Tag Archives: anime

Powering up like Piccolo

Summer is here. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the weather is nice. With constant outside activities, I would like to share a workout regimen inspired by one of my favorite anime characters: none other than Dragon Ball Z’s Piccolo.  For this exercise, we will be venturing to your local playground (or outdoor fitness area if you have one available). This will be a full body workout that will challenge your endurance and is callestenics based. 

Here’s the workout give yourself adequate rest between sets:

Warm up : dynamic stretching for 10 minutes

Cardio: jumping rope (weighted or unweighted) for up to 30 minutes

Strength training: For the following, you will need a weighted vest as well as ankle weights.

Legs: lunges (forward or reverse) 4 sets 10-15 reps per leg

Core: leg raises (using the monkey bars or hanging bars) 4 sets 15-25 reps

Back/biceps: (using monkey bas or hanging bars) chin ups 4 sets 8 to 15 reps.  Alternatively, you can switch for pull-ups

Triceps/chest/shoulders: (using parallel bars) dips 4 sets 8 to 15 reps. Alternatively, you can also use the steps on a playscape or bench for decline push-ups for the ame number of sets up to 20 reps

Finisher: burpees AMRAP within 60 seconds

And there you have it! It was a good summer workout with a good challenge. While you might not be able to fire off ki blasts lile Piccolo, you will certainly get stronger with this workout. Until the next time, dear readers. Excelsior

Outfit not included with gains

The Iroh workout

Greetings dear readers, it has been a while but after a brief sabbatical I have returned. Speaking of returns, the warm weather is looking to make a return to prevalence after a moderate winter. After all these months of hibernation it is time for summer sports and activities. The best way to get ready for the more active time of year is preparing our physical health for outdoor projects and other activities.

For this year’s preparation I will share my latest workout plan I have prescribed myself to during the last several weeks. This plan comes inspired from one of my favorite shows growing up: Avatar the last airbender. Mild spoilers for those that haven’t watched this masterpiece of a series: one of the main characters, general iroh, is imprisoned and during his time in prison he spent time planning and preparing his body for his eventual escape from his captors. I will highlight his training regimen during his time in prison: sit ups, clap push-ups, hand stand push-ups, one hand pull ups. Inverted sit ups at the top of his cell. Of course there are more workouts one could do to develop more strength but I will focus on exercises one can use with limited to no equipment.

General Iroh aka the dragon of the west

I will divide these exercises into specific levels to work up to as time progresses. I’ll also include alternatives to mix things up as needed. For an extra challenge, you can also increase the set totals or reps per set (I recommend increasing the reps by increments of five). I would recommend 30 second to 1 minute rest periods between sets as you progress.

Level one:
3×10 Pike Push Ups

3×15 Sit Ups/Crunches

3×20 Push Ups

3×25 Lying Leg Raises

Level Three:
3×10 Handstand Push Ups ( alternatively I used incline/decline Push Ups as I can not do a successful handstand…yet)

3×15 Pull Ups (regular or door trainer modified. Check out my paid link for a good starting door trainer)

3×20 Sit Ups

3×20 Clap Push Ups

3×25 Hanging Leg Raises (or lying leg raises with ankle weights if available)

Level Four:
3×5 One Arm Pull Ups (each arm) or do a door frame row to work your way up

3×15 Inverted Sit Ups

3×20 Handstand Push Ups (alternative incline/decline Push Ups)

3×20 Clap Push Ups

3×25 Sit Ups

I have tried this workout program for myself, and it has been a very good series that doesn’t require heavy weight. This is perfect in a limited to no equipment environment and for those who love callestenic workouts. Until the next time, dear readers. Excelsior!

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Ending the year on a flavourful note

Holidays are a pretty busy time of year for everyone. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle and neglect things. One thing one should never neglect is one’s diet and nutrition. Last month I gave you a nice dessert so let’s balance that out with a nice simple savory dish: bell peppers and beef. While this was anime inspired from one of my favorite animes (cowboy bebop) I assure you that it the style will be a little different.

For this recipe we will require the following: 1 bell pepper of each color ( for this I only used red/green peppers to start), 1/2 of a small onion, 1 lb of beef chuck (you can substitute for 1 lb of mushroom and tofu for a vegetarian option), assorted spices and seasonings of your choice (Mrs. Dash, old bay, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper were used here) and honey sesame sauce (homemade or store bought)

First, clean your peppers and peel your onions. Once complete, mince your onions and place to side in a bowl. Proceed to slice your bell beppers into strips and add to the bowl with the onions. Lightly season your veggies with your seasoning mix and set aside.

Ready for the fire

Nexr, chop up your beef into bite-sized chunks and remove any gristle or fat as you go. Be sure to season your beef (or mushroom/tofu substitute) and place to the side.

I found the beef

Next, lightly oil your skillet and apply your seasoned beef, and cook thoroughly. Once cooked, set aside in a bowl.

Ok maybe I went a little toooo light on that oil.

Next you will place your veggies into the skillet and cook until tender. Once complete set aside in your bowl with the beef

Cook until the veggies comply

Lastly you can either caramelize the honey sesame sauce in the skillet or add the sauce after depending on your preferences. Once complete, you’re ready to go! Serve with your favorite beverage, and you’re ready to eat.

The whiskey is optional

And there you have it. A simple and quick meal you can enjoy any day of the week. This makes about four servings with my list of ingredients, and it is very filling for the small serving size. Going into the new year, I wish you nothing but the best and success in all your endeavors. Excelsior!

Who did it better?