 Thanks to authors like Frank Forencich, I have contracted a severe case of extreme neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. These are foreign terms in our culture namely because 1) they are new discoveries in scientific communities, and 2) most people don’t even realize that they’re lifelong carriers. It’s true that extreme cases of these conditions are rarely identified, but that doesn’t mean immunity should be presumed. There is no vaccination, no medicine, and no treatment that can guarantee complete protection. In this case, we are simply at the mercy of nature. In fact, not too long ago, almost all human beings were infected with these pseudo-viral conditions, and thus far, our species has proven itself incapable of eliminating them. Be forewarned, right now you are counted among the infected, and are at risk of contributing to an epidemic on scale with smallpox, the black plague, and the HIV infection. Read this at your own risk. You’re about to be exposed to a powerful force of nature!
That may sound all dark and doomsdayish, but it’s actually some of the best news you’ve heard in a long time! The hopefully impending outbreak of epic proportions will be one of the greatest events in human history. But we’ll get to those sciency terms later…
The book Change Your Body, Change The World was written by Exuberant Animal founder, Frank Forencich (who I interviewed here). In this masterfully-crafted book, Forencich details exactly why radical lifestyle change is so utterly necessary in our physically-inert, yet modernized culture, and also exactly why people are so resistant to what they need most. But amidst the challenges, Frank also shares a radiant beam of hope as he outlines various solutions to contemporary problems facing the physically clueless (that’s us!). Frank is also exceptionally clear about how our physical health as individuals is intimately intertwined with the health of our friends, family, community, land, and ultimately, our planet.
Continue reading Change Your Body, Change The World – Reviewed
Note: I’ve been fairly busy since Siffer-baby was born. So, in lieu of a written article, I’m trying out the video blogpsot (aka “vlog”).
Having trouble staying motivated to workout (or other)? This strategy, if applied, can negate the need for motivation in any endeavor. It’s painfully obvious, but it works for me every [...]
 I just finished a great book by Frank Forencich (whom I interviewed here), called Exuberant Animal: The Power of Health, Play, and Joyful Movement. I’ll be up front and give it 4 out of 5 stars along with the recommendation that all of my serious readers get this book.
The book isn’t a fitness manual, with an organized plan that is prescribed for a specific need or population. Rather it provides an opportunity to challenge your views and change your perspective about health, movement, and exuberant living. It offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that is obviously different from the norm, and encourages freethinking, creativity, and fun. It’s a joyful alternative to the dead-end of conventional wisdom in health and fitness.
The book starts off with a warning (aka medical disclaimer):
Before beginning a program of physical inactivity, consult your doctor. Sedentary living is abnormal and dangerous to your health.
This mild humor is strewed about generously throughout the entire text, making it a real easy read. The stories, imaginary characters, and guest appearances from Frank’s dog Mojo make it a real page-turner. The only thing that inhibits a quick read is the deep thought that it inspires. Sometimes, I would just have to put the book down and think about what I had just read, and other times I would just highlight, underline, or jot down some notes to come back to later. My notes got denser the further into the book I got. I might as well highlighted the last 4 chapters.
Continue reading What I'm Reading – Review of Exuberant Animal: The Power of Health, Play, and Joyful Movement
Several months ago, I ran into a website called Exuberant Animal. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but it has really grabbed my attention the past couple of weeks. Sometimes, an idea needs to “bake” in the back of your mind before you see the true grandeur that it has to offer – and that’s exactly how I’ve experienced Exuberant Animal just recently. Prepare to feel the shockwave from a SLAP IN THE FACE to most traditional fitness systems…
The creator, Frank Forencich, has molded a health and fitness system that serves our primal needs, our practical needs, and our desperate need for play. One of the hallmark traits of the Exuberant Animal system is the infusion of play into every element. Naturally, going to play is a much easier decision to make than going to WORKout, and the vitality that Frank’s trainee’s display is inspiring to say the least.
I think one of Exuberant Animal’s main goals is to help people fall in love with movement, because when you’re playing a silly game, nobody even realizes that they are exercising (just like when you were a kid, right?).
Frank was kind enough to send me a copy of his Exuberant Animal Play Book: Secret Moves and Games of the Play Masters, which proved itself an invaluable learning tool this past weekend which I spent bumping hips, throwing toys, and “heckling” friends and family. Without a doubt, everyone had a great time and we all got a good workout.
 This was the group Frank worked with this past weekend at one of his seminar's. You can tell the whole group had a blast. Frank is the one with the white shirt, in the middle. Frank and I got on the phone today for an official interview, where we will delve much deeper into these subjects. Enjoy, and prepare to have your perspectives challenged!
John Sifferman Interviews Frank Forencich (27 minutes)
I want to thank Frank for doing this interview, and especially for sending me a copy of his Play Book. Just in my brief interactions with him, I can tell that he is a giver, someone who pays it forward every day of his life.
Continue reading Interview with The Play Master, Frank Forencich – author and creator of the Exuberant Animal system
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