Atlanta Blogs » how to http://atlantablogs.com The official home of Atlanta People With Blogs Who Get Together to Drink (APWBWGTTD) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:27:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 Get Out of The Gym: Train Like Rocky. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/Wy3orvLgBl4/get-out-of-gym-train-like-rocky.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/Wy3orvLgBl4/get-out-of-gym-train-like-rocky.html#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:00:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
(This segment is brought to you by the Modern Gentleman's health and wellness specialist DMG)

They gym is not for everyone. Weight training is a great way to gain muscle, burn fat, and get in shape; but if you're like me, then you probably don't enjoy spending 4-5 days a week indoors with a bunch of sweaty dudes talking supplements and hanging out in saunas. The "Get out of the Gym" segment will be a monthly staple in the fitness section of The Modern Gentleman, and I am a firm believer that getting out of the gym and training like an athlete makes exercise more effective and enjoyable.

For this month's segment, it's time to get outside and train like Rocky. In fitting with the "Back to Basics" theme of this blog, here's some classics that require less than $5 and yield results quickly.

Jump rope. All you need is a jump-rope, some good shoes, and practice, practice, practice. Jumping rope is an essential part of many athlete's training regiments- from boxers to skiers to football players. Jumping rope increases coordination, agility, quickness, footwork, and endurance while toning your shoulders and providing a scorching card workout. Here's some tips to get started jumping rope:

1. Select a rope: Jumping ropes are cheap, and you can usually find a good one at your local sporting goods store or online. They come in several different materials and lengths- just buy a lightweight, plastic speed rope and don't spend much on it. Usually less than $10, sometimes less than $5 if you look around. Typically ropes are 8-10 ft long- most at the stores will be 9 ft. If your 6' tall or less, a 9 ft. rope will usually be fine, if you're much taller than that you may have to get a 10 ft. rope.

2. Technique. Jumping rope isn't something you will be good at you're first time, believe me. It takes practice to get the hang of it, but once you got it-the benefits are huge. Start with skill workouts. The purpose of your initial workouts will be to develop your rope-jumping skills and coordination. Expect frustration at first, but don't give up! There are endless skills to learn to keep your conditioning challenging and enjoyable, but start with basic two foot jumps (the rope will skip once for every jump) with both feet. After you've got that down, move on to alternating your feet as if you are running in place. *Pick your knees straight up and land on the balls of your feet, you're not taking a full stride here. ISCAfit.com (International Sports Conditioning Association) is a good resource for more advanced techniques.

3. Shoes & surface. Wear a good pair of cross trainers when you jump rope- running shoes don't have enough cushion for landing on the balls of your feet. Also, try to jump rope on a more forgiving surface like a track rather than on concrete; it'll save your feet and ankles a world of hurt.

Got the basics down? Check this guy out for inspiration.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MfhJjbNNJE.

Run Stairs. A park or a stadium will do fine for this. Sprint up stadium stairs like Balboa does in Philly. After that, jog back down and do "mountain climbers" on the bottom step (Running motion, pump your arms, ball of your foot touches the step and alternate quickly. *It's not how fast you get off the step, it's how quickly your feet explode off the ground that counts.)

These two workouts are simple. Jumping rope will take a little more practice, but they will definitely get you out of the gym and provide some variety for your workouts. Only got 20-30 minutes to squeeze in a workout? Try this:

1. Jump rope for 1-2 minutes without stopping to warm up. Jump as quickly as you can based on your skill level and incorporate different techniques throughout the jump. This will get your heart rate up and ready for the workout. *Bump some upbeat music in your Ipod to help keep the tempo up.

2.As soon as you're done jumping rope, sprint up the stadium stairs. When you reach the top, turn around and jog back down, pump out 20 mountain climbers on the bottom step and then drop down for 10-20 quick push-ups. You have just completed 1 set. Take 30-60 seconds to scrape your lungs off the pavement and repeat. You'll want to get in at least 3 sets, possibly 5 based on your fitness level. You'll be shocked when you look at your watch and realize you spent 15 minutes working out and you are completely whipped.

Stay Tuned,

DMG
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/03/11/get-out-of-the-gym-train-like-rocky/feed/ 0 Forget New Years Resolutions. Try out a March Resolution. DMG’s Health and Wellness Segment, March 2nd http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/sN-cH58JY5E/forget-new-years-resolutions-try-out.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/sN-cH58JY5E/forget-new-years-resolutions-try-out.html#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:44:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
Another great post by health and wellness specialist-DMG. Enjoy.
Pjones

Well, it’s March now, and if you look in the mirror you might notice that your New Year’s resolutions have faded into a distant memory. Sure, the first few weeks were great- you were exercising regularly, drinking less (perhaps still getting over New Years Eve), and you may have even lost a few pounds; but, if you are like the vast majority of resolution-makers, by this time you’re goals have gone to the wayside and you have resorted back to old habits.
In a Quirkology.com experiment, over 3000 people were tracked with regards to their achievement of a range of resolutions, including losing weight, visiting the gym, quitting smoking, and drinking less. At the start of the study, 52% of participants were confident of success. One year later, only 12% actually achieved their goal. I’m going out on a limb here, but I would venture a guess that of those 12% that “achieved” their goal that year, even fewer are still on track today.
Maybe people fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions so frequently because they have no self control. Perhaps peoples’ abilities to focus on a goal and achieve it are predetermined or fixed- much like one’s height or eye color. Or perhaps they just had the wrong resolution.
In keeping with Diego’s “You failed because you had the wrong dream” philosophy (Prison scene in “Blow”- a classic. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, rent it.), I believe that people fall short of achieving their New Year’s resolutions year after year because they are simply making the wrong resolution. They fail because they have the wrong dream.
Psychologist Albert Bandura has defined self-efficacy as our belief in our ability to succeed in specific situations. Moreover, the belief that one is capable of performing in a certain manner to attain certain goals. Self efficacy can be measured as a continuum, with two extremes: high and low. Individuals who believe that they have a limited amount of self-control and that they cannot change are said to have low self-efficacy. These individuals might say things like, “I can’t stop ______(eating chocolate, smoking, drinking- pick your poison), I inherited that gene.” These people have little belief in their ability to carry out their goals, and therefore are perennial resolution-breakers. On the other end of the continuum, you have those with high self-efficacy. These people believe that self control is malleable, unlimited, and dynamic. They might say something like, “I can stop___, all I have to do is put my mind to it.” Resolve to be the latter.
Important distinction- self efficacy is not the same as self esteem. “Self esteem relates to a person’s sense of self-worth, whereas self efficacy relates to a person’s perception of their ability to reach a goal.”-psychology.wikia.com. In order to achieve a goal, you must create a plan and truly believe in your ability to achieve that goal. Tips to get back on track with your resolutions:
1. Work hard to create the “right” resolutions. Have the right dream. If you have made the same resolution a few times and have failed each year, change your resolution.
2. If you have broad resolutions- i.e. getting in shape- create a detailed plan in order to achieve it. Example: Instead of saying “I’m going to lose weight to look better”, plan substitute items on your grocery list (1% milk, fresh instead of frozen, natural instead of processed), create a workout schedule (yoga class Tuesday & Thursday, weights on Wednesday, recreational soccer league on Saturday), and most importantly- view relapses as laughable deviations from the plan instead of failure, and get back on track tomorrow.
3. Make one resolution.
4. Be ambitious, but realistic. Setting a goal that is just out of reach, but not out of sight will help you to achieve it.
5. Resolve to educate yourself. Instead of resolving to lose 15 pounds, resolve to learn how to eat healthier and exercise to effectively reach your goals. Read “The All-Pro Diet” by Tony Gonzalez for a great healthy-eating read. You don’t have to take it as gospel, but Tony Gonzalez is a 10 time pro-bowl selection and a freak of an athlete. Maybe eating like him isn’t such a bad idea.

While you’re at it, educate yourself on the psychology of motivation and figure out what works for you.

Personally, I do not like New Year’s resolutions. Why not make a March resolution? Why not a today resolution? If you lack the self control to achieve your resolution, your resolution should be to increase your self control. Have a higher self efficacy- the more you believe in your own capabilities, the more likely you will succeed. Believe that self control is malleable, and not fixed; without commitment to sculpting your mental ability to achieve greatness, physical results will be empty. Make a plan and stick to it- if you waiver, get back on track as soon as possible. Read.
Stay tuned-
DMG
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/03/02/forget-new-years-resolutions-try-out-a-march-resolution-dmgs-health-and-wellness-segment-march-2nd/feed/ 0 Get Your Week Started Right: Quote of the Day 02/28/10 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/U9AXwvxR5IY/get-your-week-started-right-quote-of.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/U9AXwvxR5IY/get-your-week-started-right-quote-of.html#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:20:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
“The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.”-Abraham Lincoln.

Look forward to tomorrow, take it how it comes, and learn from it and shape it into what you want.
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/28/get-your-week-started-right-quote-of-the-day-022810/feed/ 0 Upgrade Your Gear: Ditch the Outdated Duffel, Meet the Appropriate Messenger http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/C3kLoKHnbYc/upgrade-your-gear-ditch-outdated-duffel.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/C3kLoKHnbYc/upgrade-your-gear-ditch-outdated-duffel.html#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:44:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman Buy It Here).


With a bag like this one your going to be able to fit all of your materials, the product is going to hold up , and its going to be comfortable on your shoulder. If you like a more professional look then I would suggested a bag like this one


This is actually the bag that I use currently. Its very durable and has tons of space in it. There are at least three different compartments to separate your laptop from your books from your papers. The strap is a great length and the solid brown leather lends its self to a more professional look. I can go from using this bag to take my laptop down to the coffee shop, to loading up for a meeting and toting it with me while I am dressed in a suit. Also, the leather gets a vintage look to it after a couple of months which I really like.

To switch gears a little bit, I move to the weekend bag. If you make a lot of two day trips, tend to leave the city for weekends, or have a significant other with whom you stay with often then you need to invest in a great weekend bag. Especially with the Summer right around the corner, trips to the lake, beach or pool might require you to have one of these great bags on hand. Awhile ago I used to use this late 90's sport tech looking duffel bag that was way to big for what I needed it for. I would literally put one pair of shoes, pants a shirt and my shaving kit in a bag that could hold a weeks worth of gear. Needless to say much like my busted up laptop case, carrying this behemoth around got old real quick. A simple canvas weekend bag will do you a world of good if your out of the house like I am. Here are a couple of options that are really affordable and will get the job done.

Bag By Ralph Lauren


Bag By Banana Republic



Simple Canvas Weekender

Do your self a favor and stop dealing with the busted up, old bag your using now and upgrade your gear. You will feel relieved to throw a comfortable messenger bag over your shoulder whether your headed into work or to the coffee shop to relax. Don't forget about weekends either, ditch the outdated duffel and pack accordingly.
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/26/upgrade-your-gear-ditch-the-outdated-duffel-meet-the-appropriate-messenger/feed/ 0 Which Tie Knots are In and which are…..Knot. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/CMIul1pg2l8/which-tie-knots-are-in-and-which.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/CMIul1pg2l8/which-tie-knots-are-in-and-which.html#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:39:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
It is safe to say that there are at least twelve to fifteen different tie knots in existence. However, since most of those are completely irrelevant I am going to focus on three that many credible sources have determined to be the most popular..and I agree. The three I am referring to are the four in hand, the half windsor, the windsor.

Four-in-hand: This is the classic knot. This one is going to get you through pretty much any situation that you can think of. While some believe that this knot works better with wider ties featuring a heavy fabric, I wear this knot with all different types of tie widths. I will say though, because the knot itself tends to be long and slender, a heavier fabric is important. Otherwise you will compromise the body of the tie knot and it wont really stand up with what your wearing.




The Half-Windsor: A milder version of the Windsor (probably goes without saying). This is more assertive tie knot. Its going to be a little bit bolder than the four in hand knot and might project more confidence...at least as much as a tie knot can project confidence. As one might assume, this knot has been considered a bit more conservative of recent (which I agree with) and would definitely be appropriate in business. In my personal opinion, I don't believe this knot is as versatile due to the fact that it doesn't have a stylish look to it. Its kind of just bold. A lighter weight fabric is going to work best with this knot due to its already large size.



The Windsor: The Grand-daddy of these three tie knots (both in size and because it makes me think of someone much older) is the Windsor. If you don't want to go bold than I would avoid this knot. Your likely to see Donald Trump or Jay-Z sporting this one. You need to wear a spread collar with this tie and not a traditional button down collar or any others that frame the tie knot a little more tightly. Your going to need all the room you can get with this one. Also, you need a slightly longer tie to pull of this look because a lot of it is going to get tied up (sorry, that's the second pun of this piece) in the massive knot your working on.

]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/24/which-tie-knots-are-in-and-which-are-knot/feed/ 0 A New Contributor, A New Segment. DMG Joins the Modern Gentleman http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/45cNUwkdNNw/new-contributor-new-segment-dmg-joins.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/45cNUwkdNNw/new-contributor-new-segment-dmg-joins.html#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:15:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman ------Pjones

If you were around Atlanta this weekend, and you don’t live under a rock, you probably were thinking the same thing I was- Georgia weather is flat-out strange.

Just over a week ago, PJones (the modern gentleman himself) and I were kicking around a few new business ideas over a Jameson on the rocks while our cars were covered in 5 inches of snow, and this weekend the whole world was outside at Piedmont park, shirtless, and soaking in some warmly-welcomed sun. You’ve got to love these days in Georgia- these days each year that make you think winter has passed and soon the Braves will take the field and you can make your first trip to the lake. But with this weather comes a few realizations about how your year is progressing- 1) winter is almost over, and it seems like just yesterday you were jotting down lofty resolutions while nursing a hangover, and 2) while 2010 is 15% gone already, you are nowhere closer than you were two months ago to your health and fitness goals.

I bring up the GA weather for a reason. I spent the warm days this past weekend at an intown park playing some pickup soccer with old friends, and I noticed a few things about my fellow park-going Atlantans regarding their fitness. At one extreme there were the obviously out-of-shape guys who lacked the knowledge, or more likely the motivation, to shape-up and live in a healthy body; and at the other extreme there were the guys with “popcorn muscles”.
(“Popcorn muscles” is a phrase that was introduced to me recently by an old friend who sent an NO-Xplode-drinking meat-head flipping ass over teacup while competing for a rebound in a pickup basketball game earlier this month. All puffy- but light and weak.)

If your fitness goals are to do as many curls as possible and get “popcorn muscles”, then read no further. This segment of the blog is not for you. This segment will deal with functional strength- health and fitness tips and techniques that will improve your strength, energy and endurance, hone your ability to focus, and improve aspects of your life from your mood to your sleep patterns (not to mention your body and subsequent inability of your girl to keep her hands off you).

This month’s theme will be shaping up for spring and getting “back on track” with new years resolutions. In weeks to come you can expect pieces that deal with not just diet and exercise tips, but also psychological tools to keep you moving towards a lifelong goal of functional fitness.

This is not a “feel-good” segment- I am not a motivational speaker. I am a modern gentleman who understands the importance of functional strength and its many benefits.

-Stay tuned

DMG
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/23/a-new-contributor-a-new-segment-dmg-joins-the-modern-gentleman/feed/ 0 Here’s What’s Coming Your Way http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/JAaOWAl6_aQ/heres-whats-coming-your-way.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/JAaOWAl6_aQ/heres-whats-coming-your-way.html#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:45:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
1. A Modern Gentleman contributor begins his regular segment on healthy eating/living and some other interesting stuff. He has got some really great information to share, I am glad he's joining the team.

2. How to build your own at home bar with only a little space and a little money.

3. More additions to your spring wardrobe. Do's, donts, and where to pick up some great pieces.

4. A couple of small random surprises thrown in.

Stay tuned in this up-coming week, I appreciate every one's continued support. If you'd like to see anything change or have any sort of feedback please feel free to email me at pjones083232@gmail.com. Enjoy your Sunday.
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/21/heres-whats-coming-your-way/feed/ 0 Beat Down For the Common Cold….Drink Anyone? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/5vlgmS37Yw4/beat-down-for-common-colddrink-anyone.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/5vlgmS37Yw4/beat-down-for-common-colddrink-anyone.html#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:21:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman
I have definitely been a little light on the posts this week and that's due to being weighed down with a heavy cold. In honor of this cold, or whatever it is that is bogging me down, I give to you my cold remedy. You will not be surprised to find that it involves the consumption of alcohol, but hey, why lay on the couch and be miserable? I am sure that most of you reading this have heard of this concoction before, and probably have even tried one in your travels. Anyways, what I am talking about is the hot toddy. Here's how to make it

Step 1

Boil a cup or 2 of water and pour into a mug.

Step 2

Place an herbal tea bag or a decaffeinated tea bag into the mug and steep for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add 1 to 2 tsp. honey to the tea.

Step 4

Add 1 shot (approximately 2 oz.) of bourbon, whiskey or rum.

Step 5

Stir thoroughly.

Step 6

Breathe in the steam from the hot toddy as you sip.

I don't think its that strange to use whiskey as a cold treatment. It beats rubbing Vick's on your nose and popping dayquil and NyQuil all day long while you suck on throat lozenges. Back in the day (really far back in the day) mothers used to rub small amounts of whiskey on their kids gum's to get them to sleep and to help with teething. Alcoholic remedies were often times used to treat minor illness's. So, don't let a cold get you down at night. Mix up a hot toddy kick back on the couch. Hey, think of it this way, you have an excuse to be a little lazy for once. Your sick remember?( I am not providing medical advice here, just telling you that, as an adult with a cold, this method helps with my cold at night).
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/17/beat-down-for-the-common-cold-drink-anyone/feed/ 0 Saturday Style Note: Collars, Cuffs, and Other Stuff http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/XZk_3YldiwQ/saturday-style-note-collars-cuffs-and.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/XZk_3YldiwQ/saturday-style-note-collars-cuffs-and.html#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:54:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman


1. As you might expect, get your iron and a flat space to work. (No brain-er there)
2. Start with the inside of the shirt facing up and flatten out the collar completely. Spray some starch all over it and iron out the collar completely.You can iron from the outside in or the other way around. Whatever you feel gives you the smoothest collar
3. Flip the shirt over, spray the other side of the collar with starch and repeat your ironing motion.
4. Once you have done that, fold the collar over, like how you would actually wear the shirt. Iron along the fold for a crisp collar.

If you like, you can repeat these same steps with your cuffs. Unbutton them, starch iron, flip over and repeat.

If ironing and cleaning your dress shirts and other items isn't your thing than you need to become very good friends with a very good cleaner. Actually, every man needs to have his go to cleaner that he can depend on and trust his nicest clothes with. If your in the Atlanta area than I would like to recommend one. Sig Samuels. This place has great customer service, the kind that has pretty much been lost in business's like this one. Ladies, if your picking up clothes for you or your boyfriend/husband/ect... you can count on them carrying your load out to your car for you. They also know all of their customers by name and do a great job handling your items. They have won "best of Atlanta" a few times and they are definitely worthy of chance to impress you. They are located of off Monroe by the Midtown Arts Cinema in Midtown. However you decide to do it, take care of your shirts. You dont want to be the guy with the collar laying flat, looking like your auditioning for a a remake of Saturday Night Fever.
]]> http://atlantablogs.com/2010/02/13/saturday-style-note-collars-cuffs-and-other-stuff/feed/ 0 A Bone To Pick With GQ For Spring http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/70cI9MptPD0/bone-to-pick-with-gq-for-spring.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BackToBasicsTheModernGentleman/~3/70cI9MptPD0/bone-to-pick-with-gq-for-spring.html#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:37:00 +0000 The Modern Gentleman GQ Spring Must Haves)

Here are some inspired ways to go about getting ideas for things you might want to pick up for spring.

These are just a few examples to get you going in the right direction. Basically, its more about the color, fabric weight/type, cut, and fit as opposed to GQ's personal recommendation of buying items to make you look like your constantly on a boat. I am not suggesting you take the looks above literally but some of the details are great. For instance, the light brown dress shoes with the blue pants, the white jacket on top of a gray suit or just gray pants, vintage flannel shirt under a blazer. All of these things are more accurate for spring, in my opinion, than GQ's essentials list.
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