The excitement is palpable as the world gathers to witness the spectacle of the Paris Olympics. Athletes from around the globe showcase their dedication, strength, and skill, creating moments of triumph and inspiration. Whether it’s the thrilling swimming races, the graceful gymnastic routines, or the intense tennis matches, the Olympics offers a unique blend of drama and celebration that captivates millions. As the games unfold, many find themselves engrossed in the events and yearning to move their bodies. The Paris Olympics, with its athleticism and sportsmanship, is the perfect inspiration for jumping into your fitness regimen. It’s an invitation to explore, enjoy, and become a lifelong fan of the diverse and dynamic realm of athletics.
An Interview With the World’s Strongest Man
Bookstr sat down with two-time 105kg World’s Strongest Man Anthony Fuhrman to help us non-Olympians get a good workout in! As a US Army soldier, Fuhrman was a founding member of the Army Warrior Fitness Team and completed three tours in the Middle East. Fuhrman’s athletic expertise landed him a coveted competitor’s slot on Dwayne, The Rock, Johnson’s NBC Titan Games in 2019, and a Super Bowl commercial in 2020. Anthony is a world-class coach and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Currently an Athletic Training student, he is also the co-founder of Strengthlete, a fitness platform dedicated to empowering individuals through knowledge and mentorship.
Let’s get started with the interview!
What is something about strength sports you wish everyone knew?
Something I wish everyone knew about strength sports is just how functional they are. It’s not just about lifting heavy or winning competitions; it’s about building strength that makes everyday tasks easier and more manageable. Whether it’s carrying groceries, lifting your kids [or books!], or just improving your posture, the benefits go far beyond the gym.
What are your favorite books to read and why?
LOTR. Nuff said.
If you had to pick one fictional character to compete in the Olympics, who would it be, and which sport would they compete in?
Gimli from The Lord of the Rings would be my pick to compete in the Olympics, and he would shine in weightlifting. His stout dwarven build and incredible strength would make him a natural contender!
Olympic Training Day – Books are all you need!
This high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout uses only books and incorporates isometric holds (hold in place) for added challenge. It is designed for home use with two sturdy, similarly-sized books. Regressions are included for each exercise if you need a more accessible option. Book format recommendations for each exercise are also included (paperback, hardcover, etc.)
Warm-Up (3 minutes)
Each warm-up exercise lasts one minute. Transition smoothly from one exercise to the next with minimal rest. Focus on increasing your heart rate and warming up your muscles.
- Book Jumping Jacks (1 minute)
- Exercise: Hold one medium-sized book (think Harry Potter series) in each hand while performing jumping jacks. Jump your feet out wide while bringing the books overhead, then jump back to the starting position.
- Regression: Do standard jumping jacks without the books.
- Book Pass Around Waist (1 minute)
- Exercise: Hold a small book (perhaps a mystery thriller) and pass it around your waist in a circular motion. Switch directions halfway through the minute.
- Regression: Pass an imaginary book around your waist or use a smaller, lighter book.
- Book Squats (1 minute)
- Exercise: Hold a dictionary or a hefty textbook in each hand at your sides. Perform bodyweight squats by bending your knees and lowering your hips as if sitting back in a chair. Keep your chest up and knees over your toes.
- Regression: Perform bodyweight squats without holding books.
Main Workout (4 rounds, 40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest)
Perform each exercise for 40 seconds. Rest for 20 seconds between exercises. Complete all ten exercises to finish one round. Repeat the entire circuit 4 times.
- Book Squat Hold (40 seconds)
- Exercise: Hold a squat position with a large coffee table book in each hand, arms extended in front of you. Keep your thighs parallel to the ground.
- Regression: Hold a squat position without books or use lighter books.
- Book Russian Twists (40 seconds)
- Exercise: Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet off the ground. Hold a hardcover thriller with both hands and twist your torso, moving the book from side to side.
- Regression: Keep your feet on the ground while performing the twists, or use a lighter book.
- Book Overhead Press with Isometric Hold (40 seconds)
- Exercise: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a pair of novels in each hand. Press the books overhead and hold for 3 seconds at the top of each rep before lowering.
- Regression: Use lighter books or perform the press without holding books.
- Book Lateral Raises with Isometric Hold (40 seconds)
- Exercise: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a book in each hand (aim for something like a thick sci-fi novel). Lift the books out to the sides to shoulder height and hold for 3 seconds before lowering.
- Regression: Use lighter books or perform lateral raises without books.
- Book Superman Hold (40 seconds)
- Exercise: Lie face down on the floor, holding a light book (perhaps a children’s picture book) in each hand. Lift your arms, legs, and chest off the floor, holding the position.
- Regression: Perform the hold without books or lift just your upper body while keeping legs on the ground.
Cool Down (2-4 minutes)
Each cool-down exercise lasts for 1-2 minutes. Focus on stretching and relaxing your muscles.
- Book Stretch (1-2 minutes)
- Exercise: Hold a book overhead with both hands (a travel guide works well), and stretch to each side slowly.
- Regression: Perform the stretch without holding a book.
- Child’s Pose with Books (1-2 minutes)
- Exercise: Sit back on your heels, extend your arms forward with books in hand (small paperbacks), and stretch out your back.
- Regression: Perform the Child’s Pose without books.
Give this workout a try, and let us know what you think! If you need inspiration, complete the workout while watching the Weightlifting portion of the Paris Olympics. Thanks so much to Anthony Fuhrman for sitting down with us and crafting a workout just for us Bookstrs!
Need more books for your home workout? Check out these sports psychology recs for the ultimate gains.
If you prefer to read your books instead of working out with them, remember to stock up at Bookshop.org!
