Recovery & Regeneration

You know you are getting a little older and wiser when the plain brown DVD package that turns up in the mail contains the title "Recovery & Regeneration" and you get excited about it.

We are either moving towards wellness or away from it. There is no stasis. I am a collection of compensations and the only defence I have are my own efforts. Would you seriously leave something this important in the hands of another? You certainly don't want to become a burden. You owe that to the rest of the tribe.

Don't wait for permission from the Guru to get on with the job in hand. Don't to look for validation. I long ago realised what I was missing out on. There is soooo much great stuff out there. It's your job to research, implement & maintain your own practice. No doubt it'll cross over with many other people but at the end of the day what works for you is yours and yours alone. All you need is your own permission. You are a work in progress...

So, this week I got a copy of Coach Keats new DVD "Recovery & Regeneration".

Keats Snideman is twin to fellow RKC, Team Leader Franz Snideman co-author (along with his wife Yoanna) of the popular Revolution Kettlebell Fatloss Program

Ok, enough family history...(though you might want to check out some cool clips at Revolution Fitness Youtube page )

I don't think Keats will mind if I say, right off the bat, he's not going to win any Oscars for make-up and lighting. But no-one watches instructionals for the production values. We want content - and this is where "Recovery & Regeneration" delivers completely.

"Recovery & Regeneration" comprises 2 discs.

Disc 1 covers instruction of specific techniques. Keats doesn't waste any time. After a brief but informative discussion on the benefits of self massage and the tools available we are introduced to a series of progressive drills using a foam roller. These include postural, perpendicular, torso and leg applications.

Also included on disc 1 are tennis ball moves for plantar fascia and some alternative self massage methods. The disc concludes with a stretching sequence. Coach Keats presentation is clear and unambiguous and I found myself eager to get to disc 2 where the fun begins.

Disc 2 covers pre and post workout self massage sequences. Another brief introduction and we move into the pre-workout sequence. This runs for about 12 minutes and employs the drills outlined in disc one. Keats has three participants and corrects form as they go, very useful. After a couple of runs you would certainly feel comfortable using these drills and perhaps focusing on the areas that need some extra TLC.

The post work-out section is of similar duration and follows a similar format. Again, after a few run throughs I'd feel confident to make these drills my own. Disc 2 concludes with a static stretching routine.

Coach Keats makes it very clear at the outset that everyone's thresh hold for these types of techniques is different and that to be used effectively people need to work carefully within their limitations. His delivery is relaxed and engaging. The pace is perfect, enough time to take it all in and make notes should you choose to do so.

Anyone who comes to my workshops knows I go on ad nauseum about mobility and the need to implement simple effective techniques to ensure longevity in whatever activity you choose. We ignore the warning signs at our peril. I have aches and pains that seem to come out of nowhere every now and then and stop me in my tracks...

But I know exactly where they come from. And what's more, I know exactly how to keep them at bay. It's all about the application and I've added my learning from "Recovery & Regeneration" and look forward to sharing it at the next work shop.

I should add, in the spirit of disclosure, I ordered this DVD direct from Coach Keats, paid in full and it was worth every penny!