Skip to main content

The Pondering 10 - Favorite Workouts

We all have our favorite ways to get exercise when it comes to that super interesting place called the gym. For me, the gym is a fascinating place to people watch, but most importantly, there are tons of options (obviously!) there to improve your fitness, and to improve your overall wellness. With that said, I'm dishing out a rather simple (and the latest) Pondering 10 list - My Favorite Workouts at the gym. Enjoy! 



10. Walking Lunges (w/bar) - I never get guys who skip leg day (or all leg exercises). Never quite understand the fascination with chest/biceps. Whatever. Nonetheless, walking lunges with a bar on your back is always a challenging workout that helps your hip flexors as well as opening your hips. Just missing out by the way, would be goblet squats. Kettlebells are so underutilized. 


9. Squats (Front and Back) - One of the most basic movement patterns, squats are essential. Again, I am favorable to front squats because it helps a taller guy like myself in line, but back squats are great as well. I switch 'em up from time to time. 


8. Farmer's Walks - The epitome of picking things up and putting them down. Love Farmer's Walks for the everyday-practicality challenge it presents. 


7. Bench Press - Who doesn't have this on their list? The macho test of strength, though not the true test of strength. I have longer arms, so I used to hate bench pressing (bars or dumbells). I sort of still do, but I've come around to it's importance and link to other lifts I enjoy a lot. 



6. Anything HIIT - Because I've always hated distance running, or running in general, high intense interval training routines became my best friend. Challenging. Breaks up the monotony. And highly rewarding. Especially when done outside. Though, I still from time to time bang out 3 or 4 miles when there is a game on to watch while on the treadmill. Don't judge me. 


5. Push Press - Military Press are fun, but there is something about the push press that is enjoyable. The total body usage, the speed, and the overall test of strength make it fun. 



4. Thrusters - Full body workouts. Thrusters are insanely tiring, but again, fun. Also, they are a great median or alternative on days you cannot squat or are in between squat sessions.



3. Box Jumps - I used to be afraid of box jumps because of my knee and foot conditions. Now that I do the correct strength training, box jumps are so, so, so, much fun. Great explosive exercise that does indeed pay dividends on other lifts. 



2. Deadlifts - Supreme full body test of strength. How can you not love deadlifts? Love the mental side of performing them as well. 


1. Power Cleans - I wish I could do power cleans all day. In all the combinations - power cleans + jerks, power cleans + front squats, or both! Or even just clean reps. I just love the benefits. I love the mental side of doing them. I also absolutely love the constant tinkering and improving of your form as you go along. It's addicting and very, very, challenging. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?