Cold weather thoughts.....

We haven't had any super cold weather here, and it's almost February. That's great, because I'm hoping to use the money I had for a heater on something more productive:)
I have one small electric space heater, and need to use it more affectively as a hand warmer, as it doesn't really have enough power to do anything else. I found another space heater at work, but I lack the electrical power to run both. When plugging both in, the first reduces power by about 1/2.

The main problem I've had remains my hands. A few things I'm going to try include heavier gloves during warm-ups. I notice on the last cold day, my hands were actually already somewhat cold before I even started working with the metal bars. We are suppose to have some colder weather next week and am going to try hand warmers on the back on my hand, if it gets below 20 in the ghetto. I've had VERY good luck with them in the past, with other outdoor activities.

Other things I've considered for the future include putting PVC over one of my bars. The PVC handled dumbbells I have don't seem to transfer cold nearly as quick as metal. I may or may not get this up and running by the predicted cold next week. I'm also thinking with some exercises I might be able to use a slightly thicker glove. Turkish get-ups in particular, due to the length of time the lift lasts are a pain.

A friend also mentioned I might want to try heated pipe wrap. This is a thought, especially since I don't pay the electric bill:) But, I need to look into it further. I'm not sure how warm they are.

Cool man "hanging"

Cool training idea, but handle with care. It could help develop strength to resist a chock hold. I did something easier, but simular. Lay your neck over a pullup bar, full nelson yourself, and lift your feet. I couldn't last long, but it was good training.

link spotted at:
ironworks

Mike "The Machine" Bruce "Hanging Out"

Atlas stone training idea

I don't have a stone, yet:) But I ran across this idea browsing link to link...

dieselcrew

napalmjedd

Atlas stone strap

Cheaper kettlebells on the way?

Time will tell, but apparently Lifeline is about to release a line of kettlebells.

irongarmx forum discussion mentioning the bells

(diabetes) A new no flour pizza crust

It has just 5g of carbs per slice. Unfortunately, they didn't say how many slices were in a pizza, but I think it is promising. Right now, it's has very limited availability. If I'm able to get any, I'll let you know about taste.

Pizza article

pizza article 2

thick handle idea

Here is a good thread over at Crossfit.com

http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messages/26/35025.html

I have some possible additional uses for this idea. I will keep everyone informed. I'm out of $$ this month, so they will have to wait, as I have no pvc or pipe insulation.

Other, non-workout, homemade stuff links

Here are a couple other links to making non-workout stuff I've come across.

Makezine This is a REALLY good zine, primarily covering, but definitely not limited to, electronics. There is a popular torrent covering all the back issues.

Farmshow This is a magazine, (old fashion in the mail type), that covers homemade farm equipment. Farmers seem to be very good at coming up with homemade ideas. I enjoyed looking at the few issues I've run across.

Thinking of working with pipe?

You really need to check this stuff out Speed Rail. I'
m considering a couple projects with it. It is more expensive than using threaded pipe, but does allow for a lot more options.

(diabetes) Interesting research

http://www.cell.com/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0092867406015340&highlight=diabetes

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=a042812e-492c-4f07-8245-8a598ab5d1bf&p=2

This is REAL interesting. It will likely be a LONG time before anything real comes of it, but it is by far the most interesting research I've seen.

(off-topic) Maps

I'm a big map fan. I'd guess, as a poor (by U.S. standards), it's because I've never been anywhere, or barring a lottery win, will never go anywhere. I came across Unique Maps a few weeks ago, and ordered the U.S. and World versions. I got them today. They are INCREDIBLE!! The details are beyond anything I've seen on any other maps. They have buildings that represent the cities, detailed mountain ranges and a LOT more. If your a map fan, they are a must have. The only drawbacks are I wish they would have made them a bit bigger. Because of the size on the world map, the Pacific Rim is on the back, and on the U.S. map Alaska and Hawaii are on the back. I find this a bit odd, but they are still MUST haves, if your into maps, and the prices are great!

Getup

Dan John has a new Getup newsletter available. Many thanks to him for providing a FREE newsletter and a TON of other FREE information over the years...

New Gym......

If you haven't seen my new gym, check it out Ghetto Gym. Nothing compares to a home gym. I'm holding off on buy a heater. Hoping I can make it without spending the cash. Of course, it's been real warm so far this winter. I have learned a few things. I had to ditch the wrestling shoes. Though I much prefer to wear them, the soles were way too thin, and my feet frozen. At the advice of several people, I ended up using mechanics gloves. A few people have said they used no gloves, but I can't imagine how. Just like my feet, my hand froze quickly. I have several additions planned for the gym in the future.

My First Post

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! This is my very first post on my new blog. My links are very incomplete, I need to get up my new years goals, and I need to do a lot of other additions.

The latest UFC is up on the torrents. I'm hoping someone puts pride up soon, though individual fights can be found on youtube.

Be sure to visit my main site Fightraining!, if you haven't already.