This and that

01-10-05
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Whoever said hell was a hot place, lied. The Devil could easily torture human beings through cold. I am convinced of that while driving to work this morning. Weather.com predicted sunny skies with a high of 52 degrees (farenheit, ofcourse). My place, right on the Newark bay wasn't bad, although I had to zip up my Docker's jacket. I parked in the lot three blacks from my office and walked into thechill. The 5 minute walk was unbearable. I couldn't feel my feet. My legs from my knees downfelt like logs of wood. I put on a brave face and pushed my Raiders baseball hat back on my shaven head. My ears (i am blessed with the biggest ear to face ratio among most human beings) were stung really bad.

I know what I am wearing the rest of the week. The woolen beanie cap that has UNCOOL written all over it.

01-12-05
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Yesterday, it was the 'leg day' at the gym. Even before you go you know it's gonna hurt, if not the next morning, probably the one after.And I am testifying that!
Few realize the importance of sqats, deadlifts and lunges. Their leg routine is typically, leg raises, hamstring curls and leg extensions. You are missing the biggest muscle in your body, people!. Yes, the gluetes! When you sit your ass at your desk, 8 hours,you're not giving it any exercise. Even when the boss catches you reading Bennifer gossip and gives you that look that makes you think, "God, my ass is on fire". To me, squats are probably the most important exercise. Deadlifts come a close second, followed by bench presses. It takes a while to get the form right, and for god's sake, don't use the Smith machine!. None of the compound exercises are meant to be performed in one plane of motion and that is the restriction Smith puts into every exercise. Go directly to the free squat rack and pratice with just the bar. Then slowly add the plates for more weight.

For deadlifts, I thing the best version for the beginners is the Sumo style, when your have a wider-than-normal stance, and a narrow grip. I prefer the Romanian style, though.

Email me (smpulickottil@yahoo.com) if you need free fitness advice.