If you already think of yourself as 'old' forget it! Just get training for whatever your goal is. A good body Image? Strength? Flexibility? Endurance? Better health? Yes to all of those, for sure.  Of course, if you are in to competitive bodybuilding - then forget this post, because you're well into training already and won't be stopping anytime soon. But for the rest of us - YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SUPERMAN - even if you can make it look that way. Consider this video clip: We came across that one quite by chance. He doesn't exactly look like superman, does he? And he doesn't need to be: the nails are blunt and so close together their force on his skin is trivial compared with what flexible skin and average back muscles can tolerate; he's not exactly bodybuilding shape, is he?  he holds the stone in just the right place and takes some of its weight; his bent arms absorb some of the impact;  the impact area is clear of his rib cage anyway; the coach is a kun...

As it is Tokyo games opening day, let's begin this bonus 19th collection of gymnasts with the leader of the British squad, Max Whitlock, training at the UK national training centre at Lilleshall:  ...and their "travelling reserve" in the Tokyo squad, Jake Jarman, shown here in the Tokyo training gym. He's a master twister, by the way and, if he doesn't make Paris 2024 as a full squad member, I shall be astonished... Two previous member sof the UK national squad, Jay Thomson and Brinn Bevan: And then Rhys McClenahan, representing the Republic of Ireland... May the best men win, as they say... so long as it is UK. The opposition from the Japanese, on their home territory, will be formidable. OK. End of prejudiced bit. A general training selection now!    

Havin' a bit of rain here, so I'll post some weekend bonuses, starting with God's favourite sport and some videos. Not necessarily all classic performances, but fun! #3 is Alexander Z in Ukraine, in his own gym setup in his apartment, showing great strength and balance on his rings as part of his dedication to the sport.   ...and some cool flexibility training combined with lower back strengthening...