The Pleasure of Pain

I know I'll be laughing at myself 50 years from now when I'll be Laz-E-Boy Ridden with a walker, while re-reading this post.

In 7th grade, my baseball coach used to say, "Pain is good," and I've tried to live with that mantra ever since then. I know I may pay for it someday, but the pain of pushing beyond your limits is the only way I can get the results that I want.

In the past week, the workouts and diet have increased in intensity and discipline. I took 3 days off from the gym and running on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but I've jumped back on the wagon as of Monday. A 1 mile run to the gym followed by a leg and shoulder routine gets the blood flowing. The workout was as follows:

Jog to the gym 1 mile.
Squats: 135lbs x 3 sets of 15 reps
Seated Military Press - 140lbs x 3 sets of 10 reps
Lateral raises - 30lbs x 3 sets of 10 reps
Reverse Flies on Pec machine - 145lb setting 3 sets x 10 reps
Shrugs - 270lbs x 10 reps.
Jog back from the gym 1 mile.

Yes, it was painful, with short rests in between each exercise, but I know the pain results in just that....results. Most important detail to remember from this workout is to minimize rest in between sets. Since the Tough Mudder is an amalgam of strength, stamina, and endurance you have to train like such. Also, be cautious of your form, as injury prevention is crucial. Bad form leads to bad training, resulting in injury and it also can be counterproductive.

Tuesday involved a little back routine and was more relaxed as I was trying to let my body recover from Monday. However, tonight's workout will involve some more upper body exercises like plyo pushups, hanging leg lifts, incline bench, and some more running. Here's an example of hanging leg lifts from this young fellow.




-Norm

Tough Mudder - Pure Insanity?

So, I got a text from my best buddy Ray Poole that said, "You should come to WI on 7/23 and do the tough mudder with me! 10 miles with obstacles...." So obviously my pride was only going to allow me to answer with a yes. I responded, "buy my entry and I'll do it."

Next thing you know, I'm online making reservations for Milwaukee.

So what is the Tough Mudder? It's a 10-13 mile offtrail course consisting of a numerous daunting obstacles throughout the path, which include a running through fire, jumping in ice cold water, and running through 10,000 volts of wires, all while cold, wet, and muddy! Yes, it sounds a bit insane, but nothing ventured nothing gained. Here's a preview of the event if you're not familiar with the Tough Mudder.






The event is on 7/23, which leaves me with about 2 months to train. Throughout these next 2 months, I'm going to be documenting my training for the Tough Mudder and all of the pain involved. I've always been the one that has had to help out the injured, but it looks as if I'm going to be a patient real soon.

So what's training going to consist of? Off the top of my head, I'm thinking long runs with wet shoes, heavy lifts, lots of pull ups and push ups, weight vests, and plenty of plyometrics. So come with me on my adventure for what may be the most challenging, yet "fun-filling" event I'll partake in thus far!

Best,


Norm Eng, DC

Training for a Half-Marathon....Ouch.

Ok, so it has been official for a couple of months now. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon. For all of those who are not avid runners, it is 13.1 miles of torture on your body and spirit. I'm one of those who does not easily get the runner's high and can gallop for hours, unlike some of my colleagues and friends.

Training for the half marathon is gradual. In my younger years, I ran track, but I was a sprinter, which means running more than 1 lap around the track was my long run for the day. Training was fast, meaning you reach your momentary goal in 11 to 75 seconds, depending on the route. Marathon training, I've come to learn, takes time and it's a gradual build up of not only physical endurance, but mental endurance as well. Throughout most of my training so far, my muscles feel fine for the most part. However, I forgot about the pounding that my body takes over the 30 to 45 minutes of running. My joints, tendons, and ligaments let me know exactly how old I am, and how much further I have to go before my physical condition is adequate to finish the half marathon. Not only am I the doctor, but now I'm a patient as well with achilles tendon and a variety of other lower extremity pains.

I've been working out in the gym for 20 years, but no training has been more difficult thus far than what I am experiencing now.

Stay tuned for more updates on my journey.

Cheers,

Norman Eng, DC

Chiropractic for our Veterans

Hello All! I know it's been some time, but please read about how Chiropractic is now being incorporated into the VA Healthcare system.

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=53825

As a chiropractor in Midtown Atlanta, I feel very privileged to have helped out those troops who have served and our serving our country.

Best regards,

Norman Eng, DC

Jump Rope Routine!

Click here to read about how I use a jumprope in my workouts. This was posted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on 7/30/08.

http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/stories/2008/07/28/workout_jump_rope.html

Thank you.

Best regards,

Norman T. Eng, DC, CSCS

Back to the Basics Workout

Sorry that I haven't been posting lately, but 14th Street Chiropractic has been busy lately. I've fallen off of my typical workout regimen of 6 days/week, but now I need a solid kick start to get me motivated again. Here was my shoulder workout from yesterday:

Standing Military Press - 135lbs x 6 rps.
Single Arm Dumbell Clean and Jerk - 65lbs x 4 rps
Lateral raises 35lbs x 6 rps
Front raises (machine) 30lbs x 8 rps
Reverse Flies (machine) 15lbs x 8 rps
Shrugs (machine)360lbs x 8 rps

Abs:
Windmill - 65lbs on olympic bar x 5 rps each side
Ex ball crunches: 3 sets 20 rps

All exercises were done w/ 3 sets w/ little rest inbetween sets. If you're looking for a good kickstart, give it a try!!!

Best,

Norman Eng, DC

Graston Technique on Fox 5 News.

Please check out the Fox 5 Piece on Graston Technique and 14th Street Chiropractic in Atlanta below! Working here right in Midtown Atlanta!. Thanks!!

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6544757&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.5.1

Best,

Norman Eng, DC