Vi veri veniversum vivus vici

Or more simply put..."By the power of truth, I while living, have conquered the universe."

Well...not really the universe exactly...but I did conquer the V-Up.

The V-Up (also known in the world of Pilates as Teaser) is a super-challenging abdominal exercise which involves hip flexion and extension.  When done correctly, it is great way to strengthen the deep abdominals and test your balance.

Try this:

Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides.

Position your arms over your head, next to your ears, OR keep your arms at your side for a less intense version.

Pull your belly button into your back and engage in your deep abs, stabilizing your lower back. (Try not to arch your spine, instead the spine stays in neutral to slightly rounded to protect your low back).

Begin to peel your arms, head, shoulders and upper back up off the floor, as you slightly bend your knees and raise your legs off the floor.  Keep length in your spine and reach your hands to your toes, keeping the chest tall.  Legs stay glued together;  straighten your legs for the advanced version, keep the knees slightly bent for a modified version.

Slowly reverse the movement and roll down, staying engaged in the lower abdominals.  Try to resist against gravity and move as slowly as possible back to your starting position.  Try 5-10 reps.

BRILLIANT.  EASY.  BESPOKE.  

Rapport with the floor...

Life and Uppercuts…

Meditations on how boxing punches can make you better…mentally, physically, psychologically.

Think of the uppercut as a metaphor…a metaphor for your behavior in life, how you conduct yourself when faced with challenges or unpleasant situations.

It’s strong, it’s sneaky and ninja-like; you are close to your opponent when it happens, face-to-face, no where to hide. 

The uppercut is a humble punch… and a bold one.  It’s explosive.  Sometimes, you have to hold your fire; sometimes you have to unleash hell.  Staying loose and relaxed under pressure is the name of the game. 

The art of throwing punches is the art of developing your sense of judgment, and timing.  Knowing when to strike and when not to strike. 

Uppercuts have to be thrown with a sense of authority and confidence.  There is no time to waste.

The mechanics of the uppercut are such:  the ankle hip and shoulder rotate, as the arm drives up.  The knees start bent, and the whole body works like an uncoiling spring.  The uppercut is most effective when one has found gaps in the opponents guard.

The tricky part? Keep calm, and don’t lose your temper.

“To generate great power you must first totally relax and gather your strength,” Bruce Lee said. “Then concentrate your mind and all your strength on hitting your target.”

Now…go use the wisdom of the uppercut to bespoke your life.  It’s that easy.

BRILLIANT.  EASY.  BESPOKE.