On a quiet day in times of Corona, I took time for myself and the book "The ZEN Strategy" by Harald Kümmel. The subtitle of the book "With mindfulness to holistic fitness" made me curious: on the one hand, as a tennis-crazy family we are currently working a lot on our physical fitness and it is exciting to see what else goes into "overall fitness" apart from physical fitness. heard. On the other hand, in the uncertain times we are currently living in, the topic of mindfulness is a topic that can give us all support. The book really captivated me on that quiet afternoon - I read it through in one sitting and was able to pick up many useful and valuable tips that influence physical fitness training just as much as the many other fitness areas covered in the book.
Mindfulness is now a pretty hackneyed term. He is often treated in a very spiritualized way. In his book, Harald Kümmel succeeds in giving very down-to-earth, comprehensible and worthy character The foreword of the book literally draws you into the topic: the dialogue between the author Harald Kümmel and his friend, the extreme climber Thomas Huber from the legendary "Huberbuam" wonderfully charts the course of the book. Full of warmth, openness and honesty, the most important things that can contribute to a fulfilling life are reported in concrete terms.
Briefly about the author : Harald Kümmel knows what he is writing about: as an award-winning photographer, he has traveled all over the world, experienced many cultures and seen a lot.
Coupled with his coaching work as a personal trainer and his lifelong experience of pushing the limits as a high-altitude mountaineer, hang glider or marathon runner, he knows why it is so important to look at the concept of fitness holistically and with a lot of care. This is how he managed to be happy and satisfied with himself and his life.
Each individual chapter is structured according to the same structure: Harald Kümmel always tells a very personal story in order to sensitize the reader to the topic of the chapter. He does that very well. His relaxed writing style contributes to this, as do the wonderful photos from all over the world and the quotes that fit the topic. I have read these several times, but they are very accurate.
After the story there is a short scientific excursus on the respective topic. The latest study results and findings are listed here, so that you are well versed in the topic without being overwhelmed with figures or theses. I think everything is portioned just right. In the third part of the chapter there are very specific tips and recommendations for action . Both for implementation in everyday life and especially in sports . And actually all athletes are addressed here, regardless of whether they are amateur or competitive athletes.
For Harald Kümmel, fitness goes far beyond physical fitness. For him, holistic fitness depends on the areas of nutrition, mental fitness, social environment, love, intuition, optimism, gratitude and much more. If we manage to "work on" the different areas individually with a lot of mindfulness, the path to a satisfied, self-determined life can be open. Especially or especially in the fast-moving and currently so uncertain world.
The book is suitable for everyone who likes to think about themselves and their lives and who is looking for new stimuli and impulses. Be it to want to adjust your own orientation and attitude, or to get some support in uncertain times.
For us athletes in particular, the goal is often: ever further, ever faster, ever better, sometimes even to the point of self-optimization madness. And far too often people act and think in a very one-dimensional way. Therefore, the ZEN strategy is a grateful guide that shows you that, in addition to physical fitness, there are so many other areas that we should and are allowed to "work on" in order to be satisfied in the end.
And anyone who thinks that the book is another slightly esoteric mindfulness guide is wrong. There is too much down-to-earthness and down-to-earthness for that!
Register now and be the first to know about new tennis hotels and tennis camps as well as great promotions.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Please note our information on data protection .