Day two and the energy is going strong. Some attendees seem a bit fatigued, but they all seem eager to push their limits in order to obtain any available bit of information to better serve their clients and participants.

What's the Punch Line?

When I walked into Chuck Wolf's Friday presentation "Functional Integrated Abdominal Training," I was a little shocked and worried when he told participants to punch one another. I soon realized that this was one of those occasions on which I'd happened in upon a conversation without adequate context, as I learned he was using this exercise as a method for conveying his message on abdominal function. What he'd asked each attendee to do was attempt to punch toward one another, first while keeping the torso steady, and then with torso rotation. His main point—that  abdominals must actually lengthen before movement—was well understood as it was clear each attendee readily agreed that there was more power and strength behind the punch when rotation was included. As is IDEA's hallmark, Wolf provided both theory and practical; it is interesting to note that a great deal of the exercise ideas he provided included some sort of rotation. He mentions that many of our activities of daily living actually involve rotation and that it's important to train our clients in such a manner for optimal functional capabilities.

"I Love Boot Camp, Yes I Do!"

There's nothing like a little "Hoo-ah!" in the morning to get your motor running. This mild-mannered IDEA editor traded his white polo and khakis for boot camp cammys at 0730 today for the USS Midway Boot Camp Challenge. 60 new recruits congregated early to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event that tested mind, body and spirit during the rigorous 2 ½ hour session that had participants racing all the way from the Marriott Hotel to the famed aircraft carrier—now a world-famous museum—which is permanently docked in the San Diego harbor. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this class along with my esteemed colleagues Cynthia Roth and Ry Peterson. Believe me, it is no small task to keep momentum going for several hours! I was more concerned about the participants and their levels of motivation. That fear disappeared almost instantly as they made no qualms about dropping to give me 20 within minutes of go time. They set the stage for what would surely be one of the most enjoyable boot camp classes I've ever taught. There was not a single weak link in the group and by no means was any man or woman left behind. Once on the Midway, each person seemed awestruck as they marveled at the sheer size of the boat, and perhaps in knowing that each was making a little bit of history. Despite having already worked hard for more than an hour, they lunged, kicked and fought their way through "new recruit basic training" on the deck. This was definitely a sight to see and I hope each participant enjoyed themselves as much as I did.