current count has our exercises in the hundreds when variations are considered, so each class brings its own feel and unique experience.

I can only imagine what is yet to come!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Unique Class Today

Well, it has been a long time since my last post. I have been busy once again and working a lot of hours. Time was a commodity that I did not have... I will try to post more as we move forward again.

Now to my topic.

Class today was interesting to say the least. We were well into the class when a group of military men walked in. We quickly set them up and explained a few basic moves and the proper way to hold the logs. Seeing how fit they were, I was a little nervous about my ability to give them a full workout like we do our other practitioners.

They progressed well through the class, but it didn't take long for them to see the benefits of Log Training. There were constant comments on how well the exercises were working and how much they could feel what we were doing. There were also grunts and hard breathing, as well as the ubiquitous dropping of feet when doing our horizontal and vertical extensions.

In the end, they were commenting on the effects and their liking of Log Training, and I was pleased that we were able to give them a complete and worthwhile exercise. I think the quality and intensity of the class surprised them and speaks to the quality of what we have begun with Log Training.