Announcing the “4 Fundamentals”, Merrell Partnership/Giveaway, and Live Q&A 461 Comments
I’ve worn Merrell shoes for ages, even back in 2007 for Japanese horseback archery training.
It’s a long story, but I still have those bad boys.
In 2012, Merrell themselves noticed that I wore Merrell. DMs were sent, and the seeds of a partnership were born. Today, I’m thrilled to formally announce that I’m collaborating with Merrell in 2013 to get more people outdoors. Of course, they want to move product, but I’m happy to help. Why? Because I already love their stuff, and the new minimal shoes are precisely what I wanted and wrote about in The 4-Hour Body. The soles of the M Connect line are designed by Vibram but less socially awkward than their Gecko-feet variety, which I’d stopped wearing.
I’ll be doing a lot with Merrell using their Twitter and Facebook accounts (keep reading), so you might want to follow them here:
Merrell Twitter
Merrell Facebook
I’d also like to give away some shoes! Just answer both of these questions in the comments below:
- What does “connection” mean to you?
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
The best 10 responses will get 10 pairs (one pair each) of Merrell shoes: 8 domestic US winners and 2 international winners. All answers are due no later than 5pm PST on Tuesday, March 12.
Live Events and Q&A — Saturday and Monday
I will be doing a few live events today, Saturday:
- Live SXSW keynote in Austin, TX — 11AM-12PM Tomorrow, Saturday, March 12. It’s called “Acquiring the Skill of Meta-Learning” and is about how to become world-class in nearly any skill in 6 months or less.
- Book Signing at SXSW following above presentation, from 12:30pm to however long it takes 
Then, next Monday (March 11), a free 2-hour Q&A on Twitter:
Here’s how it works:
- Go to @merrelloutside and follow them.
- Starting 9pm EST, ask any questions you like in the following format “@tferriss @merrelloutside [Insert question]?” Anything is fair game, and I’ll do my best to answer as many as possible.
Have a great weekend… and get outside!
Posted on March 8th, 2013
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461 Comments
Tommy Stitt — March 9th, 2013, 12:00 am
Connection is an invisible bond we experience when we come into contact with someone or something that ignites passion within us.
Best body weight only exercise? Dips
Alex Vasquez — March 9th, 2013, 12:03 am
Connection to me is when I remember a time I did something I loved, someone I care about, or a place I want to go back to – and chills run down my spine. I start to smile real wide, excitement starts to build up, and my heart starts to beat faster. This is what connection is.
My favorite body weight only exercises are pull ups, because they really help my rock climbing skills and rock climbing is what sport I feel connected to.
Christopher — March 9th, 2013, 12:04 am
Connection means instant. Either you connect (immediate) or you have contact (prolonged). Contact can become like a connection, but its strength fades between meetings, whereas the connection remains constant – like two old friends who haven’t seen each other for years, and within minutes are acting as if it’s been no more than an hour.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises are squats, pushups and gorilla swings (imagine going hand over hand down the length of a bar, not unlike an ape hand-traversing a tree branch, to strengthen both muscles and grip)
Joao Faustino — March 9th, 2013, 12:07 am
Connection to me is a marriage between two variables, a pull and push, a yin and yang. I’ve been into the barefoot scene for almost two years now and have watched Merrell come out with products that form a better “connection” to the world around me, their barefoot line is a bridge connecting us to the outdoors, the world, the planet.
Practicing capoeira, my favorite body weight only exercise has got to be handstands/walking with pull ups being a close second — they also happen to be my favorite core exercises.
Jenny — March 9th, 2013, 12:08 am
Connection is when you feel illuminated and uplifted by an idea, place or person. Favorite body weight exercises are plank and one leg squats. Aloha and congratulations on working with Merrell!
Praveen — March 9th, 2013, 12:09 am
Connection is the moment of transcendence , Connection is Expanding horizons , Connection is the essence of Human Nature to see oneness with Nature, People and more importantly with oneself…..
My favorite body weight exercise is of course the Piston Squat
Steven Jones — March 9th, 2013, 12:10 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
To me, a connection is a digital conduit that is seamless enough to consistently produces high-value real-world payoffs.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
1) Glute Bridges
2) Mountain Climber
3) Clock Lunge
Eddie — March 9th, 2013, 12:12 am
1. What does “connection” mean to you?
I used to run cross country back in high school. Literally some of the most physically hardest workouts I’ve done in my entire life. I was dead tired after running for over an hour every single day for over 4 years and took naps every day. Running was my way to think about everything that happened in the day…kind of like my time to just think and connect with myself in zen-like state of mind. Looking back, all the sweat and long runs on the trails, sidewalks, and fields was worth it. It hardened me mentally and I continue to workout to this day. Oprah once said that running is the best metaphor for life because “you get out of it what you put into it.” It took me years to fully understand this. Everyone should go out and enter a 5k or a half marathon. I guarantee you that you’ll connect with new friends, ignite old ones, and begin to fully realize who you are as a person and what you are truly capable of. It’s also the most affordable exercise – but a pair of shoes, and just run. It’ll be one of the best decisions of your life.
2. What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
The Mountain Climber. It’s the same thing as doing high knees (running into place) but extending your arms vertically…like you’re climbing a mountain. This works out your entire core, legs, and arms. Switch up the pace and do 3 sets of 60 seconds every day. You’ll be sweating and really shaping up your abs.
Mark Greenman — March 9th, 2013, 12:13 am
1. For me, “connection” means a lot of things, but when I first read it, the connection I thought of was the feeling I get when I connect with a particularly well designed piece of gear, something that has been designed for exactly what I need it to do, and expresses itself instantly. But then I’m a gear nerd!
2. I got into fitness through bodyweight conditioning, and I still think they’re the best exercises around. With the exception of the deadlift, pretty much all the best workouts can be done with pure bodyweight.
-1 legged squats: phenomenal for balance and unilateral strength, and since no one ever does them at the gym, they make me feel like a boss.
- Gironda dips: By modifying the dip so that your elbows flare outwards at your 3 and 9 o’clock, instead of behind you, the exercise becomes much more chest focused. I can do 20 regular dips (and then collapse!) but only 10 Gironda dips.
- Inverted rows: this is a great back exercise that acts as a reverse pushup. I like it because you can perform them by getting under your desk, and using the edge of the desk to simulate the bar. Also works the hands.
-Burpees with pushups: The most brutal cardio workout around. Do as many burpees as you can for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, and repeat for 10 minutes, using your iphone as a timer. For me, burpee interval training is superior to running or KB swings in terms of effort, and can be done in a confined space when traveling.
Take care,
Mark
Leslie Lindeman — March 9th, 2013, 7:20 am
What is a burpee?
Mark Greenman — March 9th, 2013, 9:56 pm
Leslie, this is a video of how to perform burpees.
David Laudetdale — March 9th, 2013, 12:13 am
To connect with any source is the feeling of returning to the place you came from and never should have left.
Sex of course… I.E. to make sexy love with maximum effort.
Thanks for just being, my man Tim!
Chick Bowdrie — March 9th, 2013, 12:14 am
Connection in regards to footwear would mean the joining of foot to trail.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises will always be situps counterbalanced by supermans and all their variations.
Michael Davis — March 9th, 2013, 12:14 am
Tim, to me a connection refers to an integral and binding bridge between two or more components that, while not necessary, brings benefit and enhancement to all parts.
As for the favorite body weight exercise, it is “dragon walks”. You may have to look that one up on YouTube! LOL! When 4 Hour Body inspired me to loose weight late last year (and I am down a total of 59 pounds now thanks to you my friend!), this was one of the exercises I used. It helps with balance and coordination while working a variety of the larger and smaller muscle groups.
In hopes that you see this, let me also add that I really, really enjoyed my Quarterly package that I recently got. I can’t wait for more to come rolling in this year!
Thanks for your consideration!
Jason B. (Some Fatguy) — March 9th, 2013, 12:16 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection, in its rawest form, is the bond formed between individuals as they seek to experience and explore the world together. From the simplest and most basic glances on a packed train to the fire-born bonds of working together in a disaster or life-and-death situation, it is the connections in life that make it truly worth living. As we move through this world, we build connections with one another that all have the potential of lasting a lifetime. As we “trade paint” in the race of life, we all leave indelible marks on one another. I began my life in California, and now as I live in Southeast Asia, I know I am working to build more connections than I had ever previously thought possible. Recently, as I have begun my journey of self-discovery and weight loss, I have found new connections I have learned to depend on through social media. I find myself now, when I think of eating, looking at my twitter feed for encouragement from others I know are going through the same struggle I am. When I feel the urge to give in to the same behavior patterns I have experienced so many times before, I need only to lean on the arms of those people I have never met until the need has passed. In the past month, I have lost almost 30 lbs and I will not stop until I reach my goal…only 110 more to go! I look forward to building connections with more as I live through the rest of my life, from those friends who have helped me to the people I hope to meet on the starting line of my first 10k, half-marathon and eventually an entire marathon. I know I can do anything, and it is the connections I have forged with others that will make it all possible.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
For me, currently 300+ lbs, my favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the “push-away” that allows me to push whatever plate is being offered me away. A month ago, this felt impossible, but now I am able to do so without any thought. When it comes to weight bearing though, there has been little I have been able to do. I have started walking, first just a couple k, but now 5-10 kilometers every day (and wearing though my crummy walking shoes pretty quickly…I’m just sayin’). My knees finally no longer hurt when I go up stairs, and I can do a push-up for the first time since I was a child. I am finally discovering my body, and I could not possible by more excited about it. I think my current “favorite” is planking, which I have been doing with the #plankaday hashtag… it hurts, I shake like mad, and I can’t get past 30 seconds, but I know I will eventually! What I do now is only the beginning!
Laedelas — March 13th, 2013, 11:35 pm
You’re awesome
Dan — March 9th, 2013, 12:18 am
Connection means feeling the Earth below you and being able to move with the terrain and react to varying surfaces. It means being closer to the natural existence of our ancestors.
My favorite bodyweight only exercise is the pistol squat. Great for balance, coordination, body control, strength, flexibility, and is challenging for anyone starting out even those that can move a lot on bar squats.
Frank LoRiggio — March 9th, 2013, 12:18 am
Tim Ferriss + Merrell = Awesomeness
When I think connection I think the mind and body connection. Two very different systems interacting and functioning as one. When there is balance and both systems are connected and firing on all cylinders it is a beautiful thing.
Favorite and most productive bodyweight exercises:
1. Push ups – when done right they kickass
2. Walking lunges – hit all the major muscles in the legs.
3. Pull ups- strong back and core is a must.
Superset these three and you got yourself a great workout.
Philip D. Mann — March 9th, 2013, 12:18 am
To me, connection is the psycho-affective bond that enables truly productive relationships. I find true connection is typified by significantly greater willingness to extend discretionary effort without it feeling like work. (In a lot of ways, “connection” is similar to “engagement” in other contexts.)
I like a lot of the standards such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, burpees, and the like. However, my favorite bodyweight exercise is dips because small variations can turn a relatively simple movement into a tremendous, challenging upper body workout for all ability levels.
Joshua — March 9th, 2013, 12:19 am
Connection- The chain that links my life together.
Pullups, Pushups, Squats, Burpees, Burpee Pullups (in that order)
Daren Smith — March 9th, 2013, 12:20 am
Connection to me, in one sense, means focus. I think you could be outdoors but have your mind somewhere else – on your to do list, your work stress, etc. – and not be connected. If you can focus on where you are and connect with nature your body AND mind then benefit from the experience.
My favorite body weight exercises are the most basic – push-ups and pull-ups. Despite the other exercises I do as part of my 4 hour body regimen, these two exercises still give me the most bang for the buck and the results in my physique that I am looking for. Can’t be beat.
ed — March 9th, 2013, 12:21 am
Connection is being completely honest with yourself so you can be genuine with those around you. Stop lying to yourself, stop living in the shadow of regret, and start bursting out of your shell. Be you and be loud. You can’t form a true bond with anyone without trust, honesty, and mistakes. Don’t hide anything, no one is perfect. Believe it or not, but at least one person looks up to you and respects you.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is moving pushups…really works out your arms, shoulders, and core.
Zillah Bugeja — March 9th, 2013, 12:21 am
Connection is all about joining the dots. We are all dots and together make up the full picture. But even remembering that you are one of many, and connecting with yourself, is fine, it’s the first step. And then it helps you to feel the connection to others. Then you can connect to the earth and the sky and everything in it. It’s a stabilising force that can also help you soar.
My favourite bodyweight only exercise is dance. No ‘shoulds’ or ‘have-tos’ there, and it makes me happy at the same ime.
Zillah Bugeja — March 9th, 2013, 12:22 am
Same TIME
Joe Curro — March 9th, 2013, 12:24 am
What a great partnership!
1) For me, “connection” is all about listening. Simply, we need to listen more. Whether it’s listening to our families, friends, our bodies, our thoughts, or nature. We often live so “connected” that we are in effect disconnected.
2) My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is definitely dips. They are fun, challenging, and effective.
Kate McFadden — March 9th, 2013, 12:25 am
Connection is the flow of energy that makes us feel alive. Some connections drain us of energy so that’s why we need to tune in to our energy in our gut. Good connections are with people, places, ideas.
I started doing burpees in high school. My PE teacher was former military, mellowed out fortunately. I guess I was in retry good shape back then cuz I don’t remember them being difficult but they sure can be now for this 40-something. But when in doubt, or if I need a quick set of something, they are my go-to’s
Daniel — March 9th, 2013, 12:28 am
Since moving to Quy Nhon (Vietnam) around six months ago, my favorite bodyweight-only exercise has been to walk on the beach each night with my three-year-old son.
We walk down one end just as the fishermen are starting to come in from the day’s work. We walk by local university students playing volleyball or soccer. And we walk hand in hand, talking about the waves crashing white on the shore, pointing to the clouds and naming the animals we see in them, asking and answering questions in turn.
What does “connection” mean to me? It means just that. Forming a relationship with other people, deepening the bonds with those we hold most dear, and doing so in a world that is often most beautiful when we stop, take in a deep breath, and just savor the beauty that is all around us.
Jeff Scott — March 9th, 2013, 12:28 am
Connection means choice to me. Every choice I make has a connection to my overall goals in life fitness and work. Best body weight exercises are Hindu squats pull ups dips and push up circuits. Explosion push ups are a good finish. GET SOME AIR! Size 16 shoe if you can’t fit it I understand been fighting that battle since I was 16 years old
Eric Hanson — March 9th, 2013, 12:29 am
Connection=spiritual baby, especially when we connect with someone for the first time, just like I am doing now, with you TF. It opens space for growth.
Favorite Bodyweight Excercise: anything TRX, check out my about.me page to see the results.
Aronado — March 9th, 2013, 12:30 am
Connection means to build myself up to greatness in order to connect with kick ass brands who will then pay me BIG money to do campaigns just like this! Inside… or outside… #boom Did I win?
Jojo — March 9th, 2013, 12:30 am
Connection is the link between the earth, you and space. It is a fine golden line where the magic happens!
My favourite body weight only exercises could be anything from a power yoga class, I think mastering the yoga “push-up” has been most satisfying.
Ammon Hardin — March 9th, 2013, 12:32 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
For me, connection means feeling deeply grateful for that exact moment.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Upside down shoulder presses (hand stand pushups) and,
Hindu Pushups
Anthony DiClementi — March 9th, 2013, 12:34 am
Connection is a bond between two things that is built on shared origins, interests, or commonalities.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercises are Power Jumps (a.k.a. jump squats), Mountain Climbers, Oblique Push-ups, walking outdoors, and sprints.
Carter — March 9th, 2013, 12:35 am
Connection – connection is a difficult word to describe for me because when you truly feel connected to something (like I am with my wife, the outdoors, Maple our Great Dane) you can’t really express that to anyone else because they will never have the exact same connection as you. They will feel connected in another way or to other things. So “connection” to me is a feeling of an invisible bond to something or someone is my life.
Body Weight Exercises – of course, the fundamentals are always the best: squats, push-ups, pull-ups. Lunges and tricep dips off of chairs or whatever is handy are close behind. Plus, it’s always nice to mix things up with more intense or different versions of squats, push-ups, etc!
By the way, thanks Tim and Merrell for those great videos! I’m definitely taking my workout outdoors tomorrow morning (along with my buddy’s newly released pre-workout supplement!).
Franklin — March 9th, 2013, 12:40 am
Connection is being rooted, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Favorite BW exercises are pushups, pullups, pistols.
Now if Merrell would make a M Connect boot for paramedics, THAT would be awesome!
Kenny — March 9th, 2013, 12:42 am
To me connection means interacting with the world on a primal level. Feeling the earth below you, sky above you, and wind around you. Connection is more than just existing in the world, existing is passive. True connection is living in the world around you and enjoying every aspect of it, absorbing all of the sights, smells, and sounds. To connect with the world is to experience life and everything it has to offer.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are:
1. Push up – A classic bodyweight movement that has always and will always be one of the most effective upper body exercises a person can do.
2. Pull up – Another fantastic exercise that will never go out of style and done properly will have you looking like a beast in no time.
3. Pistol Squat – In my opinion, the single best exercise for your legs, and the only one you’ll ever need to do. Plus you look like a ninja or some kung fu master when you do them so that’s cool.
4. Hanging leg raises – Take the time to do these right instead of swinging your legs around like a crazed orangutan and you’ll have the best abs in town.
5. Handstand pushups – Great for developing balance and some killer shoulders that would even make The Rock jealous. K maybe not that guy’s got some ridiculous shoulders.
Richard Bravo — March 9th, 2013, 12:42 am
Awesome Tim!
I’ve been wearing Merrells for years. My first were a pair of slip-on hikers I scored up in Jackson Hole.
Connection, especially in this context, to me means finding & feeling that special “something” in the moment; that integrated component in an experience with the environment at the time that elevates and exposes the most authentic version of myself. When it comes to the outdoors I’ve experienced this climbing Mt. Whitney, surfing with dolphins at La Conchita, dropping fresh powder at Corbet’s Couloir… sitting under a tree in a sun soaked park, sketching, watching people and life play out in a beautifully dizzying ballet while I listen to A Perfect Circle.
As for body weight exercise, there are 2 that I fell in love with studying tae-kwon-do…
1. the first is a simple stretch laying on your back on the floor against a wall, back on the ground, butt pushed up against the wall with your legs fully extended up the wall. Relax and spread your legs, slowly letting the weight of your legs pull your legs further apart to their fullest. This is a great way to accomplish the same result as leg stretching machine.
2. the second is a 3 part exercise that focuses on balance and stretching. You start standing with legs just shy of shoulder width. Lift your leg in front of you while balancing on one foot, grab your ankle and pull you leg in towards your waist, opposite arm up in guard position and hold. {like sitting “indian style.”} Next, without touching your foot down, release your ankle, shift your weight and move your leg from your waist to a side kick stance with your foot cocked back towards your butt as though you were just about to kick, hands up in guard position and hold. Next, shift your weight, again without touching down your foot to the ground, bring your leg behind you, bending your knee to bring your foot to your butt and reach around with the corresponding hand and grab your ankle, leaning forward slightly with your other arm in a guard position {similar to a back kick position} and hold. Hold time in each motion is a 10 count.
Thanks for all the bad ass info you bring to the table man.
Here’s looking forward to winning a new pair of kicks from Merrell…
Cheers!
~Richard
Sebastian Petrovski — March 9th, 2013, 12:52 am
Hello Tim!
Connection means body, mind and consciousness connecting with a another thing, not necessarily another person; this could be a hobby or a profession; but a good connection needs to satisfy all three parts of oneself.
My favourite bodyweight-only exercises would have to be: wide grip pushups, lunges, myotatic crunches and the almighty Cat Vomit Exercise.
Sufiyan — March 9th, 2013, 12:55 am
A connection can be defined in so many ways ,it carries different meaning in different scenarios with different people and with different things. One connection that I wish to experience in this lifetime is when my heart (desire) decides and my mind (logic) accepts instantly. I hope someone will understand what I am trying to say.
Body weight exercises
Pull Up, Push Up and Squats – good enough for life.
Rebecca — March 9th, 2013, 1:03 am
Connection is intangible, invisible and undeniable. Felt as an energy toward someone or something, our ears perk up, our eyes open wide and our hearts start to flutter.
It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It grabs you by the heart and says “listen up!” It is the extra “something” that we often cannot put words to because there are some things in life that are too unique and special to name or label.
Best body weight exercise is full body squats in sets that make you wonder if you are going to be able to get off the toilet later! :0)
Robert — March 9th, 2013, 1:05 am
Basic knowledge that the simple/primal solution still is superior. When I run, I always get this feeling of connecting to the world – seeing a car that’s broken down or people waiting for the bus, and knowing I’ll be where they’d want to go before they’ve even started.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercise: push-ups. Utterly simple, complements running with core and upper-body strength, can be infinitely altered and modified.
Michael Roper — March 9th, 2013, 1:14 am
Sad to hear you aren’t wearing your Vibrams anymore, I just ordered another pair tonight. I haven’t ventured into Merrells yet.
Without being overly hippy about it, connection is simply feeling the energy and flow around me.
My favorite body weight only exercises:
1. Capoeira – Au batido.
A few of my friends nicknamed it the cool as hell kick. Hold yourself with a single hand, and kick with a leg, and return without falling. It’s easy to do it fast once you get the motion down. It’s difficult to do it slowly and actually aiming to hit targets.
Combined with a ginga (basic transition step in between sides) it’s a fun cardio bit that looks fun for people watching.
2. Bakasana (Crane pose)
I can’t do the fancy variations, but it’s a fun challenge to work on endurance.
EVO — March 9th, 2013, 1:16 am
Fantastic videos, Tim. You have the privilege to reside in an absolutely gorgeous part of the world. I am sure this blessing is not at all lost on you.
Thanks for sharing!
EVO
Greg Yeutter — March 9th, 2013, 1:17 am
Connection means you have the combination of skill and focus to really perform. You’re not worried about the fundamentals anymore, and you can use all your brainpower for pushing yourself a little bit harder when distance running or working out, coming up with a clear strategy for your business/future even if it is extremely complex, being fully present in a conversation while not running out of interesting things to talk about, etc.
I was a huge fan of the Burpee, but the Blurpee seems even more effective and harder to do improperly. Do the Burpee/Blurpee in a HIIT Tabata Set (google it) and you’re set for an extremely challenging but rewarding workout in about four minutes.
Matthieu Chauveau — March 9th, 2013, 1:25 am
Connection is a temporary or permanent bound between several entities
They’re killers it’s why I love them, BURPEES
James — March 9th, 2013, 1:27 am
Connection = Belonging
Body weight exercises = Whatever gets me back up from the floor! Squats and push ups. I nearly said burpees, but nobody likes burpees right!?
Kat — March 9th, 2013, 1:28 am
Connection is the cozy feeling that you are where you are supposed to be, be it in a space, a relationship, a conversation or a pair of shoes.
Best body weight only workout – headstand pushups
Diviya Nand — March 9th, 2013, 1:29 am
Connection is that moment when you look into someone’s eyes and know that they understand your view of the world. To me, connection is a moment in time with no expectation. It may or may not be there as minutes, days and years go by.
My favourite bodyweight exercise in the good old plank that makes me want to die every time.
Cheers
Mike — March 9th, 2013, 1:39 am
Connection is a drawing, a pull towards something that fascinates and engages.
My favorite body weight exercises are:
Static Handstands: it takes a great amount of upper body strength, core strength, balance, and concentration to successfully hold this position. The strength/balance benefits are outstanding. Plus, being able to hold a free-form handstand and/or walk on one’s hands is both entertaining and impressive!
Chris — March 9th, 2013, 1:55 am
Connection means for me to have a common understanding of our actions with other people. It´s the thing when you don´t have to explain yourself to others. Right now I am in a happy place to spend a lot of time with other location independent entrepreneurs in Chiang Mai and Ho Chi Minh City. But it is also about being sensitive to your environment, about how life is lived by local families, which customs they share and being humble enough to at least try to get a feeling about a place than to compare it to the life you are used to. Travelling slowly helps a lot to achieve that.
My favourite bodyweight-only exercises are the “five tibetans” (http://www.mkprojects.com/pf_TibetanRites.htm) for starting the day and focusing and allining my thoughts, followed by situps and pushups for core-strength.
Thank you,
Chris
PS: I really would love to win a pair of Merrells. After I received my first pair of Merrell Barefoots last Christmas and wearing them everyday here in January and until Mid February I can say that they are by far the best pair of shoes I have ever had. The more upset I was when they were stolen one night from the shoerack of the house I am staying at in Ho Chi Minh City and there is no way to find them an original pair here in Vietnam.
Brian — March 9th, 2013, 2:00 am
Connection = a relationship of value exchange – physical, emotional, and/or intellectual – that leaves all parties feeling better than before they had it because they have gained something from it.
Best Bodyweight Only Exercise = Chin-ups – based upon difficulty, ‘sexy factor’ contributing muscle groups involved, and facilities to find to do them. The coolest, though? Easily, the Sideways Pole Hang. Anyone who can do this is, and looks like, a champion.
Aron — March 9th, 2013, 2:00 am
Connection to me means a uniting of two objects, people, or ideas to form a greater context or meaning. It means words and phrases becoming poetry. It means individuals forming a community. It means atoms and energy becoming a living being.
My favorite body weight exercises are burpees, box step ups, and box jumps. If I’m pressed for time, 100 burpees in 10 mins will activate pretty much all major muscle groups and get my heart rate way up for strength, explosiveness, and aerobic conditioning. And box jumps are just fun.
Colin Paul Heim — March 9th, 2013, 2:13 am
Connection is that conduit, that semi-magic thing that brings you into touch with yourself in the right now, with those things inside that are always there but not always ignited; your strength, your passion, your love, your genius, your empathy… Light up that connection and kindle that fire inside!
Brazilian jiu jitsu is a great all-around workout, but if that doesn’t count, then my TOP 4 FTW are:
-Jumping squats up stairs
-Wrestler sprawls with a burpee at the end
-Push up variations
-Chair dips
Bobby Huang — March 9th, 2013, 2:30 am
I do only bodyweight workouts for my weight lifting.
What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection has a lot of different meanings to me. Though for me, connection is something very simple. Truly being in touch with something in one way or another.
We as humans are not as connected to the earth as animals are or we were many thousands of years ago.
We don’t walk barefoot on the earth anymore (which has shown to have huge benefits). We are physically not connected with the earth as much as we have been. Even now I sit here on the 2nd level of my apartment, and when I go outside, there is a drive way made of concrete and pavement which disconnects me from the earth. Even when I find earth, it could be fake earth and is even more difficult to touch it.
Connection in humans is also lacking. It has the same meaning. We are not truly in touch with most other humans anymore. We are increasingly living in a lonely society, satisfying our loneliness with false forms social interactions (facebook etc). We need to have more slow long dinners, turn off all distractions, and really bask in the warmth of other folks.
When I have dinner with most people, they nearly always put their cell phone on the table, and every ding distracts them.
Just like my earth example with connection, we are disconnected from the true deep connection and meaning.
I like these shoes. I want to be more connected to the earth and standing my my heels away from the earth and other people.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Dive Bombers, 1 legged squats, lunges, and push ups (feet elevated high).
One requirement I add to all body weight workouts, is something I learned from Tim. I implement a 5 second waiting period at both starting and during the exercise movements as well to prevent momentum workouts and get more “weight” on my muscles. Example: When I do a push up, I get into push up position for 5 seconds, then when I do the push up (move down arms bent) I hold that down position for 5 seconds, back up to normal pushup starting position and hold for another 5 seconds.
Dive bombers are pretty simple though very intense, most people can’t do them without some weight lifting, whether from the Gym or Bodyweight workouts.
1. From the yoga pose of downward dog or whatever it’s called
2. Wave forward as if I’m going toward a push up and then have my face elevated with my back bent. The mid position is like a backwards L, my feet being the bottom of the L the other way, and my head being top of the L. I hold for 5 seconds in both the mid and starting positions.
3. Go backwards back into starting position
1 legged squats are simple.
1. Stand on 1 leg balance your weight with your other leg and if you need put your hand on a chair or furniture for balance use it purely for balance not to assist in the squat
2. Go bend your knee ensuring your knee does not go past your feet
3. Hold for 5 seconds
4. Go back to starting position.
Push-ups (feet elevated high), elevating pushups by putting our feet higher make the body weight workout far more intense. Adding a 5 second pause to it even makes it more difficult. It’s best to start with regular pushups and build up to this.
1. Find a table or bed you can elevator your feet off of
2. Get into push up position with your feet (toes) on the table or bed while your arms and hands are on the ground getting ready for a pushup
3. Do a push up, when your arms are bent around 90 degrees, pause for 5 seconds.
4. Go back to starting position.
Lunges
1. In a standing position lunge forward with one knee at a 90 degree angle while the other knee is parallel to the floor at a 90 degree angle ensuring your front knee does not go past your foot
2. Hold for 5 seconds
3. Go back to starting positon and alternate legs
That’s it! I do these every 4 days, and do 3-5 good reps (something I learned from Tim) and put a 3 minute break in between all of my different exercises.
RS — March 9th, 2013, 2:35 am
Hey Tim!
Massive fan, constantly suggesting ppl buy 4hour body because I lost so much weight thanks to ur diet tips!!
Connection: the moment nigella Lawson’s spoons touch her lips. That’s a connection!
Favourite body weight exercise: lat push-ups. Do one side then wide then the other side. Really good for core & chest.
I’m a podiatrist so I’d love to try out those new Merrel shoes. Can’t wait to get my hands on my copy of 4-hour chef either
Jeff Kushmerek — March 9th, 2013, 2:42 am
Connection is removing ourselves from the artificial environment that we spend 98% of our time in.
Handstand pushups baby!
Neil Nabbefeld — March 9th, 2013, 2:44 am
Connection: The not always obvious link between things imagined and real. Part of my journey is to discover and explore these links, to become more aware of them.
Favorite Body weight exercises? Push-ups, Pull-ups, Burpees, Sprinting and Pilates Teaser
robert polzar — March 9th, 2013, 2:45 am
Connection is when each party starts to get an insight into the other(s) inside.
Favourite body-only exercises: front line – mayurasana, the yoga peacock
back line and legs: squats with arms at least head-high or above.
sides: chaturanga side variations – one-arm stances.
…and the royal posture to nail it all to one point: headstand
Paul J M — March 9th, 2013, 2:48 am
CONNECTION: IS that person that understands you and your weird ideas that is prepared to look outside the box that is prepared to take a chance to be creative despite the nay sayers and that person maybe is you
slow 5 cadence push-ups
Jadon — March 9th, 2013, 3:06 am
Connection to me is being online, but I connect better when I’m off line.
Currently I’m going all out with Jump Rope skipping, but kettle bell swings, myotatic crunches, and regular push-ups give me my MED.
Cheers
JT
Aussie
Judy Durkin — March 9th, 2013, 3:09 am
I am 58 years old and NOTHING beats getting outside for cleaning the cobwebs out of my brain. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the air, and feeling the weather on my face. Connection to me is when my muscle memory for my favorite sports is still there after all these years and I can instantly get that great adrenaline rush. My favorite bodyweight only exercise – ooooooh. Lunges. yikes. Lunges. Such beautiful punishment with such terrific results. With each lunge I find more inner strength to conquer silly day-to-day annoyances.
Jonathan Magnin — March 9th, 2013, 3:11 am
To me “connection” is a focus on yourself that is made possible when you get away from distractions (computers, city life etc). The connection can be made by being in nature and appreciating it, or by focusing on our body (like running or meditating).
Favorite exercice : Leg-Kick Push up
Matt Dixon — March 9th, 2013, 3:39 am
Well, if I learned anything from the 4hww, it was to broker this task to someone smarter than I.
So my Son responded with:
Connection = Meaningful Interaction
Exercise = Pull Ups
Will Huntley — March 9th, 2013, 3:46 am
Connection IS one of the most important things in the world. It’s what makes our lives “work” without effort. It’s the aspect of practice that eliminates the opposition.
In practice: If you and your partner are struggling, arguing and not connecting, you will experience resistance and opposition. However, if there is only one of you (the other one leaves, for example), the struggle and opposition cease. Connection is the way to change two into one without making someone leave.
For this you need to know what is required to make the connection. Many times it is just being observant and listening. Sometimes its moving in time with them, putting yourself in their shoes and really feeling what is happening to each of you. Other times it is just being there for someone when they need you.
But most of all, it is knowing when to push and when to pull…..
I practice Aikido, do Cage Fitness, and my favorite exercises are Hindu Squats, Hindu Pushups, and Dips. Thank you Tim for all your help over the years…. you have literally changed (my wife and I) our lives.
Donnie Parks — March 9th, 2013, 4:03 am
Connection is that moment when the separate become whole. Whether it is a thought, a handshake, an email, a look, a wire, a word, an arrow, or a smile. That single instance when the paths of two or more join in the journey together.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the one that I like the least. The burpee with a push-up. I favor it because the results are phenomenal and the exercise is simple and efficient. I like it not, because, it is a burpee!
Tim Green — March 9th, 2013, 4:04 am
To connect is to become aware of the false perception that things are separate, to get feedback from and pass information to that which we are in contact with.
Feeling the ground beneath our feet we can have a kinesthetic “conversation” with it. If we’re connected, to it we know where and how to step.
If we are connected to people, our environment, or even ourselves we can learn how to tread appropriately, meaningfully and ecologically.
Favorite body weight only exercise:
Ultimate and official answer:
I think it’s called a “Navy Seal Push Up”
Lay prone with your hands above you head, arms outstretched and bottom of your toes down like a push up.
Press straight down and TRY to lift your whole body off the floor so just your fingertips and toes and touching the floor.
neil caporaso — March 9th, 2013, 4:10 am
Connection is sharing a dream that brings meaning to your life and seeing in spark and illuminare something brand new in another person. The most powerful force in the world.
Body weight exercise. Simple planks. You’re always seconds away from a burn that wakes up often ignored but critical muscles, strengthens core, and makes you love life (when you finish that is….)
Norman Dacanay — March 9th, 2013, 4:29 am
First off congrats on this partnership with Merrell. I love the brand and have been an avid supporter along with my wife. I like how they make lifestyle footwear as well as rugged functional footwear as well.
Now on to the next one…
Connection: a two part response which I shall answer while sounding as little as Deepak Chopra…
1. On a personal level Connection is the way in which I interact with the people and the world around me. Whether it’s gauging physical interactions in jiu jitsu, being in awe of nature while hunting or sharing a nice bowl of chicken wings with my friends, this is my social definition of Connection.
2. As a science major and big fan of Human Anatomy (it’s one of 3 University textbooks I have kept) the term Connection takes on another meaning. in this sense it is the various links between parts of our body. For example, when asked how to throw a punch properly most would assume that you just cock your fist back and “let ‘er rip”. However, those in the know will tell you that it all starts with the feet. Foot placement and slight steps transfer the energy to the calve, then up the leg to a hip rotation, thereby generating a whipping motion off your upper torso, the tip of which is your fist. To me that is the essence of Connection in the human body.
Body weight exercises:
1. Burpees/Blurpees (I hate it, but I love it – spoken in the voice of Tony Horton of P90X fame).
2. Deep Mountain Climbers.
3. Animal walks (bear crawls, cat crawls, duck walk and spider walk)
Cheers and congrats again on the partnership with Merrell.
Dan Erickson — March 9th, 2013, 4:30 am
1) Connection for me is the natural bond between oneself & another. Be it a soulmate or getting re-connected with Mother Nature.
2) My favorite body weight only excercises are Hindu push-ups & burpees.
Lillian Muir — March 9th, 2013, 4:31 am
To me, connection means being able to feel and interact with my surroundings. It means feeling free and being part of the world rather than a human distanced from it. It means being in touch with, listening to, and livin in harmony with nature whether I am hiking with my dog, running trails, sitting around a camp fire with friends, or looking up at a perfect night sky. It means doing silly and spontaneous things like climbing trees, jumping into ponds, and running down mountainsides as fast as I can.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercises include squats, planks, bicycle crunches, and tree branch pull-ups. All to keep my body and mind strong, happy, and healthy.
Zach V — March 9th, 2013, 4:44 am
Connection,meting intrinsically linked with someone or something.
Body weight exercises – push up+ mods and squat.
Thanks Tim and Merrell
Rich Moody — March 9th, 2013, 4:51 am
That Cat Crawl is deceptively difficult. Clearly my feline muscles aren’t up to scratch. My bear muscles are fine though…
Connection? It’s what it’s like when my head isn’t up my own ass fretting about the future. It’s a lack of a feeling for me, if I’m connected then I’m not feeling that I need to do something more to be calm, I’m happy doing whatever I’m doing.
Best bodyweight exercise is just climbing. You could sub in pull ups and all its variations for a gym friendly version.
Josh — March 9th, 2013, 4:52 am
Connection to me means creating lasting and meaningful links be they friendships, relationships, abstract concepts, tangibles, intangibles, goals,ideas, thought processes. It is a glue that binds two or more things or people together.
Best Body weight exercise – What else but the king of upper body exercises, thechin up. They can be done in more ways than imaginable and only require something to hang off. Not too many more demanding physical exercises using just bodyweight. Simplicity at is best.
Youssef Kerkour — March 9th, 2013, 4:52 am
Connection to me is all about close proximity. This is usually an internal process and relates to everything from spirituality, to empathy, to communication. Rather than think of connection as multi-directional and web-like, I’ve found the most freedom by using the analogy of “coming face to face” with something. The knowledge that a distance needs to be bridged between me and all aspects of life through action (internal and external) has lead me to beat addiction, conquer fears, reshape my body, improve relationship, restructure my internal monologues etc etc. It’s all about closing distance.
Best body weight exercises for me is the rotating plank followed by multi-level spider crawls.
Loving your stuff Tim. Many thanks.
James Duffy — March 9th, 2013, 5:14 am
I don’t feel like waxing philosophical on the ‘connection’ thing, but I can give some input on the bodyweight exercises.
I’ve been training exclusively bodyweight for a number of years now. I’m also a big fan of minimalism, so I keep my workouts short and sweet. This is what I’ve found gives you the biggest bang for your buck.
1) Handstand pushups. Start by kicking up against a wall, but practice trying to balance without using the wall for support. Eventually you’ll find the right way to use your muscles to maintain your balance. This works practically every muscle in your upper body, and is honestly just fun to practice. You’re not ‘working out’, you’re just practicing a new skill that requires strength and coordination. I stand up every 30-60 minutes throughout the day to kick up into a handstand and see how many reps I can do before I lose my balance. This turns working out into a fun intermission from staring at the computer.
2) Sprints. Not only are they one of the best (and most functional) lower-body exercises, the mental benefits of cardio alone make it worthwhile to do this every morning (read the book ‘Spark’ for more info). But running is boring, so I find ways to make it more fun.
Head to an empty soccer field or basketball court and practice doing breakaways with a ball. For soccer, start at half-field, pretend you’re racing against a defender toward the goal, and finish with a shot. Then walk back to half-field and repeat. For basketball, do the same thing with layups. Or just play around with the ball and work up a sweat. Either way, this is much more fun than just running, and has the side benefit that it will make you better at handling the ball if you play either of these sports.
This doesn’t have to require a lot of time. I usually only spend between 10-30 minutes depending on much fun I’m having, but I do this every day. I try to find pickup games instead whenever possible. Don’t try to kill yourself with your sprints – just work up a sweat, have some fun, then call it a day.
3) Pullups. These will target whatever muscles in your upper body you might miss with handstand pushups. Mix up your grips between pullups/chinups, narrow and wide grip, etc. Once these become easy, you can watch some of the street workout videos on youtube for new ideas. Since I do a lot of handstand pushups throughout my day, I usually only do 2-3 sets of pullups in the morning after my sprints, and not until exhaustion. In the past, I did sets of pullups throughout the day instead of handstand pushups. But I’ve found it’s best to focus on one bodyweight skill at a time if you want to make progress, and right now I’m finding handstands easier to squeeze in throughout the day.
In my opinion the purpose of your workouts should be to energize you, not leave you feeling drained. For that reason I keep it short, focus on movements that are difficult but fun to make progress on, and rarely skip a day.
Joseph K. — March 9th, 2013, 5:17 am
Connection. I first think of electricity. All living things are based in a form of electricity all the way done the molecular level. Static electricity and chi are two examples. I believe when a connection is made whether physical or not there is a actual sense of the electric connection. Anyone who has ever had awareness can attest to this form of experience.
I wasn’t sure but had to look up the name of this exercise. The Burpee Jump-ups is my go to exercise when I am stuck with out workout machines around. For anyone who is unfamiliar, a burpee jump-up involves one push-up, then pull your legs back under you into the squat position, keeping your palms face down on the floor. Stand and then jump in the air, bringing your arms over your head to reach for the ceiling. When you land, you will finish the first burpee-jump-up.
tips: keep knees bend entire time, add variation in the jump, add variation in the push up.
Guaranteed full body burn or double your money back!
Karen — March 9th, 2013, 5:19 am
For me, connection is a way of living; a recognition that all things are connected – all us humans, the planet, the animals – and living with a respect for that connection and a willingness to be present in it.
Best Body Weight Exercise – Yoga, particularly as you advance to some of the more challenging balancing poses. For me right now, that’s mastering crane.
p.s. I’m also a big fan of the Merrell shoes. I feel more connected to the Earth when I exercise in them. I also believe the vibrations from the impact help build greater bone density.
Sean Phillip — March 9th, 2013, 5:19 am
Aligning Energy.
Sex
:0)
Jeff Donovan — March 9th, 2013, 5:27 am
Connection for me is usually about a spark or a feeling, and usually associated with a person who I hit it off with, either as a friend or (before marriage) as a potential mate.
In terms of physical experience it’s about doing, seeing, touching. Being there instead of watching on a screen. I too, have a well-worn pair of Merrells that I bought for my trip to Southeast Asia and my semester abroad in Tokyo in 2006 that are still going strong with almost no sign of wear. Unlike Tim I still enjoy my Five Fingers, but usually only while working out and not while walking around. I’m aiming to do a trail run in July so those Trail Gloves might be calling my name.
And without a doubt my favorite bodyweight exercise is dips. Great workout for the entire upper body and one that you really FEEL the next day, just like a good workout with weights.
And the sad thing is I’m not even sure if I could do more than one or two right now. Yet another thing to add to the list of things that need to get done once I drop a bit more weight. 30lbs down, about 50 to go.
Christine — March 9th, 2013, 5:52 am
1) Connection, to me, isn’t an external thing or just a feeling – its a state of being; an entire philosophy. When I’m inside at my computer and all I can think about is running barefoot on the beach a few miles from me with friends – I know I’m connected.
You’re connected when you seize opportunities that come your way, without hesitation, and find the beauty and mystery in even the simplest of daily acts. When you take the time to travel with presence, a richer life unfolds before you. Moments of beauty begin to braid your days.
2) As a professional ballet and salsa dancer, my favorite body-weight only exercises are without a doubt, related to dancing. Working on new lifts, turns and leaps with a partner is great strength training and super fun (even sensual if you really like your partner
Raghee Horner — March 9th, 2013, 6:11 am
Connection is being engaged in the present: Now o’clock.
My fave bodyweight exercises are air squats, pistol squats, and bridges. (working on a stand to stand!)
Josh — March 9th, 2013, 6:17 am
Connection – Operates as a part of you. Not because of you.
Body weight exercise – Pull-up
PeteT — March 9th, 2013, 6:25 am
Hi Tim,
Connection to me is when your senses are tuned to your surroundings and you’re almost in a state of hyper-awareness. I prefer to run in minimalist shoes out on trails for that very reason. Your feet are connected to the terrain in front of you giving feedback for your body to make instantaneous adjustments with each stride.
My favorite body weight exercise is the pull-up. It works everything and all you need is a good tree limb on the trail or something overhead that you can grab hold of. You can work negatives, static holds, endurance or power.
Looking forward to tracking this partnership.
Pete T
Kevin Sterling — March 9th, 2013, 6:28 am
I see connection as a deeper perception of what’s happening in the environment around you. In the outdoors, connection magnifies your vision from “tree, stone, flower, bird” to “white birch, granite, rhododendron, whippoorwill.” Connection is what makes the difference between looking at paper with words on it, and learning to read.
My favorite body weight only exercises are dive bomber pushups, squats and dips.
Justin — March 9th, 2013, 6:31 am
Connection means being in my body in the moment. As a transgender person, this is the key to my survival. This week I am having gender confirmation surgery and I am able to do this because I have been living my life in line according to my values and now, I will take my body hacking one step further to connect the shell of my body with the way my brain sees it.
Body weight exercise? I gotta go with grasshoppers. They are energetic and rock my core.
Nicole Denise — March 9th, 2013, 6:33 am
A connection of any kind resonates with mind, body, and spirit:it feels like every cell has been plugged in to a power source and is fully engaged in the experience. The best body weight exercise is a correctly performed Burpee with variations, which involves Plyometrics, squats, push-ups, and core. And, it can be done pretty much anywhere.
Samuel Finn — March 9th, 2013, 6:35 am
Connection is when someone lets go of his ego and his “me” to truly be present with whatever it is he is connecting with.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are the ones done with stability balls because your whole body works no matter what the exercise is. My top two would be a squat standing on a ball and a plank with you hands on one ball and your feet on another ball.
Pete O'Hare — March 9th, 2013, 6:35 am
For me connection means an all-absorbing, complete immersion and overwhelming desire to give-in to the moment and experience.
My favourite bodyweight exercises:
Burpees: the best exercise for Tabata or for a simple cardiovascular workout that really gets the heart pumping.
Push-ups (with core engaged): simple and effective upper body workout.
Squats: if you try to consciously engage glutes as well, great for strengthening legs!
Simple and effective.
As ever Tim, inspiring! I cannot wait to see the fruits of this partnership!
Pete
N. Ireland
Patty Zito — March 9th, 2013, 6:37 am
Thank you Tim!!
Just joined your team
I respect your desire to help others and how you share your agenda
Shawna — March 9th, 2013, 6:39 am
Connection to me is about energy flow. When you stand rooted to the ground you are connected to the earth. When my daughter was a baby and we’d nap as a family I would nestle her fuzzy head under my outstretched arm and angle my leg to let her rest her wee feet on my thigh. I would place my hand and shin in contact with my husband’s skin and envision the energy flowing through and around my baby, forging a connection between us to nourish and protect her.
Fave exercise using my body weight? Are you surprised to hear it’s yoga?
earl veale — March 9th, 2013, 6:40 am
“connection” equates to me as ‘the state of flow’. When I’m cranking along on all twelve-cylinders and time evaporates.
my favourite body-weight only exercise would be “push-ups” and the many variations that can make them as challenging as you need them to be.
Drew Holmes — March 9th, 2013, 6:43 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
doing what you want without your body giving out before your mind….ski, run, jump, paddle…..all day!
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
pushups everywhere…decline, incline, weighted, hand positions, mix it up
KISS……keep it simple…..
Kevin from Canada — March 9th, 2013, 6:53 am
Connection is focussed contact either to a person, idea or place.
Tough to beat jumping switch lunges for a great body weight exercise.
Tim – other than aesthetics, what do these shoes have over the gecko style vibrams?
Thanks!
Karla — March 9th, 2013, 7:06 am
Connection is like..nothing between you and clarity. In exercise, connection is that perfect running moment when you are flowing so well you actually feel weightless, connection in relationships is that perfect moment when you are so attentive that you somehow literally forget yourself and see the other person so lightening clear you not only hear – you feel – what they are saying, connection to life is the unexpected second that you have no bias and see yourself with clarity…and you realize how amazingly content you are right then to be you.
Favorite bodyweight only exercises would have to be planks of all kinds, pushups, and basketball slides.
Happy Saturday!!
Jason Inslee — March 9th, 2013, 7:09 am
Tim!
Connection: Oneness. When the sensation that all things are created by and from the same energy; physical limitations are transcended and you feel the universal connection: man->matter->earth.
Burpees! One feels the connection of every muscle in the body. One feels the connection to the earth at the lowest position and then tries to escape that connection by jumping. One quickly becomes reconnected to the earth.
Brenda — March 9th, 2013, 7:15 am
For me, connection means that you emotionally know something so intensely (about a person, about energy, about potential) that you do not doubt yourself for one second. It all just makes sense to you and feels as though it is richly an extension of you. I love using my own body weight to bounce, roll, and climb my self through a Parkour course.
Luke — March 9th, 2013, 7:17 am
To me “connection” signifies balance and awareness and synonymous with intimacy. Wether it’s in the context of nature or relationships one has to first be conscience of the connection. To fully connect there has to be balance. Balance in the sense of how much of each side is invested in the connection. I had a friend that defined intimacy as to be known and to fully know without any fear of rejection. I think a certain level of intimacy with nature means to be lost in the experience. I can see myself doing some of the movements below and looking like an idiot to most people but someone with a deep connection with the movements and nature loses that fear of rejection and builds a level of intimacy.
Favorite body weight exercises:
Single leg RDL
Pushups variations
Walking Lunge
Burpee or Blurpees
Jump squat (box jump if an elevated surface is laying around)
Any variation on the Plank
single leg hip thrust
pistol squat
L-sits
Hand stand Pushups
hand stands
frog stand to handstand or planche
hindu pushups
If something to hang from is available:
pull-ups / chin-ups
inverted row
front lever
muscle-ups
Leslie Lindeman — March 9th, 2013, 7:18 am
To be totally in the now with another human being within a natural setting is what connection means to me.
Pushups, crunches, planks, pull ups, squats, lunges, handstands.
How’s that? LOVE Merrell shoes and would love to own a pair.
Tommy Lovell — March 9th, 2013, 7:20 am
The thing about connection is, once it happens it no longer exists. Once connected there’s a synergy (thank you Mr. Fuller) between two things. Me and the ground. Am I connected to it, or it to me? Do I run or does the earth move? Me and my piano. Who is playing who/what? When connection happens, you can’t feel it either because it doesn’t stand out. It just is.
Best body weight exercise is by far running up stairs by two or three steps every single time there are stairs to run up. Thank you, NYC.
Timmay — March 9th, 2013, 7:38 am
Saturday, March 12? Or Saturday, March 9th? I’m confused!
bdg — March 9th, 2013, 7:50 am
Connection: contact, absorption, reciprocation.
Body weight: push-ups, dips, squats.
Roshan Jacob — March 9th, 2013, 7:53 am
1) To me, its very simple. ‘Connection’ or ‘to connect’ with something simply means to be one with that something, where the boundaries between you and that something cease to exist. It is that ‘oneness’ that I take the word connection to mean.
2) My favorite body weight only exercises are the push-up and squats.
Ben Weston — March 9th, 2013, 7:54 am
Connection to me means opening a facet of myself up to share with a corresponding something or someone else.
Favorite bodyweight exercises:
- Rope climbs without the feet
- Pole climbing
- Handbalancing
- Planches
- Glute-ham raises
- Bench pressing someone standing in my hands
Chris Goodman — March 9th, 2013, 7:59 am
-Women will come and go. Your bank account will fill and empty with the changing winds. There are good times and less good times. The burpee doesn’t judge. The burpee waits for you quietly. The burpee whispers softly “Do me, or just go home,”
-Connection brings it all together. Force it and it’s not genuine. Lose focus and you’ll never touch it. Talk about it and watch it become sterile. Feel it, without grasping, and you won’t need any words.
Michael — March 9th, 2013, 8:01 am
Connection is the realization of our bond with another being, with an idea, with life and ultimately with all that is. No separation. And in fact, no self. We become both less and more with the realization of connection. Focus on the other, the surfaces and the terrain of our lives, and connection is there.
My favorite body weight only exercise is “The Get Up” – Lie flat on the floor (prone or supine) and GET UP! then get back down. Keep repeating. Do this for 30 minutes. Vary the way you get up and go down. Incorporate one leg squats, push-ups, and any other move you can imagine. Works large muscles, core, and aerobic.
Scott Lindsey — March 9th, 2013, 8:15 am
Connection begins and ends with interaction. Everything from the smell of the air and feel of the wind on your face, to the sound and feel of the trail crunching under your feet.
My favorite body weight only exercise is the bicycle crunch. I’m slowly finding my abs! (Lost 50 lbs on the SCD last year and started exercising over the holidays.)
Tim Lewis — March 9th, 2013, 8:29 am
Connection means that two people have found a bond, a common thread in their experiences, personality, or their passions that brings them together in mutual respect..
Favorite body weight exercise- single leg pistols
Ross — March 9th, 2013, 8:37 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection is the invisible glue that binds two or more people together. It happens in an instant. When we connect we become part of the same tribe.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
The classic pushup is still the best bodyweight-only exercise there is. A favorite of the U.S. Army since before WWI, the pushup and its various modifications (one handed, clap, inverted, reverse, etc) provide the best core workout in the least amount of time. Get down and give me 50!
James via London — March 9th, 2013, 8:40 am
Connection? We are one with each other and all living things.
Our every thought, act and deed either enhances or diminishes us all,
like pebbles and stones thrown in a pond… rippling acoss one another as they project from our past, change our present, and become our future.
Favourite Body Weight Exercises: One word… Kata.
Patrick Byrd — March 9th, 2013, 8:47 am
The world is based on relationship and the complete and total inter-connectedness of all things. The gift of living in modernity is to understand how crucial it is to remember and honor our relationships with every bit of the world, in order to maintain health and vitality in all those systems, including the human system. Everyone knows what happens when this doesn’t happen; just open today’s paper.
To be connected creates vitality in the body, a quiet mind, and a grateful heart.
People living their lives from a connected place end up creating cultures that are inherently regenerative. They honor the wisdom of their elders and celebrate and channel the fire of the youth. They live inside the mythic realm of story and feed it with ceremony and ritual. They learn by mentoring, a largely invisible process of questioning and pulling on threads of curiosity, like the Socratic method. The attributes of a healthy culture are founded on a deep connection to the world around it. Thoreau was nature connected; as was John Muir. Now talk about deep nature connection, and we’re talking about the likes of Black Elk or Chief Joseph — next level stuff.
My favorite bodyweight only exercises in order of increasing pain:
- 1 armed pushups
- 1 legged squats
- burpees
- hill sprints
- all of the above in tabata form, yikes
cheers
WillB — March 9th, 2013, 8:48 am
I have been a long time fan of Merrell’s, but I won’t be buying any more. They are lethal in the wet .
Jason Williams — March 9th, 2013, 8:54 am
Connection is in the heart. It’s a place your mind goes when it starts to wander.
Sprawls.
Tim — March 9th, 2013, 8:55 am
True connection is nothing. It’s the clear feeling that I get a few times each day or week, often alone, when I find my mind happily groovin’ in the void. No thoughts, no nagging tasklists, no solid proprioception, no recognition of the “wind in the trees”. Just me, connected to myself. Killer feeling; a caesura of epic proportions.
Body weight exercises I enjoy are planks and jumping. I don’t know if jumping has a special name, but I just like to jump up and down.
Joe — March 9th, 2013, 8:56 am
Connection- you know it when you feel it.
Squats
Patrick M. — March 9th, 2013, 9:02 am
When you are standing in the middle of the mountains in Maine, with not a human, car, radio, phone, road, or any other sign or sound of modern civilization within miles. Where your only company is the wind in the trees, the stones and grass under your feet, the feeling of belonging.
The sense of being whole, of being one with your surroundings, this is connection. I find it when I simplify life to it’s most basic needs and beauty. It finds me when I’m too caught up in the “race” to take notice.
My favorite body-weight exercise is to take a long walk for an hour or more.
Scott Lynn — March 9th, 2013, 9:06 am
Connection is participation to me. For too long I sat behind a computer screen or playing video games, not participating in life. Then I met some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Connection is being with them, having adventures, doing things outside your comfort zone for the experience of it.
My favorite exercise used to be the burpee, but now it’s the cat crawl/bear crawl. It’s fun to do and hilarious to watch your friends do.
Matt — March 9th, 2013, 9:08 am
Connection is all about reducing the static, interference or noise between you and where you are and what you doing. To the extent that one’s mind is clear, focused and present, one is connected. Connection is purity of experience. Connection is free, but has a cost and is priceless.
My favorite body-weight exercise is the full-squat (but with particular execution: controlled down motion with eyes up and palms fully contacting the floor, with a good/intentional squeeze in the glutes at the bottom, rising powerfully to a conscious contraction of the quads at the top with a slight rear-ward tilt of the shoulder/upper-body to engage the lower-back).
Shane parouse — March 9th, 2013, 9:18 am
Connection: it is the stuff of life. The juice. The thrill. The drama. The pain. It all comes through connection. To people, animals, nature and the spiritual world I experience the fullness of life.
Body weight exercise: air squats. In the office. At home. In the bathroom. Anywhere! It gives a burst of energy. Warms the muscles and strengthens the most important areas of my body. My butt, core, back all engage.
Now gimme dem shoes!
Tom Mercer — March 9th, 2013, 9:41 am
Connection to me means being grounded and present in the moment. Grounded physically means well-balanced with a low center of gravity. To be present in the moment means letting go of the past and not rehearsing the future, but instead seeing the depth of things happening in front of you now.
Best body-weight exercise: pistol (one-legged) jump squats up onto an elevated platform, stair, rock, tree stump or mound of dirt.
Justin Yin — March 9th, 2013, 9:46 am
Quick question, does Merrell have a guide for those just starting to get into barefoot or shoes that are meant for beginners?
As for connection: To me a connection is just being in touch with your environment. It means that you can sense the little changes whether that means you just stepped on an acorn or feeling the grass in-between your toes.
I did the barefoot thing for a while, bought toe-shoes and Viveobarefoots, and I loved being able to feel the subtle differences of the ground when I walked or ran, but like many other people, I ended up hurting my feet and have since gone back to my padded Mizunos.
Body-weight exercises (disclaimer: I love Crossfit)
Any combination of 15/10/5 for 5 rounds of:
Squats, push-ups, burpees, pull-ups, dips, box jumps, or handstand push-ups. And a 400 meter warm-up/cool down.
Bethany Siegenthaler — March 9th, 2013, 9:52 am
Connection – when something meaningful and of value has occurred between two people. It may be as simple as a great conversation on a plane where you learn so much about a total stranger, so the guy named Joe who always checks us out at the grocery store – I know a little more about Joe every time we shop and do my best to give him a sincere smile and hello whenever I see him. The connection can be as great as that of your relationship with your best friend, spouse or mentor. A connection simply gives you a support network of more people that can brighten and enhance your life!
My favorite body weight only exercises are planks and lunges. One day I hope it’s pullups, but my strength isn’t there yet!
Antonius Momac — March 9th, 2013, 9:55 am
When I connect with something on any meaningful level; all else, my worries, the world, fade away…
MoMacAttack Sprints!!!
i.e. Up-Hill Sprints, but you must do them as if you’re running for your life.
Chris S — March 9th, 2013, 9:55 am
Hey Tim,
Very exciting partnership. Here are my answers.
1. Connection is the fundamental linkage between a person and an idea that drives them.
2. The best body weight exercise is a tough call, but if a decision had to be made, here are my top two:
Muscle up – When done on rings this is a truly unbelievable display of power and strength.
The Handstand Pushup – Another awesome display of balance, strength and coordination. It’s also really cool to watch!
All the best,
-Chris
Dan Linstroth — March 9th, 2013, 10:06 am
Connection: the power of the collective whole is greater than any one individual.
Top body weight exercises: spiderman pushups, one legged squats, pull ups
Thanks, Tim!
Kelly — March 9th, 2013, 10:13 am
To me, connection means finding a love (or a passion) between yourself and something else. Healthy people have a good connection with his/her mate, with his/her body, with nature.
Body squats, lunges and planks!
Rachel — March 9th, 2013, 10:33 am
When we feel our hearts beating, blood pulsing in our veins, and our breath moving inside of us we are fully alive…we are in connection with ourselves and we are connected to all other living things. Connection is life.
Yoga is connection and is by far my favorite body-weight only exercise for mind, body and spirit!
Wang Yip — March 9th, 2013, 10:43 am
Connection to me means finding something similar in spirit, emotion, physicality or even just the coincidence of time and space.
Best body weight exercise is the push up
Andrew Turnbull — March 9th, 2013, 10:44 am
Connection means relationship. You are directly experiencing that which you are in relationship with, in this case, the earth; nature. I offer these quotes to illustrate:
“I touch the earth and the earth touches me.” – Hugh Prather
“You’ve been all over and its been all over you.” – lyrics from the U2 song, ‘Beautiful Day’
My favorite body-weight exercise is a Tai Chi stretch which loosens up one hip while simultaneously strengthening the other. It is performed standing, on one leg, slightly bent at the knee and hip (picture Daniel-san in Karate Kid perched on a pier, although without the flapping arms) while pulling the other leg to the chest and diagonally toward the opposite shoulder. Does wonders for the sciatic area (where I have had issues).
I also like inverted push-ups and have been a long time admirer of Merrel footwear!
Svetlana — March 9th, 2013, 10:53 am
Connection: Opening yourself up to someone/something while fulfilling their void.
Excercise: Burpees & Push-ups
Brian Stone — March 9th, 2013, 10:55 am
Connection to me means experiencing a common resonance, or to align frequencies.
Connection to me means simply to harmonize two or more otherwise separate things. To align differing frequencies for some period of time into one resonance.
Best bodyweight-only exercise is the pull-up, or chin-up, or whatever name you want to give putting your hands onto something above shoulder level and pulling yourself up over/onto it. It’s infinitely translatable into so many real-life scenarios, requires no real equipment if one is imaginative, and is great for you physically.
Brian Stone — March 9th, 2013, 1:25 pm
Whoops – I was supposed to have deleted that first sentence prior to submission.
Clive Watson — March 9th, 2013, 11:07 am
Connection? It is that feeling of rightness and belonging, almost of sliding into place, that hits you all of a sudden, maybe six miles into a long run, maybe when you see a long lost friend, or maybe just when you wake up suddenly out of a good dream. You feel the presence of everything and everyone around you without looking at them or thinking about it. And this overwhelming sense of calm lets you know, not just that you fit, but that without you, everything would be different.
My favorite body weight only exercise? Upward bow (or wheel) pose. When I work into this position about 3/4 of the way through my yoga practice, it becomes the most intense test of leg and arm strength, and the fullest expression of opening all at once.
Apoorv — March 9th, 2013, 11:55 am
Connection is basically when two people are on same page or want same thing. Someone really understands me and get my hopes fears and dreams. And I understand someone else because I have been in exact same situation. It feels like we know each other even if logically we don’t know each other for long.
Best body weight exercise
Push up and squats
I know its cleche but it is cleche for a reason.
M k — March 9th, 2013, 12:13 pm
Connection is when you understand not just the meaning on the surface but also engage with and understand the deeper truth about something; an object’s essence, a person’s soul.
Body weight exercise I love & hate: “real” burpees that include a pushup
Richard Stoia — March 9th, 2013, 1:05 pm
Connection:
The complete physical, emotional, and mental connection with my dance partner on the floor, synchronized with movement and rhythm.
Exercise:
Plié w/ Relevé
Shannon Lagasse — March 9th, 2013, 1:31 pm
What does connection mean to me?
It means getting to really know someone or something, establishing a deep bond. In relationships, it starts out as a conversation – a back and forth of sharing life experiences, stories, thoughts… It’s once I’ve created a connection with someone that I feel more comfortable referring to them, etc.
My favorite body-weight only exercise: Climbing trees. I love, love, LOVE to climb trees. It is such a great workout and is a great way to CONNECT with nature! :] Haha. There’s this great tree near my home at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. We call it the Monkey Tree. It has great branches for climbing and goes way up into the sky. You can see the most amazing scenery from up there.
John Mark Redding — March 9th, 2013, 1:41 pm
Connection is an understanding of an environment or being!
Calf raises! They are very simple and effective!
Sandra — March 9th, 2013, 2:11 pm
Connection to me is two or more things coming together and working harmoniously for the greater good, whether it is body and mind, people coming together (anything from a work project to a marriage), a person and their environment (I think of rock climbing or mountain biking), and so on.
My favorite body exercise would have to be pull-ups. I can gauge if I am getting stronger by how close I am getting to be able to do one pull-up, palms out, from a dead hang. I’ve never been able to do one, and after changing my diet and exercise habits, I’m sooooo close.
Dean Richardson — March 9th, 2013, 2:14 pm
Hey Tim,
Connection means different things in different contexts: at a personal level, connection means, fundamentally, being on the same page with another person regarding something important to both of you. This can be health, food, values… Any one of the life elements that define each of us. I’ve felt it playing hockey with long-standing teammates, as we strive to win, with other “regulars” at the gym, with whom you talk every time you are at the gym (regardless of gender and age) or even slinging cafeteria-style food at an inner-city mission (shameless plug: the Mustard Seed Mission, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada).
In the context of a brand, I have felt that connection with products (like Merrell) or with retailers (like Mountain Equipment Coop — MEC — here in Canada) which are solid promoters of the values I hold, but without being “in your face”. They deliver good products or services — solid, value-priced, available without being demanding, value- but not image-conscious — without screaming at you, or anyone in your vicinity, about who “they” are. Kinda like driving a Volvo instead of a Maserati, even if you could afford one (full disclosure: I drive NEITHER, but would love one of EITHER!). Like you, I have an affinity for Merrell, since I believe I wore a pair the first time I backpacked through Europe, in 1986. I didn’t know that brand from Adam, but they were very comfortable, and fit the bill from a “value-pricing” perspective – an important consideration for a newly-graduated university student!
In terms of body weight only exercises, I’ve got a couple of favourites — running, which moves my ass around without assistance from a machine, but also the pull-up bar, which I like using for front/facing lat pull-downs. Miy gym has a setup which allows anyone to do this, by way of a counterweighted machine to provide user-specific support in pulling up on this machine. It’ll work for ANYONE — just set the appropriate counterweight!
Tim – keep up the good work – unassuming, humorous, but going the extra mile to glean data the rest of us can use. I’ve got all three of your books, in multiple formats (print, audio book, Kindle) and I’m following SCD while using techniques from 4HWW to align my business interests with my lifestyle goals. Thanks for the help!
Dean
Kristen — March 9th, 2013, 2:26 pm
1. I connect physically through running in minimalist shoes – meditation is brought on thru the cadence of my feet. I call this time my #mamameditation and it helps me stay fresh and healthy for my children.
2. Push ups, planks and squats.
Dave Brookes — March 9th, 2013, 2:42 pm
Connection is the essence of our “human-ness” ….. it is the bond between two entities. Be it with ourselves, partner, family, friends, pets, body, mind, the food we put on our plates, etc. Sadly in todays fast-paced world, it is something that is pushed to the outer for various reasons.
Sex!…. again….connection
Joshua — March 9th, 2013, 2:47 pm
Connection: Conductive reasoning. One side knows it, the other sides gets it and the middle ground of understanding. Can be one or both.
Best body weight only exercise: Sex
Aaron Bennett — March 9th, 2013, 3:14 pm
Connection means that I’m aware of my body, my breath, and how I feel. I’m connected to what drives me, what motivates me, and my emotions. It also represents how “at peace” I am with myself and in my own skin.
My favorite bodyweight exercise is the “Cobra Roll”. I am demonstrating it here: http://bit.ly/10w6Lwi
Tim — March 9th, 2013, 3:39 pm
Paraphrased Taoist saying: The spokes of a wheel meet in emptiness, and from that emptiness comes its use.
A mind full of assumptions, filters, and busythink can’t see the spokes around it. Connection means the awareness of possibilites and opening to them.
Favourite bodyweight exercise: the muscle-up. The one-stop shop to make your upper body rock.
Rodolfo Flores — March 9th, 2013, 4:06 pm
Connections means being in sync or in touch with the reality that surrounds you this includes but is not limited to family, friends, and yourself.
Best body-weight exercises;
1. split squat jumps w/jump and push-ups
2. planks
3. hanging leg-raises
Josh Rice — March 9th, 2013, 4:07 pm
A connection to me means when two things link together closely and they create some degree of euphoric reverie. My favorite bodyweight-only exercises are knuckle pushups and neutral position pull-ups with leg extension!
Thomas Weaver Jr — March 9th, 2013, 4:13 pm
Connection has so many meanings. There’s the literal meanings and the philosophical ones. And then we have the hybrid meanings that join both the physical and philosophical. Without philosophical connections there can be no physical connections. This is true in love, sex, electronics and power grids politics and virtually every other “connection” know to man. Connection begins with and idea (philosophy). That idea evolves into a plan(philosophy). The plan evolves into execution(physical). An eventually it is born into a fully actuated physical reality.
As far as BodyWeight movements are concerned… I stick with the staples, push-ups, handstands, pull-ups and squats variations.. Bilateral, unilateral, isometric, eccentric loading and explosive loading. This allows for multiple facets of deveolpment and growth.
Charles — March 9th, 2013, 5:02 pm
Connection simply means knowing the surroundings and the people around where you live. It’s easy to get caught up in a busy habit of work or staying inside your social circles. To connect people need to ‘get lost’ sometimes and walk down a new street, alley, or trail near their home. Along the way, you’re bound to meet a few people who are doing the same thing. Smiling and saying hello to these people will bring peace of mind and connection.
Favorite body weight exercises are the squat and press. I learned these from the 4 Hour body. Squat down, stand up, press up with the arms, repeat.
Linds Panther — March 9th, 2013, 5:23 pm
To me, connection means contact: physically, emotionally and digitally. It’s about the bond between people and the world they participate in.
Pushups and running are my favorite bodyweight-only exercises. The first thing I do after rolling out of the bed in the morning is a single set of 50 pushups to get my blood flowing. I run 2 – 3 times per week, and I recently completed my first marathon last October.
PH — March 9th, 2013, 5:26 pm
A connection is a link between two people that keeps them coming back for more, and its what makes life interesting as we realize how small the world really is. My favorite (or maybe it’s actually least favorite?) bodyweight workout is the burpee. It’s killer squats, chest and core all wrapped up in one move.
Joel Vittori — March 9th, 2013, 5:26 pm
I am a sales consultant and connecting with people is what I do every day. This requires me to gain the customer’s trust. To do this I have to find common ground with people from a variety of ethnic, economic and social backgrounds. The key is to make the experience all about the customer. I ask open ended questions that gets him/her to offer me information to move the process along without getting mired in aimless chit chat. The key is to take a genuine interest in the customer. I have learned a ton about human nature and other people’s life experiences. I have developed ties with people that go beyond our business relationship. Connecting with people is the most important aspect of my day.
I do a lot of calisthenic work. Currently my favorite body weight exercises are pistols, handstands (handstand half push ups), hanging leg raises and torture twists.
Wyant — March 9th, 2013, 6:24 pm
What does “connection” mean to you?
“Connection” for me is usually associated with laughter like when a comedian points out anything outrages or ironic. I live in a busy metropolis of Toronto, I chuckle when I recall how small I am in this noisy city and that I’m not the center of the universe; taking my dog to the park and going on trails is a great way to just let go of the amount of stimulation that is pounding on me everyday. Dare I say make a connection with nature.
What are your favorite body-weight-only exercises?
My favorite body weight exercise would have to be the pull-up; the stretch not to mention the upper back muscles being tested are one of the best exercises to counter that turtle back from days sitting in front of the computer.
Wyant — March 9th, 2013, 6:27 pm
“Connection” for me is usually associated with laughter like when a comedian points out anything outrages or ironic. I live in a busy metropolis of Toronto, I chuckle when I recall how small I am in this noisy city and that I’m not the center of the universe; taking my dog to the park and going on trails is a great way to just let go of the amount of stimulation that is pounding on me everyday. Dare I say make a connection with nature.
My favorite body weight exercise would have to be the pull-up; the stretch not to mention the upper back muscles being tested are one of the best exercises to counter that turtle back from days sitting in front of the computer.
Fawne — March 9th, 2013, 7:16 pm
I’ve never exercised with any of the barefoot or low drag type shoes that you currently use, but they do seem like a great asset for minimalist training. The Vibram sole is hands down the best sole for people that need medium to heavy wear so good job!
Connection is that of which everything interacts; from our social and inherent relations, what we associate with, to the catalysts that strengthen our bonds.
My favorite (and recommended) body weight exercises:
-Crazy Ivans
-Burpee Pushups
-Pull up to dips
-Classic Leg Lunges
-Star Jumpers
Cheers!
Will — March 9th, 2013, 7:34 pm
Connection is when my heart and mind align. In those rare moments I feel as if I can do anything.
Favorite body weight exercise? Wind sprints on a sunny day. It is the best medication I have found.
Thanks!
Tab Knight — March 9th, 2013, 7:54 pm
Connection to me means, especially with hunting or working out, standing back and watching how something works and then making whatever I’m doing successful. Elk hunting two years ago the biggest draw for me was the smell of the animal, tracking them through some of the most extreme territory, and then attempting to outthink there next move…but regardless of the outcome the payoff is the chase and feeling connected to some primal instinct to harvest and provide for my family.
For me my favorite bodyweight exercise is the handstand pushup! Once your inverted you are committed and it feels so natural to feel the power in your arms holding you up from catastrophe. Regardless if you do it against the wall or holding a unsupported handstand it’s an exhilarating workout!
Matthew — March 9th, 2013, 8:30 pm
Connection, to me, is a sensitivity to the forces acting upon you caused by every action you make. In the sense of Newton’s third law of motion, while running, the Earth is striking your feet with as much force as your feet are striking the Earth. I believe connection is feeling that force and knowing how to use it to your advantage. Running barefoot or with minimalist shoes such as Merrell’s is the perfect way to teach your body how it was meant to be used.
I don’t have a specific favorite bodyweight exercise, but my favorite book on bodyweight-only exercise is Convict Conditioning by Paul Wade. It endorses the way that strongmen originally got strong – bodyweight exercise.
Jeff — March 9th, 2013, 8:36 pm
Connection is the bonding of your heart to another or the feeling of ” i right where I need to be”.
Body weight only exercises: dips, push-ups, crunches, and handstand shoulder presses.
Kieran Muir — March 9th, 2013, 8:39 pm
Hey Tim,
Absolutely love all your work, I find everything you do so incredible interesting and hope you keep producing quality works
Connection for me is the people who you don’t need to talk to everyday, not even for several weeks but when you see each other again, it feels like no time has passed at all, it’s what I see as true connection.
My favourite bodyweight exercises are 1-legged squats, switch press-ups (where you switch hands side-to-side) and wide-grip pull-ups. Those three exercises keep me happy if I don’t have a gym close-by.
I hope I win the shoes
I have been wearing my Vibrams for the last two years but I still get the funny looks at the gym or at a cafe when I wear them.
Cheers,
Kieran
Marceau Boulenger — March 9th, 2013, 9:11 pm
For me, Connection, is the reciprocity of feeling between two people.
As of my favorite body-weight exercice.. hum… let’s go with the mountain climb
Alex — March 9th, 2013, 9:12 pm
With all these great responses, I don’t think I can define connection without being abstract or redundant. However, I can tell you what it has looked like in my own life.
Having a connection with running is why I throw on my trainers and go for a jog after coming home at 2am from a night out with friends. Feeling connected to boxing means showing up to conferences where I will be presenting (social scientist here) bruised and beaten. Because I will never miss a sparring day. Ever. For me, when I’m connected to something, I -want- to invest myself fully into it.
Aside from sparring (technically body weight, right folks?) it would have to be jumping air squats.
Great job on the video Tim
Connor Grooms — March 9th, 2013, 9:32 pm
It is inherently foolish to try to put words to connection. Connection is not possible to describe, just like the tao, “The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name”. Connection is what makes life worth living, what makes relationships deep, and what makes being alone in wild Nature feel so freeing. There are more literal meanings, but those are insufficient.
Best body weight exercise is Pullups, especially ones on door frames (grip strength)
Charlie — March 9th, 2013, 9:50 pm
Connection is a kinship. When you are in the outdoors all senses are engaged, you can feel the kinetic energy of life; in the plants, the air, the dirt, and the water. All share a symbiotic transcendence that is unattainable in a man made environment.
My favorite body-weight exercise is the Chatarunga Run! Bring it!
michele hartzell — March 9th, 2013, 10:02 pm
Connection means to me alignment of your body, mind and soul. My favorite body weight exercises are planks for establishing great core strength and lunges for toning legs and buttocks.
Steve — March 9th, 2013, 10:04 pm
Connection means to be joined, as one, in sync. The feeling you get when you are shoulder deep in the ocean. You are in control of you but you are being moved as a part of something greater….
Favorite body weight exercise, running.
Gabriel Mabry — March 9th, 2013, 11:11 pm
Connection means the fulfillment of my culture, as a native American that means respecting the earth and being thankful for its gifts.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercises are:
- push-ups
- hip thrusts
- pistol squats
- planks
- bicycle crunches
- Hindu push-ups
- burpees (haven’t tried the blurpee yet)
Sunny — March 9th, 2013, 11:29 pm
Connection is any interaction that allows for a transfer of energy
Hindu push ups and squats, powerful
Stephen N — March 10th, 2013, 12:34 am
Nearby there’s a park full of squirrels where I pretend to be a horse, and my daughter, drunk with laughter, rides me into the ground.
Joel Herrmann — March 10th, 2013, 12:42 am
I work 60 hours a week inside an airconditioned room with no windows in front of 20 + computer screens. Every 4-6 weeks I need to connect and unplug from my work life. I head off into the Australian bush, start a campfire, fry up some beans and just sit silently. Feeling the wind pass around, hearing the animals forget I’m intruding, and watching the night sky fill with mindblowing display. Sitting zen for hours without realizing it, calming the monkey mind and letting nature remind me of my primordial beginnings.
The best excersize for me is the pull-up, feeling the back muscles crack and pop back into their desired movemnet, the abs brace, the arms scream.
Jonathan — March 10th, 2013, 1:26 am
Favourite body weight exercise … Hand stand push ups with bent knees And feet against the wall… Excellent for core, balance, and shoulders without stress on lower back from machine versions such as military press.
I haven’t seen anyone do this before so if you can’t visualise I can send you a video clip.
Not enough of a poet to offer anything useful about connection … Sorry
Andrzej — March 10th, 2013, 1:53 am
Connection is what people do. As a race, as a culture, as a civilisation. It’s what distinguishes us from other animals – our ways of communicating, travelling, getting in touch or even simply letting know that we’re still alive are one of the three main steammachines that keep our evolution on tracks.
Running with a long, proper warming-up before and good, hard stretching afterwards. I warm up using similar methods as you’ve shown in the Marell “Outdoors” movie but I stretch as I’ve learned from my capoeira lessons. And running… heck, it’s just running
Me and the distance.
Jeremy Webb — March 10th, 2013, 3:37 am
Connection is the invisible force that runs from earth through your feet into your conscious, that strives to make every run a joy.
A full pull up with leg lift, balanced with dips. Awesome and surprisingly effective.
Avi Ifergan — March 10th, 2013, 4:32 am
Connection is holding a newborn child for the first time.
It is the look across a crowded where no words are necessary.
It is your young daughters running into your arms as you walk in the door.
It is your grandmother’s chickensoup.
It is your daughters requesting second helpings of your grandmother’s chickensoup.
It is that song that evokes a memory and rush of emotion.
It is the smile of a former highschool teacher that you havent seen for decades – when she recognizes you
It is the bartender who recognizes you as you walk in, and who is already pouring YOUR drink before you’ve sat down at the bar.
It is the smile that you hear when calling a satisfied client.
It is the familiar and the fun, the secure and the safe,
the unforgettable and unconditional
LOVE
that is naturally created when we give to each other.
Favorite Bodyweight exercises?
1. Squats
2. Push Ups [varying hand position - wide,narrow, diamond]
3. Pull Ups
4. Dips [or triceps dips with chairs]
5. Crunches
6. Planks
Edmundo Gurza — March 10th, 2013, 4:41 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
A connection is the perfect mix of focus and calmness, which allows you to be in the moment with all your senses. Whether it is with a person, a task or nature, being in the moment and allowing the connection to happen opens your senses to bring clarity and be able to focus on what is surrounding you.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
- squats (such a natural movement that has been so lost in our culture)
- anything handstand-ish (pushups, holds, one handed, etc)
- and of course pullups
Zach — March 10th, 2013, 5:17 am
TCP/IP connection failure. Back-story, 2003: I took CISCO networking in High School with Reverend Mariano. The other CISCO teacher, Mr. T, was responsible for managing the database with all the student’s report cards. When it was time to print them off, Mr. T changed Mr. Mariano’s name to Rev. Mariano. So while I don’t even remember what it means anymore, I always think of TCP/IP settings and screwing around in CISCO class when I hear the word connection.
Single Leg Squat…Blindfolded… Bi-Winning.
Jonny Landon — March 10th, 2013, 5:53 am
Connection to me is the realisation that another person, another activity, another species or another idea holds the same fundamental values. This is why deconstruction is so powerful, you are actively dressing down the complexities or your preconceived notions about the subject and getting to the fundamental values which allows you to truly connect with anyone or anything.
My fave bodyweight exercises include: pistols, planche, frog/crow and star plank
Jeff — March 10th, 2013, 7:02 am
Love Merrell shoes and so does my family.
Connection to me means a “spark”. Without that initial connection or spark, a long term connection is very difficult if not impossible to create or sustain. The spark is the genesis of a connection and to me is the actual connection.
My favorite body-weight exercise is trail running. I know you probably meant something to substitute a dumbbell or weight machine exercise but trail running is what I love to do. Every trail is different and you need to make a fairly quick connection with the trail and your environment in order to safely engage with your workout and enjoy the place you are at. If you have been running for a long time you should know what I mean. It is me, no noise, my shoes (clothes too) and being connected to where I am at right then…Ahhhh.
That’s an A-W-E-S-O-M-E feeling.
PS…I do generally hate pushups and pull-ups but continue to do them because I know they are good for me. Oh and dips…really hate them. Glad there are some out there who love those things. Keep it up!
Eric M — March 10th, 2013, 7:22 am
Connection:
There are many things in this world we connect to, or used to connect to. Our humanity is now at a point where we have been broken from doing something natural to, now, many things unnatural (i.e. sitting in front of a computer for 40 hours per week). We do not connect with people the way we used to. We don’t go out doors and connect with nature or have adventures the way our ancestors did. Connecting on a survivalist level has dissipated. Dr. Kelly Stuart said that humans needs to spend 1 hour per day walking barefoot to gain back the strength and grip they were intended to have. Connection, in this context and in the Merrell context, is to be ONE with our humanity again. When you find your humanity you find your purpose. (Maybe this concept can help take some shares away from Nike/Reebok/Adidas).
Favorite Body Weight Exercises:
Standing Squats…. Especially on my 4-Hour Body cheat day… Before each meal and 90 minutes after, this is my favorite exercise to perform. Today is my cheat day, and not only do I love the food I get to pig out on, but the squats totally get me pumped (in every sense of the word) before I dive in. I’m excited just typing about it.
-Eric M.
Jonathan — March 10th, 2013, 7:33 am
Connection: is the unity between two. This link can be a simple as a friendship or as complex as the human brain processing the command to pick up a fork on a table. Connection flows through our entire life on a daily basis and is often taken for granted. But truthfully, few can appreciate how important or how complex the connection can be.
Best body weight exercise: burpees muscle ups,http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=iYVEACIRzqc&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DiYVEACIRzqc
Oh and the video doesn’t show full extension prior to holding onto the rings which is important in order to maintain full range of motion throughout, no cheating, your only cheating yourself
Followed closely by 60-180 second sprints and hollow rocks.
Pat — March 10th, 2013, 7:38 am
Soul to sole to soil (for shoes, a connection with the earth. solid. real. sharing an experience, co-habitating, co-existing with the earth)
Connection: a bond. A tangible feeling- invisible but solid. A knowledge that you are now communicating without words. A bridge across which feeling and emotion passes. Think of neurons connecting. Think of how people and their souls connect- when their eyes lock.
Favorite exercise: Pullups. Different angles. different grips. hanging and raising your legs.
Ko Hyun Chul — March 10th, 2013, 7:42 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
1) One-arm Push-up
One-arm Push-up is not simply a harder version of Two-arm Push-up. Certainly, it is many times harder but can give you much more result. Not only Triceps,Pecs,Frontal Deltoids, but your Abs,Glutes and QL can be strengthened. It is an exercise that requires you to ‘connect’ all the body parts.
2) Bridge
A bodyweight exercise expert Paul ‘coach’ wade said if he is to recommend only one exercise, it would be Bridge. Bridge is one of the most healthiest exercise to strengthen the posterior muscles of the body. Actually, I was able to strengthen my spine and corect my hunched posture with Bridge.
Andrei Sergouchtenko — March 10th, 2013, 8:14 am
1. Connection.
What does connection mean to me? That is only half of the question. But what is it specifically that I am supposed to connect with?
Stop. Hands off the keyboard. Look around you. Your laptop? A feat of engineering. The ballpoint pen on your desk? Someone was once mocked for even thinking of such an absurd idea. Now look outside the window. Sad that the sky is grey? At least its there. If you are reading this, congratulations, you have a pulse.
You, me, and everyone else have this in common. We are all connected to each other and our surrounding environment. Everything created in the past was made for us in this moment, and everything we create will be used when we’re gone. THAT is connection, its the same for everyone, not just me; being a part of it all.
So, what does connection mean to me? Well that is only half of the question.
2. Bodyweight Exercises: Two Criteria
My favorite bodyweight exercises are ones that simultaneously work out as many areas as possible. Also, they have to involve little or no equipment so that I can work out anywhere.
Unfortunately, most hotel rooms don’t come with their own complementary raised bar. So pull ups are ruled out. That leaves me with my top favorites – Pushups and Dips. All you need for these is more or less level ground and a chair.
And finally, Running. I consider this a bodyweight exercise. What other weight are you using? It works wonders for any goal. And again, all you need is some ground. Doesn’t even need to be level.
Finally,
I’m going to be a little bit eccentric: Size 11. Can’t wait to try them on.
Matt — March 10th, 2013, 8:51 am
I just recently got FMS Level 2 certified in San Francisco. I went hiking on Angel Island. What a great day.
Being connected, to me, means getting in line with nature. weather it’s diet, movement, or lifestyle in general. The inputs should be what nature intended.
My top 2 are:
1. Half kneeling with a narrow base and just turning the neck. Really connect with the earth. Doing both sides creates symmetry which is the most important variable for preventing injury.
2. Bird dog just holding the pose, gripping the ground through the hands knees and feet
Spend extra time in the weak side.
Those 2 are easily to coach, hard to screw up, and great for reprogramming fundamental neuromuscular movement patterns.
I use crawling lot with clients. A naked TGU. Rolling patterns.
size 11
Aaron Maurer — March 10th, 2013, 9:35 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection is the essence of my job as a teacher and as my duties as a parent and husband. It is essentially creating a bond of trust to help another person or group enhance their life and the cost is for them to do the same for you. With digital tools are now able to form connections with anyone, anywhere, at anytime. It is much like a light socket. When you plug in a cord a connection forms. the electricity of the outlet can now be shared and utilized for good while the the cord now can receive the benefit and the result is the turning on of a light bulb or other device.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Wrestling with my three children who are 8,6, and almost 2. Picking up, tossing, grappling with three different body styles and weight and at times all at once gives your body a workout that you never know what to expect or how much needs to be done. No two workouts are ever the same. Like any good workout, I am often worn out and tired before the kids.
EHF — March 10th, 2013, 9:56 am
Connection: Chemistry
Body weight: Plank in yoga
X.Rui — March 10th, 2013, 10:12 am
Connection means feeling through something beyond your own senses.
Horizontal pulls. Nothing better than getting pumped and sweaty in the park while the kids and elderly look at my seemingly simple exercise.
Pramit — March 10th, 2013, 10:33 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection to me is understanding that the things I’ve experienced aren’t “good” or “bad” – they just are. It’s usually when I look past my ego and strongly-held beliefs that I can connect with new, and possibly better, experiences.
For example, I used to be obese (I weighed more in middle school than I do now) and strongly felt my genetics were the culprit. When my high school health teacher suggested otherwise, I wanted to sock him in the face but I realized some truth to his teachings. A diet consisting of white rice, McDonald’s and potato chips turned out to be less than ideal. This realization eventually lead me to lose 30 pounds in high school.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Squats. As Tim suggested in 4HB and 4HC, I started out with the least amount of change to start the habit (just 1 squat a day), and later expanded it (120 squats a day) over 11 weeks.
In case I win, my shoe size is 9.5. Thanks!
Mike Gopsill — March 10th, 2013, 11:12 am
Connection is the noun for Kevin Bacon, who is always connected, by 4GEE and by six degrees.
My favourite bodyweight-only exercises are dips because they are isolated and intense, a one-handed pushup (Rocky-style) and I like a Turkish getup with no weight if that counts.
Great post Tim, looking forward to getting outside myself when the UK summer kicks in.
Madalyn Davidson — March 10th, 2013, 11:34 am
Connection is a feeling or physical bond between two things.
Planks are my fav body weight exercise.
Thanks Tim! Love your “connections”.
Koorosh — March 10th, 2013, 11:37 am
Connection to me is when we understand and empathise with something or someone. It doesn’t mean agreement with them, but just an acknowledgment and understanding of their life journey
Best body-weight only exercise? I would say swimming. Its better than running because of less wear and tear on joints
Þorsteinn Guðmundsson — March 10th, 2013, 11:54 am
To me connection is the feeling when I look at my dog and my dog looks at me and we both know we need a good run( everything I write sounds cheesy).
Burpees with push-ups and a jump(It’s a love hate kind of thing).
Nola Collie — March 10th, 2013, 12:37 pm
Connection – giving your passion it’s ‘voice’.
Best body weight only exercise – press ups
Michael Sweet — March 10th, 2013, 1:00 pm
Connection is to feel like part of the big picture. To feel small and humble and yet a vital part of the workings of the big picture because I can make a difference.
My favorite body weight exercise is yoga: arm balances, leg balances, twists, chairs, etc. I like enjoy a good flow so I feel like I am specifically working body muscles as well as my cardio.
Jihwan — March 10th, 2013, 1:19 pm
Personally, connection means having an attachment built up, which you can refer it as a reference point and reflect upon it.
As for my favorite body weight exercises are: pull-ups, handstand push-ups, and unity push-ups with friends.
Eric DeAnda — March 10th, 2013, 1:51 pm
I feel connection everytime, after my first bead of sweat hits the floor
I feel connection every Sunday morning, knowing I completed yet another six-day, two-a-day, work-out weeks
I feel connection when my fast twitch muscles begin to fire after completing my second set of handstand push-ups
I feel connection when I’m the only one in the gym because the cold and rain has kept all others away,
But I feel the strongest sense of connection, when my neurologist informs me that my most recent MRI shows no new plaques on my brain from having Multiple Sclerosis, and that my neurological/physical improvements are a direct result of my commitment and belief in extreme health & fitness
Camilla — March 10th, 2013, 6:25 pm
Good on you Eric. You’re an inspiration.
alexis — March 10th, 2013, 3:07 pm
connection is to join your lower half of your body with the top half
The best exercise is ‘the plough’
as if your digging into the soil with your hands clasped straight arms above your head…straight legs stay as low to the floor as you can for as long as you can like an isometric exercise works on core and shoulder strength
Dale — March 10th, 2013, 3:13 pm
What does “connection” mean to you?
“As one”.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Wall supported hand-stand shoulder presses.
Scott Lee — March 10th, 2013, 3:16 pm
-Connection means to consciously slow down or stop so all distractions and peripheral noise can be put off long enough for one to purposefully engage with another person or activity.
-Favorite body weight exercises- climbing trees, air squats, handstand push-ups.
Don — March 10th, 2013, 3:20 pm
Connection should be our goal in all areas of our lives. Being connected means you can trust the outcome of your interaction to the point that you may take it for granted.
My favorite bodyweight exercises would be walking and backcountry hiking. Great for your body and connecting the mind.
Daniel M. — March 10th, 2013, 3:24 pm
“Connection” to me is the binding of things, by choice or destiny, when two or more points become one. E pluribus unum comes to mind. All is connection.
Favorite exercises for me are hand-stands and walking on my hands. Second only to chin-ups which i do literally all day long between conference calls, dev sessions, and researching until my eyes bleed. Technically walking is “bodyweight-only” and that is something I also try to do every single day, and in nature as much as possible. That way I work the body and spend time with the Spinoza’s God, and the ultimate connection is made. They are all important to me but the one thing I could not live without is the walking, on my feet.
Sean — March 10th, 2013, 3:33 pm
Freedom.
Walking like Kelly Starrett.
Chris Ralph — March 10th, 2013, 4:22 pm
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection, to me, is our relationship with ourselves (inner peace, stillpower), within ourselves (the connection between physical, mental, emotional aspects), with others (social connection, outer peace), and with the earth and our environment. Physical connections are important, but non tactile connections are vital.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Push-ups using a closed fist; pull-ups using variety of grips
Edward Lazzaro — March 10th, 2013, 4:32 pm
Connection to me means a combining of two or more parts which result in a synergistic outcome for both of the halves involved.
Best body weight only exercise? Running
Gary — March 10th, 2013, 5:39 pm
Meaning of Connection – A period of interaction where one or more items are associated with each other.
Favorite Body Weight Exercises – Sprinting, vertical jump, broad jump
Pat — March 10th, 2013, 5:48 pm
Connection is the physical or virtual symbol of commonality.
Exercises: Walking with a complement of pull-ups and push-ups for upper body.
Audrey Hager — March 10th, 2013, 5:50 pm
Connection:
I’m a scientist, so when I think of ‘connection’ what comes to mind is perhaps more objective than what others might think. A connection occurs when two or more ‘things’ (objects, concepts, thoughts, people etc.) are able to influence each other. Having a ‘connection’ with the road on which you’re running though your shoes means that the terrain can influence your run (hopefully for the better)!
Fav bodyweight-only exercise: I’m training for my 1st marathon (using Merrell Paceglove) and have just started looking into doing more bodyweight-only core-strengthening exercises to aid my running. So far I really like the Trapwalk and CatCrawl.
Dan Derrick — March 10th, 2013, 6:10 pm
Connection to me means open. To have a connection with something or someone you have to be open to what is being offered to you.
My favorite body weight exercises, for their results and not necessarily the act of performing them, would have to be burpees; because they are a full body workout and you don’t need a lot of space to do them.
Camilla — March 10th, 2013, 6:21 pm
Hi, from Australia!
Connection to me means refusing to see seperation between me and the rest of the world. Whether it’s a cashier at a coffee shop or walking in nature, I connect by seeing the boundaries of where one thing/person stops and I begin, as being blurred.
And, my favourite bodyweight-only exercises are the ballet inspired leg workouts of Yoga Booty Barre classes. You get the most incredible work out (harder than any weight training I’ve done on my legs, probably because for a full 45 mins I’ve got 55kg of my body weight on at least one or two of my leg muscles- constantly). After 4 classes I’m already getting insane definition in my legs – and let’s face it, who doesn’t want a ballet dancer’s butt, thighs and calves!? I may never go back to weights again!
Thanks Tim,
Camilla.
Jared — March 10th, 2013, 8:34 pm
My interest in connection lies in my ability to interact with my environment. In terms of footwear, it hinges on my ability to sense the ground that I’m walking on and respond with the full range of motion my feet allow. Any shoe that inhibits my ability to sense or move more than is necessary to protect my feet is an impedance to my connection with the ground.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are the “muscle up” (using gymnastics rings) and the plyometric jump squat.
Joe Gates — March 10th, 2013, 8:37 pm
When I hear connection I think of baseball. Hitting a baseball squarely is the hardest thing to do in sports (arguably). 162 games x 4 at bats per game is 648 attempts. The record of 61 home runs stood for about 40 years. When someone does you here “He connected with that one,” from the broadcaster. So when I think of connection I think of two beings, or things, coming together for a purpose. Electical cord of a lamp connecting to power provides light, baseball connecting with a bat is home run, two people connecting for a number of purposes, to find a spouse for example. That is what “connection” means to me.
Favorite body weight exercise: burpees.
Erol — March 10th, 2013, 10:14 pm
1. For me, connection can be described in two ways: The first would be the union of mind and body. Despite the hippy-esque sound of that statement, I find it quite accurately portrays the very few actual moments when productivity and creativity intersect. In these rare instances, you’re able to create something inspiring, thought provoking and beautiful; you’re able to create art, in whichever outlet suits you. Secondly, I would add that connection can be a union of two or more people which is deeper than mere social conventions or dialogues, a union that moves past the physical or intellectual, and deeply embraces the emotional – a relationship based on love.
2. Jumping jack squats. I’ve always had trouble developing my lower body in comparison to my upper body. Two years ago, I had a BEI body fat analysis; it came back saying that at my ridiculously low weight of 100 pounds, each leg was proportioned a mere 10 pounds each, coming in at only 20% of my body weight! Over the last two years I have gained about 40 pounds, and the one day I refuse to ever skip despite a hectic schedule is leg day. So in busy, hectic times, I have found my go to exercise has been jumping jack squats. I’m able to effectively workout out both quads and hamstrings, keeping my legs strong, and helping to move nutrients throughout my body, letting other areas maintain and grow. Additionally, I like the jumping jack squat for its massive cardio benefit, it greatly improves my endurance.
Canadian btw!
Scott Hickle — March 10th, 2013, 11:43 pm
To me, connection is the knowing something without knowing how you know it. When that quarrelsome physics concept finally clicks, or you lock eyes with the gorgeous gal across the room, there’s a profound and immediate understanding that is difficult to describe because the knowledge just… Happened.
My favorite body weight exercise is bouldering. It works everything, and may someday get me out of a tight situation it I’m ever wrongfully accused and on the run from corrupt undercover agents looking to frame me. Proprioception is critical when you’re scaling a wall with tazers screaming toward your calves, and Merrells are the perfect balance of barefoot sensitivity and running shoe security.
Gian Aguinaldo — March 11th, 2013, 1:02 am
Connection is integrity within and without. It is speaking in the same language–in the same way of communicating. Connection is achieving wholeness.
It is the same with my favorite body-weight only exercise. Walking is something we share with everyone, everyday. It is understandable by everyone, from every race and culture, of all ages and gender. Done everyday, it balances ourselves, sets human rhythms, and makes us whole with the world.
Alex — March 11th, 2013, 2:40 am
Hi everyone,
My answers follow.
1) What does “connection” mean to you?
It is a pronounced commonality between two or more things whose chief aim is to sustain, whether for good or bad.
2) What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
An Iranian pushup.
Thanks,
A
—
PS: Tim, this guys sounds like it could be:
http://www.theibanker.com/the-investment-banker-and-the-blogger/
Sascha Hermel — March 11th, 2013, 5:32 am
Hi there,
connection for me means to be connected with everything that surrounds me, whether it is positive or negative. The clue is to learn not only to logically decide what should be avoided and what should be focused on, but to be aware of it both physically and mentally… for me that means to close the circle between mind, body and logic. Getting outside into nature is the perfect way to get aware again and there are no effective laws than the laws of nature. All others are made by men and have been changed during history – but the laws of nature are steady…Reconnecting to nature once in a while helps to refocus on what´s improtant!
Favorite bodyweight exercises:
- classic chin ups (with variations)
- classic push ups (with variations)
- free running (favorite underground: rocky wood land)
once in a while I let someone drive me into the wild (not literally) and I make my way back home on my own – connecting with nature and exercise
Denzil — March 11th, 2013, 6:11 am
Connection means breathing it in…immediately knowing that what is at play is something much greater than we are and submitting yourself to it. It is not that push away from the city, but the pull by our primal nature…yearning to get back into OUR world, OUR REAL habitat.
My favourite bodyweight only exercise…squats…hundreds of them.
Sampsa — March 11th, 2013, 7:38 am
Yhteys tarkoittaa avoimuutta tuntea ja kuunnella.
Paras kehonpainoliike on dippi avantoon!
[Moderator: Translation --
Connection means openness to feel and listen.
The best weight of the body is a business dip in the frozen lake!]
Joe H. — March 11th, 2013, 8:02 am
The interpretation of connection to me with regards to engaging with someone in a martial arts aspect…the ability to observe intent with connecting yourself and your opponent in the moment by using all aspects of your senses. Once you connect with their intent then you’ve won half the battle or in other words you will be one step ahead of everthing they do.
My favorite body weight excercises are anything that forces you to change levels constantly. Examples: burpess, sprawls, forward-backward-sideways lunges..
James Standridge — March 11th, 2013, 8:37 am
Connection to me is never holding a newborn until 2 and half weeks ago and experiencing skin to skin with your newborn. I’ve never real held a baby but somehow I just knew what to do with my own newborn 10 seconds into its life.
Body weight exercise: walking lunge, planks, and time tested push-ups. Got to love the burn in your upper body and come on they just make you feel like your ready for the beach!
Dane Connelly — March 11th, 2013, 8:55 am
Connection mean to be “in relation with.” To be actively seeking the harmonious rhythm between yourself another (person, animal or place).
My favorite body weight only exercises are lunges and push-ups.
Wiktor — March 11th, 2013, 9:03 am
Two answers from a travelling salesman (UK):
Connection = need + response + emotion. I’ve had my share of meetings that nobody needed – or that were based on research and pre-planned statements – or that just focused on facts and figures. They may have been good meetings, but there was no connection. (This works for connecting with nature, your inner self, gods etc.)
Exercises – they need to be simple and demanding enough for a hotel room workout. Usually: 80sec jumping jacks, 80 sec squats, 80 sec pushups, 80sec crunches (no bosu ball, using a towel instead). 80sec rest, repeat.
Curious to read others – these questions are really something I need to think about every day!
Luc Levensohn — March 11th, 2013, 9:08 am
Connecting is being in the moment. Connecting at dawn in New England in early March is feeling snow under my boots, hearing the birds, inhaling crisp air through my nose and watching my dog bound through snow drifts for the pure joy of it. I’ve learned more about connecting from my dog than anything. We both feel complete joy in all seasons and any weather.
Best body weight exercise: Crow pose with bare hands on an interesting, and stable, piece of granite.
Steve Adams — March 11th, 2013, 9:13 am
Connection: Between two people, its having an understanding and mutually beneficial relationship with another – a rapport that is instantly comfortable and open whenever the two people meet.
Best Body Weight Exercise:
- Burpee Pull-up, hands down. It is truly a full body, functional movement. Legs, but, core, arms (chest push, overhead pull), chest, back, shoulders and hand grip. The only piece missing is an overhead push movement. You’re hard pressed to find a movement that works as much.
Josh — March 11th, 2013, 9:44 am
Connection is being drawn and relating to things, people, environment easily.
Pushups and Squats – effective and efficient
Margaret Shugart — March 11th, 2013, 9:45 am
Connection to me is integration of one or all parts, those parts then moving in tandem, or pushing against each other, or resting. It can be of the mind, the spiritual, emotional or physical.
My favorite body-weight only exercise is the myotatic crunch you describe in The Four Hour Body. I practice it with cushions on my living room floor and it does an incredible job toning all parts of my core, as well as allowing for a good stretch!
Dean Allen Clark — March 11th, 2013, 9:45 am
The paradox of my generation is that we are the most technologically “connected,” yet distant in a traditional sense of the word. We spend hours contacting each other through facebook, phones, texts, and tweets, but when it comes to talking over a game of catch, we are too busy uploading and updating our lives online.
99 facebook friends liked a picture of a sunset I took in Huanchaco Perú that had a caption describing some outdoor activities; yet I struggle to find one friend who is willing to go for a walk or toss a frisbee (this is a true story). Thus for me, being connected is when we disconnect our phones and computers, and have a conversation over dinner without multitasking and sending inconsequential texts. Or when we go hiking in the mountains for the intrinsic rewards of the hike, and not for the chance to post about this event on facebook. I maintain many international friendships through the use of the web, but for me the real connections are when we meet up face to face.
Don’t get me wrong, I love technology as much as the next guy, but as Tim Ferriss preaches, good things in excess become their opposite. I’ve adopted his rule of only checking email twice a day at scheduled times, so I can get outside and do the life-enriching activities that we later look at photos about on the internet. One of my favorite parts about technology is its intersection with the outdoors. My down jacket allows me to be comfortable when I’m kayaking a lake in the middle of winter. And my vibram five finger shoes are the source of my new favorite body weight only exercise, which is exploring the different textures of land underneath my toes while running. The squish of moss and sand are far more intimate in these shoes than traditional brands like Nike, and based on the current literature I’ve been reading, shoes with minimal amounts of cushion (like vibrams or Merrells) are the healthiest for your joints.
Kyle Tek — March 11th, 2013, 10:04 am
My favorite “connection” is the one I get in my noggin when my own thoughts and ideas collide with someone else’s creativity, research, and brilliance. They don’t even have to be there – the written word is the best example of this. Now, I think I’m ripping off someone else when I say that it’s like that light bulb flicking on, or that idea whose time has come. But it is.
It’s a good moment: it lets you know you’re on the right path.
–
My top bodyweight exercises are the crucifix push-up, the muscle-up, and extreme downward dogs.
Okay, I’m joking about the extreme downward dogs. And I’ve only ever done one muscle-up with terrible form. But they look cool! I like Jack LaLanne push-ups too. I think your readers might like a blog post about working up to those ridiculous bodyweight-only exercises, Tim (at least this one would)!
Cheers!
Sarah Strom — March 11th, 2013, 10:06 am
Connection to me means feeling like part of a universal plan.
Favorite body weight exercise?- Jump Squats
Ryan Ripley — March 11th, 2013, 10:10 am
Connection – a strange attractor that leads to unpredictable interractions and consequences.
Favorite body weight exercise: Face the wall squats (RKC)
Terry — March 11th, 2013, 10:44 am
Connection means to me-those moments of stillness, oneness yet wholenes.. and for me they happen at different times-mid cuddle from my 2 year old, on a gallop through the woods, with my band in the middle of a jam, on a run in the woods. The sense of belonging and being part of the the whole and the one at the same time.
Best body weight exercise-mule kick.
Kaitlin Shuvera — March 11th, 2013, 10:54 am
This is connection to me.
Favourite bodyweight-only exercises: plank, push-ups, and squats.
Gregg — March 11th, 2013, 11:02 am
To me, connection means to truly know something or someone.
Favorite body weight only exercises:
- pull ups
- dips
- hindu push ups
- freestanding squats
Derek Sigman — March 11th, 2013, 11:06 am
Connection is a transaction. When you become a part of something or someone and they become a part of you. For me it happens instantly. When I connect with a person I absorb them into my life and its a shared experience. When I connect with a product I absorb that product into my identity and its a sharing as well.
Upside down shoulder press is awesome because you have to be zoned in to the exercise. People need to spend more time upside down in general.
Rob — March 11th, 2013, 11:07 am
Connection:
Defined/Used to describe many situations, (personal, physical, technological, etc) but what it really boils down to is a communicative exchange.
Let’s start with the easy example: interpersonal connection. How often do you hear “we just have this connection!” used to describe people who always seem to be on the same page? They always seem to know what the other means, how each other feel, often times what the other is about to say. What is that, really? It’s an imperceptible ability to convey and detect information – a conversation of sorts – existing outside of the plane of socially defined “means of communication”. But it is, none the less, a way to send and receive signals with select “connected” individuals.
That brings me to the next example: technology. Cell phones connect to the cell tower, Bluetooth devices to each other, computers to the Internet, and vice versa. What are they really doing though? Establishing back and forth communications, largely undetectable by people. The term connection is far more aptly named than we give technologists credit for.
Even physical connections, in the most basic description, provide mutual (tactile) feedback. Newton’s law: every action must have an equal and opposite reaction. You cannot feel the connection of your hand to anything you pick up without being able to perceive the pressure it exerts on your skin, muscle, bones, and joints.
Finally, all of these apply to our interaction with the natural world. We must express ourselves and perceive responses on all these levels and more to connect with nature. Every sense comes into play, from sense, sight, and hearing, to proprioception as you make your way through the great outdoors. In order to connect with nature, one needs to be open and willing to both give and receive signals of all types to start that amazing conversation.
Favorite Bodyweight Exercises:
1) Inchworm – great interaction of flexibility, core strength, and stabilization.
2) Lunge to Jump – Lunges are great, so are plyometrics, but putting the two together really get exciting.
3) L-Seat – Great for core, legs, arms, and stability. It takes real work to get it right, but is incredibly impactful on dynamic core activities.
Carole — March 11th, 2013, 11:21 am
Connection isn’t something to do or create. It’s simply the recognition of what is already real and present. Ultimately none of us exist independently. Occasionally I get lost in thoughts and tasks and forget. All that’s required to be connected is to remember that I already and always am.
Favorite exercise? Putting my hands on my desk and pushing off. Bending down to put on my Merrell. Noticing the comfort and support they give me. Heading out the door for a walk with a slight smile on my face. Aware that birds are singing, breeze is blowing, mountains are standing, sun is warming, snow is melting. I think I’ll go do that now. Thanks for the reminder!
Adam — March 11th, 2013, 11:54 am
I think connection is when you find someone or something that catches your eye or interests you in some way, whether that might be through beauty or laughter or curiosity or anything. And you become intrigued about that particular someone or something and decide you want to learn more.
So you say, “Hey, I really like you. Here’s a little piece of me to give to you. May I have a little piece of you in return?”
And you both exchange a small part of yourselves to each other, and through that exchange, you gain an understanding and respect for each other that you didn’t have initially. You really begin to know each other now. And most of all, you gain an awareness of that other person or thing, because that little bit of them will always be along for the ride with you, and vice versa.
It doesn’t matter what or who or where, that’s what I think connection is.
My favorite bodyweight exercises would be handstand push-ups and pistols. Even though I can’t do more than a few full-range HSPUs, working towards them provided a great goal and my shoulder stability and strength have both benefitted. I think pistols are great because it’s as much balance as it is strength, and they are extremely transferrable to sports.
Greg Phillips — March 11th, 2013, 12:18 pm
To me, a connection is an invisible bond with someone or something. It can be a place, a person, an animal or a particularly vivid memory… in all cases, they inspire passion or a feeling of being alive.
Best body weight exercise that I have found is the push up in all of its many varieties.
Chris Lin — March 11th, 2013, 12:18 pm
Connection is something we feel when we are at one with ourselves, and honest with others.
Best body weight exercises: archer pull-ups, suitcases, planks, incline push-ups
Stacey — March 11th, 2013, 12:38 pm
Connection: whether between two people, a person and nature, or a person and their inner self, connection is a moment where both are completely present with the other. You can have a connection with another person and find that no one else exists in that moment. A person can be completely present with nature and find that nature was there all along waiting for the chance to connect. Once a true connection occurs it isn’t easily forgotten and certainly influences the lives of those involved.
Favorite Bodyweight exercise: walking pushups
Kaitlin Shuvera — March 11th, 2013, 12:40 pm
This is connection to me.
Favourite bodyweight-only exercises: plank, push ups, squats.
Sam — March 11th, 2013, 12:44 pm
con•nec•tion [kuh-nek-shuhn] noun
1. A link between machines for downloading and uploading of data.
2. A bond between sentients for sharing and building of ideas.
—–
When I was in my teens, I used to do pushups all the time. At home, school, in the park, because I wanted to stay in shape and look good.
Fast forward ten long years in the real world, and I found myself struggling to stay in shape. Telling myself I’d definitely work out today, every day, but just not getting to it.
Frustrated, I sat down one day and started thinking about what had changed. Why I was so full of energy when I was younger, but not now.
I finally realized that slowly, somewhere in those long years, I had started working out just for the sake of working out. Trying to schedule time of day, planning my routines, Mondays upper body, Wednesdays lower body..…. It dawned on me, those things don’t matter.
What matters is just “dropping down and giving me 15” when I felt like it. Just sweating and breathing. I realized I didn’t even do pushups because I wanted a bigger chest, bigger arms. I did them ‘cause I liked doing them. The rush and confidence that came with.
Which is why, my favorite bodyweight exercises are pushups. Not just because they’ve got me feeling good again. But because they remind me of a younger and stronger me. And how I can be that man again.
If I just drop down and do it.
Emily Wyman — March 11th, 2013, 12:44 pm
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection to me means realizing that I’m a part of the larger world outside of my day to day ‘tasks’. When I’m outside and slow down enough to notice wildlife and sights around me, it gives me a sense of wonder and makes me feel connected to this awesome, complex, world that I’m a part of.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
My favorite bodyweight only exercise is the push up. It was a humbling experience to me when I first started exercising to try to push my own bodyweight, but now I’m proud that I can do ‘real’ pushups!
Larry — March 11th, 2013, 1:24 pm
“connection” is that moment when you feel it. The feeling may be of association, empathy, compassion, excitement, passion etc.)
“plankish rocking” while having sexy time!
Todd McDonald — March 11th, 2013, 1:47 pm
Connection is something felt or unspoken. Like hitting the backdoor cutter in basketball or knowing when to hit a change when you are jamming with other musicians.
For bodyweight exercise, nothing beats knuckle push ups. If they were good enough for Mas Oyama they are good enough for me
Paul Wintergerst — March 11th, 2013, 1:50 pm
Connection, is simply looking at someone else and knowing what they are thinking, about to do or not do with out having to say a word. Simple as that. You have it with some and you don’t with others.
My favorite body weight exercises are in order.
1. hand stand push ups
2. pull ups while holding an L
3. knee to elbow crunching push ups
Steve B — March 11th, 2013, 8:00 pm
Connection – to me this means the sensation of the sun or moon shining into my eyes, listening to the rustle of the grass and leaves in the trees, feeling the breeze or wind brush across my skin, noticing the air fill my lungs as I breathe, and feeling the soles of my feet against the ground. This is why I love the well worn pair of Merrells I have, because I can’t always be truly barefoot and they are the next best thing.
Fav Body Weight Exercises
- Explosive Jumping Lunges – there’s something playful and fun about jumping into the air
- Muscle ups – because of the challenge, it feels good when you make it up all the way
- A hard all out sprint at the end of a run or workout – red lining to empty the tank
Mister — March 11th, 2013, 1:56 pm
Connection to me is when you feel like everything is right around you and can feel it.
Fav bw exercises are planks, work the whole body when done right also is a base for several other movements(ie top portion of kb swings) and sprints again works the whole body
Patty Zito — March 11th, 2013, 1:57 pm
It’s me again.
CONNECTION is bridging spirit-mind-body.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the Y-YSQUAT. Y? Because I reach for the stars, focus on a target, and strengthen my core.
Thanks in advance!
Natalia — March 11th, 2013, 1:58 pm
Connection means to be able to release our gifts as easily and as effortlessly as they were given to us in the first place. Reconnecting with that natural flow is the one thing that is truly worth our time. And the only thing that can bring our passion and gifts to us so we can share them with others.
My favourite exercise is spiderman push ups, I feel like a hero when I do it (:
I was really inspired by your books and you are an example of someone who knows realy how to connect with inner potential. Than you for sharing this with the public. It makes me believe that I can do anything.
Bob Metcalfe — March 11th, 2013, 2:17 pm
Connection is to the physical as moment of clarity is to the mental. It’s when all of your efforts simultaneous react at their peak. It’s the “aha!” moment for whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish.
Best body weight exercises:
-pistol squat (legs)
-old-fashioned wide grip pull-up (upper body/back)
-side plank (core)
If you can master just these three exercises alone, you’ve got a fantastic base level of fitness.
lorrie shepard — March 11th, 2013, 2:48 pm
Linking vibrant real energy is connection… and what better way to be connected than playing with AcroYoga inversions!
Being upside down or rightside down or sideways in happy AcroYoga play is my favorite bodyweight-only “exercise”
John — March 11th, 2013, 2:53 pm
Connection to me is the understanding the the fate of someone/something else is linked to my own.
Favorite bodyweight exercise: super burpees. Stand under a really high pull-up bar. Do a pushup, then move to a squat position, jump up into the air, grab the bar and do a pull-up, then drop, squat down, and do another pushup. Repeat until I lack the strength to complete some portion of it )usually the pull-up portion).
Kenny K — March 11th, 2013, 2:55 pm
Connection to me is the moment you realize you are truly alive.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises: Under the Fence Pushups, Windshield Wipers, Dynamic Pushups
BJP (Canada) — March 11th, 2013, 2:56 pm
Connection is simultaneously being in sync with one’s spiritual, true self and with nature. One might say a meditative walk on the wild side, eh?!?
Similarly, my favorite bodyweight-only exercises are a circuit done along a nature trail, as you incorporate your environment and your imagination into your routine, with push-ups (use nature’s props to vary the angles – that’s right – use that fallen tree for elevated and decline variations), pull-ups (or simply climb that tree!), squat jacks, lunges, tree sits (same as the wall variety)…you get the idea.
Cheers – must look up these Merrell M Connects after wearing out my Vibram 5′s.
Augustin — March 11th, 2013, 3:25 pm
- What does “connection” mean to me?
It’s about FINDING A PATH, sometimes unexpected?
- What is my favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Push-ups. Can be practiced anywhere on earth!
Just need (1) your body (2) a flat land below
MINIMALIST & efficient
Thanks Tim. Warm regards from Southern France!
Chris Odell — March 11th, 2013, 3:31 pm
Connection for me means direct engagement which expands my viewpoint so I feel less like a random consciousness floating in space.
My favorite body weight only exercise is Jiu Jitsu because it’s fun while also being a useful skill.
Tim B. — March 11th, 2013, 3:34 pm
Connection means relationship. And relationships take time, need fostering, thoughtfulness, and cultivation. As a relationship is cultivated, it becomes more rewarding, more fruitful, and more enjoyable. Connection with the outdoors, with people, and with purpose creates a deep sense of fulfillment in life.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises are jump-knee tucks and wide leg diamond pushups (or heart-to-hearts).
Tyler Petee — March 11th, 2013, 3:43 pm
“connection” means that you have established a beneficial relationship with another person or organization where both parties are working together to achieve a mutual goal.
Favorite bodyweight exercises:
Bear crawls, pull ups, jump squats
Shelly Miller — March 11th, 2013, 3:46 pm
Connection is when you fully realize that being you is pretty wonderful and that you can be, do, and have anything you want because you are you. Which incidentally allows you to make more meaningful connections with others.
Julian Walker — March 11th, 2013, 4:18 pm
Connection is that calm feeling you get when you walk through a forest or run through a field, or swim in a natural body of water. It is the instant harmony your body naturally has with nature. From the feel of the breeze on your face, to the hair standing up on your neck during a thunderstorm. We are all wired to the planet.
My favorite body weight exercise is climbing. I am definitely a novice in the sport but I definitely enjoy the thrill of hugging the rock or wall and only looking up. To me it is the perfect metaphor for self improvement.
Chris — March 11th, 2013, 4:45 pm
Connection is being in the moment. What the circumstances or situation of the moment may be doesn’t matter, but being present is connection.
My favorite body weight only exercise is a manic total gym workout.
Merrell is hands down my favorite brand of shoe for comfort, durability and support.
Adam Brady — March 11th, 2013, 4:50 pm
Connection for me occurs when purpose meets emotion. You can do things with purpose but without emotion and you can do things emotionally but without purpose, “connection” is when the two sentiments converge. Many individuals work with the purpose of making a living, and many play for the pure emotion of joy but, when one finds a calling or activity that speaks to them they become connected, and that work/activity is executed with both purpose and joy.
My favorite body weight exercises are pull-ups, push-ups, mountain climbers, deep squats and planks. 5 exercises, whole body, simple and effective.
Chris Bryner — March 11th, 2013, 4:59 pm
Connection = memory + new experience. Last month, I traveled to Chicago for my 42nd birthday. I met a trainer out at a nearby nature preserve to run me through some mobility and functional movement routines. Despite the 30 degree weather and snow on the ground, I crawled, rolled, lunged, squatted, and pulled my way back to those moments as a kid when I could do all of this with ease.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are squats of all types and pullups – which I did that day in Chicago hanging from a tree!
Sean — March 11th, 2013, 5:09 pm
Connections are the resilient fibers in the fabric of life.
We are connected to the earth, our friends, families, lovers, and a higher power. The connections we make add meaning and texture to our lives.
Favorite bodyweight exercises:
1. The pull up – nothing is better for adding mass and thickness to the back.
2. The push up
3. Vomiting cats – not only do they have an awesome name, they also build outstanding abdominals.
Camron — March 11th, 2013, 5:19 pm
A connection is the relationship between two things
Favortie bodyweight exercises:
Push up
Pistols
Pull ups
Hanging leg raises
Back bridge
You can tell I am a Pavel fan! I learned about him from you!
Lily Hau — March 11th, 2013, 6:14 pm
Connection to me is simply the air we breathe…all living beings are linked by the breath.
Best body weight exercise is headstand during yoga where I can see the world from a different perspective.
noah — March 11th, 2013, 6:25 pm
When body and mind work together in harmony, then I know that I am connected. I fell it every time I go for a run. I live in Winnipeg and we have snow 5 months a year. So I can’t wait to leave my office and my winter boots behind and run like Forrest Gump.
Beside running I do mountain climbers but it’s been a while.
James Powell — March 11th, 2013, 6:38 pm
Connection is the singular moment when effort falls away, you stop trying, and you just are.
My favorite bodyweight only exercises:
1) Push-ups (all varieties)
2) Torture twists
3) Kneeling Lunges
Julie McMahon — March 11th, 2013, 7:03 pm
G’day mate!
“Connection” means when I feel as one with my body and the world around me. To get that connection, I prefer to work-out in the early morning, before the sun has risen. As I am running along the beach, I can see a faint glimmer of light on the the horizon, I can hear the soft slapping of waves along the shore and I can feel my body as I stretch out each stride, my breath settling into an even pattern of breathing. That feeling of connection with that which is greater than me is an amazing way to begin each day.
Best body-weight exercise? Dips– definitely dips!
Ravi Mikkelsen — March 11th, 2013, 7:24 pm
Connection to me is an acknowledgement of something shared. Whether that’s an experience, an outlook, or the same peaceful space out in nature (often happens in more than one way).
My favorite body weight exercises are
1) The Inch-Worm
Start in the plank, do a push-up, as you rise, draw your legs in towards your hands keeping your legs as straight as possible until you are in a forward fold. Walk or jump your hands forward back into the plank position and repeat. This works just about every muscle you have.
2) The Cat Crawl
I always called this the bear crawl, but loved doing this during my circuit routines
3) V-Ups
This is awesome for working the abs, surrounding core muscles and lots of little stabilizers as you come up to form the V. Also works on stretching out the hammies.
4) Pull-ups & Dips
These can be done almost anywhere in almost any outfit without getting them dirty and make you feel alive after.
Patrick Fougere — March 11th, 2013, 7:33 pm
1) Connect to me means being a hub for anything. Helping others, being a resource. I try to connect with each person I meet on some level. Having that connection means not feeling alone and today a lot of youth need that connection. Someone to talk to, someone just to listen to them. Everyone needs someone at some point. I try to be that person.
2) Burpees. Tons of action in one easy movement. And if I feel I need punishment: Burpicides. Soccer Suicides but instead of pushups at each line do burpees. So sprint to each line and back and at each line do 10 burpees. Try it.
Perry — March 11th, 2013, 8:11 pm
What Connection means to me:
I remember growing up my friend Amanda and I sat on a couch and watched fight club for the first time. We eyed each other up as we contemplated what it would feel like to be beaten down just like the main character in the movie, how the pain translated to a feeling of being alive. Suddenly as she went for a swift kick to my leg, while sitting right next to me, my athletically challenged friend miscalculated that her long toenail would get stuck in the knitted blanket and rip off. She was in immense pain, and I jealous that she was experiencing life and feeling alive. It was from that moment that we started talking about what it would feel like to wrestle a bear in Alaska, and catch a fish with our bare hands, build an igloo, see stars on mountains, and out run bees. Some things we know were just out there, like catching that fish, but the mindset changed my outlook on life. Active action vs passive action, happening to surroundings instead of just being a backdrop. Connecting to me is making that mind and physical awareness to the point where you get those goose bumps and feel that deep breath of life.
My favorite body only exercise would really be climbing rocks or trees. I’m in Wisconsin, so the type of climbing is limited to hills and trees. But if there were rocks, they’d be climbed. Hiking is awesome way of working out multiple parts of the body, and pretty much sweet views make it worth it at the end! Sometimes just knowing that you’re viewing something unique is the prize in itself.
Michele — March 11th, 2013, 8:12 pm
Hi Tim. I have only discovered your book, The 4 Hour Body a few weeks ago. i started the diet yesterday! My question is, why is it ok to have juice on cheat day to help the effects of coffee, but not on the diet days? Thanks, Michele from Oz!
Christian Paredes — March 11th, 2013, 8:51 pm
In the spirit of efficiency I thought I would keep it brief.
Connection means being in touch with everyone and everything.
It is a state of being. You feel connection when you
do for the sake of doing.
My favorite body weight only exercise is the plank. You take care of your back, abs, and arms. Basically your entire core.
Tatum — March 11th, 2013, 8:51 pm
Hi Tim
My view on Connection is probably a bit outside the typical mindset. I am a chiropractic student, and the daughter of a chiro, so my first thoughts jump straight to the human body and our ability to communicate and function at 100%. Chiropractic is all about being and staying connected, and this comes from the maintenence and integrity of the nervous system (ie. brain, spinal cord, nerves) When there is interference to the connection or messages being delivered you have a decrese in function. Our job is to remove the interference, allow your body to heal via it’s own innate potential to restore the connection, thus allowing optimal health to vibrantly flow <3
As far as bodyweight exercises are concerned, I find it more important for myself personally to just MOVE/break a sweat when I start my day, so I do push ups, jumping jacks, and planks before I hit the shower
Rock on brotha!
Johnny — March 11th, 2013, 8:53 pm
I am a very social person and extremely busy. I realized several years ago that I didn’t want to waste much of my free time with individuals I didn’t connect with on a deeper level. Connection in my personal dictionary is being fully engaged in the moment with those you are with. Its not a one-sided experience but something everyone is experiencing together. Connection gives a deeper meaning to your relationships.
My favorite exercises are push-ups, pull-ups and squats.
Matt — March 11th, 2013, 8:58 pm
Connection — A link or attachment to something. Could be an idea, a person, or something more physical.
Favorite body weight excercise– push up
Thomas McNeil — March 11th, 2013, 9:02 pm
I used to live in a city. I would spend a majority of my waking, non-working hours trying to connect with nature through various outdoor activities. I always had to return to my home, and although I would feel somewhat relieved, my need to connect wouldn’t be satiated. Being in the city started to wear on me, the noise, traffic…
Needless to say, I had to move away from that city. Now, I live in a community of 600 in Northern California, surrounded by trees, rivers and mountains. Understanding my connection to the landscape and it’s connection to me, has been an ongoing process over the past five years. It can be little things, like noticing that a downed tree provides food for mushrooms to be harvested. It can be big things like, the dams that are in place on our rivers negatively affect the lives of the salmon, and the hundred or so species that rely upon them. It’s recognizing that too little (or too much) rain in any given winter could drastically affect my friends and family the following summer during fire season. I would have never received this education living in a city, because, that connection that I was looking for with nature was too fleeting, I was a tourist, not a resident. Connection is the recognition that we are operating within a system and that we are affected, as is the system, by anything that is added or subtracted to it. We can see this with nature, we can see this with our bodies. We can see connection on a micro or macro level, being blown away by how insignificant, or significant we can be based upon what we are looking at. Connection on an intellectual level is understanding relationships between different things, on an emotional level, its that thing that we cannot describe, that poems and songs are written about, great painting painted, they get close, but never quite get there. I feel connected to where I live, as many of my friends do, in a way that I would have laughed about years ago, but, I don’t need to explain it to anyone out here, as one man around here said when I asked him how he was so happy all the time, he spun around, laughed and said “Look where we are, it’s Disneyland.” I have to agree.
as for body weight only exercise, I live in the woods, and don’t have access to gym. I’m in better shape now than when I lived in a city and had access to a gym. weights are expensive, so I use almost entirely body weight only exercises. My favorite is the simple push-up, because of the multitude of variations to isolate different parts of the body.
Michael Dinkins — March 11th, 2013, 9:31 pm
To me the word connection means understanding at least some part of someone or something. For example, if I get someone else’s love for a certain band or if I understand a part of the ocean because I have surfed its waves my entire life then I have a connection.
My favorite body weight only exercises are pull-ups ( so I can climb mountains) push ups ( so I can push myself up or something else away) and box jumps (because one day I will dunk! And you use your legs for everything).
Thanks for the inspirAtion and knowledge Tim
Connor — March 11th, 2013, 9:49 pm
Connection is when there’s an unspoken understanding and communication between two things. It’s just like when a musician is bearing their soul in sound – not with their instrument, but through it. One leads, the other follows but they’re both on the same page at some level.
My favorite bodyweight exercises would have to be Handstand Pushups, Pullups and Pistols. These three are like the powerlifts of calisthenics and lead to the powerful physique of a Greek God. They also make you feel like one when you can knock off a number of them.
Kim Pierce — March 11th, 2013, 9:56 pm
my 9 month old just woke up…upstairs
it’s simple.
Connection is the resonance you create with someone. I think that usually it’s the more the better. Connection is a force that multiplies and proliferates between people. it’s what moves large numbers of people towards a single goal.
body weight exercises – jumping up on anything high. or a burpee. throw yourself on the ground do a push up get back up then jump and clap hands overhead.
Colleen Wohnoutka — March 11th, 2013, 10:34 pm
Connection can happen in an instant, even if it takes months or years for people to find the link that they can both relate to and have an emotional bond that ties them together, even if only for a short time. It is the invisible rope that travels between 2 sets of eyes and elicits understanding without words.
My favorite exercise is a sumo squat- I hated them at first, but the burn was so addictive and quick to work, I love them now. After that, if jumping rope counts as bodyweight only, I love the feeling of being a kid again when doing that.
Trevor — March 12th, 2013, 12:06 am
1. Connection is what is created when an aspect of my life becomes more clear in a fulfilling way.
2. Pull-ups, Burpees, and Hand-stand push-ups.
Carl Winterbach — March 12th, 2013, 12:10 am
My partner
Chin ups and dips
Ian W — March 12th, 2013, 12:45 am
Connection: When the differences and similarities in to (Insert noun here: people, place, or thing! You can even mix & match in this case) are just so perfect that they fit together.
If I could only do one body weight exercise it’d probably be squats, so I guess that’s my favorite.
Could really use some new shoes! ::fingers crossed::
Brad — March 12th, 2013, 1:02 am
This sums up the connection to me…. http://mp3lemon.org/song/115037/Phish_-_03_-_The_Connection
Best body weight exercise..I enjoy the push up with both hands on different small weighted exercise balls. One foot on bench press, one foot extended off of bench press.
Or if your feeling really confident, one foot on a large inflatable exercise ball, one foot extended off said exercise ball. Great ending to a long chest and back workout…enjoy
Lena Suwirjo — March 12th, 2013, 1:46 am
For me, to connect or have a connection is to have an open mindness through the things we see and hear, and to be receptive on what’s seen and heard.
Antigravity yoga is my favorite bodyweight exercise.
Brian Johnson — March 12th, 2013, 3:23 am
To me, connection is a primal or instinctual understanding or interest between two things. It is something that hits to your core and leads to a deeper level of enjoyment. I first truly felt connection when I met my best friend in high school. After a few days, he felt like my oldest friend. My connection with my girlfriend is similar. You understand each other with a touch or look. With a good book, you feel like the author is there with you in the room. A good song, unlocks intense emotions for sure! I once could literally FEEL the ending of the song halfway through the first time I felt connected to a song (Immortal Technique, “You Never Know”).
My favorite body-weight exercises are push-ups and the dreaded jumpies (jump squats). The former because slight modifications can work so many different aspects of your body with a single exercise. The second because it provides a great cardio and leg work-out at the same time, two things I don’t like doing, hence the dreaded part. Together gives me a full body-cardio work out in just a few minutes.
German Angelo Amurao — March 12th, 2013, 4:10 am
Hi Tim!
For me connection is the bridge where two or more people share in common.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercises are:
- pushups
- pullups/chinups
- lunges
- plus a whole lotta yoga
Joy Curry — March 12th, 2013, 5:13 am
Connection: Living in India, in a place where many international and Indian people visit for a holiday and then leave, connections are much different then when I lived in the states. I have discovered that connection is something that can happen in a split second and since most people know they are leaving the connection can be fast and deep, with very little worry about the future. However, after they leave that person still has a space in my heart.
Developing a deep, meaningful connection with a person here takes more time and work before it turns into an easy relationship. Life without connection is a life not worth living.
My favorite body weight only exercises is squats and lunges.
Tony Amore — March 12th, 2013, 5:15 am
Connected is moving with the world rather than through it. Connected is running with the road, taking what it offers and nothing more, rather than simply running on it.
Exercise: standing into a squat thrust into a push up and then hold plank position. Stand and repeat.
Sam — March 12th, 2013, 5:38 am
1) Connection is the moment a dream becomes real
2) My favourite is the burpee pull up; push, pull, legs, core. Can be done slow for strength or fast for cardio.
Push up side plank. Combination of building muscle and injury prevention by using one arm and leg to balance the body after each push up. Its the bodyweight yoga move.
Kurt Mitchell — March 12th, 2013, 6:08 am
For me connection is a basic of understanding. With the example of the merrell shoes, you have a basic understanding of the ground you run on, because of the connection you have. If you make a connection with another person, again you have an understanding with that person, might be basic, might be more then that.
Body weight move..probably the lurpie.
Reza Malek — March 12th, 2013, 6:52 am
Connection is the constant pursuit of trying to understand the life we are immersed in, while at the same time seeking to be understood. One of humanity’s primary drives has always involved devising increasingly clever ways to get around the unfortunate fact that we are not yet capable of mental telepathy. From spoken language, to pictographs, the written word, televised transmissions, and the instantaneous access of the Internet, humanity exists to connect, and we’re getting better at it all the time. Connection, boiled down to its essence, is the ability to transmit information, in all of its subtlest forms, for one person to another in order that we may truly become part of life, as opposed to simply being fearful observers of it.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercises are push-ups using push-up bars, the congruent chin up, and the reverse lunge, all done according to the guidelines of Bill DeSimone’s book Congruent Exercise.
James M. — March 12th, 2013, 7:04 am
Connection: A connection between me and something or someone is a rapport that occurs the instant I meet or get in contact with someone/something.
Bodyweight exercise: Crunches.
Monica Ridgway — March 12th, 2013, 7:06 am
For me, “connection” means surrender, at least to some extent, allowing unity with whatever one is connecting with – be it nature, God, oneself, a dance partner, a spouse, a friend, or whatever. In order to connect, we have to let go of our own need for control, let go of preconceived ideas and agendas, and allow the external to enter and exert power over us. This surrender and connection changes us, the whole more than the sum of its parts.
As for favorite body-weight-only exercises, my top choice has always been dance. From the strict forms of ballet and modern dance, to ballroom and swing, to the nearly-formless bouncing and shimmying to be witnessed in nightclubs, to break dancing, dance involves all parts of the body – particularly the core – and it is also a great cardio workout. Dance is also an excellent way of connecting, be it with music – giving your body over to the music to drive your movement – or with a partner – surrendering the self to move together as one body.
Other favorite body-weight-only exercises include Spiderman crawls, jump squats, and various modifications of the ever-popular burpee (wide stance, adding a pushup and a jump, etc.).
Dave Wilson — March 12th, 2013, 7:18 am
1. For me, connection is something that is about a passion shared between two people. Connections aren’t just nice to have, they’re almost fundamental to existence.
2. Unfortunately, I’m just beginning my journey so don’t have a favorite body weight exercise yet. But a great pair of shoes would certainly help me along!
William Kavan — March 12th, 2013, 7:35 am
Connection, that is a hard one. For me it is the quantifiable factor between two separate entities that cause them to unified on that factor.
That being said, I feel really “disconnected” on this post. Being a large guy, 6’4″ and 400lbs, I really don’t “exercise”. I want to, as much as anyone wants to accomplish a dream, but I don’t actually do it. There are countless reasons, let’s call them excuses, that I have. Everything from “I’m too busy” to “My “whatever” hurts today.” These don’t constitue or facilitate change though, just the lack of personal progress on that side of my life.
Reading that my lead you to believe I’m lazy, this wouldn’t be the case either. I’m a Course Director at a University, Filmmaker, Artist, and active Father. My kids are homeschooled and in youth groups, clubs, and working towards mission trips. My 15 year old daughter is working to go to El Salvador to work alongside missionaries in the capital of San Salvador with orphans and children this summer. So it’s not that.
Maybe its the connection. Maybe I just need a better support group. maybe I needed a better reason. I really don’t want to be the “big guy” tugging heart strings. That happens often, I want to be the guy that big guy reads and thinks “That’s me!”. They say if you publish something, if you tell the world you’re working on something, it will hold you more accountable. On to my exercise…
The Exercise is the Amazing Wall Push-up! It is today anyway. I’m going to use this little post as spark to start a flame, and I encourage anyone else who needs it to be one too. I want to be able to write cool postings. The people posting here are really into exercising, and you… and that is cool. Next year I want to say 100 Push-ups! Most importantly though, I want to like doing it!
Like I said earlier I don’t want to be the “sad big guy”. So if I win I want my wife to have the shoes, she has always wanted me to exercise more and she really could use them.
If you, and I mean anyone who wants to join me, would like to find out whether or not I actually do 100 Push-ups and Like it read it on my blog 1 Million Excuses on Blogger. I just created it, as in I stopped typing this and made it. So I just started the process of dumping my 1 Million Excuses. Thanks Tim, this is going to be a great story next year.
Lastly, if anyone was interest in that missions trip you can check it out at http://www.thriveyouth.org/get-involved/missions/. Tell them Lynda sent you.
Os — March 12th, 2013, 8:00 am
Lovemaking represents one of the purest form of connection for me.
Incidentally, lovemaking is also my favorite body-weight only exercise!
Brendan O'Meara — March 12th, 2013, 8:10 am
Connection: realizing that we are constituent to a web, which means being part of a symbiotic whole, not an ego-driven tip of a pyramid feeding off a base.
Body weight exercises: The Negative Chin Up: the next day, no fewer than four body groups are sore—back, shoulders, abs, and arms.
T-Push Up: push up and twist to a T.
Debbie St.Germain — March 12th, 2013, 8:34 am
Connection to me is when you FEEL as one, whether it is a pair of comfortable shoes, or a song that touches your soul!
My favorite body weight only exercise is to walk with nature and smell the fresh air to clear my head!
Zack Gallinger — March 12th, 2013, 8:39 am
Connection is living in the present and appreciating the smallest details of life, even the trials.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are pull ups and push ups. Not very unique but they’re classic and they get results!
Scott Beasley — March 12th, 2013, 9:01 am
I love Merrell, wore a pair of hikers for a solid month trekking through Europe in early ’90s. Glad to hear your partnering with them, Ferriss! To me, connection means having things in common that are of interest to both connectors. You can have an instant connection with a complete stranger if you share interests in something relevant. Fave bodyweight-only exercises: Dips and Chin ups. Also myostatic crunches – and I’m not just kissing a#$ when I say that. :0)
Chris Barry — March 12th, 2013, 9:09 am
So why do you not wear the toe shoes anymore? I have back problems and when I tried the toe shoes I found that my back did not hurt after walking around for a while or doing yardwork etc… I even walked around downtown Charleston SC cobblestone and tore up streets for about 2 hours with no pain. I would have been laid up in regular sneakers / running shoes. Will have to try the Merrells.
Connection for me equals those “A-Ha” moments when things make sense – considering I am confused most of the time by what I see, my beliefs, and observation of people’s behaviors and attitudes. Bewildering sometimes…
Favorite Bodyweight Excersice: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Four Corner Base Turns, and shrimping.
Peter — March 12th, 2013, 9:31 am
Connection, to me, means absence or emptiness. Most of the day I experience multiple different voices in my head arguing and pulling me in different directions. I think it’s always interesting to hear the real words that people use. To use a personal example, the most common thought I’ve noticed that I verbalize in my head is a disappointed or anxious, “I’m not [accomplished/able] like [he/she/that image of a person] is.” Implied: I should be.
I think that connection means a moment where this kind of reactive script–a thought that fires off consistently amidst specific situational recipes, such as watching peers surpass us in something–is absent. These thoughts contrast “how things are” (reality) with “how things should be” (expectations). When we are free from situational thoughts that point out the difference, then we can enjoy the moment when we are free from all the inner differentiating of states real and imagined, and we are connected.
My favorite body weight exercises are high-rep body weight squats and triangle push ups.
First thing in the morning, I like to do 50-75 squats with no added weight to follow up cold exposure in the shower (Google the “James Bond shower” for a more bearable but still effective alternative to ice baths). I have no idea if body weight squats are sufficient to elicit a hormonal response a la the full-body regimen in the 4 Hour Body, BUT, personally I get an energy boost that lasts for hours, even sans the James Bond shower.
Triangle pushups: Make a triangle in between your hands on the floor with your thumbs touching. Or, if you prefer, put on some Jay-Z and put up your Diamond, and place it on the floor. These push ups put more resistance on your triceps than your chest, and I get more of a concentrated burn than the wide-armed alternative.
eero — March 12th, 2013, 9:37 am
connection is when you are in all minds on Earth and happy. you don`t mind what comes next. you are just happy, you see everything and everyone as one.
my favorite exercise is just running. I can run everywhere I want.
walking is also good.
Rick McClelland — March 12th, 2013, 10:27 am
Connection is the shared human experience. Everyone has a different perception of the world, are informed to various levels, and believe certain things. Connecting with other people, whether we agree or disagree, is how we make sense of the world around us and continually test our own world views and challenge ourselves. Without connecting with everyone else around us, we would never be able to evolve personally throughout life, or as a species.
As far as favorite body weight only exercises go, I’m a big fan of running (not strictly an exercise in the sense you mean). Beyond that, push-ups and pull-ups are solid foundational exercises, and I enjoy mountain climbers for warm-ups.
And now a question about Merrell: I’ve had a pair of Vivo Barefoot shoes for almost a year now, and unfortunately a hole has worn into the underside of the shoe. I’m used to buying shoes on a much less frequent basis, and was wondering how well Merrell shoes hold up in comparison to other barefoot options.
Tom Cooper — March 12th, 2013, 10:34 am
Connection is a bond with the surrounding environment, a kinship with the elements.
Favorite body-weight only exercise: “Ground-work combo’s” — head-stand to somersault to push-up; repeat. (many other variations are fun too!)
Anthony — March 12th, 2013, 10:46 am
CONNECTION is the alchemy of human interaction, yielding amazing things which redound to everyone’s benefit.
The workmanlike push-up and pull-up are my favorite body-weight exercises.
Ray — March 12th, 2013, 10:57 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection to me means you are insync with someone or something to the point of understanding them them understanding you.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
My favorite bodyweight – only exercises are
The Burpee w/pushup and jump
and wide fly pullups.
Just doing these two exercises alone will give anyone a great workout.
Lauren M — March 12th, 2013, 11:22 am
A connection to me is an exchange–perhaps through words, ideas, emotion or physicality. When both parties gain something of value from that exchange, the connection endures insofar as it is mutually acknowledged.
Best body-weight only exercises:
1) Squats – if you can do only one exercise for the rest of your life, make it a squat. Must be executed perfectly to maximize results and prevent injury (all the way down so your quads form a right angle with your calves, knees not extending beyond toes, chest up, with an explosive hip and gluteal squeeze…). Mastering this functional movement will form a solid foundation for other fun activities such as boxing (stance is a modified squat), power lifting, spinning, etc.
2) Pull-ups – how many people can do even ONE unassisted pull-up? Surprisingly few. As a relatively small, lean female I still struggle with these and yet the effort is well-worth it. They sculpt back, shoulders, arms, etc. They also keep you honest about your strength-to-bodyweight ratio.
3) Sprints – While I would only recommend most cardio for recreational purposes (sorry), sprints improve aerobic capacity, endurance, strength, explosiveness and stability in record-time (pun intended).
4) Planks, side planks and other variations – more than just a “core” exercise; these are the foundation for a solid body. If you think they’re easy, you’re probably not holding them long enough. And keep that butt down.
5) Actual sit-ups – why have these fallen out of favor? A highly functional exercise that helps you get up whenever you find yourself knocked down. Do these instead of crunches.
6) Air jump-rope – if we are going for strictly body-weight only exercises, then just imagine you have a jump rope and start skipping away. This exercise will increase agility, speed and endurance (and build some nice looking calves in the process).
Mark — March 12th, 2013, 11:35 am
- What does “connection” mean to you?
The opposite of feeling alone.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
push-ups, chin-ups, pull-ups, dips
John Rarity — March 12th, 2013, 11:38 am
1. Connection is being everywhere in everything. Breathe – connect with the air. Eat – connect with nature. Sleep – connect with your dreams. Love – connect with others.
2. Fave bodyweight only exercises (not stretching): top three
a) Trail running, negotiating rocks, dirt, climbs, descents…
b) Rope climb / tree climb / boulder
c) Lunges forward, backward
Sean — March 12th, 2013, 11:46 am
“Connection” to me means that I am bonding in some way with whatever it is that I am interacting with at that moment. It could be a person or it could be a trail through the woods. An exchange is occurring between myself and who or whatever I am connecting with.
My favorite bodyweight exercise is squats while holding one or both of my kids! It adds some extra weight to make it more challenging and the kids think it’s fun. Usually after I do some squats holding them, they want to get down and try some for themselves.
Thanks for all of the awesome content that you provide!
Jim Jorgensen — March 12th, 2013, 11:48 am
Connection-to me it’s like having an extra sense. There’s a certain zone-like state achieved where you can predict what’s going to happen, what the correct course of action should be, how you can tip the scales into your favor. i’m sports minded, and to me it’s seeing a tell in the other player, feeling the their body shift minutely a split second before I make my move to counter their action. At work it’s intuitively knowing how to troubleshoot the other employees problems, break down a situation and make it easily understood (and retained), and created a positive flow.
Best bodyweight exercise- hands down burpees. Excellent workout is a burpee touchdown: start at the goal line, do a burpee and at the top leap jump out. Repeat until you spanned the 100 yards, sprint over to the goal post and knock out as many chins as possible. Try and beat your time each session.
David — March 12th, 2013, 12:06 pm
Hey Tim,
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection is best described by explaining what dis-connection feels like – dread, anxiety, apathy, physical and emotional disregard for life. Connection on the other hand is calmness, tranquility and the desire to care for your physical and emotional self, the desire to contribute to things around you with more than just your hands.
- What are your favorite body-weight-only exercises?
I love squats. Take away my kettlebells, my shake weights (who uses those!?), my cool five finger shoes – take away anything but my ability to do squats. I love squats.
damai dengan Anda,
David
Mark Baeder — March 12th, 2013, 12:08 pm
While the word connection can have many different depths, I think it best defines a deep bond, something you feel, that extends further than it may initially seem, or be expected to. Getting out into nature can just be a present connection with a trail, a physical space or a surrounding, but can also transcend into a deeper connection with your mind, body, your past and your future.
My favorite body weight exercises are split squats and push-ups, they travel well and pack light.
Chris W — March 12th, 2013, 12:20 pm
Connection: When you stop over in an airport to catch another flight OR a buddy who can hook you up with something
Bodyweight-only exercises: (1) Handstand push-ups leaning against a wall (2) crawling up backwards on stairs, doing one push up with each step (3) dips (4) pull-ups (5) one-legged squats
Except for (2), perform each exercises in a SAFE and stable 1-set-to-failure fashion (i.e. 5 seconds up, 5 seconds down cadence, no more than 10 reps)
…see also Occam’s Protocol in 4HB
I’d be happy to create some youtube-videos demonstrating the above exercises, if anyone’s interested – but right now I’m at work and I’m running out of time to submit : )
Cheers,
Chris
Eli — March 12th, 2013, 1:03 pm
I really feel a strong agreement with you on the power of being outside, as being inside multiple hours a day really seems to sap my energy away. In response to the above questions, I just want to say that connection is the acknowledgement of someone or something beyond it’s physical presence. You might say hello to a person down the street, but you don’t really have a connection until you realize and acknowledge a person as a business partner/from a similar background/friend etc. We are already connected in a multitude of ways, but I think the most important moment is when someone realizes that the connection is there.
On the note of my favorite bodyweight exercise, it has got to be the bodyweight dip. It has always felt like a natural movement to me, recruiting your stabilizing muscles and your triceps. No one works their triceps to show off; even bodybuilders only work them to maintain a certain level of symmetry. The bodyweight dip is an exercise for fitness alone, and is not plagued by thoughts of vanity.
Deirdre — March 12th, 2013, 1:08 pm
Connection is the synergy produced by the encounter of kindred spirits.
Favorite bodyweight exercises:
Handstand
Squats
Around-the-world plank
chadwick — March 12th, 2013, 1:12 pm
the closest sense of connection i can define is back when i ended up working as a staff member in a tough mudder event at the high hat ranch in florida last year (2012). i found out about the event a bit too late to participate in it, but was presented an opportunity to work it.
never have i ever been in a place where SO many people, so many strangers we so mutually supportive of one another as they endeavoured to complete the course. there were thousands of participants, all encouraging one another to complete obstacles, and helping complete strangers with an extra boost, or a hearty laugh, or good-natured smack talk, so everyone could finish. the object wasn’t to win, but to finish, and i saw so many examples of random people connecting with one another and then just laughing.
i felt that i found my people and they do exist somewhere other than my imagination; big kids all posing as adults. it was truly beautiful. it underscored the lack of connection i feel in my daily life. but it gives me hope.
another example of deep connection for me would be when you witness the brief life of a flash-mob; organized people coming together for a brief burst of shared art to play to the common, but often buried humanity. it is good to be reminded of that need for art from time to time.
my favorite bodyweight-only exercises have to be:
1. what i call the 1-legged, dip, lunge: one foot is placed, dorsal side upon a bench, while the other leg is placed forward from the bench at a distance such that when you genuflect down, the knee does not go past the toes of the foot on the floor. then shoulders are squared with the hips, spine erect, and you genuflect toward the floor. it is a simple movement, but not easy, as the tightness of the hip flexors become the limiting factor in this movement. i’ve beaten up many a client this way.
2. my second favorite body weight exercise has to be my modified version of the glute-ham raise on a bosu ball. i kneel on a bosu ball, with my feet firmly secured underneath a heavy (preferably bolted down) bench or other piece of heavy heavy gym equipment. i then slowly lower myself to the floor, using my hands as a breaking cushion. the axis of rotation for the body is at the knees. the spine is straight and aligned with the hips. the belly is tight, and then it’s just hamstring and calf action all the way down. good times for all. doing the glute-ham raise on a bosu (as opposed to just a solid plastic riser) forces far more core stability work than simply kneeing on a solid foundation. these humble more than any other exercise i’ve done so far.
3. my third favorite body weight exercise has to be push ups on medicine balls. whenever i’m feeling a bit insecure watching all of these younger, stronger guys bench-pressing volkswagons at the gym, i hop on the medicine balls, one on each hand and one on each foot. i then crank out three sets of 20 push-ups like a machine, letting the younger padawans know that the Force is still strong in this one.
this was fun!
craig — March 12th, 2013, 1:34 pm
“Connection”: Mind and body being formless like water a Bruce Lee described.
Favorite body-weight exercises: Planks
Jaclyn — March 12th, 2013, 1:40 pm
Connection
Established in language – whether English, French, art, a coy smile, a clammy handshake, a lullaby, or listening to your own breath. Strengthened by trust, dogged pursuit, and intuition. Allowed only with humble recognition. Only avenue to closeness; necessary for survival.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises
Deep relaxation, planks (not the sissy ass fake ones – I mean the ones that fully engage the core and are nearly impossible), roll-downs (for daily personal assessment), squats in the line at the grocery store, belly dancing alone in my room, tossing children into the air until they practically pass out from giggling, the perfect push-up, sex.
Mike Hare — March 12th, 2013, 1:45 pm
Connection: The exchange of communication between two entities. Such as when I throw on my new pair of Merrell Barefoot Train Flux Glove size 12′s, and immediately begin to explore the trail in an entirely new way. Informed by superior design and materials, my experience is enhanced by the collective years of artistry in the shoes themselves. Meanwhile my feedback, years of adventures, and brand loyalty help contribute in inumerable nuanced ways to the Merrell product line for years. That’s Connection.
My favorite body weight exercise is the push-up. You can do them anywhere, they make you look great, there are a thousand variations, and their just plain fun!
Matt Hewitt — March 12th, 2013, 1:55 pm
When I think “connection”, I think of this universal oneness that connects all of us to each other, and all of us to the earth. In terms of running, nothing makes me feel more connected to my animal self than running barefoot or in vibrams or Merrells.
I’d have to say my favorite bodyweight only exercise (if this counts) is climbing. Specifically rock climbing, but I guess to make it more like a daily work out, doing pull-ups in all variations is amazing. In the case of really minimalist bodyweight only exercises (excluding pull ups due to the bar), situps and pushups trump all except for running.
RobT — March 12th, 2013, 2:35 pm
1)
Where the rubber meets the road; my personal launch pad.
2)
Running and Muscle-ups.
MP — March 12th, 2013, 2:43 pm
Connection means you feel cosmically linked to other human beings, other organisms, both those who share this planet with you right now, at this moment, and those who have come and gone. You feel a sense of unity with the world, recognizing our fates, those of the creatures who inhabit this planet, the sky and the waters, and the souls within the rocks, the trees, the flowers, and the dirt are not separate, but mysteriously intertwined and dependent on one another — and it’s a delicate dependency.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the burpee. It’s like the ultimate pushup and it brings out your inner Marine!
Kevin Mendoza — March 12th, 2013, 2:52 pm
Connection depends on what you are talking about Tim. ?
Here is my top 5:
1. Connection can mean a causal, logical relation, or sequence. Like the connection between two ideas: Healthy Lifestyle and the Outdoor Experience.
2. Connection can mean a contextual relation or association like a connection with a robbery.
3. Connection can mean a relation of personal intimacy, like the relationship you have with your dance partner Alicia Monti.
4. Connection can mean something that links things together like an umbilical cord.
5. Connection can mean communication or transport like a telephone or AC Transit.
Top 10 body weight-only exercises:
1. Mountain climbers
2. Diamond Push ups
3. Tricep Dips
4. Planks
5. Lunges
6. Squats
7. One legged Squats
8. Calf-raises
9. Chin/ Pull-ups
10. Knee Jumps
Paulo Martins — March 12th, 2013, 2:57 pm
Well, this is my first time participation, but will not be the last one, I’m sure …
If I want to win these Merrell I have to be creative, cool and efficient, like they are!
- What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection: the mean to achieve the objective.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
The bodyweight-only exercise that gives me more pleasure is by far making love !
Cheers from Portugal !
Randall Cayford — March 12th, 2013, 3:57 pm
Connection to me is things tied together – cause and effect, action and reaction, call and response. I act in some way and those people and things connected to me move and change because of it. They act and I move and change.
My favorite is the pull-up. Done fairly slowly, I feel the progression move through the muscles of my body. First my back, then my shoulders, up into my biceps, then wrists and fingers. The bar is right there coming at me, tying my will, my muscles, and my movement together. Connection between mind and body and world.
Cecilia Tom — March 12th, 2013, 4:19 pm
For me, “connection” is a dynamic state of being whereby we are actively transmitting, receiving, and interpreting signals. Having a strong connection to people or place means being highly attuned to emotional and environmental cues. It is having that keen sensitivity to signals subtle or gross, a good feel for the ground beneath us, a sense of our role in the inter-connected web we find ourselves in. It requires us to pay attention. While people can have similar wavelengths, without our antenna on, we cannot connect with and understand each other.
Currently digging the dive bomber push-up
I also love doing tai chi – talk about getting connected and rooted to the ground, while also constantly shifting and maintaining balance! If Merrell is ever looking for seniors to model their shoes, ping me because I know where they are. They practice tai chi with me and in my intro email to my students, I specifically recommend the Pace Glove / Trail Glove.
Bryan — March 12th, 2013, 4:24 pm
Connection is presence, being present in the current moment. In our current society, most people have some level of ADHD or inability to be fully present in the current moment. Take a look around the next time you’re at a restaurant and watch people mid-conversation glance at their phones to read a text or email that’s come in, or upload a picture of their food to facebook, rather than fully enjoying the moment they’re in, and the conversation they’re having. If you get far enough away in nature, it’s easy to be fully connected to your surroundings, because all of the noise, and interruptions brought on by your phone no longer work. And when those interruptions are gone, you are present and connected to the present moment. You feel the sun, the breeze, you hear the birds, you smell the flowers, or the pine trees, or whatever is around you. And that’s when you truly feel alive.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercise: An empty high school football stadium in the summer, at night. Run the stairs the entire way around the stadium. 100 yards of walking lunges, 20 yards of walking push-ups, and pullups hanging from the goal post.
Kory Kevin — March 12th, 2013, 4:44 pm
Connection for me is where two separate entities BOTH produce a reaction BECAUSE of the other. Doesn’t have to be the same reaction, doesn’t have to be a good one… but a reaction, indeed.
Best bodyweight exercise? Running uphill,(or walking uphill, for that matter). I can jog for an hour no problem, but put an angle in my path? what a workout. To quote a Radiohead song— “Gravity always wins”.
Drew — March 12th, 2013, 4:50 pm
Connection, to me personally, is what I felt the first time I went to Brazil, speaking no Portuguese, and met a Japanese Brazilian girl who didn’t speak English. We had the strongest CONNECTION I had ever felt. We had a “chemical”, as she said, using her English dictionary.
8 years later: she is fluent in English, I am fluent in Portuguese, and we are married.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are the ones that use leverage and creativity to create extreme difficulty – one-armed pushup and one-armed pullup.
SPR — March 12th, 2013, 4:58 pm
A connection is both experiential and tangible. When a connection is made it can invoke not only a psychological response but, even a physical response, or “gut” feeling, which causes one to pursue whatever that connection might be (animate or inanimate).
Favorite body-weight only: The Harlem Shake. Boom.
RamC — March 12th, 2013, 5:01 pm
Connection to me is something that fills your heart with warmth. could be a friend, or a perfect day at the beach or a wholesome food.
My best workout is walking. builds stamina and gives me time for introspection.
Jenny — March 12th, 2013, 8:54 pm
Connection to me means having a powerful bond with someone. Where just the thought of them gives you comfort. You can both look at each other and the two of you already know what to do. I have that with my best friend. She is amazing.
Ken — March 13th, 2013, 8:51 am
Connection is something that happens at a mental and physical level that embeds the emotions created into your being and serves as waypoint in the journey of life. A connection can be draining when lost or invigorating when established.
Favorite bodyweight exercise- burped with pull up
Mike Deffely Jr — March 13th, 2013, 1:43 pm
1. Connection, for me personally, strangely deals with disconnecting. Getting away from the usual business and grind of life allows me to “connect”. Not only reestablishing the important connection to myself, but with loved ones. I love using the outdoors to grow and strengthen those particular connections. There is nothing like a fun run/hike through a woods or park with close friends and family.
2. My favorite body-weight exercises would have to be two simple “hindu” workouts. Hindu pushups, along with hindu squats. If you want a full body workout that hits every muscle, these two are the way to go!
Craig — March 13th, 2013, 3:06 pm
To me, connection is when two or more people (or even a person and an environment) are in such harmony that ideas and emotions can flow back and forth seamlessly, without any insecurity or hesitation.
As for the bodyweight exercise, definitely burpees. They’re just brutal. Although chin-ups come in a close, close second!
Chris Montone — March 13th, 2013, 3:13 pm
Connection to me is a deep and profound understanding of another person, place or thing that transcends language, time, and emotion.
My favorite body weight exercise is Burpee Box Jumps.
Gabe — March 13th, 2013, 3:50 pm
Connection to me, is tying into the spirit of the planet, whatever you deem that to be; whether it’s some amicable gaia spirit, magnetic fields or the instinctual recollection of an existence without layers of steel and concrete beneath you. The feeling of the terrain leaving its impression on the soles of your feet in a blissful marriage of man and earth, like your thirsty roots being pressed into fresh soil; that’s connection.
I’d have to say my favorite body weight exercise is prisoner squats. If I could do them, I’d say handstand pushups!
Darren — March 13th, 2013, 3:52 pm
Connection: A relationship with something, either physically or emotionally.
Favourite bodyweight exercise: the humble push-up!
Mike — March 13th, 2013, 4:14 pm
- Connection is to me the feeling of not being connected but rather being entirely immersed with the connecting counterpart.
- My favorite exercises are dive rolls (: and of course reasonable running, sit-ups, and pushups!
Love from Cologne!
P. H. — March 13th, 2013, 4:21 pm
Connection: when present, a link to something whose depth, nuance, and reality that can only be understood by me (and by who I am linked to, if it is a sentient being).
Best body-weight exercise: Sex–if two bodies are allowed. Burpees, otherwise.
GE Miller — March 13th, 2013, 4:47 pm
Connection: a moment where your soul is freed from captivity.
Exercise? Nothing beats a pull-up. It requires use of your entire body from the waist up and you either beat the next rep, or it beats you.
Brent Dicus — March 13th, 2013, 4:59 pm
Connection: Telling a funny personal (true)story and having everyone listening laughing so hard that they can’t breath, the kind of laugh that ends up being seriously painful from the lack of oxygen and strain on the diaphragm.
I don’t know if i’d call it my favorite but it’s definitely the most hardcore and the one i’m most proud of completing. I call it the “You mean I have a whole minute of these?!?” (On my work out log that’s what i wrote when I created it”) It’s the core section of my full body circuit. I sit at the end of a weight bench and lean back to 60%, place my hands over my head (except for the Russian twists) and do the following:
8 count flutter kick
8 count horizontal scissor kick
8 count seated knee raises
8 count Russian twists with
That’s one rep. Do as many reps as possible in one minute.
Rinse and repeat each circuit.
the muskrat — March 13th, 2013, 5:26 pm
I love my merrell hiking boots and minimalist running shoes!
i believe connection to be spending time together and having honest, vulnerable conversation. it can be online or in person.
i think pullups are probably the best body weight exercises, but if you have access to one of those pegboard things like louden swayne climbs in “visionquest,” that’s the most exciting one to try!
Van Nguyen — March 13th, 2013, 7:59 pm
This might go against the ultimate message in your campaign, but the word connection instantly makes me think of other people. What other way to find more about yourself than through your interactions with others? It’s an activity that you can constantly learn and tweak, with a mix of immediate and long-term rewards. And I can think of few better ways to connect than to head to the park, throw the frisbee around, and then shoot the shit around a plethora of hammocks.
Pull ups and handstand push ups would have to be my favorite bodyweight exercises!
Chris Odell — March 13th, 2013, 8:24 pm
I just got this post mailed to me a second time a few minutes ago, which is odd. Not to mention the dates look like they could use a proofing my freind…
“Saturday, March 12. It’s called “Acquiring the Skill of Meta-Learning” seems to be Wednesday the 13th here unless all that acid I took as a child melted my brain.
Lee — March 13th, 2013, 8:25 pm
Connection blossoms from an awareness of who I am, the empathy to embrace the ‘other’ (person, experience, etc.), and the courage to share both.
The exercise I NOW “love to hate” is the Blurpee, but it was the Burpee before reading/viewing this post.
Craig G — March 13th, 2013, 8:33 pm
Connection is when two people have such a deep understanding of each other and the others’ needs that there no longer are physical boundaries between the two.
My favorite exercise would have to be push-ups. They are so versatile and target almost the entire upper body, including the core.
Danielle Townshend — March 13th, 2013, 8:35 pm
1. Connection: it means being present to something else that you even feel your own presence that in that moment you are connected to the universal power source.
2. Favorite body weight only exercises:
Ones that involve beauty and experiencing nature: hiking half dome, going to an adventure to find the wave in AZ, climbing waterfalls in HI or sand dunes in Death Valley- you get more than just a workout.
Tim Sparks — March 13th, 2013, 8:38 pm
Connection: At its root its an understanding. Whether its with a person or the ground or the way a car “connects” with the road. Unaltered understanding of the situation or thoughts and feelings of another.
Body-weight only exercise: different variations of one-legged squats. Usually you can stand on a ledge or something to allow you to get the 90degree bend in the knee. These are great for balance.
Paolo — March 13th, 2013, 8:40 pm
Connection to me means an EFFORTLESS bond between mind, body, and soul. (Either a bond with yourself or with any other being.) It’s living in the most enjoyable, easiest, & purest form.
Favorite Exercises:
+Mountain Climbers
+Reaching Lunge
+1-Legged Deadlift
Rocco Chappie — March 13th, 2013, 8:41 pm
- What does “connection” mean to you?
It means listening for and respecting the other (person, place, thing) enough to acknowledge its awesomeness.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Best one is Aikido. Since its just like dancing
jenny — March 13th, 2013, 8:42 pm
A true connection is automactic, effortless, and lasting.
Best exercises are yoga and sex.
Peter Hoeft — March 13th, 2013, 8:49 pm
What does “connection” mean to me?
Connection means a willingness to understand.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Rock climbing (fun), 1-handed pushups (impressive), meditation (difficult)
Side note: I’m building my muse, Tim! I’m terrified, but I’m trying to overclock my fear, and track my progress as I go.
Adrian — March 13th, 2013, 8:51 pm
Connection to me are those times when you are one with a person, activity or place. It is unspoken and not overthought. It is what life is all about.
Favorite body weight excercise has to be the pull up. So many varieties, bringing so much pain (in a good way).
Jesse — March 13th, 2013, 8:52 pm
Connection to me is where the day melts away. It is no longer me and ____. It is oneness, peace, serenity. I loose myself to something greater, the combination being greater than the sum.
Beast body weight excercise is muscle ups. Pull Ko plus a dip with the needed strenghth and atheletic ability needed to actually do them.
Josh — March 13th, 2013, 8:59 pm
1. Connection is defined as, when you have a real conversation with someone about your deepest fears and your darkest desires.
2.Pull up
Ryan Bowen — March 13th, 2013, 8:59 pm
To connect is to trust, allowing the previously remote to permeate your defenses.
Favorite body weight only exercises:
Forward and reverse lunges, calf raises, the Pilates plank.
Justin — March 13th, 2013, 9:17 pm
Connection to me means feeling the world around you. When that be intuitively or through physical contact. If I experience something that doesn’t cause me to react/ or adapt, there’s no way I can be connected to it.
My favorite body weight only movement is the air squat. Seeing babies/children drop into a perfect ATG squat with a neutral spine makes me jealous and realize how lost most of human movement is. The air squat is performed all over the world by different cultures as a part of every day life. To Americans it’s seen as just an exercise.
lizinbali — March 13th, 2013, 9:50 pm
Whoa, just got the email today (13th)! Hope I can still enter the contest. Here goes anyway.
1) Connection -
The word ‘connection’ always reminds me of the 1970′s BBC series, Connections, which taught me as a kid that”the entire gestalt of the modern world is the result of a web of interconnected events”.
2) Favorite body weight exercise
The I Chin Ching. Secret weapon of Chinese martial artists.
pikesan — March 13th, 2013, 9:56 pm
For my son’s first date, the plan was him, his girl and his girlfriend’s friend. True connection occured in the look my son gave me when he realized I wasn’t messing with him about needing a “wingman”.
For body weight exercises, I was going to say the good’ole push-up, then no, maybe the diamond push-up… then no, cancel that and go with the ass-kicking burpee. It’s part of a new cross-fit WOD I’m working on called, TISSS (This is some stupid shit). It combines several body weight exercises: Burpees, pull-up and box jumps with wall-balls. Besides being completely worn out, each round of 5 has a different number of reps and the number is always a prime number (1,3, 5, 7, 11, 13…) – still working out the details.
fay — March 13th, 2013, 10:08 pm
Wonder if I can still enter?
When I don’t have to explain myself, when the other person just gets me, when I know what somebody else is feeling, when our ideas pass freely between us without needing to be expressed- then I feel connected.
If I have to pick my favorite exercise- it’s definitely running. Just running. No rules, no warm-ups, no cool-downs. Just running with the wind, until my throat feels raw and my cheeks burn and my feet ache, until I’ve outraced myself, and left behind every part of me that dragged me down. Just running until I’m free.
Ben — March 13th, 2013, 10:27 pm
Connection is harmony. Mind, body, soul… Completely rocking it. YOLO!!!!
Favorite body weight exercises are kettle balls swings. Man, they sure kick your ass…
Jessica Lollino — March 13th, 2013, 10:28 pm
To me, a connection is a moment or realization that awakens something in your subconscious, brought on by some external force, be that an experience, a person, place, etc. the catalyst awakens some innate, previously unnoticed knowledge in the individual and passion brings the connection into fruition…the moment you meet someone Important in your life, realize a tremendous talent, or find your “home.” All connections…
My favorite body weight only exercises are planks, exhaustive arm circles/movements and squats/squat hops
Have a lovely night!
Derrick — March 13th, 2013, 10:41 pm
Pure connection, in my view, is the moment when every single other thing in the world disappears. It all fades away except for the very thing that you are connecting with at the moment. Thinking about the life experiences you’re in with this happens helps to paint the picture. When you’re out with your really good friends for a drink, when you’re home for a holiday weekend, when you’re engaged with a project that you love. I feel most connected with the world the moment I start running down the trail and for the first time see no one. The parking lot fades and it’s just me and the trail.
My favorite bodyweight exercise is the dive-bomber push-up. The pistol is a close second but that’s already been mentioned. Pair those two together and you’ll have plenty of fun in the woods.
Philip Dursey — March 13th, 2013, 10:43 pm
Connection is why we make art. Whatever your medium, express your values by making, raise your flag and connect through the truth of your being.
The Best bodyweight only exercise is the back bridge. Period. The only reason I didnt break my back during my French Foreign Legión Training was because of all the progressions of the back bridge. Thank you coach Wade.
Ben Carroll — March 13th, 2013, 11:32 pm
Connection is knowing what someone’s feeling through the empathetic investment in their vulnerability, perspective, insecurity, ambition, strengths, weaknesses, its knowing what they are thinking without any external communication. It’s seeing into the essence someone’s soul with your soul. It’s love.
That’s deep connection.
Favorite body weight exercises? Truthfully? The type of sex that you lay in bed for the day because your body feels like it ran a marathon and your heart and soul are so content, life itself is not worthy of tearing you away from the connection of that person.
Laedelas — March 13th, 2013, 11:33 pm
1) Some thing or person that causes me to view it, myself, and our relationship with a different perspective. Something that brings me out of myself.
2) Dancing!
I love Merrells. They make the best, longest-lasting hiking shoe I’ve ever tried.
Barry — March 13th, 2013, 11:44 pm
Connection is the ongoing passionate exchange of conscious energy that enlivens myself and all my relations to see our common life force.
My favorite body weight exercise is mountain running and tree branch pull ups.
Alex Karasz — March 13th, 2013, 11:56 pm
CONNECTION: In AIKIDO, we talk about connection in terms of HARMONY of ENERGY. This can be physical, mental or spiritual in nature. When we interact with others, it is important to establish a connection of spirit, before trying to talk or perform a martial arts movement. Like a rider and his horse, you must become one before you can dance together.
BEST BODY-WEIGHT EXERCISE: Rock Climbing son. there is only Rock Climbing.
PS – i know i missed the TUE deadline. Still posting in the event of an extra pair of Merrells for me. My soles have holes in them.
Josh — March 14th, 2013, 12:04 am
Connection is the ability to leave someone or something better than when you found it.
The best body weight exercise is to move. Jump, climb, run. As long as you move. Movement isn’t about push-ups or dips, it’s about movement, expression and connection.
Nick White — March 14th, 2013, 2:00 am
Hi Tim …
Thanks for the chance to win a pair of Merrells. Have loved them and your stuff for a long time now. Have all three of you 4-hour series and have run through several pairs of Merrells over time.
So I was excited for the chance to win a pair of new Merrells but received email notice of your blog post just over 5 hours ago (early AM Mar 14th) with the closing date for entries the 12th.
So I just wanted to relay that there is a glitch in the matrix with email delivery that will have cut off the chances of some keen followers out there.
Thanks for listening.
Cheers, Nick
John Robert Marlow — March 14th, 2013, 2:09 am
Hey Tim,
I love All Things Ferriss, but have had this issue for well over a year now: I am subscribed, and ALL of your emails show up late. Very late, lately. This post (according to the email) went up at 10:52pm on the 8th. Everything was over by the 12th. I received the email at 8:22pm on the 13th. I am baffled.
I assume that’s not common–but anyone else report this issue?
Donna X. — March 15th, 2013, 5:40 am
John, my apologies to you and everyone else who received the email late. Tim has been trying to replace Feedburner for ages and hasn’t been able to export the email. Donna, Tim Ferriss’ Assistant
Jesse — March 14th, 2013, 2:10 am
Connection is what happens when a heart and a brain on the same wave length meet.
My best bodyweight-only exercises are handstand push-ups, pistols (one-legged air squats), Tabata burpees and MMA-style shadow boxing (including takedowns and submissions).
John — March 14th, 2013, 2:52 am
Connection is the relationship between two corporeal or incorporeal bodies, whether tangible or intangible, which may be known or unknown.
I am a runner, so I suppose if running counts, it would be the body weight only exercise I do most frequently. But I like the diamond pushup. When you first start doing them, you can only pump out a very small number. Then one day, you do 50 and amaze yourself. I really love to surprise myself
Allison vernon thompson — March 14th, 2013, 2:57 am
Connection means to me…
Magnetism
One with
Abundance
No pretense
Partner
Expansive
My fav body weight exercises are…
Burpies
Plank
Walking lunges
Split squat jumps
Doing these in interval sequences (except the plank). Oh man! Fun and tough!
Allison vernon thompson — March 14th, 2013, 3:03 am
Oh yes! Happens to me too. Just realized as I read this post. I responded to the challenge before I realized the cut off time had passed. I got the email at 11:22pm last night.
Dan — March 14th, 2013, 1:50 pm
How do you know who won?
Maarten van der Laan — March 14th, 2013, 3:06 am
Congrats with this great partnership, Tim!
Meaning of connection: feeling the earth beneath my feet.
Outside, I love walking barefoot or with five fingers. It makes me feel connected and content when I can sense the ground, it’s consistensy, it’s temperature, it’s material. With normal heeled shoes, it kinda feels like I’m floating in the air.
Your feet are very sensitive to touch, and when stimulated a part of the brain becomes active which is also related to genital stimulation (cited from the 4-Hour Body). Why would you derive yourself of touching the world with your feet?
Favorite exercise: body satisfaction training.
I get to the track and start sensing my emotional state, and how this feels in my body. For example: If there’s tension in my legs, I ask them: do you want to run? If so, they start to cramp a bit, and I start running like a madman. Or if my arms want to pull (as a gesture of desire and strength) I run to a tree and start pulling myself up till I feel happy and content. So it’s more about satisfying your body’s needs then a rigid workout regime, and in terms of contentness it’s the most rewarding exercise I have ever did!
Maarten van der Laan — March 14th, 2013, 3:11 am
To be clear: I’m not a hippie / treehugger / spiritualist. I just like to give room to my natural instincts and this is actually quite primitive and testosteron-driven.
Robin Witt — March 14th, 2013, 3:08 am
I missed the deadline for the shoes, but want to answer the questions anyway, because i´m sure you´ll love my answers. They come in photos:
Connection:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151217109009495&set=pb.84778774494.-2207520000.1363255223&type=3&theater
Exercise:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151217109074495&set=pb.84778774494.-2207520000.1363255223&type=3&theater
Joseph Lalonde — March 14th, 2013, 3:13 am
Wow, that’s awesome you’ve joined forces with Merrell. They’ve been a favorite of mine for shoes. I currently own three or four pairs!
My definition of connection is simple. It’s an interaction with someone that makes you feel like the two of you are kindred spirits.
My favorite body weight exercise would have to be curved back pull-ups.
ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ — March 14th, 2013, 3:40 am
Connection means masks off, a signal to stop thinking and start feeling, whether talking to someone, jumping in a concert or climbing a mountain.
My favorite body-weight only exercise (leaving stand up sex aside) is martial arts training.
Doug L — March 14th, 2013, 3:50 am
Connection means being able to feel and sense things – differences, nuances, pain, softness or hardens of the ground, smel, taste. Everything put together for a sensory experience that’s hard to single out as one feeling.
My favorite body weight exercises are hand stand push ups and burpees
Dale — March 14th, 2013, 4:01 am
Connection is meaning itself. to find a connection between between lyrics in a song and something that you’ve experienced creates a personal meaning. Feeling a connection with a character in a story gives that character meaning and in a scientific context having a connection between two data points means there is a relationship. To learn, live and love is to connect
My favorite body weight exercise is the bear crawl, i hated it a first but after a few rounds of bear crawl tiggy (or tag) in the dojo its my favorite
M — March 14th, 2013, 4:04 am
It’s interesting that you’re hooking up with Merrell and that minimal shoe sounds cool, but like other posters I didn’t get the email until the 13th, after it was all said and done.
Lynn Andris — March 14th, 2013, 4:26 am
To me connection is really about a deep understanding. You connect with a person when you really understand something about them; a value, idea, like, dislike, personality trait, belief system you share. Sometimes you connect with things you differ on but are passionate about.
You can also connect with concepts, ideas and causes; the things that capture your attention out of the din of everyday life and wrap you up in passion, a sense of purpose and belonging. The ability to connect with other people and with concepts, ideas and causes is uniquely human.
i connect with your efforts to get more people outdoors. Being outdoors is relaxing and helps us center on what is important and valuable in life.
My favorite body weight only exercise is wild passionate fun sex. A more acceptable answer would be Parkour:-)
John Keenan — March 14th, 2013, 4:36 am
Favorite body weight exercise has got to be the plank. when done correctly it is the best for the core and the foundation to so many other moves.
Connection means being 8 years old and running on the golf course behind our house, You could feel the grass between your toes and the life that sprang from the ground. Nothing like it, and we needed that energy as we got chased off the course by the grounds keeper.
Alexandre Yazdi — March 14th, 2013, 4:56 am
For connection:
“The children of Adam are the limbs of one body
That share an origin in their creation
When one limb passes its days in pain
The other limbs cannot remain easy
You who feel no pain at the suffering of others
It is not fitting for you to be called human”
That’s very old persian poetry, chosen by Obama in 2009, and also written on UN NY building.
So probably timeless way of describing “connection”
For body weight exercice, we’re primates, so finding a tree and chin-up is a great way of using body weight in traction.
2nd exercice is holding an elevated v-sit position (even if less than Bruce Lee’s 30 minutes)
Lateral push-up are good too for the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Josh — March 14th, 2013, 5:09 am
Connection means to me The freedom of barefoot connects your foot to its natural movement something that most of us have forgotten about after too many years wearing shoes. You can really feel your feet connect with your legs and activate muscles all the way up your body and you can start to move freely and move as a body as your body is really connected and not individual muscle groups working against each other.
Favourite body weight exercises are pull ups, Burpees and Bulgarian split squats. They work so many muscles and can give you a really tough workout.
Dave — March 14th, 2013, 5:32 am
Connection is that feeling when everything in the universe is right, as if the world was made of brinks and they suddenly lined up perfectly and fit together. You can feel the connection to everything and you move effortlessly through the world.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are the plank and the overhead squat, for how hard they hit the core.
Cliff Kapitsky — March 14th, 2013, 5:33 am
Connection to me means to have something in common .
I love Lunges,squats and push ups.
Sean — March 14th, 2013, 5:52 am
Connection = Instant Understanding.
Its like that saying about if you have never done it, it can’t be explained. But if you HAVE done it then no explanation is necessary! You are connected in that experience.
My favorite body weight exercise is handstands. It works your coordination, balance & strength. Looks impressive too!
Steve — March 14th, 2013, 6:24 am
Connection to me, if it is a person, is knowing each other. It’s knows your likes and dislikes, your desires and fears. If it’s an item, then connection means it’s my go-to item. If it’s clothing, then when I’m getting ready, that’s what I want to put on!
My favorite body weight exercise is calf raises! I love squats and pushups and a variety of others. I wish I loved pullups!
Nathan Robertson — March 14th, 2013, 6:43 am
When you’re connected, you have a physiological response to something whether you’re physically connected or not. Sometime, as when you’re in nature, your body has a response as if you’re truly connected.
Burpees.
Jesse — March 14th, 2013, 7:11 am
Connection is natural attraction.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the plank.
NJK — March 14th, 2013, 7:14 am
Connection: If we strip away our fears, doubts, and uncertainty, we sometimes catch inspiring glimpses of the person we have the capacity to become – whether that involves becoming vegan, running a marathon, founding a successful startup, or being a great parent. “Connection” is that feeling we get when we come into contact with something or someone that resonates with that inspired version of who we are at our essence, and the person we are striving to more fully become.
Exercises: Nothing fancy or trendy, just good old pushups, pullups, dips.
Zach — March 14th, 2013, 7:34 am
Pullups are my favorite bodyweight exercise. I rank these as one of the top 3 exercises (squats and deadlifts reign supreme).
Connection — a unique and intimiate bond that develops with more intensity as our exposure with another is increased.
Bruce Muzik — March 14th, 2013, 7:37 am
Connection gets me CLOSE to something I LOVE.
When I’m connected to my lover, I feel close to her. When I’m connected to NATURE, I feel closer to LIFE.
My favorite body weight exercise are wide grip pull-ups. I love the feeling of doing them slowly with a 5 up 5 down cadence.
Daniel Clarke — March 14th, 2013, 7:49 am
Connection is the bond that creates and sustains synergy. It allows two beings (whether humans, food components, or something else entirely) to unite and create something otherwise unattainable.
While there are so many body exercises rotate through, my current favorite is Dragon walks – similar to a bear crawl but alternate elbow and knee touch the ground with every stride. I was surprised how quickly it wiped me out! check it out – top non-ad youtube result for “44 best bodyweight exercises ever.
Daniel Clarke — March 14th, 2013, 7:50 am
Connection is the bond that creates and sustains synergy. It allows two beings (whether humans, food components, or something else entirely) to unite and create something otherwise unattainable.
While there are so many body exercises rotate through, my current favorite is Dragon walks – similar to a bear crawl but alternate elbow and knee touch the ground with every stride. I was surprised how quickly it wiped me out! check it out – top non-ad youtube result for “44 best bodyweight exercises ever”
Joel — March 14th, 2013, 8:27 am
Connection sparks and causes us to shower complete strangers with a welcoming smile
Connection tastes like distant lands, traveled bite by bite through the skilled hand of the chef
Connection burns with the heat and grit of supreme effort as they collide with and manifest our dreams
Connection swells and fills the distance between us and our loved ones upon a mere thought
Connection draws the earthly beneath us into the the heavenly within us and reveals our purpose
-Pull-ups with leg raises on the descent)
-Dips with leg raises on the descent
-Spiderman pushups (alternating knee to elbow on descent)
-Bullets
-Jump box
I love the use of Connection for marketing these shoes. The sole of the shoe is the Connection point between our energy and the Earth’s. For years, we’ve tried to dampen that Connection; Merrell is designing shoes that enhance it.
Kevin Wood — March 14th, 2013, 8:32 am
1) Connection is that moment when you go from being an observer of something to an active participant.
2) My favorite body weight exercises are the “cat vomit” ab exercise from the 4 hour body and air squats.
Paula — March 14th, 2013, 9:02 am
Hi Tim,
I am not sure if the dates are correct below as I got this email on the 13th and deadline was the 12th??? I am a HUGE Merrell fan myself! Owned and had them travelling with me across the globe! Vibram soles ROCK and never wore down which is rare with so rare with so much use.
Anywho, if I still have a chance I would LOVE a new pair…was actually looking at replacing mine so couldn’t be more perfect timing!
I’ll stop rambling and here’s answer to your questions
- What does “connection” mean to you? – It means when “things” fit, this could be relationships, business or physically. That “A-ha” moment!
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises? – Currently I am loving yoga and swimming, signing up for my 2nd triathlon!
Cheers,
Paula
Claudius J West — March 14th, 2013, 9:08 am
Connection, for me, is always present—most of the time NOT in an inspiring, “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life” kinda way, but in a foundational, “we are all connected even when we can’t we each other” kinda way.
What good is that sort of perspective?
For me, connection means remembering that everyone I meet is very, very important. If circumstances had rolled out just a little differently, this new person before me might have been my most cherished friend, and—here’s the really important thing—that new person has the potential to become a great friend, especially if I keep an open mind.
The more I remember to treat everyone the way I would treat my best friends, the better I like people, and the better they like me.
The connection is already there; it’s only a matter of remembering it’s there and acting appropriately.
Kevin Schoeninger — March 14th, 2013, 9:17 am
Hi Tim,
For me connection is multi-dimensional: with “who I am,” with others in relationship, with the planet, and with something “bigger than that.”
As a personal trainer for 30 years, I’ve got lots of favorite bodyweight exercises. My new favorite, which I just discovered, is “The Founder.”
Check it out here:
http://youtu.be/U-K7jtcJ0Dc
Enjoy!
Kevin Schoeninger, The Mind-Body Training Company
joe — March 14th, 2013, 9:29 am
As a Peace Corps volunteer living in rural Africa (far from my urban life in America), connection is when you find your peace and resonance within a completely different culture or situation, and when you consider people who were once strangers, family. Connection is the feeling of “home.”
Pullups, chinups for high rep, and 1-arm chinups for intense low rep workout. In my living situation where weights aren’t available, 1-arm chinups are the most intense upper body workout I can do.
Lunges for higher rep workouts, and lunges into full jump for lower reps, higher intensity
Dona Collins — March 14th, 2013, 9:31 am
Bummer! Sorry I didn’t see this before the 12th. Congratulations on your new partnership. I’m glad it something you can speak about passionately, and I look forward to seeing where it takes you!
Tim Schwartz — March 14th, 2013, 9:47 am
Nice post – to me connected has always meant that I have forgotten all else and am in the moment in the outdoors – a place of flow where I am not thinking about my gear, shoes, or bike. My fave bodyweight-only exercised are your standard push-up and pull-up, and also running: combine the 3 with a good diet and flexibility training and I am feeling quite good…
Oscar — March 14th, 2013, 9:52 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
- connection means being aware of my surroundings. As a martial artist practicing the basic horse stance I am always trying to ‘root’ into the ground. I do this by not only trying to grip the floor with my toes (barefoot or with thin soles shoes) but also visualizing tree roots sprouting out from under my feet and being connected with the ground. As corny as this sounds visualizing myself as a tree gives me the feeling of being ‘connected’ to the world around me.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
- the pistol is definitely one of my favorites. I have also been practicing the cat crawl and even the Spider-Man crawl for the past few months and have seen grew improvements with my mobility.
Josh Crocker — March 14th, 2013, 11:10 am
“Connection” (I’m guessing in reference to the outside) is what you talked about on your deer hunting adventures with Steve Rinella in the 4HC. When it came time to gut the deer, you’d said that your body’s natural instincts had taken over and, although it was your first time doing it, you’d felt like you’ve always known how to do it.
I feel the same way when I head out into nature during hunting season, climbing NY’s Adirondack mountains in the winter, or just playing games with my kids out in the yard.
Connection with nature helps connection with each other. I’m a lot closer to my buddies when we’re outside sitting around a camp fire after a long hike or canoe trip than I am with the same group playing XBox and drinking beers on a Friday night. Nature brings us together.
And for the favorite body-weight only exercies? I have my “big 3″: Burpees, pull-ups (especially on a level, low-hanging tree branch), and air squats.
Cheers Tim!
- Josh
Aaron Stoermann — March 14th, 2013, 11:46 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
Connection to me means LIFE, life cannot exist without connection (physical) and life without connection is empty (spiritual). Connection implies awareness and engagement which are essential in a life well lived.
What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
Slow and controlled pushup, Pullup, Dips, Squats and Lunges. If done correctly there isn’t much need for anything else aside from cardio.
Scott — March 14th, 2013, 11:48 am
Connection’s knowing each other’s thoughts on topics of mutual interest.
Favorite bodyweight exercise is bouldering.
Karin — March 14th, 2013, 12:04 pm
Connection to me means a bond, sharing something in common, whether it be common beliefs, common skills, common aspirations, etc. The connection doesn’t have to be felt on both ends, and it cannot always be explained, it simply exists.
My favorite body only exercise is jump squats – though sex isn’t a bad exercise either.
Beau — March 14th, 2013, 12:07 pm
“Connection” is being naked with another. Beyond the physical, although that certainly qualifies, true “connection” is core essence revealed and embraced. Being mutually transparent – at some level – leads to “connection.”
The best true bodyweight-only exercise is, hands down, a 400m sprint. Doing walking lunges for 400m or some burpee interval routine are excellent as well. The category of pseudo-bodyweight exercises belongs to muscle-ups or rope climbs.
Alysia — March 14th, 2013, 12:23 pm
Connection to me is when you can find some sense of familiarity with something. Having something in common with someone can make me feel connected to them because we share an interest which makes me somewhat familiar with at least a portion of their life.
The best body weight only exercise is a squat.
Kimball Norup — March 14th, 2013, 12:35 pm
Connection: The magic that happens when mind/body/spirit become one.
Favs: The old school classics – Pullups, pushups, situps.
Gilbert — March 14th, 2013, 1:51 pm
“Connection” is the recognition of mutual benefit, either now or in the future along with an emotional recognition of similarity in the other.
My favorite bodyweight exercise? Running, slow, steady and easy until the asphalt underneath my feet brings its own meditation and I lose myself in the realization that I am alive and capable of far beyond what I’ve settled for.
Richard — March 14th, 2013, 1:58 pm
Connection for me is meeting with someone on a human level , or identifying a common feeling or thought. The word empathy comes to mind.
Exercises ! Its still bodyweight so it still counts right ? I like doing press ups and pull ups with my kids on my back, as they grow so does the resistance. Burpees would also have to be an alltime favourite (more for results than the way they feel : )
Brent Markus — March 14th, 2013, 3:06 pm
Connection is being a part of the environment around me, feeling the peace and turmoil of nature.
My favorite body weight exercise right now is he negative pull-up given that I’m not yet strong enough for the positive ones.
Nuruddeen Lewis — March 14th, 2013, 3:21 pm
Connection means to understand things similarly, typically between two persons. When I have a connection with someone, we share similar thoughts about a subject.
One-legged squats is my favorite bodyweight exercise. Perfect way to squat heavy without the equipment.
Scott Jeffries — March 14th, 2013, 3:24 pm
Connection – Being understood without having to present myself in any way other than who I am.
Bodyweight exercises – Squats, Turkish Getups without weights, hip bridge leg raise
Mark W. Guay — March 14th, 2013, 3:51 pm
Connection is like the Millennium Falcom sucked to the Death Star tractor beam. It’s where the body says, “Oh, that feels right” and you are one with the movement in total body control.
After a few years of a triathlon stint and a Team USA invitation, I now find Jivamukti yoga to be a total mind/body strengthener that only uses body weight.
Thanks,
Mark
Derrick — March 14th, 2013, 4:02 pm
Personal meaning of “connection”: an energetic untangling. When I ‘make a connection’ I feel mentally light, like when I used the 80/20 principle on my browser bookmark collection to cut out all the bookmarks I never used. When I ‘feel a connection’ it’s like chills vibrating through my entire body, like when I played my last collegiate football game and afterwards sang the school song with a crowd of alumni spanning over 70 years.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercise: single-leg squats 5 minutes after waking up
Cristobal — March 14th, 2013, 4:34 pm
Hey Tim, my name is cristobal, i live in chile
I would like to answer the questios for the giveaway.
(Crap, just read the deadline, sorry im late)
1- Connection to me means, when u get sucked in like a tractor beam( in the words of lloyd from dumb and dumber) when 2 people suck each other into eachother. They lock in and enjoy that moment or action.Could be physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or just friendly. I think the most important connections are personal in any way. I think life is about making connection with everything you do. So at the same time a connection can be with anything.
2- my favorite body weight only excersizen are : pull ups, straight bar dips(i love the difficulty) and push ups are what i started with. My ultimate goal i. 9th grade was to develop an awesome chest!!! Jajaj needless to say i achieved that goal.
Thanks for reading. If u ever come to santiago, u got a place to stay
Doug — March 14th, 2013, 5:32 pm
Connection is what happens when I feel like I’m sync’d up with something. Like we’re fighting the same battle, tackling the same guy, after the same result.
My favorite body-weight only exercise is my 50 Shades of Fury interval routine – 10 seconds, 3 speeds, 5 exercises: jacks, pushups, climbers, speed skaters and jab/cross/uppercut combos.
Jennifer S — March 14th, 2013, 7:04 pm
1. A connection is a feeling from your gut or you heart, not your head, when your soul recognizes itself in something outside itself.
2. Yoga
Sam — March 14th, 2013, 8:44 pm
Hi Tim
I enjoyed your post. Could you please explain what a burpee is?
Thank you
Samantha
matt — March 14th, 2013, 10:32 pm
A connection to me is an indescribable feeling where something just seems like it just right.
My favorite body weight only exercises are:
1. Animal Flow Movements by Mike Fitch
2. Skin the cats
3. Handstands/Handstand Pushups
Hermann — March 15th, 2013, 12:04 am
wish i saw this earlier and even though the competittion is over already…
in the forest, where there’s no cellphone reception, thats where i get the best connection. as for body weight exercises, i despise some more than others but like them all. being able to move my body exceptionally well (this generally includes all the different gymnastic movements) is what keeps me smiling.
Cameo Morningstar — March 15th, 2013, 4:38 am
Connection is the ineffable realization that “this is it.”
My favorite bodyweight only exercises are burpees with a push-up, push-ups, planks of all varieties, and single leg hip thrusts.
Gregg — March 15th, 2013, 6:21 am
To be connected to something or someone you have to give part of yourself away and take in part of what you are connecting with. You become a part of what you have connected with.
For example, when I’m playing my best golf I’m not thinking about golf much. I’m feeling the air, the grass under my feet, the slope of the fairway and green, and I listen to the sounds around me. I become a part of the course and the course becomes part of me. There are no swing thoughts and no will to put the ball in a certain spot. I let all my senses and the course and everything that is a part of it, including me, decides where the ball will go.
My favorite body weight exercises are handstand push ups, pull ups, burpees, and box jumps. Try three rounds of these exersices with no rest in between exercises. I promise there wont be a muscle in your body that doesnt get smoked.
I haven’t mastered them yet but I’m working to be able to do ring muscle ups. They are so demanding and I think they will become my favorite eventually.
Christopher — March 15th, 2013, 6:38 am
Connection to me is a knowing. When I was driving my first daughter home from the hospital, I knew the connection was there because of the knowing that my life had changed forever. Irrevocably. It also signaled a connection with adulthood that I hadn’t had until then.
When my wife and I had been dating for several months and I was on a drive to another part of the country permanently due to a change of stations in the Navy, there was a knowing that I was leaving behind the lady I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Almost thirty years later, the connection is still there.
In my job years ago, I was tasked with tracking and rescuing an individual in the Arizona desert. I had spoken to the sister before starting. This connection lead to the knowing that I would find her brother. I don’t know why. I had been in similar circumstances before, but this time I knew. The beginning of the connection was with the sister, but overall was larger than the whole situation. I then KNEW that I would find her brother. 9 miles and 7 hours later I did. He lived through it and they were reunited 5 days later as he recovered. One of the proudest times of my life.
Other situations have lead to my understanding of connection as a knowing. These are a few examples.
My favorite bodyweight exercises are those that have made everything else better. These include squats, pushups and windsprints. The basics. No equipment or apparatus of any kind required. The more I have been able to do these things, the better everything else in my life has been. And I have often wished I had stuck to the basics more often in my life in so many things.
Thanks for all the great work Tim, and being such a great example of execution.
Jim — March 15th, 2013, 8:39 am
What does “connection” mean to you?
CONNECTION is that moment in time when you SYNC with the harmony of things — when you’re DOING resonates and fills all of you: mind, body and soul. And your doing is with those who nurture and restore as opposed to suck you dry. In that place, all things are good and you are fully in En-JOY…
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises? Aerial Yoga — a once-in-a-lifetime experience available at Miraval Resort and Spa.
Come see us, my friend…
BTW — I agree with you, think Merrel’s are the bomb!!! Gave my old pair away running the Spartan Sprint in PHX a month ago. Bought a new pair to break in hiking into the Grandest of Canyons come April, before then will spend time in Hawaii crawling up the volcano and shooting down the lava tube.
Peace…
Binoi Cherian — March 15th, 2013, 9:26 am
1. Everything
2. Kettle bell swings
PS: – Should have been 4-hour-cook!! am in the process of living that book!
Ken Jacobs — March 15th, 2013, 10:14 am
“The biggest problem with communication is the illusion it’s taken place.” George B Shaw
Trying to get past the illusion and have a connection where communication is clear.
Mountain climbers using a Tabata protocol.
Sharna — March 15th, 2013, 1:33 pm
Just an FYI -
I depend on your emails to tell me when you’ve got a new blog post. This post came into my inbox at 8:23 pm, Wednesday March 13th – a full day AFTER the deadline to enter, and a full 5 days after being posted. Is there anything that you can do to get this synched up a little better?
Love your words and insights, and really want to keep up!
Tim Ferriss — March 15th, 2013, 4:05 pm
Hi Sharna,
So sorry about this. I’ll take another look.
The main issue is that I appear to be trapped on Feedburner and unable to get the email addresses out of their system. If I can find a simple method, I’ll try and transfer to Aweber or something like that.
Thanks for reading the blog!
Tim
Norman — March 15th, 2013, 2:20 pm
Hey Tim, et al
Thought you might want to know: I used the search function ( searched for “potassium”) and found the v-bulletin site has been flooded with spam.
Kristi — March 15th, 2013, 4:05 pm
Connection is a continuity & realization to the energy around you. It feels like a breath of fresh air, refreshing & revitalizing. That’s what connection means to me.
My favorite body weight exercise is Ballet. Especially Barre work, if done properly you are engaging all your muscles head to toe in the simple point of a toe. It’s hard core & gives you a rockin’ hott body
Mike — March 16th, 2013, 4:27 pm
Connection, the 4Cs Connect, Collaborate, Communicate. Then, Create.
Bodyweight exercises, I’m not sure like is the best word.
But, burpees, then pushups with three different hand placements & clappers.
camilo sanchez — March 17th, 2013, 2:56 am
Connection to me means, expressing an experience or idea in which you convey your passion and interest so effectively and honestly it sparks something in others. Creating a connection where for even a brief moment you are able to share a part of yourself with others and they do the same with you.
Best body weight exercise is really anything in Parkour as it’s fun and challenging. If I had to choose something particular I’d say Quadrupedal Movement or QM. Anything I get to do moving along the ground utilizing different body movements and muscle groups is fantastic.
Francisco Riojas — March 17th, 2013, 8:36 pm
What does “connection” mean to you?
“There is a difference between knowing the path & walking the path” Morpheous.- Matrix.
Connection means knowing you are walking the path. Commitment to a higher purpose, discipline to achieve more, to become more.
- What are your favorite bodyweight-only exercises?
4 x 400 runs….they got me to 10k under 50 minutes..
I love the “exercise” of eating 30 grams of protein first thing in the morning. Yes. It is an exercise where you only use your hands and mouth to achieve it.
Lou — March 18th, 2013, 3:41 pm
Connection requires energy insight and enthusiasm from both sides. Connection to me is that relationship between me and something else.
Favorite bodyweight-only exercises? – got to be the lunge
Curtis Moran — March 19th, 2013, 3:56 pm
I believe in the rather cliche statement, all things are connected. Robert Greene talks about “connectedness” a lot in Mastery and I tend to agree as it can be applied in many fields. In science we seek to explain as much as we can in as little as we can. In physics they are searching for a force that unifies gravity and electromagnetism. As people we search to understand one another, to connect our ideas and thoughts, to empathize. Businesses search to connect their products, ideas, and services with the consumer. I feel that our emotions and longings are a product of our connections. We are naturally drawn to forming connections with the world around us and averse to breaking them. Connections make us feel alive.
Fav body weight exercises? I travel a lot, I feel like I am living out a suitcase and rarely have access to a full gym. The body weight exercise I use the most is a modified one legged squat on a staircase. I basically squat down on one leg with my other knee behind me, and lower myself until my floating knee touches the bottom of the other staircase. I use the railings for support, and hope no one needs to use the stairs at the same time.
Graham — March 19th, 2013, 4:33 pm
Anybody feel like Tim kind of jumped the shark on this one? To be fair, he has always been a fan of The Fonz… go push ups.
Ray — March 24th, 2013, 11:23 am
Merrells may be a good shoe, but why don’t they make them for people with wide feet?? I’ve tried on several pairs of different styles and they are too tight and narrow. Thanks,
Ray
Salt Lake City, Utah
Rebecca Eisenberg — March 24th, 2013, 12:56 pm
“When things don’t go right, go left,” I have repeated countless times to myself when that forceful, bitter debilitation of defeat pinches my stomach. Whether I was stood up by my hot date or my roommate ate the last tiny spoonful of sour cream that was meant to be married to my sweet potato, I get REALLY disappointed. After all, I am a 23 year old girl (emotional wrecking ball of confusion whilst battling my way to the top of the food chain) living in Newport Beach in a beautiful, sunshine-filled apartment. I don’t have a whole lot to be disappointed about besides my diminishing bank account that my parents no longer feel it is their duty to replenish. But when I get disappointed, my insides turn outward and this shooting anxiety pumps through every nerve of my being. What…that doesn’t sound fun to you? Because it sure as hell makes me the passionately big thinker/big doer that I am today. “…stress, conflict, and necessity seem to be nature’s way of saying, ‘Find a new way’” (The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo). Couldn’t agree with him more! And I’ll admit, bashfully, that the world needs more people like me.
I graduated from Cal. State Long Beach in December and has made it my mission to create something that will truly benefit our economy and the lives of the struggling, within it. Working with my extremely business savvy, brilliant best friend, Jason, we have began to piece together the patchwork of innovation.
We are ID Savings. We are not interested in B to B, B to C, but B to “ME”. We believe in fostering genuine relationships between businesses and specific target markets, based on who consumers are, where they are, and the groups they belong to.
My name is Rebecca Eisenberg and I am in charge of public and media relations for an Orange County-based start up working with college students, military personnel, and seniors (those who can easily prove their identity with id cards. In Orange, we provide a direct channel of communication between local businesses and the student population. We list our clients (businesses) on our website with information about student discounts, promotions, events, and job opportunities as well as promote on campus and during local events.
Our competitors such as Groupon, MOGL, Pirq, etc may offer discounts, but do not provide any incentive for customers to return and thus, the business does not prosper, but in fact, suffers due to the profit cuts. We present specific target markets (students, for example) with discounts relevant to them and consistently update information to incentivize them to return.
We are the future of personalized advertising, which is the change in comparison to today’s market. I would love to form a professional working relationship with you to maximize exposure for both ID Savings and your site! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Very best,
Rebecca
Steve Sherman — March 27th, 2013, 11:09 am
We just got back from SXSW, it was amazing!
Jody — March 28th, 2013, 1:13 pm
Connection to me is the longing in which we all come here to the planet to experience. I see life as either feeling connected or feeling separate. Those moments in our lives in which we feel our deepest happiness usually are connected to having a feeling of connection or closeness, either to someone else, nature, God, etc…While most of us have felt our deepest pain while experiencing separation or a lac of connection to those things. Connection to me is how we communicate with others, the way we feel about ourselves is a deep spiritual mirror often for how we communicate. Compassion to me is a part of connection, understanding and learning to use it and avoid judgement. Tools that help us stay connected vs. stay separate. Connection is love. When we feel connected we feel a deep sense of self and we experience love. An unexplainable feeling and for each of us it means something different, but for me Connecting to all that is, the oneness of life, experiencing yourself and the wholeness that you are, which in return fuels you to connect to others, thus making a divine web or grid. Nature, Friends, Family, Self, endless ways to connect!
Favorite Body Weight Exercises: Jumping, Push Ups, Pelvic Thrusts, Planks, Myotatic crunch
Patrick M. — April 15th, 2013, 8:12 pm
So, did anyone win or was this a shameless attempt at views?
scott h — April 23rd, 2013, 5:47 pm
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the brain—Look it up. This is totally up Ferriss’s alley. I and (I’m sure) a few million others would love to hear about his foray into this.
tcds is the acronym
Qadijah — April 24th, 2013, 1:07 am
I REALLY hope this will be picked out of the 2,00 mails this week!
Hi, I’m a student reading for my Masters in Professional Writing at the University College Falmouth, UK. As part of a R&D module, I’m researching on how outsourcing writing – particularly business writing – toIndia and the rest of Asia is affecting the industry. I’m looking for answers to questions like who does it, is it effective, how does it affect content writers in the West.
And would you recommend it??
If you have even two lines worth of something to say, PLEASE tell me. I need all the help I can get.
THANK YOU in advance!
Jason Ganes — May 10th, 2013, 9:18 pm
A connection happens when you recognize and internalize a congruity between yourself and the world around you. To connect is to live enriched.
My favorite bodyweight-only exercise is the inverted row because it complements and balances many upper body press excercises done with free weights.
Jason Ganes — May 10th, 2013, 9:35 pm
- I realize the drawing period is over, just felt like expressing something anyway. Keep up the great work on the blog!