Exercise question and interests

[Thanatos]

So in the past few years my interests in art were replaced with interests in health and Medicine. Right now I'm finishing up some classes to head off to med school to become a naturopathic doctor. Ok enough back story about my life.

I recently got into barefoot running and I have to say its amazingly fun. On top of that I have taken martial arts classes, dancing (Modern dance, ballet, Tango, and Swing, and a little bit of jazz), fencing, and yoga at the college  I go to.  I have also got into lifting weights and strength training with close friends of mine.  And I use to run the parkour group here, but it seems like most of those people were more interested in pretending to be ninjas then actually learning about how the body moves, so they quit.

Today I got up at 5:30 am and ran barefoot to the top of this butte near my house and got to watch the sunrise. I sat there for awhile just doing breathing exercises and focusing on my breath, it was probably one of the greatest moments I have had in awhile.

So I'm curious, how many of you exercise regularly, and if so what are your favorite things to do?

[Juggleballz]

I exercise probably 3-4 times a week. Im a bboy (breakdancer) and I would practice it more than actual repetitive exercising, but when I do go to the gym I tend to work on my core more than anything. I usually do a 10-20minute run, followed by either breaking training, or core excercise such as jack knifes (press ups with feet on an exercise ball and rolling my knees towards my chest), and I super set these with Russian twists, and torso twists while lifting weights, gradually increasing weight and decreasing reps, followed by hanging leg raises, planks and side planks.

I have only realise din the last year how incredibly important core muscles are. I was assessed by a trainer in the gym and apparently my brain didn't really know my core existed as my lower back was doing most of the work during breakdancing.

I used to play gaelic football in school, and took up tae kwon do before but i lost interest. Breaking is the only thing I became addicted to.

(By the way I'm digging your barefoot run and sun rise experience. )

[TheEYE]

I try and climb and mountain bike regularly.
I climb at the gym twice a week, and try and get out to the mountains on the weekends.
I ride the bike daily right now.
When the snow flies my exercise routine pretty much revolves around the climbing gym, however I think I am going to try out yoga as well this winter.

You need to balance your interests bud! Blow the dust off that cintiq already! 

[Juggleballz]

I love the idea of climbing. Its a great way to get outdoors and "conquer" nature in a sense. Plus you can do it anywhere in the world for new experiences, and of course the view you are granted with when finished is always going to be a cool feeling.

When I was in New Zealand my fiance and I climbed (hiked really) a volcano which was 2.5km high. Not so much rock climbing, but more hiking over huge boulders etc and traversing snow/ice sheets. Regardless of the climb the view that it offered was so overwhelming. The intensity of making it to the top is totally worth it when you are looking over the top of clouds, and into the mouth of a volcano that has developed into a toxic bright blue crater lake. One of the greatest experiences of our lives.

(A panoramic view of the crater lake. The view of the surrounding lands was also immense.)

We also climbed to Machu Picchu in Peru then Wayna Picchu that overlooked Machu Picchu. Again it was more of a hiking climb than a rock climb but still, its the views that count for us

I would love to climb but I'm a bit of a pussy with heights when the potential to fall is included.lol. I can handle heights when I know I'm safe, but anytime there is a possiblility of falling I do feel anxious. But maybe taking up climbing would soon get rid of that fear...?
The workout it gives is also so intense as well. It takes a lot of strength and maneuverability to climb. I have a lot of respect for proper rock climbers. so much incredible upper body strength.

[chluaid]

Just 2 years ago I was a long term 3 times/week gym guy. When we moved here to the mountains, I set up my own gym in a spare room. Something is seriously wrong with me now though. I have always had a heart murmur, but it never slowed me down before. However, now I can barely put my shoes on without getting chest pain. I have to take a break every block, just walking to the shops while old people overtake me. Something's not right but I hope it fixes itself.

[Juggleballz]

Jeez Adam, take care of yourself. Thats crazy. Doesn't sound good. 
Have you been checked out by a doc recently regarding this?

[TheEYE]

Holy crap buddy..... I agree, get yer ass to a doctor man! You are so totally NOT allowed to die before the sequel to the Brackenwood Feature is completed!! 

[Juggleballz]

Holy crap buddy..... I agree, get yer ass to a doctor man! You are so totally NOT allowed to die before the sequel to the Brackenwood Feature is completed!! 

And if you do end up in hospital, make sure you have a laptop with you.

(in all seriousness, don't end up in hospital)

[the.crippled.dreamer]

Take care of yourself Adam; I was dealing with something similar in the past. In my case, I had to cut down on my caffeine consumption & quit pushing myself through too many late night projects. It also led me into yoga (to respond to the actual post ), and I've always had a thing for getting out on long hikes. I am seriously envious of that pano shot above (both the photo & being at that location).

[TheEYE]

How do you like the yoga dreamer? I am seriously interested in checking it out.
I had opportunity to meet and talk to the ex wrestler Diamond Dallas Page last month and was totally shocked to hear that yoga totally helped him. The guy is getting up there in age, but he is literally the most limber person I have ever seen in my life. 
And hell, if a World Champion Wrestler can do yoga and not be emasculated then so can I!!! 

[Thanatos]

Adam, I know your an adult and have to make your own decisions with your health. But man, chest pains are nothing to ignore.

Juggs, that picture is beautiful. Also, what kind of muscles are targeted in break dancing? it sounds interesting to try, there's a hip-hop class I'm hoping to take at the college I attend.

Shayne, Indoor rock gyms are awesome. They have a indoor rock wall at OSU in Oregon that's 65 feet tall, it was one of the most awesome climbs I have had.

[Juggleballz]

Juggs, that picture is beautiful. Also, what kind of muscles are targeted in break dancing? it sounds interesting to try, there's a hip-hop class I'm hoping to take at the college I attend.

More upper body strength is required, but your legs are given a good work out too. More cardio workout than muscle building. Thinner lean legs are better than heavy muscled legs to provide speed. Also the core muscles in your stomach and lower back are necessary, as are the upper back and triceps and shoulders.

Hip hop is cool, but i think it requires more than one person doing a routine together to make it look really impressive. But any dance improves a persons musicality and confidence.

[the.crippled.dreamer]

How do you like the yoga dreamer?

I like it well enough; it's not easy, that's for certain. Some of the routines could almost be worked into a Zumba workout...well, maybe not that much.

It is like anything else physical in that I didn't really see my flexibility increasing for around five weeks, and it still took months more to have some of those odd muscles that had apparently never been used grow stronger (I'm convinced we all possess hundreds of hidden muscles laying dormant for the day that some new sadistically cheerful fitness freak develops a routine giving another group of them a purpose).