"Hunger Games" Inspired Workout

In the New York Sports Club in New York City, a new workout program has started called "Train Like a Tribute." The 50 minute weekly class started around the same time the movie came out. It focuses on skills like archery, tree climbing, speed, strength, and endurance; all needed skills if one were to go into the Hunger Games. The class holds 18 tributes and is taught by former Marine Eric Salvador, who wears the mockingjay pin while explaining the program.

First, you run to the Cornucopia to get a towel, mat, flat weight, bow, and free weights all in 45 seconds. Then, 20 "Katniss Killers", which mimic the bow and arrow. 10 shoulder presses, "Peeta Presses", using free weights.  10 sit ups with the flat weight over the head, "Capitol Crunches". Then, 20 "Jabber Jay Jacks." After the final jumping jack, you ran around the studio. 

What did this mean? We found out soon enough; the Gamemaster had declared a disaster. The Muttations (wild dogs bred to kill) were coming after us and we needed to climb high into the trees to escape them and save ourselves. How to climb a tree in a gym located in the middle of the city? Through TRX suspension training, of course. We mimicked the tree climbing motions by using our body weight to create resistance against the suspended bands. (Salvador even barked to emulate the Muttations.) And that wasn't the only emergency during the class. A later attack by killer Tracker Jackers forced us to our hands and feet for a bear crawl around the studio.
I noticed two women in the class with their hair braided in Katniss' signature style. The sisters, Amanda and Rebecca Baumer, traveled more than an hour and a half from Long Island for the class. Both sisters are huge fans of the books and did not leave the gym disappointed.
"I would totally recommend it to all of my friends. It was the coolest thing I've done and everybody should go," Amanda said. "I liked how well they emulated actually being in the Games and how you had a full body workout mixed with it. Especially because the trainer knew all the terms -- like 'The Tracker Jackers are coming after you!'"
The Gamemaster allowed a few breaks for much-needed water (as District 12 mentor Haymitch Abernathy reminded Katniss, water is critical for survival) and toweling off, but other than that, we worked hard for 50 minutes. (My shoulders and quads were still on fire hours later). The "Train Like A Tribute" class provided a fun, kick-butt workout. Is a sequel in the works?
"We got such great feedback from this," said Salvador, who also created NYSC's UXF (Ultimate Fitness Experience) classes. "Whenever you put a theme to a workout, people just love it. I think it's time to go back to the drawing board and create a 'Catching Fire' themed workout."

Would you try this workout? 

Source: ESPN

"Hunger Games" Causes a Surge in Archery

Katniss Everdeen is obviously AMAZING with a bow and arrow. So naturally, everyone wants to follow in her footsteps and take up the sport.

In recent weeks, Barry Hall, the owner of Newbury Archery Pro Shop in Goshen, noticed an upswing in the number of teenagers and adults interested in archery. Hall, 55, attributed the heightened interest to nice weather, sunny days — a mild spring.
It took Hall's 72-year-old mother to clue him in: "[She] was actually the one who picked up on it and told me about'The Hunger Games,'" Hall said. The series' main character, Katniss Everdeen, hunts with a traditional bow and arrow.
The film, based on the best-selling novel by Connecticut residentSuzanne Collins, has spawned an interest in archery, outdoor sports and movie-themed merchandise and music, benefitting a range of retailers from Hall's small archery store in Goshen to big-box outdoor outfitters and toy stores, booksellers and mall stores, such as Hot Topic, that cater to teenagers.
Fifteen-year-old Bailey Flynn, a sophomore at Tolland High School has purchased all three books, seen the movie twice — the first time with her sister and father who've both read the book; the second time, with friends — bought a Hunger Games' bracelet, and downloaded several songs from the movie. Now, Flynn says she plans to buy a "T-shirt or a poster," and perhaps spend money on a class or two.
"I've thought about taking an outdoor skills class or maybe a self-defense class. A big part of the book is the survival skills," Flynn said. "This series has definitely captured my attention."
And the attention of parents, peers and retailers.
"At school, there's a few people who haven't read the books or seen the movies. If they haven't they definitely stick out," said Flynn, 15.

Have you had any interest in archery since reading the books or watching the movie?

Source: Hartford Courant

Archery is Back in Pop Culture

ABC News has done a great piece on how archery is back in pop culture by the Hunger Games and other movies out this year that focus on the sport.

"In addition to “The Hunger Games,” a slew of upcoming movies and TV shows feature characters who glamorize the age-old sport of archery, giving it a new edge.
The upcoming superhero movie “Avengers” features the character of Hawkeye, a sharp-shooting archer. “Brave,” a forthcoming Disney-Pixar animated movie, centers around a red-headed princess named Merida whose archery skills help her battle an evil lord. And the CW has announced a new TV show about “Green Arrow,” one of DC Comics’ heroes.
“Archery is definitely having its pop culture moment,” Iaconi said. “I have a feeling it’s the next big thing.”

They also talk about Jennifer Lawrence's archery training.

 "When Lorig, who lives in Los Angeles, got a phone call asking if she would coach an actress for an upcoming movie, she agreed without knowing any details.“They didn’t mention the name or anything in particular about her,” Lorig told ABCNews.com. “When I met her, I said, ‘What’s this movie you’re doing?’”
Lawrence told her about the books and Lorig Googled the series and her new student.
“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. I’m working with a star,” said Lorig, who is originally from the country of Georgia. She and her 19-year-old son, also an archer, started reading the books and were immediately hooked.
Lawrence trained with Lorig, 38, and her son for 15 one-hour sessions.
“She did pretty good,” Lorig said. “She got snapped with the string once on the arm, but she’s strong. She won’t quit easily.”

Hollywood talks to Jennifer's Archery Coach

In order to make sure Katniss truly is Katniss, she must be able to have an amazing talent in archery. Jennifer was trained to sharpen her skills. Her trainer happened to be a four time Olympian archer. Khatuna Lorig was Jennifer's trainer. Hollywood.com interviewed Lorig about Jennifer's skills, their relationship, and Jennifer's injuries.

"After only ten lessons, Lorig had no doubt in her mind that if Lawrence kept practicing, she could work her way up to a competitive level (and she should know—Lorig also trained actress Geena Davis, who went to tryout for the 2000 Summer Olympics!). But will the Oscar-nominated actress’ new-found skills affect her performance as Katniss? Lorig already knows it has. “It comes from your eyes. It comes down to your face. You know right away if the person is scared, or if she or he is confident to shoot against you. What I saw from the previews? That’s my technique!”
Lorig isn’t sure if she’ll be back as Jennifer Lawrence’s coach for the sequel Catching Fire, but she’d be happy to return, as the two grew to be friends. “I told her I would be very proud when I see her onscreen. I told her, I’ll see her on the screen and say, ‘That’s my student!’ And you know what she said? She said, ‘When I see you in the Olympics, I’ll say, ‘She’s my coach!’’"

Sounds like Katniss did a pretty good job of training! Every time Jennifer is interviewed, she sounds more and more like the perfect Katniss.