Paleolithic Exercises

The "Paleolithic lifestyle" is one that represents getting in touch with your primitive roots and living your day-to-day life more similarly to how your early human ancestors did. The lifestyle's central tenets are eating a "Paleolithic diet" and performing "Paleolithic exercises." The idea is that man evolved to eat a particular diet and use his body for specific types of activities, so by eating and exercising like a man from the Paleolithic era, you will be healthier and fitter. Consult your doctor before making any dramatic changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Run

It's unlikely that primitive man ever went on long, steady-paced jogs just for the sake of it. If our primitive ancestors were running, it was either to catch an animal or get away from one, and you can be certain they were running as fast as they could. Sprinting outdoors a few times a week can simulate this type of behavior. Two or three days a week, go outside and sprint for 100 meters. Take a short rest, then sprint another 100 meters. Do this six to eight times.

Lift Heavy Weights

Our Paleolithic ancestors didn't do stomach crunches and they certainly didn't stand in front of a mirror doing biceps curls with a pair of 15-lb. dumbbells. They did have to carry things often, however. Primitive man had to carry his weapons and tools around with him, and a couple times a week he probably had to drag a large animal carcass back to his dwelling. You can simulate this by going to the gym a couple days per week and doing some heavy weightlifting. Keep your routine short and simple. Good exercises to do are bench presses, squats and deadlifts.

Walk

Paleolithic man most likely spent the majority of his time walking around, not sitting on a couch. When you're not sprinting or doing some heavy lifting, stay active and move around a lot without exerting yourself. A casual walk around a park, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking your car in the farthest parking spot from the building are good ways to get a little more light activity into your day.

Exercise Infrequently

Primitive man did not know when he was going to have to exert himself. He didn't have a workout calendar and he didn't exert himself if he didn't have to, Mark Sisson, author of "The Primal Blueprint," explains on his website. This means that if you truly want to exercise like your Paleolithic ancestors, you should work out infrequently and sporadically. You don't have to lift on Mondays and Thursdays, and sprint on Wednesdays and Fridays. Instead, mix things up as much as possible and take lots of breaks.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jun 20, 2011

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