Sunday, June 27, 2004
A Question from Montana:Do you have any good hand weights for travelling--perhaps fill with water or
similar?
3 or 5 pounds.
Any ideas?
A complete answer:
We only have the traditional Heavyhands, so for travel they are relatively compact, but they do have the weight. We have found that a person can get quite a workout with the 3 lb set by increasing the frequency of the motion or range of motion. While this will not increase strength, it will gurad against a lessening of strength while building lean muscle mass. Some have discovered that they can actually "see" their existing muscles after a few weeks of doing light heavyhands at a high intensity.
Dr. Schwartz had invented a system of powerful strength-endurance exercise called "ISOtonometrics." We use that while traveling because it needs no equipment at all - nothing. You wokr one hand against the other while including lots of leg and trunk flex, leans and bends. The hands use both isotonic and isometric forces - they push against each other and travel through a distance. It's amazing stuff. Simply working out in place while standing in a 3 X 3 ft area in a hotel room can provide dramatic strength and flexibility training, while generating a target heart rate. For more information on that see http://www.panaerobics.com/iso
If you have a group who'd like to host a heavyhands workshop, just let us know. We can customize training for maot any group.
Kate
Lion Sports
similar?
3 or 5 pounds.
Any ideas?
A complete answer:
We only have the traditional Heavyhands, so for travel they are relatively compact, but they do have the weight. We have found that a person can get quite a workout with the 3 lb set by increasing the frequency of the motion or range of motion. While this will not increase strength, it will gurad against a lessening of strength while building lean muscle mass. Some have discovered that they can actually "see" their existing muscles after a few weeks of doing light heavyhands at a high intensity.
Dr. Schwartz had invented a system of powerful strength-endurance exercise called "ISOtonometrics." We use that while traveling because it needs no equipment at all - nothing. You wokr one hand against the other while including lots of leg and trunk flex, leans and bends. The hands use both isotonic and isometric forces - they push against each other and travel through a distance. It's amazing stuff. Simply working out in place while standing in a 3 X 3 ft area in a hotel room can provide dramatic strength and flexibility training, while generating a target heart rate. For more information on that see http://www.panaerobics.com/iso
If you have a group who'd like to host a heavyhands workshop, just let us know. We can customize training for maot any group.
Kate
Lion Sports
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Using HH with Elliptical Trainers
I seem to recall someone writing about using HH with an elliptical trainer. Footstrike and sunlight problems have increased my interest in this as a possible indoor solution for HH walking. Can anyone provide information about ellipticals that might be suitable for using in four limb exercising?
Bob
Kate's Reply: One of the most important things to consider when working on
a machine like a treadmill or an elliptical trainer while using hand
weights is safety. If you begin to slip or fall, can you grab the
safety rail or handles? Holding typical hand weights causes a
dilemma (drop them, then grab?). Heavyhands, if worn correctly up and
over the knuckles, leave the palm available for grabbing, in an
emergency. Other than that, the main considerations are: creating a
variety of arm movements that engage as much upper body muscle mass
as possible and moving in these patterns without hitting the
console. We have found that by SLOWING the speed of the treadmill or
elliptical trainer "walk" a heavier than usual end weight can be
used. By going slower-heavier, aerobic training occurs at the high
end, while impressive strength is gained - all while having the
control to move the Heavyhands up and down or out to the side
without hitting the console. Good Luck!
I seem to recall someone writing about using HH with an elliptical trainer. Footstrike and sunlight problems have increased my interest in this as a possible indoor solution for HH walking. Can anyone provide information about ellipticals that might be suitable for using in four limb exercising?
Bob
Kate's Reply: One of the most important things to consider when working on
a machine like a treadmill or an elliptical trainer while using hand
weights is safety. If you begin to slip or fall, can you grab the
safety rail or handles? Holding typical hand weights causes a
dilemma (drop them, then grab?). Heavyhands, if worn correctly up and
over the knuckles, leave the palm available for grabbing, in an
emergency. Other than that, the main considerations are: creating a
variety of arm movements that engage as much upper body muscle mass
as possible and moving in these patterns without hitting the
console. We have found that by SLOWING the speed of the treadmill or
elliptical trainer "walk" a heavier than usual end weight can be
used. By going slower-heavier, aerobic training occurs at the high
end, while impressive strength is gained - all while having the
control to move the Heavyhands up and down or out to the side
without hitting the console. Good Luck!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Good news for Heavyhanders! We received an unsolicited review of our DVD workout - YogaHands - by one of the most prestigious groups in the fitness industry.
IDEA FITNESS PROFESSIONALS
REVIEW INDUSTRY’S LATEST EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS
San Diego – The world’s top personal trainers and other fitness professionals will experience the latest innovations in fitness equipment, footwear, apparel, accessories and health-related products at the fitness industry’s leading educational event – the IDEA World Fitness Convention. Over 180 exhibitors... will be at the IDEA Fitness Expo Hall at the San Diego Convention Center, July 7 – July 10, 2004.
A host of new products and services will be featured at the IDEA Fitness Expo Hall and this includes:
• The X-Bike™ -- an indoor bike that rides like a real bike and offers a complete mountain bike experience. Unlike other indoor cycles, with the X-Bike you’ll be standing up to climb, pumping the handlebars from side-to-side, coasting down hair-raising descents, and most remarkably, sprint and climb exactly as you would when riding outdoors. This simple, natural and true-to-outdoor cycling experience has been developed by Olympic mountain bike coaches, world champion cyclists and fitness professionals.
• Body Map – a unique, state-of-the-art movement assessment and program-design tool from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) that helps people reach their fitness goals quickly, safely and effectively. Taking less than 15 minutes, this computer-based assessment tool generates a custom exercise program that addresses specific fitness goals and outlines corrective strategies including flexibility, postural control and functional strength
• YogaHands™ -- a unique form of combined exercise uses fluid arm patterns to complement and enhance a person’s yoga practice. By working through a light resistance, the muscle groups in the arms, legs and trunk are more challenged. [The addition of Heavyhands] light resistance enhances gravity in the yoga postures guiding you deeper into each pose to gain greater flexibility with each exercise.
The IDEA World Fitness Convention is the world’s foremost educational event for health and fitness professionals and it will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, July 7 – July 11. Presented by the San Diego-based IDEA Health & Fitness Association, this conference attracts over 4,000 participants from more than 70 countries.
IDEA FITNESS PROFESSIONALS
REVIEW INDUSTRY’S LATEST EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS
San Diego – The world’s top personal trainers and other fitness professionals will experience the latest innovations in fitness equipment, footwear, apparel, accessories and health-related products at the fitness industry’s leading educational event – the IDEA World Fitness Convention. Over 180 exhibitors... will be at the IDEA Fitness Expo Hall at the San Diego Convention Center, July 7 – July 10, 2004.
A host of new products and services will be featured at the IDEA Fitness Expo Hall and this includes:
• The X-Bike™ -- an indoor bike that rides like a real bike and offers a complete mountain bike experience. Unlike other indoor cycles, with the X-Bike you’ll be standing up to climb, pumping the handlebars from side-to-side, coasting down hair-raising descents, and most remarkably, sprint and climb exactly as you would when riding outdoors. This simple, natural and true-to-outdoor cycling experience has been developed by Olympic mountain bike coaches, world champion cyclists and fitness professionals.
• Body Map – a unique, state-of-the-art movement assessment and program-design tool from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) that helps people reach their fitness goals quickly, safely and effectively. Taking less than 15 minutes, this computer-based assessment tool generates a custom exercise program that addresses specific fitness goals and outlines corrective strategies including flexibility, postural control and functional strength
• YogaHands™ -- a unique form of combined exercise uses fluid arm patterns to complement and enhance a person’s yoga practice. By working through a light resistance, the muscle groups in the arms, legs and trunk are more challenged. [The addition of Heavyhands] light resistance enhances gravity in the yoga postures guiding you deeper into each pose to gain greater flexibility with each exercise.
The IDEA World Fitness Convention is the world’s foremost educational event for health and fitness professionals and it will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, July 7 – July 11. Presented by the San Diego-based IDEA Health & Fitness Association, this conference attracts over 4,000 participants from more than 70 countries.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
A Question:
I have a question for Dr Schwartz. I would like to know how to achieve the same kind of vascularity and definition plus a good trim amount of muscle size that you have? Is there something I need to change in my diet, even though you have commented on the amount of calories you can consume with no problems in weight gain. I have seen many people who do heavyhands religiously and they don't seem to be nearly as vascular or defined as you. Even in the heavyhands books, the only person who is ripped and defined is you. The rest seem to be rather smooth with no definable definition or vascularity. I did read in the heavy walking book, that for more vascular and definition to do heavier heavyhands, But I do not know how much heavy work I should do or the amount of weight to use to achieve the desired result. I also saw Dr Schwartz in the first heavy book using rather heavy weights in the chapter for strength athletes. I agree with you that to be strong you don't have to be bulky, nor do I want to be bulky or too heavy with muscle the look I am going for is like you, lean, defined,vascular, healthy and fit and strong functional muscle and body. I too am 5' 7 in height and the way you look has always been a goal for me.I just have not seen anyone who does heavyhands look as fit as you. If there is any suggestions too help me reach my goal for ultimate definition and vascularity with a nice amount of lean muscle, it would greatly be appreciated. Since you have kept up your conditioning right up to 79 years. I am 39 and my goal is to be as fit as you at 79 and beyond. I hope you can help me with my questions. I also want to thank you for developing Heavyhands. I find it funny that the theme of today's exercise is to use as many muscles as possible at a given time exercising. An Idea you have developed years ago. I hope to see more people out there heavyhanding, since it is the ultimate exercise system. Thank you very much for your time and am looking forward to your answers and suggestions.
Sincerely
John
Answer: You cannot deny your inherited genes. Whether you tend toward the lean or more mesomorph in build can be re-sculpted. In addition, Heavyhanders do use lots of calories per hour, but it is very easy to consume even more per hour. It is always a balancing act between energy out and energy in.
Now, Heavyhands will engage the greatest percent of muscle mass in an oxygen consuming (calorie using) manner while building lean muscle. The ensuing lean muscle will usually have increased capillarization (which can reduce blood pressure and bring more blood to more working muscles over time). All of this makes the heavyhander a most efficient and effective fat burner WHILE gaining strength.
Len Schwartz mixes up his work outs between doing light and fast movements, and slower/heavy workouts. He may switch between fast shadow-boxing/dance to heavier pump 'n walk or Double Ski Pole movements. He may workout in 2-3 10 minute sessions one day and an hour or more another. The combination of these intervals is useful training. I have been doing Heavyhands for about 25 years (now at age 55) and my muscles are lean and defined, and I am among the most strong women my age and size all on about 30 minutes of Heavyhands 5 days a week. I use the 3-5 pound weights almost exclusively. I find that when I don't manage my diet well I do lose the defined look I want (first in the belly area) - so heavyhands is not a "magic charm." It is simply the most effective and efficient trainer for those who want a whole body built of lean, strong muscles with that "ripped" look in the least amount of workout time.
Hope this answers your question.
Kate (for and with Dr. Schwartz)
I have a question for Dr Schwartz. I would like to know how to achieve the same kind of vascularity and definition plus a good trim amount of muscle size that you have? Is there something I need to change in my diet, even though you have commented on the amount of calories you can consume with no problems in weight gain. I have seen many people who do heavyhands religiously and they don't seem to be nearly as vascular or defined as you. Even in the heavyhands books, the only person who is ripped and defined is you. The rest seem to be rather smooth with no definable definition or vascularity. I did read in the heavy walking book, that for more vascular and definition to do heavier heavyhands, But I do not know how much heavy work I should do or the amount of weight to use to achieve the desired result. I also saw Dr Schwartz in the first heavy book using rather heavy weights in the chapter for strength athletes. I agree with you that to be strong you don't have to be bulky, nor do I want to be bulky or too heavy with muscle the look I am going for is like you, lean, defined,vascular, healthy and fit and strong functional muscle and body. I too am 5' 7 in height and the way you look has always been a goal for me.I just have not seen anyone who does heavyhands look as fit as you. If there is any suggestions too help me reach my goal for ultimate definition and vascularity with a nice amount of lean muscle, it would greatly be appreciated. Since you have kept up your conditioning right up to 79 years. I am 39 and my goal is to be as fit as you at 79 and beyond. I hope you can help me with my questions. I also want to thank you for developing Heavyhands. I find it funny that the theme of today's exercise is to use as many muscles as possible at a given time exercising. An Idea you have developed years ago. I hope to see more people out there heavyhanding, since it is the ultimate exercise system. Thank you very much for your time and am looking forward to your answers and suggestions.
Sincerely
John
Answer: You cannot deny your inherited genes. Whether you tend toward the lean or more mesomorph in build can be re-sculpted. In addition, Heavyhanders do use lots of calories per hour, but it is very easy to consume even more per hour. It is always a balancing act between energy out and energy in.
Now, Heavyhands will engage the greatest percent of muscle mass in an oxygen consuming (calorie using) manner while building lean muscle. The ensuing lean muscle will usually have increased capillarization (which can reduce blood pressure and bring more blood to more working muscles over time). All of this makes the heavyhander a most efficient and effective fat burner WHILE gaining strength.
Len Schwartz mixes up his work outs between doing light and fast movements, and slower/heavy workouts. He may switch between fast shadow-boxing/dance to heavier pump 'n walk or Double Ski Pole movements. He may workout in 2-3 10 minute sessions one day and an hour or more another. The combination of these intervals is useful training. I have been doing Heavyhands for about 25 years (now at age 55) and my muscles are lean and defined, and I am among the most strong women my age and size all on about 30 minutes of Heavyhands 5 days a week. I use the 3-5 pound weights almost exclusively. I find that when I don't manage my diet well I do lose the defined look I want (first in the belly area) - so heavyhands is not a "magic charm." It is simply the most effective and efficient trainer for those who want a whole body built of lean, strong muscles with that "ripped" look in the least amount of workout time.
Hope this answers your question.
Kate (for and with Dr. Schwartz)
