kindredSwell

I have had many a fitness app on my phone.

Most linger there for a few weeks … I try to give them a go … but they eventually end up deleted.

This is not because I fall prey to the couch and can’t get myself in gear, it is because I seem to have very picky taste when it comes to apps.  I like a hard workout, I like it to be done, for the most part, at home with minimal equipment, I like reasonably sound exercise advice, and I like results.

Which are the few that have stayed on my phone?  Here they are  ….

1. https://www.downdogapp.com – this is the most amazing app.  Their yoga sequences are fantastic, very easy to follow, and THEY ARE SET TO MUSIC!  So good.  Everything from beginner to more advanced – you choose the level, the length of your session and off you go.  The best part is the little treat that displays as they are downloading your sequence … don’t miss it!  This is the only app that makes me feel like I actually just did a great yoga class when I can’t get to the studio.
2. http://therunexperience.com/app/ – these guys are onto something.  Think running coach mixed with gymnastics strength training.  When you sign up  you can get a bit overwhelmed with all the things that get fired your way via email, but hang in there and you will find your groove.  I don’t think their programs are the best for making you faster per se (although stay tuned for my first test of that this weekend), but I think their approach to strength combined with running is solid.  The exercises they suggest seem to be suggested by multiple other experts in various sports as exercises that are just plain good for longevity, injury prevention, and general awesomeness.
3. https://www.strava.com/mobile – oldie but goodie obviously.  Use it everyday.

 

Do you listen to podcasts?  Do you have a long, easy run to do and need something to listen to?  Do you have an adorable four legged friend that needs a long hike in the woods while you attempt to relax and let go and listen to someone fascinating?  Do you just want to feel all warm and cozy and loved and touched with a little bit of magic?

If so, let me introduce you to:

Elle Luna

http://www.chasejarvis.com/blog/elle-luna-should-vs-must/

or here:

https://soundcloud.com/designmatters/elle-luna

and then once you’re hooked, spend some time here:

http://elleluna.com/

https://medium.com/@elleluna/the-crossroads-of-should-and-must-90c75eb7c5b0

 

Now off you go, you must.

Ok, I think my favourite twitter hashtag just might be #apotionaday.  Seriously. I may be trying my best to be all zen and crunchy, but ohhhh do I love me some potions.  I’ll share mine, if you share yours!

My current most frequently used potion is:

https://us.foursigmatic.com/products/mushroom-coffee-with-lions-mane-chaga

Now, again, I will reiterate that I have no idea if this product is “good” for you.   I have a career, two kids, I like to workout and I really like sleep.  I am not here to research, self experiment and do chemistry to prove the worth of the products that I love.  There are many others out there doing that (thank you Tim Ferriss and Rhonda Patrick).  But I’ve got a good head on my shoulders, I’m a skeptic, and I have a few degrees in health related fields so, you’re all adults (I’m assuming), I’ll leave the rest to you.

BUT, I will tell you, I was a solid 3 shots of espresso gal not too long ago.  Priority number one on vacation – make sure coffee exists in the morning.  All family members were aware no questions were going to be answered without a growl until coffee prepared.  This product appears to have at most half the amount of caffeine I was dependent on and I was able to switch to it without any grumpy, foggy, withdrawal.  And they are right, there are no coffee jitters, you feel good all day, and you just need to bring a few sachets with you on vacation … not your whole Gaggia espresso machine!!  5 stars from me.

I DO wonder about using something like Lion’s Mane every day.  Dr. Rhonda Patrick has talked about the potential of nootropics to potentially down regulate our innate neurotransmitter receptors if used regularly.  So perhaps, as always is smart, practice moderation and rotate a few of their products.

Check them out.  They also seem interested in doing good and that’s great.

Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Elixir Mix – 4 Pack Variety with Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga and Lion’s Mane (4 Boxes, 20 Packets Each)

Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend, 30 Servings. Vegan, paleo and gluten-free, 60 grams

Before I share ME in an effort to find YOU, let me explain a bit more what I hope WE can eventually do.

There is so much going on these days.  The news is enough to drive you mad.  The number of beautiful documentaries you could watch and come out at the end feeling like you must save every gorilla/whale/plastic laden fish/ice cap/cow etc. is staggering.  How does one reconcile all that seems to need to be done without completely losing it?  How do you, as one mere mortal, effect change?  Well, I bet you absolutely CAN do it as one mere mortal , BUT I’m willing to bet it will feel better and perhaps be more effective to do it as a group.  By all means, donate your brains out to whatever cause you feel is important.  But wouldn’t it be cool to eventually band together and save some of this:

http://bearsears.patagonia.com/take-action

http://www.keepitwild.ca/ktunaxa-and-qatmuk/

or make a significant donation to something like  this:

http://www.givewell.org/charities/against-malaria-foundation

https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/Where-to-Donate/Global-Alliance-for-Improved-Nutrition

or maybe be a part of a group who believes in this:

https://www.effectivealtruism.org

 

I bet you even have your own ideas.  This is just the tip of the ice berg.  We can do this.

 

 

Well, I’m not entirely sure.

I’m hoping it will evolve.

But I thought I’d start by sharing what I do, what I like, who makes me laugh, who makes me think, who gets me fired up and ready to make change.

My hope is that there are others out there who do the same and enjoy the same.  My hope is there are many of you.

If  there are many of you, and you are just like me, then I think that together we can use our superpowers for good.  We will be voices of good, of hope, of change.  Alone we may feel like we can’t change anything, but together we just might be able to do great things.

Now, this won’t appeal to everyone.  THAT IS OK.  That is not the goal here.  The goal is that this will just appeal to the people it’s meant to appeal to.  I don’t have all the answers, I’m just trying to navigate this all, just like you.  But if you like what you see, the new things you are exposed to, the idea – then welcome.

Let’s make waves.