I'm Darryl Edwards (aka The Fitness Explorer), founder of Primal Play, this website is no longer being updated - please check out www.primalplay.com for current details on my work, passion and lifestyle approach.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

Entries by Darryl Edwards (984)

Wednesday
Sep222010

Workout: 300 (Stay At Home)

I've been asked recently about posting a workout that can be done at home, with no equipment and one that can cater for beginner and for progression to intermediate and more advanced levels.  So here you go!

Warmup:

5 minute shadow boxing/skipping (or virtual skipping if you have no rope).

Workout: Stay At Home

Advanced: (300 reps)

50 Push-Ups/Press-Ups 

50 Air Squats

50 Sit-Ups

50 Lunges

50 Chair Dips (dip using a chair/sofa)

50 Back Extensions 

Intermediate: (200 reps)

40 Push-Ups/Press-Ups (2 sets of 15, 1 set of 10)

40 Air Squats (2 sets of 20)

 40 Chair Dips (4 sets of 10)

40 Sit-Ups (2 sets of 20)

40 Back Extensions (2 sets of 15, 1 set of 10)

Beginner: (100 reps)

20 Push-Ups/Press-Ups (4 sets of 5)

20 Air Squats (2 sets of 10)

20 Chair Dips (4 sets of 5)

20 Sit-Ups (2 sets of 10)

20 Back Extensions (2 sets of 10)

Notes:

The key here is to perform the circuit with as little rest as possible and to master each exercise with good and safe technique i.e. don't cheat the move.  

Sometimes we dismiss exercises such as the above because of their simplicity.  But sometimes a back-to-basics approach works.  This will work multiple muscle groups at once (compound work), ensure a full body workout and improve coordination with its integrated movement.  You will also find a cardiovascular element with your heart and lungs working hard to supply blood and oxygen to the working muscles.

Also don't take too long to complete.  These should take up to 15 minutes maximum.  But your goal is to complete this in less than 7 minutes.  If any of the circuits take longer than 15 minutes.  Be patient, drop down to the previous level until you are comfortable in the 7 minute range.

Let me know how you get on!

If you would like more workouts based on a 12 week programme then check out Paleo Fitness Book suitable for all levels!

 

Tuesday
Sep212010

Workout: Pull-Up Matrix II (Advanced)

 

Warmup: 

  • 5 min moderate row (substitute skipping/jump rope or run)
  • 20 Push-Ups

 Workout:

  • 30s full hang, 2 pull-ups - (shoulder width, overhand grip) - rest for 45s
  • 30s high hang (with chin over bar), then 2 Pull-ups (wide, overhand grip) - rest for 45s
  • 30s full hang with knees raised (shoulder width, overhand grip) - rest for 30s
  • 5 Pull-Ups, then 30s full hang (narrow underhand grip) - 1 min rest
  • 30s mid hang (bend at elbows) hang (wide underhand grip), 5 Pull-Ups - 1 min rest
  • 5 pull-ups diagonal left, 5 pull-ups diagonal right - aka Mountain Climbers (wide overhand grip) - 1 min rest
  • Bent Arm Knee to Elbow (twist) - 5 left twist, 5 right twist - 1 min rest
  • 5 Pull-ups (underhand grip) - 1 min rest.
  • 15s (bend at elbows) - knee raise hang, 15s full hang, 15s knee hang, rest for 30s.
  • 3 Pull-ups (wide, overhand grip) - rest for 30s.
  • 5 Bar Muscle-Ups


Finisher:

150 Sit-ups

--

View other Fitness Explorer workouts here:

 

Tuesday
Sep212010

Video: Double Unders (Skipping/Jump Rope)

Double Under Demonstration

Monday
Sep202010

60 Second Interview: Sabina Skala (CJS Fitness)

 

 

Who are you? 

Sabina Skala.  A strength & conditioning coach, MMA coach and Level 2 Gym Jones trainer.  Part of CJSFitness and Fighter's development programme.

 

What is fitness to you? 

A lifestyle harmony of body, mind, spirit and nutrition.

What are your goals? 

I want to continue to develop and improve my knowledge in Strength and Conditioning for combat sports.  I want to get my level 3 Gym Jones trainer certification and open an athletic development centre here in London.

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

Poor nutrition and a 'party' lifestyle.


What is your favourite exercise/activity?

Overhead Squat

What is your favourite meal? 

Blueberries and figs (of any amount!)
 

Website/Blog: