Strength & Conditioning: Mike Eves, Week 3, Day 4

EDITOR’S NOTE: These workouts are written by IKFF-certified trainer Mike Eves. Mike’s approach to fitness emphasizes whole-body training with functional exercises, using kettlebells, Indian clubs, and bodyweight movements..

Fitness doesn’t just happen; you have to make it happen. The truth is that you can train anywhere, be it in that cold garage or the great outdoors. Most bodyweight exercises such as pull ups, push ups, sprawls, or burpees can be done anywhere, anytime. The only thing that really matters is that you consistently strive to improve. Once you commit yourself to doing that, everything else is a done deal.

I’m a great believer in training every day. The human body is not supposed to be sedative.

Have a daily ritual of exercise that will turn into habits to constantly drive you forward. A word of caution, however – doing high intensity and strength workouts everyday will cause you to break down. Restoration is a key factor of fitness, so on lower intensity days perform yoga, Indian clubs, bodyweight exercises, and mobility. Let’s get started.

For exercise descriptions read my articles, Mike Eves’ Whole Body Fitness Plan, Part One and Part Two.

Week 3 – Introducing Indian Clubs and the Mace

In week 3 we’ll introduce a couple of fitness implements that have been used for thousands of years: Indian clubs and the mace. Indian club swinging is an exercise method based on the swinging of wooden clubs of various weights and sizes. Benefits include:

Enhanced balance and flexibility
Increased coordination, timing and skill
Improved posture

Their use has been known to treat and restore the shoulder from injuries, common with lifting weights and martial arts. Their use also has a strong mind and body connection, and the natural rhythm of club swinging can be used as a form of meditation or relaxation.

The Mace, also known as the Gada, is a highly challenging skill that can take some mastering, but with practice you will learn rapidly.

Like with all things stick with the basic exercises as these are the best. Using the mace will give you a total body workout, especially during the challenge of limited time. The Mace also acts as a great finisher to your workouts.