I'm Darryl Edwards (aka The Fitness Explorer), founder of Primal Play, this website is no longer being updated - please check out www.primalplay.com for current details on my work, passion and lifestyle approach.

What is Primal Play? 

Eat for Health, Move for Life!

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Reading List
  • Animal Moves: How to move like an animal to get you leaner, fitter, stronger and healthier for life
    Animal Moves: How to move like an animal to get you leaner, fitter, stronger and healthier for life
    by Darryl Edwards

    Animal Moves

    • improve strength, speed and stamina
    • increase mobility, flexibility and stability
    • look, feel and perform better

    Find out more and details on how to purchase at www.animalmovesbook.com

  • Paleo from A to Z: A reference guide to better health through nutrition and lifestyle. How to eat, live and thrive as nature intended!
    Paleo from A to Z: A reference guide to better health through nutrition and lifestyle. How to eat, live and thrive as nature intended!
    by Darryl Edwards

    "If you are looking for a simple way to better understand Paleo concepts, Darryl's Paleo from A to Z guide is the go-to resource.
    -Mark Sisson, best-selling author of The Primal Blueprint and publisher of Mark's Daily Apple

  • Paleo Fitness - A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy
    Paleo Fitness - A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy
    by Darryl Edwards, Brett Stewart, Jason Warner

    "This book is a useful reference to enable individuals just starting out on the Paleo path as well as those who want to explore more challenging, playful and interesting ways to move."

    -Robb Wolf, New York Times best-selling author of The Paleo Solution

     

  • 7 Day Introduction to Paleo Fitness: Get Fitter, Get Stronger, Get Healthier in Seven Days. Move as Nature Intended.
    7 Day Introduction to Paleo Fitness: Get Fitter, Get Stronger, Get Healthier in Seven Days. Move as Nature Intended.
    by Darryl Edwards
  • The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet
    The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet
    by Robb Wolf
  • Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    by Robert M. Sapolsky
  • Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health & Boundless Energy (Primal Blueprint Series)
    Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health & Boundless Energy (Primal Blueprint Series)
    by Mark Sisson
  • Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things
    Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things
    by Rick Smith, Bruce Lourie, Sarah Dopp
  • Wahls Protocol, The : A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles
    Wahls Protocol, The : A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles
    by Terry Wahls, Eve Adamson
  • Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
    Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
    by Christopher McDougall
  • In Defence of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating: An Eater's Manifesto
    In Defence of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating: An Eater's Manifesto
    by Michael Pollan
  • Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    by Michael Pollan
  • The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    by L. Cordain
  • Vegetarian Myth, The
    Vegetarian Myth, The
    by Lierre Keith
  • The Second Brain
    The Second Brain
    by Michael D. Gershon
  • The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
    The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
    by Loren Cordain
  • Eat Drink Paleo
    Eat Drink Paleo
    by Irena Macri
  • Cholesterol Clarity: What the HDL is Wrong with My Numbers?
    Cholesterol Clarity: What the HDL is Wrong with My Numbers?
    by Jimmy Moore, Eric C. Westman
Tuesday
Feb012011

Workout: Tabata Tuesday V

Workout: Tabata Tuesday V

Warmup:

Workout: 

Tabata Intervals (20 minutes including rest periods)

  • 20 sec 1 arm KB Clean & Press**, 10 sec Rest - (repeat for 8 rounds).
  • rest - 30 sec
  • 20 sec Press-Up, 10s rest - (repeat for 8 rounds)
  • rest - 30 sec
  • 20 sec Drivers, 10s rest - (repeat for 8 rounds)
  • rest - 30 sec
  • 20 sec Long Jumps or Vertical Jumps (max effort), 10 sec rest - (repeat for 8 rounds)
  • rest - 2m 30 sec

KB = 16kg Kettlebell - male, 8kg - female
** KB should touch floor in between reps, swap arms as needed.

Finisher:

Monday
Jan312011

Testimonial: I've lost over a stone in 3 weeks!

 "With nothing more than a park bench, a towel(?), a random rock that we found in the park and my own body weight for resistance, Darryl's scientific guidance on nutrition, high intensity outdoor training and movement that is better suited to the human body - has been far more effective than the many previous hours spent in a gym on much more expensive equipment getting nowhere.

Combined with his ideas on the Paleo diet (which for me just makes sense), I've lost over a stone (8kg) and a reduction in body fat % from 35.8 to 31.8 within just 3 weeks of training with Darryl. I can't recommended Fitness Explorer Training highly enough!!"

Patrick - Software Developer, 44

Monday
Jan312011

Workout: Movement Monday

Workout: Movement Monday

 Warmup:

Workout: 


Thursday
Jan272011

Exercise: Boosts Your Brain Power

Exercise: Makes You Smarter

Source of Image: http://www.lanl.gov/p/p21/brain_imaging.shtml

'Brain Training' has become popular in recent times.  With various video games available to test and improve your mental agility.  But did you know that physical activity is also one of the best ways to enhance your mental capabilities?

Exercise exerts its effects on the brain in several ways, including improving mood by the release of endorphins and via the process of neurogenesis.  

A natural antidepressant:

Exercise enhances your mood as it activates the pathways in the brain that release endorphins - this provides you with the 'feel-good factor' after exercise activity.  Research studies also show that exercise increases the rate of L-tryptophan entering the brain.  L-trytophan is an amino acid that in conjunction with serotonin balances and controls one's mood

Creation of Brain Cells:

Neurogenesis involves the creation of new neurons i.e. the growth of new brain cells.  These neurons reside in the hippocampus in the part of the brain devoted to learning and memory retention.

Slowing Down The Ageing Process:

Activity that elevates the heart rate for extended periods boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which triggers new cells growth.  There’s a relative loss of neurons as we age, affecting the activity of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain - increased activity can help to combat this.  Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine claims that resistance training may prevent cognitive decline.  Participation in agility and activities requiring high degrees of coordination can also enhance thinking, processing speed and mental agility.

Next time you work out, concentrate on your movement efforts and enjoy the benefits of working out your mind and body.

Previous Article Link:--> Exercise to Extend Youth

Sources:

Modie, Jonathan. (2003) - Good Chemical, Neurons in Brain Elevated Among Exercise Addicts

http://helpguide.org/life/prevent_memory_loss.htm

British Journal of Sports Medicine