Last night the Sihing class did a portion of the fitness test. Nutrition for the day of testing was a topic after class. I was asked to post what I consumed for the day of my grading. So here it goes.
Basically I kept to a liquid diet during the time of grading. A light breakfast in the morning. I packed an ice-cooler with 2 protein smoothies(fairly thick) consisting of strawberries ,banana, skim milk and a protein powder. At the time, I think I was using the Dymatize product, (whey protein). I also packed 2 jugs of sports drink. Similar to a Gatorade but without the high sodium and sugar. If I recall correctly, it was Ctyomax powder mixed with water. Its a higher quality electrolyte drink. It maintains a stabilized blood sugar level, hydrates without a bunch of extra junk in it. These products I purchased from the Muscle Beach store in Edmonton.
This was about 6 years ago, products have changed since then so reading labels is a must. This is not a product advertisement, its just what worked for me this day.
The bottom line, the liquid diet for the day kept me from feeling hungry but never did I feel like I just ate something. You do not what to put your digestive system at work too much as it can lead to cramping and loss of performance. I would sip on something any chance I had.
More important, focus on each task at hand. Give everything asked of you 110%. The rest will take care of itself.
Oh, note to self: My 5 minute horse stance is rusty, Some of the Sihings put me to shame!
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
In no Particular Order
I have several thoughts floating around in my head. Even a couple of blogs I drafted but after I read them they quite clearly would only make sense to me. So, I will post them once I refine what I am trying to say, but, in the meantime this is my random, incomplete, and in no particular order, kind of thoughts.
- Going on holidays this Sunday, we are going to Maui, excited and not excited. Seems I am thinking about the stuff that won’t get done while I am gone and uncomfortable and guilty about taking holidays in a part of the world that is close to another country that is in a disastrous state
- Kung fu in the house!, Raymond joined kids classes this month and he is pumped, he wants to sign up for the tournament and talks about his kung fu stuff all the time. What a difference a few classes have made. The Instructors for the Tiny Tigers are fantastic! I have the greatest admiration for them.
- Personal purpose in my training. Do I have it or not. I thought I did but its very focused and perhaps to narrow a scope . I might be restricting myself too much and missing out on other opportunities.
- Hope Sifu Shipalesky is doing well on her road to recovery, she is always a source of common sense comfort when I talk to her.
- Global stress – I think between the dreary weather and the constant feed of global distress, in the environment, in the Middle East and in our economy it puts a weight on everyone’s disposition. No longer can we ignore the neighbours. (if we did before)It truly is a global community. One neighbours tragedy and one neighbours despair is everyone’s problem on the block. You are a fool to think otherwise.
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Winding Down
I find it difficult to come home after an evening class (usually around 10: 00pm) and just go to bed and fall asleep. I am mentally alert because of the kung fu class and winding down can be a challenge. I recall when I was a green belt it was even more difficult because I was physically charged up as well. Its hard to come home and just turn it off. Not so good when you have to get up early the morning after either.
This seems to work for me so I thought I would share it.
Most people have a "go to bed" routine. Have a cup of tea, brush your teeth, etc.
If this does not seem to be enough, try laying on the floor beside your bed and stretch for a minimum of 5 minutes. Nothing heavy duty, just a head to toe stretch. Lots of breathing and moving slowly. Do this without distractions. Meaning turn the TV off, the radio any white noise(hopefully you don’t include your spouse in that category! )
Anyways, if you get the body to recognize a wind down routine and let the muscles un-tense, the mind usually follows suit.
Like any good habit, it takes time to become a habit and see the results.
Seems to be working for me so I just thought I would share.
Kung Fu Dreams:)
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
This seems to work for me so I thought I would share it.
Most people have a "go to bed" routine. Have a cup of tea, brush your teeth, etc.
If this does not seem to be enough, try laying on the floor beside your bed and stretch for a minimum of 5 minutes. Nothing heavy duty, just a head to toe stretch. Lots of breathing and moving slowly. Do this without distractions. Meaning turn the TV off, the radio any white noise(hopefully you don’t include your spouse in that category! )
Anyways, if you get the body to recognize a wind down routine and let the muscles un-tense, the mind usually follows suit.
Like any good habit, it takes time to become a habit and see the results.
Seems to be working for me so I just thought I would share.
Kung Fu Dreams:)
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Take Care of Yourself
I was in an airport waiting with a colleague a little while back. We started talking about exercise.
He could not believe how much I worked out and trained.
He said to me, “been there, done that”. He was a police officer for ten years and he kept himself in shape back then. He said he seen no point in putting that kind of pressure on himself now.
“For what”, he said, “why?“
He turned to me and said “you and I are both going to die. It doesn’t matter how much you exercise.”
“sure,” I said back. “but who said I wanted to live forever? Its not about living longer, its about living better.”
It so happened we had a couple of hours to wait for the airplane, thanks to the Winnipeg weather, so we had a good chat about quality of life.
I wont go into the long version but essentially, for me it works like this…
Exercising is the foundation. You keep your heart and lungs in shape with cardio work and you keep your muscles in shape with strength training. This doesn’t mean you need a gym membership, how you choose to accomplish cardio and strength is a personal choice with lots of ways to achieve this.
Next my martial arts training sit on top of my basic physical fitness. Practicing, analyzing and looking for ways to improve. From there I expand out to the mental and spiritual challenges that are part of a well-rounded martial arts student. This flows or should flow into your everyday way of living.
The basics of exercising and training give me the discipline mechanism to make other things in my life happen. Keeping yourself in shape and in training keeps the stress levels balanced and the self-confidence and self esteem in tact.
My thoughts, you cannot separate the body from the mind and heart. They all need to be nourished and maintained.
If you take care of yourself you can look forward and expand outside of yourself, this affords you the capacity to take care of others.
Anyways, that was my lecture to my colleague and its also the lecture I give to myself on a regular basis when I ask
“why am I doing this?”
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
He could not believe how much I worked out and trained.
He said to me, “been there, done that”. He was a police officer for ten years and he kept himself in shape back then. He said he seen no point in putting that kind of pressure on himself now.
“For what”, he said, “why?“
He turned to me and said “you and I are both going to die. It doesn’t matter how much you exercise.”
“sure,” I said back. “but who said I wanted to live forever? Its not about living longer, its about living better.”
It so happened we had a couple of hours to wait for the airplane, thanks to the Winnipeg weather, so we had a good chat about quality of life.
I wont go into the long version but essentially, for me it works like this…
Exercising is the foundation. You keep your heart and lungs in shape with cardio work and you keep your muscles in shape with strength training. This doesn’t mean you need a gym membership, how you choose to accomplish cardio and strength is a personal choice with lots of ways to achieve this.
Next my martial arts training sit on top of my basic physical fitness. Practicing, analyzing and looking for ways to improve. From there I expand out to the mental and spiritual challenges that are part of a well-rounded martial arts student. This flows or should flow into your everyday way of living.
The basics of exercising and training give me the discipline mechanism to make other things in my life happen. Keeping yourself in shape and in training keeps the stress levels balanced and the self-confidence and self esteem in tact.
My thoughts, you cannot separate the body from the mind and heart. They all need to be nourished and maintained.
If you take care of yourself you can look forward and expand outside of yourself, this affords you the capacity to take care of others.
Anyways, that was my lecture to my colleague and its also the lecture I give to myself on a regular basis when I ask
“why am I doing this?”
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Kill the Ego
We discussed etiquette in class and I think it became apparent to everyone there is an underlying theme.
Humility is a trait that is not very apparent in our daily lives. Sometimes you have to look really hard for it , sometimes you forget your own need for humility.
Through basic traditional etiquette the concept of humility is reinforced during our time in class, but why?
If you kill the Ego and truly feel the humility you become a true student. One who is open minded, patient and willing to learn. You become a canvas, those around you want to teach and guide you and those around you want to work and train with you.
Then you realize how you have increased your possibilities tenfold.
Humility makes you strong.
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
Humility is a trait that is not very apparent in our daily lives. Sometimes you have to look really hard for it , sometimes you forget your own need for humility.
Through basic traditional etiquette the concept of humility is reinforced during our time in class, but why?
If you kill the Ego and truly feel the humility you become a true student. One who is open minded, patient and willing to learn. You become a canvas, those around you want to teach and guide you and those around you want to work and train with you.
Then you realize how you have increased your possibilities tenfold.
Humility makes you strong.
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dont forget the Feet
I know, for myself, I am usually paying attention to sore muscles in my arms, legs and back and try and make massages a regular practice for preventative maintenance. Feet seem to always get forgotten.
We should approach healthy muscles from the ground up. All our weight is supported by our feet and we rely on them for power and stability in our applications and further, if you run on a regular basis they take an additional pounding.
Here's a tip that’s easy to do and feels good.
Find yourself a tennis ball or something of the same size and firmness. While your sitting in a chair roll it underneath your foot to loosen up and relieve the tension in all areas including the toes. Pretty simple but if you don’t keep the tennis ball handy you never remember to do it until your feet start to feel sore.
Once again, keeping proactive about your health is far better than reactive. It takes time and planning but worth it when tired muscles are your only problem not major injuries.
We should approach healthy muscles from the ground up. All our weight is supported by our feet and we rely on them for power and stability in our applications and further, if you run on a regular basis they take an additional pounding.
Here's a tip that’s easy to do and feels good.
Find yourself a tennis ball or something of the same size and firmness. While your sitting in a chair roll it underneath your foot to loosen up and relieve the tension in all areas including the toes. Pretty simple but if you don’t keep the tennis ball handy you never remember to do it until your feet start to feel sore.
Once again, keeping proactive about your health is far better than reactive. It takes time and planning but worth it when tired muscles are your only problem not major injuries.
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Canada
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