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I'm Darryl Edwards, a personal trainer and clinical nutritionist based in London, England.  This blog documents my experiences with a primal lifestyle that has made me fitter and healthier in my forties than ever before.  

Let's Explore Fitness!

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Reading List
  • The Paleo Solution
    The Paleo Solution
    by Robb Wolf

    Paleo for weight loss, performance and disease prevention. Read my full review here.

  • Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    by Robert M. Sapolsky

    The impact of too much stress in our lives - impotence, obesity, heart disease and much more...

  • The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy
    The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy
    by Mark Sisson

    Usually we have to go back to basics to progress, this is a great place to start!

  • 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

    "Think about the toxic chemicals you put onto your body, and are exposed to on a daily basis.  Frankly, quite worrying..."

  • Protein Power
    Protein Power
    by Michael R. Eades, Mary Dan Eades, Mary Deans

    First published in the mid 1990s.  Amongst other things, disputes the 'fat intake causes obesity' argument and reasons why the high carb/low-fat diet doesn't work.

  • 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

    An inspirational read, whether you are a 'runner' or not.  This book also investigates why expensive 'cushioned' running shoes increases the likelihood of injury.

  • 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

    An insight into real, simple and nutritious food.  Insightful.

  • Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    by Michael Pollan

    An excellent, non-scientific common sense quick reference to the often confusing question : "What should I eat?"

  • The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    by L. Cordain

    An alternative to Cordain's first book "The Paleo Diet" if who want to consider the impact of Paleo on athletic performance.  It is geared towards endurance athletes but an interesting read nonetheless.

  • Vegetarian Myth, The
    Vegetarian Myth, The
    by Lierre Keith

    I'm an omnivore.  I believe it is healthy to eat naturally-reared meat, non-farmed fish as well as a wide variety of fresh vegetables.  This book is an interesting read and has a lot to say about why becoming a vegetarian isn't necessarily the best option for humans.  However read this, do your own research and make up your own mind.

  • The Second Brain
    The Second Brain
    by Michael D. Gershon

    A discussion about the complex nervous system working in the gut, which produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin.  In fact much more serotonin is produced in the gut than the brain!

  • The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
    The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
    by James Le Fanu
  • Swindled: From Poison Sweets to Counterfeit Coffee - The Dark History of the Food Cheats
    Swindled: From Poison Sweets to Counterfeit Coffee - The Dark History of the Food Cheats
    by Bee Wilson
  • Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy
    Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy
    by M.F. Greaves
  • 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

    This provides extraordinary insight into the reasons behind adopting a paleolithic diet.  Some aspects are controversial and many may feel it is too dogmatic.  I have often gone back to this book and re-read it for clarification as Dr Loren Cordain is often mis-quoted.  There is now a revised edition (2010 edition) to counter some of its earlier criticisms, this is an excellent resource and a must-read for any one serious about paleo nutrition.

  • Lore of Running
    Lore of Running
    by Tim Noakes

    This book offers a comprehensive insight into the science, coaching and discipline of running.  Energy systems, coaching and training.  Often quoted as the bible of running.

Entries in Crossfit (8)

Wednesday
May112011

Workout: Filthy Fifty (Slighty Modified)

DateWednesday, May 11, 2011 at 13:34 | by AuthorDarryl Edwards

Workout: Filthy Fifty (Slighty Modified)

Complete all reps of one exercise before moving on, rest as required:

  • 50 Box Jumps (24 inch)
  • 50 Jump Pull-Ups
  • 50 Kettlebell Swings (16kg)
  • 50 Walking Lunges
  • 50 Knees-To-Elbows
  • 50 Push Press (20kg)
  • 50 Back Extensions
  • 50 Deadlifts (50kg)
  • 50 Burpees (1 push-up between each Burpee)
  • 50 Double Unders (or 250 single skips/jump rope)

Time:

  • Darryl : 33 minutes
  • Alex: 35 minutes

Note:

Please scale all Fitness Explorer workouts to your current ability.  Get adequate rest and sufficient nutrition to fuel the activity and aid recovery.  Work hard but never sacrifice correct form.

Please visit the FAQ for details on individual exercises or consult the advice of a registered exercise professional.

If you are new to this type of exercise, try one of the beginner's circuits

Perform a warmup prior to activity, here's an example Fitness Explorer warmup

--

Darryl Edwards

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Tuesday
Oct122010

60 Second Interview: Jeff Martone (Tactical Athlete)

DateTuesday, October 12, 2010 at 11:37 | by AuthorDarryl Edwards

 60 second interview with Jeff Martone - Tactical Athlete

 

Who are you? 

Jeff Martone, a tactical athlete.
 

What is fitness to you? 

You have to be fit to fight. If what you do in the gym doesn't increase your performance (i.e. hit harder, last longer and make you more resilient) - then you're wasting time. 

What are your goals? 

My goals are to consistently improve athleticism and combative skill sets.

What is one of your main concerns in relation to health? 

People not looking to improve and maintain operational readiness for the long term.


What is your favourite exercise/activity?

Physical: Kettlebell Lifting

Spiritual: Bible Study

What is your favourite meal? 

All my wife's home-cooked meals!
 

Website/Blog: 

 

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Sunday
Oct102010

60 Second Interview: Andrew Stemler (Crossfit London)

DateSunday, October 10, 2010 at 21:09 | by AuthorDarryl Edwards

 60 second interview: Andrew Stemler - Crossfit London UK

 

Who are you? 

Andrew Stemler, a 50 year old, 100 a day ex-smoker turned Crossfit Trainer!
 

What is fitness to you? 

The physical expression of my mid-life crisis.

What are your goals? 

To create small goals each week, nothing too big just baby steps.

What is one of your main concerns in relation to health? 

People fail themselves due to a poor mental attitude...  "Be the best or nothing"


What is your favourite exercise/activity?

Handstands

What is your favourite meal? 

Steak, salad and olives.
 

Website/Blog: 

 

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Friday
Aug202010

Workout: Crossfit Filthy Fifty (modified)

DateFriday, August 20, 2010 at 15:42 | by AuthorDarryl Edwards
 

Steve at the end of Filthy Fifty!


Warmup:
  • None
Workout:
 
Complete all reps of one exercise before moving on:
  • 50 Box Jumps
  • 50 Jump Pull-Ups
  • 50 Kettlebell Swings (16kg, or 18kg DumbBell)
  • 50 Walking Lunges
  • 50 Sit-Ups (feet supported, upper back not touching the floor)
  • 50 Push Press (20kg)
  • 50 Back Extensions
  • 50 Squat Clean & Press (12kg Kettlebell or 14kg DumbBell)
  • 50 Burpees (1 push-up in between each Burpee)
  • 50 Double Unders (or 200 single skips/jump rope)

Times:

  • Darryl : 23 minutes
  • Chris : 30 minutes (scaled)
  • Steve : 32 minutes

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