The Intelligent Workout » Fitness In Film

Happy Birthday To AH-nold

David Ridarelli — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:51:23 +0000

Sixty-two years of the Austrian Oak. Schwarzenegger may have had the greatest impact on changing the direction of fitness and motivating more people to workout than anyone in the last half century. Sure bodybuilders are pumped with steroids and produce a physique

that most people would raise their brow at but their hard work, self-discipline, and dedication in the weight room can be appreciated by all. Without these guys exercising to the beat of a different drum we all might be performing an exercise routine from a typical gym class in the 50s. Reading Arnold’s Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding in High School gave me a great knowledge base on proper nutrition and correct exercise technique. Watching him terminate or pump iron on film always gives me the itch to sprint to the gym. Now he’s giving back to the people as the Governator of California. Here are a few videos to celebrate his 62^nd year of being the remarkable Arnold.

The Good – Motivational…

The Bad – Hysterical…

The Ugly – Multilingual…

Add some fun & variety to your workout today by performing one set of Arnold Presses in order to honor the Austrian Oak.

300 Spartan Challenge – A Return To The Fundamentals

David Ridarelli — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:50:05 +0000

It has been exactly two years since 300 was released. It was a groundbreaking film and probably the most muscular movie to ever hit the big screen. I found the training the actors put in to be almost as stimulating as the epic tale and legendary CGI. I used to watch the trailer before all my workouts. “Just like You Imagined” quickly became one of the top played songs on my iPod Shuffle.

But the most important reminder I got from all the inspiring training footage and physiques was never to forget about the fundamentals of lifting. These guys were going back to the basics by doing pushups, pull-ups, box jumps, and deadlifts but taking them to the next level by using gymnastic rings, kettlebells, med balls, and even massive tires. Strict form was also a requirement of their training style. It was a great wake up call to make sure I did not stray too far into the workout realm where style is favored over substance.

I tried the 300 challenge that some of the actors and stunt doubles attempted at the end of their training. It’s a near perfect test of fitness with a clever combination of strength and endurance that taxes every muscle in your body. Floor wipers were my new ab move of choice and I realized the incredible intensity that these men must have trained with. So if you’re up to the challenge here it is.

25 pull-ups
50 deadlifts w/ 135 pounds
50 push-ups
50 jumps on a 24-inch platform
50 Floor Wipers w/ 135 pounds
50 Clean and Presses w/ 35 pounds
25 pull-ups

300 Total Reps Performed As Quickly As Possible

Check out the articles from the creator of the challenge at gymjones.com. They have an excellent one on proper form for the moves in the challenge as well as several other core lifts. There’s lots of other inspiring material – The second to last paragraph in this article is one of my favorite excerpts.

So the next time you’re jonesin’ for the gym – Remember the Fundamentals. Keep it simple, creative, intense, & of course, Intelligent.

The Joker’s Workout For Schemers

David Ridarelli — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:25:46 +0000

I know it is important to have a plan when you go workout. Things go much more smoothly in the gym and in life when there is a to-do list. Sometimes however it is good to go off the chartered course and see where it takes you. After watching The Dark Knight for the 42^nd time I told myself that The Joker has some really smooth moves. I delved a bit deeper and realized that The Joker has some really smooth fitness moves. Here are five exercises inspired by Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight to add a little lunacy to your workout.

Move: No. 2 Trick / One Armed Med Ball Slam

Credit: Warner Bros.

How To Perform: Grab a ten pound medicine ball with your right hand. Raise it over your head, slam it forcefully to the ground, catch it off the bounce, and repeat for six reps then switch arms.

When To Perform: During Your Warm-up to fire up your nervous system

Move: 500 Grand Stand / Turkish Get-Up

How To Perform: Lay with your back on the ground while holding a dumbbell with your arm extended towards the ceiling. While keeping your arm perpendicular to the floor, stand up by raising your back off the floor, planting your opposite hand on the ground, pulling your legs in, and the standing straight up.

When To Perform: End of A shoulder or full body workout to increase blood flow and tax your core.

Move: Interrogation Lunge / Bulgarian Split Squat

How To Perform: Have one foot in front of you while putting your other foot on a bench about two feet behind you. Squat down so your thigh gets parallel to the floor. Do 10-12 reps then switch legs.

When To Perform: Early on in your leg or full body workout to nuke your core and your legs.

Move: Joker’s Droop / Gorilla Hang

How To Perform: Grab A Pull-up bar with one arm and hang.

When To Perform: End of a Back or full body workout for a great stretch as well as a grip and forearm strengthener.

Move: Joker Wheel / Plate Twist

How To Perform: Hold a ten pound weight plate straight out in front of you and twist back and forth as if steering an automobile.

When To Perform: While warming up for a chest or shoulder workout to prep your shoulder joint.

Now stop being a Schemer and start working out.