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Physical Fitness: Climbing A Tree

Climbing trees is great exercise -- but we need to know good technique and what to watch for to be safe.
Michael Gold
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(166)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Safety first! Nothing undercuts a fitness program like getting injured. We need to avoid injury so we can spend all our time getting strong, having fun, and helping others. In this class, we will discuss what to do when climbing trees and what dangers to watch for. 

Climbing trees is a great workout: it is a whole-body workout and is like solving a vertical puzzle. It is good mental and physical work. We use our arms, we use our legs, we need some strength, we need some mobility, we need cleverness, we need smarts. It is an activity I practice as much as I can. 

It is lots safer, and we have more control over it, than when driving cars on roads. And climbing trees keeps you fit and careful, which are two ingredients in avoiding the things that really injure us: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, digestive disorders, dementia, etc. See, for example: https://ourworldindata.org/causes-of-death

We will discuss:
-what you should be able to do before you climb anything;
-what you should know of your local environment;
-what to assess in the tree;
-what steps to take in learning to climb trees;
-how to assess your own abilities and stay within those parameters;
-the buddy system.

Of course, a disclaimer: being outdoors, riding horses, being in nature, swimming, climbing trees, all have their risks and dangers -- as does driving in cars, being in hospitals (medical error, anti-bacterial-resistant bacteria, being around sick people, etc.), or being at home (dog bites, fires, salmonella in mass-produced cantaloupe, salmonella in mass-produced eggs, falls down stairs, toes broken by accidentally kicking furniture, etc.). Practice at your own risk and responsibility. 

(Image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_boy_sitting_in_a_tree_in_Shalban_vihara_area_in_Mainamati,_Comilla.jpg)

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2019
4.8
166reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from University of Texas at Austin
I am a MovNat Certified Level Two Fitness Instructor, with a background in math and science. And I've climbed a lot of trees, never getting hurt in the process. 

More info here:
1.  YouTube playlist 1:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xggTYwTajM0&list=PLCfm_0FgUxCnDJeUkqYGytv8WjMEEI6A4
2.  YouTube playlist 2:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeE8VD4TUZk&list=PLCfm_0FgUxCmjyBdNW8V7Urnby7LKdKq8 

What matters is not so much my credentials (which, yes!, I have, as you can see in my profile bio), but the success of my students. Those successes are my real credentials. Here are some:

Some video testimonials:
1.  Joe S: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbNoSlZmkCI
2.  Carlton S: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1UFZmcmYk

Carlton S: "Exercising in the woods with Michael has benefited me more than any other type of workout that I have done with any trainer. I enjoy the natural movements and the unlimited variety of exercises that Michael routinely exhibits in the outdoors. Climbing trees, carrying logs and asymmetrical objects, learning to balance on uneven surfaces, and strengthening ligaments, rather than just muscles, are unique exercises Michael utilizes. He is more than just your typical trainer as he covers your overall well-being. I am a freshman on the LSU football team and can attest that Michael is an excellent strength coach.”

Matthew H: “Gold Academy is an experience unlike anything I was expecting. Coming from a background of physical contact sports such as hockey and football, I wanted to get myself back into form, without a florescent lighting tan, without aggravating previous injuries from the glory days. Being outside was the greatest reward, and the challenge I was looking for. Michael was with me every step of the way, building routines for with me and for me, helping me to build my body correctly and avoid injuries. This is not a boot camp for those who need someone mindlessly yelling in your face. This was an in depth structured experience, for me to be my own drill sergeant, because that is where true success lies, in becoming the best version of yourself. Starting off simply, then constantly challenging yourself to master simplicity, until your skills are your foundation. This a custom tailored experience, and I recommend Michael's expertise and logical approach. Be prepared to learn with Michael, he's a great teacher and an invaluable resource of knowledge. Be prepared to be immersed in nature. Be prepared to bring your mind, body, diet, and thinking to new levels. I recommend the Gold Academy experience for all those looking to build the best self version they achieve. Get out of the box and get involved!”

Joseph S: "Michael Gold is an awesome trainer. His workouts are designed to improve all elements of fitness: coordination, strength, stamina, mobility, just to name a few.

"Back in college I did a year of CrossFit and later on went through weight lifting programs with trainers at my gym. Michael has definitely been #1 when it came to proper form and joint/ligament strengthening. I trained with Michael for about 7 months and I saw huge improvements in my endurance and fitness. I felt better overall and even had some surprising benefits. I now effortlessly make baskets when throwing paper into my garbage bin, whereas, before working with Michael, I would always miss. And I am now much more aware of my environment, which especially helps when driving.

"He is big on safety and makes sure he trains to match people's fitness levels whatever they may be. I would definitely recommend him to anyone trying to improve their fitness and well-being in whatever capacity."

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$20

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
5-12 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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