Lookin' for a good training book or two

[DragonGuardian]

Not many of you may know this, but recent events made it impossible to train at the dojo where I used to, and with time (and money) being fairly tight, I've been looking into solo study. I will continue to practice my current style, yes, but I was looking for a book or two that would encompass not so much fighting as working out the body. I ran across this: http://www.amazon.com/Shaolin-Workout-Days-Transforming-Warriors/dp/1594864004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231126795&sr=1-1 and read some reviews, ranging from "It works" to "total scam." If any of yall have input on this, or a recommendation, it'd be greatly appreciated. I just want to emphasize I want to focus on the style I've been taking, not learn another one...so it's the more of the workout aspect I'm looking at.

Thanks
-DG

[Dotanuki]

I just want to emphasize I want to focus on the style I've been taking, not learn another one...so it's the more of the workout aspect I'm looking at.

Thanks
-DG

DG,
How about something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Blast-Ed-Ouellette/dp/B0000A59XX/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8

[DragonGuardian]

I dont mean any personal offense..but is that a serious recommendation?

[Dotanuki]

No, I was joking around! =))

Although the simple things (tried and true) to stay in shape, often work the best. They say doing jumping jacks is the best aerobic excercise you can do. Just do 200 straight through, and see how you feel. :ohyeah:
Get yourself spring hand grips and do hundreds a day in sets, hand strength is the most important, but most overlooked aspect of training.
I just gave you 2 generic exercises, many times we don't need a book or video tape, just common sense. Today people are being brainwashed into thinking they need a tape or book to exercise.

[Travis Morris]

I lift weights, use a Bowflex (LOVE IT), and an eliptical to stay in shape. Also when the weather is nice, I run.

The jumping jacks and hand grips are great advice!!!!

[Taygrd]

No, I was joking around! =))

.
Good one.

[bobO]

The only exercise I'd get from R.S. is from kicking his butt.

[Firehand10k]

A good one for working out the body that lists many exersices that require no special training can be had for free on the internet.
Search for: FM 21-20.
Its the ARMY pysical training manual. It not only lists specific exercises but also advises on how to make a workout plan. Most of what is in it also requires no eqiupment other than your own body.

Edit: On second thought forget the search. Here's a link-
http://sill-www.army.mil/bolc2/FM%2021-20%20(PT).pdf

[69NINJA]

A good one for working out the body that lists many exersices that require no special training can be had for free on the internet.
Search for: FM 21-20.
Its the ARMY pysical training manual. It not only lists specific exercises but also advises on how to make a workout plan. Most of what is in it also requires no eqiupment other than your own body.

Edit: On second thought forget the search. Here's a link-
http://sill-www.army.mil/bolc2/FM%2021-20%20(PT).pdf

That guides great, some of the pictures make me glad I never joined the military though. What the hell are they teaching you guys?!?!

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/dragonsbrew717/scary.jpg

[Firehand10k]

The true purpose for yoga.

Hmm forgot about the illustrations. Been I while since I actually read the manual. At least the writers were better than the illustrators.

[69NINJA]

yeah kinda scary, some of em have a 'Billy's first day of prison' look to em :cry:

[Dotanuki]

yeah kinda scary, some of em have a 'Billy's first day of prison' look to em :cry:

That is why it is best you learn them in the military, for their true purpose.
Rather than the perverted jailhouse version, you would learn in prison.

Years ago, these same exercises that Firehand showed, were what was taught in gym class in school (I have no idea what is taught now). Remember the rope climbs to the ceiling? As a kid we even had our own obstacle courses made up, similar to these. Seeing who could climb the highest tree? I once walked the perimeter of a 2 story building that was in the process of being built, as a kid. (why do you think I yell at the young people now!!?). The brick school bldgs used to have extended bricks on the corners of the bldgs that we used to climb, much like indoor rock wall climbing now. When I was young the only exercise equipment was weights, so we just made up our own exercises using our imagination.
I think all this stuff I did as a kid, ended up the fore-runner to the extreme sports we have now.

DG,
Very often the training you make for yourself outside the class, is what will set you apart in the class. If you are in a Karate style class, always practice knuckle pushups on your own. Knuckle pushups do not destroy bones and cartiledge the way breaking does, it will build a thick callous on your knucles instead, and toughen without injuring. Impress the class with 200 pushups on your knuckles! I once knew a guy who practiced bent wrist pushups, used to do 100 straight through. I doubt there was a person alive, who could do a wristlock on him. Rolling pins toughening the shins, etc., are among the home training with the others mentioned you need no school for training. Classrooms you gain knowledge and skill, but on your own, you will develop strength and constitution.

[DragonGuardian]

Dotanuki,
I actually have been doing knuckle pushups for the last 6 months or so, and may I say, within the first month (because it was unusual to me) I was thinking "Damn, this hurts..." but now it's not so bad..I haven't heard of the bent wrist pushups though, nor the rolling pins to toughen the shins....I'd be very grateful if you'd be willing to list a few more in-home techniques (in detail if possible.) I should mention I have set of free weights at home, 10, 15, and 25 if that matters.
Your insight is always welcome
-DG

[bobO]

So now, put your fists in the vertical and only use the first two knuckles on each hand.

[Monkeybear]

Do you want my honest to God opinion as someone who works in a book store and has looked though and read many books?

If so I recommend The New York City Ballet Workout. Laugh all you want. Then go to the local library and check it out. They do it for a few weeks and tell me what you think. Its a good addition to the typical weights, push-ups and running that we all do. Its also kinda pricey so I would either pick it up used or check it out at the library.

http://www.amazon.com/New-York-City-Ballet-Workout/dp/0688148433/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243907309&sr=1-1

If you are just worried about being a little thick in the middle and out of breath the Abs Diet works great. It gets my fiance's seal of approval and she is in college studing this stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Abs-Diet-Six-Week-Flatten-Stomach/dp/1594862168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243907534&sr=1-1