60 Second Interview: Frank Forencich (Exuberant Animal)

Who are you?

I'm Frank Forencich and I'm the creator and lead trainer for Exuberant Animal, a performance training company in Seattle, WA, USA.

I write books and lead seminars on training, performance and health. 

What is fitness to you?

Fitness to me lies in developing an intimate relationship with the natural world, especially in vigorous movement. It's a complete and integrated experience that includes, not just muscle and cardio, but sensation, attention and spirit. 

What are your goals?

I'm currently offering Total Animal Training to a variety of clients including corporate, schools and private gyms. As we grow, I'll be looking to hire and train more trainers in the Exuberant Animal method.

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

My main concern is that people now spend far too much time indoors, insulated and isolated from the natural world. We are in serious danger of forgetting our connection and relationship to the earth. The health consequences of this de-natured lifestyle are immense.

What is your favourite exercise/activity?

I love barefoot running, partner-resistance training and big spiral moves with the Animal Stick, all of it outside.

Blog:

http://www.exuberantanimal.com

Video: Primal Log Lift

Training in West Virginia with Erwan Le Corre (MovNat)

Workout: 300 (Tower of Pain)

Warmup:

10 minute Indoor Row

10 Push-Ups

10 Air Squats

10 Sit-Ups

10 Pull-Ups

Workout:*

10 rounds of:

50 kg (110lbs) 3 x Deadlifts, 3 x Rows, 3 x Hang Squat Cleans, 3 x Push Press

3 x straight leg knee-to-elbows

3 x 60kg (132lbs) Bench Press

--

then 120 Air Squats

300 Reps in total.

*For time

Finisher:

Medicine Ball Push-Ups 

"The old ones say we Spartans are descended from Hercules himself." - Dilios

Workout: 300 (The Big Apple)

Warmup:

10 minutes C2 Indoor Row (aim for 2000m)

10 Push-Ups

10 Air Squats

10 Pull-Ups

Workout:*

12 rounds of:

5 x 60kg (132lbs) Deadlifts

5 x Strict Pull-Ups

5 x Clap Push-Ups

5 x Sit-Ups

5 x 16kg (each arm) Dumbbell Push-Up --> Squat Clean --> Push-Press

300 Reps in total.

*Aim to complete in less than 30 minutes

Finisher:

10, 20 and 30 sec 100% effort Sprints or (Treadmill Drivers)

Max rep Knees to Elbows

Pull-Up Cliff Hangers

To failure: (repeat 3 rounds) 

• Max rep Burpees
• Max rep Tricep Dip
• Max rep Pull-Ups 

"Immortals... we put their name to the test." - Dilios

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