Sunday, September 5, 2010

There are no short cuts to weight loss!!!


There are no short cuts to weight loss. Pills, fasts, fad diets all lead you back to where you started. Stop making excuses for hard work. Hire a certified personal trainer, someone who has studied exercise and nutrition for a living and start off right on the road to being lean.

"Id Rather Die Enormous than Live Dormant" - Jay Z

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Client of the month of JULY 2010 - Andreas




Congratulations to Andreas the client of the month for July! Andreas has been working hard 2 to 3 times a week with me for a few months now and has gotten excellent results. There was no doubt in my mind when we first started that he would be an excellent client since he is so hard working at his consulting job - I knew that work ethic would translate into his fitness routines.
A very intelligent and detailed client. Andreas is an avid triathlete and has been training hard for his 1st half ironman towards the end of the year - WHAT A GOAL!!! He sought me out to take care of the strength portion of his training. More and more triathletes are placing more emphasis on strength training as an integral part of their training routines when "back in the day" it used to be just simply covering the distances for the swim/bike/run. The resistance training actually helps the triathlete's body get stronger instead of breaking it down while training for those legs.
I know Andreas is going to do great and I cant wait to see him accomplish this goal which not many people can say they did. He always has a smile on his face, has a great attitude and is a very positive person - GO ANDREAS!!!! BY THE END OF THE YEAR YOU WILL BE AN IRONMAN!!!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010




"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being,
while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it."


Plato

JUST DECIDE!


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever

WHAT IS FLOW



To be in the flow, is to feel like you are being carried along by a water current.

Flow is focused motivation. Flow is the mental state of operation in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity.

In flow, the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand.

The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task.

Thursday, August 5, 2010


I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. - ALI




Thursday, July 29, 2010

Here are the Habits of Successful People.

* They are early risers. They have discovered the advantages of getting an early start on the day. They know that by getting up early, they can use this quiet time to mediate, plan their day, and work on important projects without interruptions. They also know that by rising early they get uncrowded access to almost any public facility including restaurants, grocery stories, and vehicle repair shops.

* Successful people exercise 5 to 7 days a week. They do resistance and strength training at a fitness club or at their house using a home gym. They also do aerobic exercise using machines at a health club or by jogging or power walking in their neighborhood. They are motivated to do these things by the health benefits, increased energy, elevated mood, and heightened confidence they enjoy.

* They maintain a healthy diet. They do this by learning about healthy and unhealthy foods and ignoring enticing and frequently misleading advertising. They are motivated to do these things by the extensive array of health benefits they gain and the ability to maintain their ideal weight.

* Successful people maintain their proper body weight. They regularly check their weight. If they find that they have put on some extra pounds, they take action to lose weight. They establish goals by determining their perfect weight based on a body weight chart -- readily available on the Internet. They are motivated to do these things by the profound health benefits, the way they look, and the ability to wear the clothes they want including those great fitting jeans!

* They are able to get themselves to take action even when they do not feel like it. They understand that once they force themselves to get started, they will build up the momentum to complete the task. Rather than trying to talk themselves into doing something, they just do it without considering any excuses for backing out. They are inspired to do these things because they know that motivation follows action and not the other way around.

* Successful people plan their day, week, month, year, and life in advance by establishing goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Successful people don't look at this activity as a complicated chore but rather as a process that makes it easier for them to get what they want. They are motivated to do these things because they can accomplish more in less time, it keeps them on course, and it ensures that they will remember important matters like calling their significant other, child, parent, or friend on their special day.

* They maintain a positive attitude. They do this by keeping their thoughts focused on what they want and not on what they do not want. Whether they know it or not they are practicing the Law of Attraction. In the simplest terms, they are motivated to do this because they know that thoughts about what they want keep them motivated and thoughts about what they do not want keep them depressed. The result is that they attract into their lives what they think about the most.

* Successful people keep their thoughts in the present. This allows them to absorb more of what is before them and have greater influence on a positive outcome. This habit also provides them with the ability to be a superior listener. They are motivated to do this because they understand that the present moment is where all their enjoyment and power in the life resides.

* They are courageous. They are not without fear. In fact, they experience much more than most people. This is because they do what they need to do to reach their goals in spite of their fear, which most people are unwilling to do. They understand that courage is not the absence of fear; it's the ability to go forward anyway even though you're afraid. They are motivated to do these things by the exhilaration they feel after facing their fear and accomplishing their objective.

* Successful people don't waste their time with mindless activities like watching hours of moronic television shows including so-called reality programs. They may watch educational programs on health, science, history, biography, and an occasional high quality movie or 30-minute comedy show. They are motivated to do these things because they know they can enrich themselves by viewing certain programs and mentally pollute themselves by watching everything else.

* They watch and read an extremely limited amount of news. They may quickly survey the headlines once a day and zero in on stories of interest to them, but they filter out all the rest. They know that almost all of the news is bad, often sensationalized, and even hypothetical, which is amazing. Hypothetical because the news media often "fills" large portions of their broadcasts with projections and theories on what they or some so-called "expert" believes "might" happen in the future! Successful people are motivated to avoid the news because they know that they are not flooding their minds with negative messages, images, and outcomes.

* Successful people are constantly feeding their minds with new and inspirational ideas for improving themselves by reading and listening to self improvement and personal development books and CD's. They also attend seminars put on by authors and other personal growth experts for the added benefit of direct learning and meeting other like-minded people. They do these things to strengthen their ability to reach their potential and enrich their lives.

* They are continually expanding their knowledge and experience base. If they have an opportunity to go to college, take a class, or attend a workshop, they take it! If they receive a request to teach a class, write an article, or deliver a speech, they do it. They are motivated to do these things because they know it will help them develop their skills and abilities in ways that go beyond the assignment that they are taking on.

* Successful people do not allow their ego to control them. They remain humble and level headed regardless of how successful and powerful they become. They understand that the ego is a negative emotion. They are motivated to do these things by their desire to be a person of strength, character, and conviction.

* They manage their money and other financial matters carefully. They gain the knowledge required to understand their finances so that they know what is going on even if they entrust certain money matters to various professionals. They are also frugal in their purchase decisions and lifestyle. They are motivated to do these things to have financial security and freedom.

* Successful people decide what they want to accomplish and then they go do it. They don't allow negative thoughts, second guessing, or other people to talk them out it. They just keep moving forward until they reach their chosen destination. They are inspired to do these things because they know it works!

* They complete any job, project, or task with excellence. They begin by considering the most efficient way of completing it. Then they carefully and methodically proceed through each step until it is finished in an excellent manner. They are motivated to do these things because they know that every job, large or small, is a reflection of them.

* Successful people know how to be compassionate to those in need. They have the ability to put themselves in the place of another person who hasn't found their way, gotten off track, or is going through a tough time due reasons outside their control. They are motivated to do these things because they can easily recall their own challenges and difficult periods.

* They are loyal to their friends. And they follow the rules of friendship. They pick their friends wisely and avoid associations that are incongruent with their principles. They are motivated to do these things because they know that true friends make the good times better and the bad times bearable.

* Successful people know how to love unconditionally and without measure of what they expect to receive in return. They are inspired to do these things because they know that love is the fuel for all things that are good.

Bring Swagger to your workouts

You ever workout and just look at the clock waiting for it to be over? On the contrary - you ever workout and cant believe its over already? There is a distinct difference between "letting go" during a workout and just "going through the motions". In sport its the difference between winning and losing, in life its the difference between winning and losing. Whatever you do bring your swagger to it! ENJOY.......


Friday, July 23, 2010

I've worked in a factory. I was a garbage man. I worked in a post office. It's not that long ago. I like to think that I'm just a regular guy.




By getting rid of ego and beginning to see reality through our hearts and not our heads, we can open ourselves up to realms of possibility that we never before could have imagined. We can become, in a very real sense, unlimited and boundless. We can find new powers, new creativity, new opportunities for growth, for love, for harmony, peace and joy in our lives that before our ego death we could not begin to conceive.
The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.

- Tenzin Gyatso

Emotion based thought.




What exactly is emotion based thought and how does it affect us as individuals? Emotion based thought is our individual perspectives or our personal take on any situation as it happens or indeed before it happens, though few of us recognize it for just that. We all have a set of emotions, feelings, and reactions to the life factors around us. Ever noticed how some people react differently to different experiences, problems, and actions in their lives? For example, you get turned down for a raise you were expecting. How do you react? Well that will depend on the emotion that the rejection stirs within you and that emotion will be triggered by your true thoughts on that rejection. Down in the dumps believing that you are a failure, sobbing in an empty pint of Ben and Jerrys. Your co-worker, on the other hand, takes a raise turndown in their stride, believing that it just wasn’t meant to be at that time but they carry on with a smile determined to try again. Obviously, providing both thoughts on the rejection are honest, they have to instill different emotions.

How can we explain this difference? The answer is simple, different people react differently to each situation that turns up in their life and as a consequence their emotions will be equally different. Your tendencies toward anger, fear, sadness, etc, how these are perpetuated, where they originated, and the differing values of each make you the individual you are. Simply put, different situations in life affect you differently from your peers. These emotional thoughts or perspectives color every occurrence, action, and reaction in your life to come. They determine what career you will go after, what types of relationships you will have, and how far you will go to achieve your short and long term goals. In short your emotion based thoughts will, over a period of time, determine just how happy and contented your life is, so take some time to study them.

How courageous are you? Really? Think again?

hey ! you have any change i can borrow?























Nothing endures but change.
There is nothing permanent except.
change.
The only constant is change.
Change is the only constant.Change alone is unchanging.


Thats right folks! the only constant in life is change. wheter it be your moods, bank account, fitness levels, weight, body fat, the weather, anything and everything. Change is the only thing that ironically doesnt change! ( say that 5 times fast)

GET USED TO IT and LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. THIS IS HOW LIFE WORKS WHETER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!!!!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato

WELCOME KING JAMES!

Congratulations King James our newest member of the Miami Heat. Ok maybe Im biased living in Miami, but ill take it and his decision! Lebron will team up with Wade and Bosh to create a super trio and try to bring a dynasty to the South Florida area.

As you know Lebron has been very highly criticized by the media, the fans, actually almost everyone thats not in Miami. They were questioning his loyalty, ethics, class, etc....lemme ask you something? how many of you have worked for more than one company? did you leave for less money? ok fine we are talking millions in his case, but give the guy a break - thats what contracts are for and thats what free agency is for. All he wants to do is win a championship! Now we can sit back and see how long it will take!

CLIENT OF THE MONTH (JUNE 2010) XAVIER



When I met Xavier he couldnt do 15 push ups, now he does 50 without breaking a sweat as a warm up! Through consistancy Xavier has reached a high fitness level. His goal was orignally to improve his overall conditioning. He has accomplished that and is poised to even breakthrough into another stratosphere. Currently this summer he is on a strength phase which will build even more muscle and burn fat during rest. He is also taking up cycling which will improve his VO2 max (the rate at which your body transfers oxygen into energy). He has drastically lowered his body fat by almost 10%.

Xavier is so happy with his results he referred me his dad and his best friend to start training with me whom are both doing very well as well.

Congratulations Xavier you are the client of JUNE!!!!!


Sunday, April 18, 2010


What is an RI?
RI refers to rest intervals. typically 30 seconds , 60 seconds, and 90 seconds are most common. You can literally sabatoge a workout by not sticking to some sort of rest interval scheme.
wanna take the god's workout challenge? no rest for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, imagine an hour!!!

YOUNG FOREVER

How Exercise Can Reverse Aging


Exercise is like a miracle drug when it comes to maintaining our health and fitness as we age.
Studies have shown that nothing works better to attain reverse aging effects than a regular exercise program.

Most people accept the inevitable -- increase in the risk of disease and illnesses when they get older. But the aging process can be slowed down and in some cases reversed by maintaining physical endurance, strength, flexibility with moderate regular exercise well into old age.
Studies have shown that adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals.

A recent study showed those who exercise regularly have, on average, DNA that is nine years younger than their real age.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Sunday, March 28, 2010

48 laws of power by Robert Greene.......




Law 25
Re-Create Yourself


Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Re-create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define if for you. Incorporate dramatic devices into your public gestures and actions – your power will be enhanced and your character will seem larger than life.

Question: When is the best time of the day to do cardio for Maximum Fat Loss and Why?

First thing in the morning!

Doing cardio first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, before you eat anything, is by far, the most effective. Whether you run, jog, walk, swim, jump rope, take an aerobics class, ride a bike, etc., doing it first thing in the morning is the best time to do it for maximum fat loss. Why?

Its simple. When you do your cardio workout, you are burning calories. Lets say you wake up, eat breakfast, eat lunch later in the day, and then a few hours after lunch, you do your cardio. All you will be doing during that cardio is burning the calories and carbs of the food you just ate. When you do cardio first thing in the morning, you haven't eaten anything for the last 8 or so hours because you were sleeping. So, when your body sees that there are no carbs to burn, it goes directly to stored bodyfat. And stored bodyfat is the fat that is on your body, which is the fat that you want to lose!


Understand how it works? When you do your cardio sometime during the day other then first thing in the morning, you spend most of that time burning off carbs that you already ate that day. When you do it first thing in the morning, there are no carbs to burn, so all your body can burn is body fat!

- from www.intense-workout.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Make your body literally a furnace!

Make your body a fat burning furnace by eating 5 to 6 small meals a day! Never skip breakfast, allow at least 3 hours after your last meal before you go to sleep, and DRINK DRINK DRINK water.

Sounds simple doesnt it? than why do most people fall short of this simple plan?

Because they are afraid of food! You must think of food in terms of energy and how it can help you feel great each and everyday. People cut calories and are afraid to overeat because they do not want to get fat. This is because the types of foods they are eating are either high in fat, high in carbs, high in sugar, etc....

Do you think you can get fat off of chicken? how about asparugus? what about apples? hmmmm ....

Start with 5 to 6 meals a day every 2 to 3 hours and I guarantee you - you will see immediate results on how you feel and your performance at work, gym, everyday life. I promise you. Start there and your body will start to become a fat burning furnace asap!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Have No Fear!


" Drop the fear. Fear was taken up by you in your childhood, unconsciously. Now consciously drop it and be mature. Then the life can be a light which goes on deepening as you go on growing."

Osho
What are you fearful of? think about it ....there really is nothing to fear but fear itself. Drop it, let go and see your training results skyrocket. Push, push, push and break into higher levels of fitness.
AJ




Amazing!

Way to go Diana!!!!


Way to go Diana !!!! Congratulations on running her 1st 5k (3.1 miles) in this years Ocean drive 5k. She did absolutely no training and came in at a blazing 37 minutes!!! Great job hun....

March 2010 Client of the Month!!!


Congratulations to Robert AKA " the ROCK" for taking his fitness level to AJFIT status: lowering his body fat into single digits, testing 40/40 on the TRX challenge in just 20 sessions a little over 2 months. The ROCK is now determined to make 2010 his fittest year yet implementing balance, coordination, interval training, coordination, and body weight excercises to his regimen..........and here is the best part = he is in his mid forties!!!!
Way to GO ROCK - 2010 is your year!!!!

Want Results? Get intense !!!!!



With More intensity Comes faster results!!!! Lemme Repeat............

With More intensity Comes faster results!!!!
With More intensity Comes faster results!!!!
With More intensity Comes faster results!!!!
With More intensity Comes faster results!!!!
With More intensity Comes faster results!!!!

wanna get lean? live long? turn Japanese!!!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010


"If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”


- Bruce Lee

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Paradox of our time.


The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.We write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete...

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Training is like Farming

"I think I remember Stephen Covey in his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People making reference to what I believe he called “the law of the farm.” The reference was meant to show that most of the truly good things in life take time and can’t be forced or rushed. Covey described the process of farming and alluded to how it requires patience and diligence to grow crops properly. In addition, farming requires belief in the system. The farmer must believe that all the hard work and preparation will eventually yield a long-term result.

As a strength and conditioning coach, business owner and personal trainer, the concept has always stuck with me. The process of exercising is much like farming or like planting a lawn. There are no immediate results from exercise and there are no immediate results from farming.

First, the seeds must be planted. Then fertilizer (nutrition) and water must be applied consistently. Much like fertilizer in farming, too much food can be a detriment to the exerciser. Only the correct amounts cause proper growth. Overfeeding can cause problems, as can underfeeding. As I sit and wait for my lawn to sprout or crops to grow, I feel many of the same frustrations of the new exerciser. When will I see results? How come nothing is happening? All this work and — nothing.

The key is to not quit. Have faith in the process. Continue to add water and wait. Farming and exercising are eerily similar. Continue to exercise and eat well and suddenly a friend or co-worker will say, “Have you lost weight”? Your reaction might be, “It’s about time someone noticed.” Much like the first blades of grass poking through the ground, you begin to see success. You begin to experience positive feedback. Clothes begin to fit differently.

When my friends or clients talk to me about their frustration with their initial lack of progress in an exercise program, I always bring up the farm analogy. We live in a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant results. This is why the farm analogy can be both informative and comforting.

An exercise program must be approached over a period of weeks and months, not days. The reality is that there is no quick fix, no easy way, no magic weight loss plan, no secret cellulite formula. There is only the law of the farm. You will reap what you sow.

In reality, you will reap what you sow and care for. If you are consistent and diligent with both diet and exercise, you will eventually see results. However, remember, much like fertilizer and water, diet and exercise go together.

Try to grow crops or a lawn without water. No amount of effort will overcome the lack of vital nutrients. The law of the farm. Plant the seeds. Feed and water properly. Wait for results; they will happen, not in days, but in weeks and months."

-Mike Boyle

Thursday, December 24, 2009



" Live a life of an open hand. The whole sky is available, don't settle for less.
Never Settle for less. The whole sky is our birthright - to fly to the farthest
corners of existence and to enjoy and delight in and celebrate all that life has
given. " - OSHO

Thursday, December 17, 2009

BLUE OR RED?

hey yall - pls click on link and answer blue or red? email me answers and explantion to aj@ajfit.net with your name, etc.... I am very curious for feedback - Thanks - AJ


http://www.arrod.co.uk/essays/matrix.php

Kettlebells!!!!


Why does the kettlebell dominate other equipment?


The Russian kettlebell owes half of its power to the proprietary RKC training system. The other half is due to the kettlebell's design, namely a thick handle removed from a compact center of mass.


The kettlebell is the ultimate in conditioning the body for extreme decelerations. Think of all the sudden stops and direction changes on the football field. If you have not conditioned yourself to handle these forces, you will perform sub-par and run a high risk of injury. Traditional strength training, even the Olympic 'quick lifts', does not address this issue as the weight is either dropped or treated to a slow negative. As Brett Jones, RKC Sr. put it, "You cannot swing a barbell between your legs." You could try it with a dumbbell -at least until the sheer width of it takes your knees out. The compact kettlebell can be dropped from the lockout between your knees and way behind you where it will impact load your hips.


This dynamic loading sets up the hip muscles for a powerful contraction. The kettlebell is the definitive tool for developing the hip thrust, the power generator in all athletics. Be it a jump, a kick, or a punch, when expertly performed, it comes from the hip.


The kettlebell will make your back resilient. Unique Russian exercises condition your back from every conceivable angle, statically and dynamically. One would have to take up powerlifting, yoga, strongman, gymnastics, and a couple of other things to half way imitate the benefits of kettlebell training.


Kettlebell's offset center of gravity maximizes shoulder strength, flexibility, and health. Most Russians have never heard of 'rotator cuffs.' Save for combat wounds, shoulder injuries are virtually unheard in the Russian armed forces. They train and test their personnel with repetition one-arm snatches with a 53 lb. kettlebell rather than pushups.


The kettlebell is an outstanding grip, wrist, and forearm developer. A thick and smooth handle combined with the ballistic nature of many exercises loads the grip like rock climbing. Bottom up cleans and similar leverage drills unique to kettlebells take care of the wrists.


The position of the handle allows dynamic passing of the kettlebell from hand to hand for a great variety of powerful juggling type exercises strongly endorsed by the Russian Federation State Committee on Physical Culture. These drills develop dynamic strength and injury-proof the body in many planes unlike conventional linear exercise.


The kettlebell will give you infinite freedom of lifting. It has been said that kettlebells to traditional free weights are what barbells and dumbells are to machines. Taming a kettlebell is akin to medieval sword, spear, and battleaxe play, liberating and aggressive.


The Russian kettlebell is a complete, no-compromise, extreme hand held gym. "We train with kettlebells in case civilization is temporary," stated the Philadelphia Kettlebell Club, "…don't rely on anything you can't carry."

Monday, November 9, 2009

3 different muscle contractions



1: concentric


2: eccentric


3: isometric

Look at the model to the right. She is performing a standard bicep curl with a neutral grip. The "curl" action is concentric, the negative ( moving the dumbell down at a controlled tempo) is eccentric. If she were to hold that dumbell right where it is in the picture that would be an isometric contraction ( a contraction without any movement but still working the muscle)

Next time you workout think of these contractions. They hold true for every movement!

Get ur Swagga on!


Swagga is what makes you unique, distinctive and definitive. Swagga is also character, personality, attitude and style all roled into one
The way you you carry yourself, not necessarily having to be with clothes but with the way your attitude is set towards others.
The things that define a person's character how someone goes about things -way someone sounds when they talk -what they say when they say it -Style of their movement -the lasting impression you have of that person
Be confident, not cocky, be yourself, dont fall into cookie cutter circles, you are you! and that sets you apart from everyone else. Be comfortable with it. Get ur swag on!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Miami Sunpost Article


PAGE 26

http://www.miamisunpost.com/pdf/2009.11.05.pdf






Saturday, November 7, 2009

" In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not seperately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection. "

- PLATO

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

hi tech or old skool training? whats better?



what do we have here? a very technologically rich training atmosphere compared to an old school, grittier, "make the best of what we have" atmosphere. Well - we all know who wins the fight? so is old skool better?

not all the time - its a case of functionality. What training mimics real life, the real fight, and most importantly what enviroment breeds more hunger. We all know Rocky was hungry to avenge Apollos death and sometimes a fancy, high tech enviroment doesnt match up well with that mindspace. BUT if you can still access that hunger through your own passion, inspiration, drive , and motivation you will always be victorious such as Rocky no matter what enviroment you train in.

A how to live life guide in 4 minutes!!!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

The 300 workout...Can you handle it?


25 pull-ups
50 deadlifts at 135 pounds
50 push-ups
50 box jumps with a 24-inch box
50 "floor wipers" (a core and shoulders exercise at 135 pounds)
50 "clean and press" at 36 pounds (a weight-lifting exercise) kettelebells
25 more pull-ups -- for a total of 300 reps
NO REST AT ALL - BASE YOU PERFORMANCE ON TIME - HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN FINISH IT - DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SPARTAN?

STOP getting on that scale!!!!


check out this article by weightloss success coach Wendy Hearn!



Weight Loss: Stop Weighing Yourself by Wendy Hearn


How do you measure your weight loss? I guess in the same way the majority of people do, by stepping on your scales and weighing yourself. This seems to be the accepted way of judging how well you're doing in your journey to lose weight.


Through my work with many people who wanted to lose weight, I've found that using scales actually causes more problems than it solves. How do you feel when you step on the scales and you've lost some weight? Great, I would guess. Now, what happens when you step on the scales and find you've gained weight? I would guess it either confirms that you haven't taken enough steps to lose weight or in the case of the majority of people, you end up feeling as if you've failed.
After that feeling of failure, we often find it difficult to continue. I've noticed that at this point, many people say they need even more motivation. I'm not convinced that this is so. What they need is not to be discouraged at every turn.The long term, permanent route to losing weight is to reduce your body fat and increase your muscle. When incorporated into your life, these changes are not likely to reveal a loss each time you weigh yourself. They'll show up over time, but not there and then. The scales don't immediately reflect the steps you take to lose weight. So I suggest that weighing yourself regularly doesn't accurately measure how well you're doing.When they stand on the scales, most people find it very difficult to deal with if they've gained weight. This is understandable as we're all human beings with feelings. When the scales show you've gained weight, your confidence and self-esteem takes a knock. This is not a healthy position to be in and makes persevering with your weight loss program even harder.
It seems to me that it's often a way to punish ourselves and yet when we're more loving and gentle towards ourselves, that's when we're most likely to lose weight. I've known many people, (I've even done it myself), who move the scales around to different places on the floor to try and get a different or a better reading. They'll move the scales to an upstairs room if they show a lower weight. They may step on the scales several times in a day, or even weigh themselves before having a drink, so they'll appear lighter.


We've been put under so much pressure by society to be a certain weight, that we go to almost any lengths to achieve this. However, all you're doing is deceiving yourself and giving yourself a hard time. A lot of your energy is consumed by this and I suggest if you employ that energy to really work at an action which supports your weight loss, you'll enjoy far greater success. It's a roller coaster ride, but when it's evened out, it encourages healthy, permanent weight loss.What is a healthy way of measuring your weight loss? I would suggest the most healthy way of measuring your success is with a tape measure. The tape measure doesn't lie. Okay, you can pull it a little tighter if you want! Generally, the tape measure accurately reflects the steps you've taken to lose weight. Another way is to notice how your clothes feel. Once they start to get a little looser, you'll know you're achieving your goal. By the same token, if they get a little tighter, you'll know it's time to make some more changes.


I also encourage you to record how you feel. When you're taking exercise regularly and eating healthily, you're likely to feel more energetic and relaxed. I also believe you'll feel healthier. It's surprising how, after a few days of unhealthy eating, you'll notice that you feel more sluggish. We really do know in ourselves when we've lost or gained weight and I encourage you to trust yourself and know what's right for you.


You don't need scales to tell you how you've done and to potentially undermine your confidence, particularly when you've made a real effort with your weight loss program.I suggest you consider getting rid of your scales and instead put in place a new, healthy way of measuring your success. If you find it difficult to throw away your scales, I suggest you box them up and put them away for a while, but agree with yourself that after a set time you'll throw them away.
If you still can't bring yourself to do this, I suggest you make up your mind to cut down on the number of times you weigh yourself each day. Then when you feel ready, take the next step by getting rid of the scales. Ask yourself, what do you feel ready to do to start the process of not weighing yourself.


The answer will be different for each of you. Do what feelsright for you.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Save your energy and stop thinking so damn much!!!


"Your mind is an instrument, a tool. It is there to be used for a specific task, and when the task is completed, you lay it down. As it is, I would say about 80 to 90 percent of most people's thinking is not only repetitive and useless, but because of its dysfunctional and often negative nature, much of it is also harmful. Observe your mind and you will find this to be true. It causes a serious leakage of vital energy."


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Whats your fat %? by WIKIPEDIA


A person's total body fat percentage is the total weight of the person's fat divided by the person's weight. The resulting number reflects both essential fat and storage fat.



Essential fat is that amount of fat necessary for maintenance of life and reproductive functions. The percentage for women is greater than that for men, due to the demands of childbearing and other hormonal functions. Essential fat is 2–5% in men, and 10–13% in women.
Storage fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue, part of which protects internal organs in the chest and abdomen. The minimum recommended total body fat percentage exceeds the essential fat percentage value reported above. A number of online tools are available for calculating estimated body fat percentage.
Arguably, body fat percentage is the superior gauge of an individual's fitness level, as it is the only body measurement which directly calculates the particular individual's body composition without regard to the individual's height or weight. The widely-used body mass index (BMI), on the other hand, simply makes blanket assumptions as to what every individual of a certain height should ideally weigh, regardless of the body composition which makes up that weight. The BMI gives particularly inaccurate information with regard to individuals with above-average lean muscle mass, classifying such individuals as "overweight" or "obese" despite the fact that their body fat percentage would indicate they are in excellent physical condition.





Some body fat percentage levels are more culturally valued than others, and some are related to better health or improved athletic performance. Actual levels of body fat are dependent on gender and age.[1] Different authorities have developed different recommendations for ideal body fat percentages, such as these from the The American Council on Exercise:

Description Women Men
Essential fat 10–12% 2–4%
Athletes 14–20% 6–13%
Fitness 21–24% 14–17%
Acceptable 25–31% 18–26%
Overweight 32-41% 27-37%
Obese 42%+ 38%+

Note that the essential fat values in the chart above are lower than the recommended minimum body fat percentage levels. A small amount of storage fat is required to be available as fuel for the body in time of need. It is unclear whether falling in a particular category of these body fat percentages is better for one's health than any other, but there seem to be enhancements in athletic performance as one nears the ideal body fat percentage range for one's particular sport. The leanest athletes typically compete at levels of about 5–8% for men or 10–15% for women. Bodybuilders will often compete at ranges even lower than these levels. Certified personal trainers will suggest to male bodybuilders that they should aim for a body fat percentage between 2–4% by contest time. Getting to this level usually requires a carefully planned and implemented exercise program, specific and carefully monitored variations in fluid consumption, energy intake and macronutrient ratios, sodium and potassium, and sometimes also use of ointments and alcohol.[2]

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The science of appetite

great article from time magazine - pls copy and paste into your browser when you have some free time!

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1626795,00.html

THE BEAST FILES (1)

Monday, October 26, 2009

The Station

The Station
By Robert Hastings

Tucked away in our subconscious minds is a vision- an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We're traveling by train and, from the windows. we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skyline and village halls.

But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination-for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands playing. And once that day comes, our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. So, restlessly, we pace the aisles, and count the miles, peering ahead, cursing the minutes for loitering, waiting, waiting, for the station,,

"Yes, when we reach the station that will be it," we cry. "When we're eighteen! When we buy that new 450 SL Mercedes! When we put the last kid through college! When we win that promotion! When we pay off the mortgage! When we retire! Yes, from that day on, like the hero and heroines of a child's fairy tale, we will live happily ever after.

Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy.

The station is an illusion- it constantly outdistances us. Yesterday's a memory; tomorrow's a dream. Yesterday belongs to history; tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset; tomorrow a faint sunrise. So, shut the door on yesterday and throw the key away, for only today is there light enough to live and love. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. Rather, it's regret over yesterday and fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are the twin thieves who rob us of that Golden Treasure we call today, this tiny strip of light between the two nights.

"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is a day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot more oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry go rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.

Robert Hastings

Break to Build

Friday, October 23, 2009


CReate ..........foCus.......Goals

PasSion ....................................ExpressioN

LiFe ......ConnectiOn

PurPOsE ...........................Enthusiasm

ENeRGy .....BeliEve..........HappINess

Bored with Cardio? Start dancing.....





I was once told to be skeptical about people who dont dance! If your starting to get bored with your cardio routine hit the dance floor!

Take a dance class - there has to be millions of offerings in your local area. To add to the fun take the class with friends, family, or your partner.

but most importantly dance like knowone is watching - whether you have rhythm or not life is too short for any insecurities or worries. Now burn those calories!!!!!!

Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.



lemme repeat: Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.

Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.
Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.
Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.
Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.
Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.
Whatever you want from exercise comes faster with intensity.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

YES YOU CAN.....

Yes i cried too when i saw this. Its crazy how much we can acheive if we really dig down inside and harness true power and strength.




Team Hoyt is the inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick Hoyt, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country. Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community.

http://www.teamhoyt.com/

Life Is a Sport


One may ask what the big deal is with sports. They are games with rules involving a race to a goal, and it usually involves physical activity and muscular strength.

Defining it in that manner, the sports arena is a microcosm of life and the world one lives in. In all sports, there are defined rules, regulatory boards, players, and referees. The objectives of the games revolve around achieving a goal, whether as a team or individually. And for one to excel in it, one has to exert effort physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some are born gifted with talents advantageous to a particular sport, this cuts their development time to excel. But all have to have skill sets to develop to win, which can only be done by personal discipline, commitment, and proper training from the best.

The same mechanics apply in real life. Though some refuse to acknowledge it, there are rules that have to be respected, and goals that should be set. Life is a game that all human beings are part of. Sometimes, situations call for one on one match, others are for individual challenges, but most of the time, team play is called for.

In any sport, the end goal is the focal point. It is the main objective, which dictates the kinds of parameters that need to be set, and the other requirements that are crucial for the games to begin. This in real life holds true. What makes it difficult for others to play the game of life is the lack of goal. Without one thing to focus on, there is no direction to follow. These people end up either running around wildly like headless chickens, or end up in the bench just watching the others play.

Sitting life out by the bench gives one a good view of the game, how it is played, how fun it is, and everything else that he is missing. The longer one warms the bench, the more self-doubts he builds up on his capacity to succeed the way others do. So the sooner he realizes the directions that other take to perform well, the better.

The secret to winning is to focus. As many coaches say, “Keep your eyes on the ball.” By concentrating, one channels all his energy towards a direction. No distraction gets in the way of the goal, and no doubt is given a chance to creep in. It will only be pure determination that will fuel the spirit of the player.

In sports, there are winners and there are losers. The winners get the awards at stake, which is something no one can put a price on: the bragging rights. But they are placed in a position to beat, toughening their challenge to keep their lead. The losers on the other hand go home with more experience and a stronger drive to improve, if the loss is taken as a true sport. So is it in life, winning is not the end, and losing is just the beginning.

Lastly, as sports are designed to make the race to the finish line enjoyable, so is life. The game is better played when one enjoys it.

- http://www.romow.com/culture-blog/life-is-a-sport/
Posted by Jackie on August 24, 2008 under Philosophy,

Monday, October 12, 2009

Train like a multi athlete



Those of you that have been training with me for a while know that my bread and butter is all about compound movements, fully functional excercises. Training in this manner maximizes your time and prepares you for sport, life, and simple day to day activity. Training like an athlete is the absolute way to go!!!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Train like a rooster or train like a WOLF !



Next time you workout ask yourself - Do i wanna train like a rooster today or a wolf? Wolves do what they have to do to get the job done. Dont waste your time and go through the motions........GET IT DONE AND LEAVE THE GYM DOING THE WOLF CRY!!!

Hey! u have any change i can borrow?























Nothing endures but change.
There is nothing permanent except.
change.
The only constant is change.
Change is the only constant.Change alone is unchanging.


Thats right folks! the only constant in life is change. wheter it be your moods, bank account, fitness levels, weight, body fat, the weather, anything and everything. Change is the only thing that ironically doesnt change! ( say that 5 times fast)

GET USED TO IT and LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. THIS IS HOW LIFE WORKS WHETER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!!!!

Being Thin And Being Lean: Is There A Difference?


Often people will look at a thin person and think to themselves; now that person is nice and lean. But is that really always the case? Does being thin have a direct relationship with being lean? In order to answer these questions we must examine what it means to be thin versus what it means to be lean.

Now you can define being thin as having a small circumference size. This would be denoted by small waist, arm, leg, and chest diameters as well as a low body weight all in relation to overall height.

The definition of being lean however is measured by overall body composition. This would be denoted by a low percentage of body-fat versus percentage of lean mass (muscle and bone). You may be surprised to know that thin people quite often are not lean at all. In fact, many thin people have a much higher body-fat percentage than you might think!

Now you may be thinking; how is that possible? Thin people don't look fat so how can they have much body-fat? Consider this example.

Two women at 40 years old are both 5' 7" tall and both weigh 120 pounds. Woman # 1 has a body-fat percentage of 25 and a waist size of 30. Woman # 2 on the other hand, has a body-fat percentage of 16 and a waist size of 27. Both look thin, but woman # 2 is clearly leaner. What could be the cause of this? Why could both women be the same age, height, and weight but one is so much leaner than the other?

Atrophy is the term used for the natural loss of muscle that begins to occur in people at around the age of 25 who are sedentary or do no resistance training or strength training. By the time a person reaches their mid to late thirties a significant amount of muscle can be lost if no resistance training is being done.

Once atrophy begins, ½ to 1 pound of muscle is lost per year and is replaced by nearly 2 pounds of fat because as muscle -- which is metabolically active tissue -- is lost, metabolism slows down allowing for extra fat storage. This translates to up to 10 to 15 pounds of lost muscle and up to 20 to 30 pounds of extra fat by age 40. So if a person does no form of resistance training, it is likely that by age 40 even though they appear thin they will have a higher percentage of body-fat than meets the eye.

Resistance training is often omitted by people, even those who do exercise for general health. Many people will walk, jog, and bike for fitness but resistance training is just as important because aerobic exercise will develop little to no muscle. Indeed resistance training is a recommended activity for anyone looking to induce healthy living.

Nowadays even many cardiologists are prescribing resistance training for their heart patients because when the skeletal muscles are strengthened, the heart experiences less stress during normal daily activities like grocery shopping or vacuuming the carpets.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends resistance training 2 to 3 times a week for all apparently healthy people, especially adults. If you need help putting together a resistance training program you can seek out the assistance of a qualified fitness trainer or even check out books on the subject from your local library free of charge to get you on your way.

Remember that just because a person is thin does not mean they are lean. While being overweight is a determining factor in accessing risks to your health, so is carrying higher percentages of body-fat so don't just aim to be thin, aim to be lean.

Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/343/Jim-O%26%2339%3BNeill

- Jim O'Neill

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Best athlete ever.....




At Auburn Bo ran for 4,303 yards and scored 43 touchdowns in the regular season. His senior year of college he had four 200 yard games on his way to 1,786 rushing yards which earned him the Heisman Trophy.

On the baseball team was his junior season when he batted .401 and hit 17 homeruns and 43 RBI in only 42 games!

His invitation to the 1989 All Star game and the 1990 Pro Bowl made him the first athlete in history to be an All Star in both the MLB and NFL

He also ran a 4.12 40 yard dash, still considered the fastest verifiable 40 time at an NFL Combine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But forget all these stats - if you ever saw bo jackson play football or baseball you would know why I feel he is the best ever. He would smash towering homeruns literally out of the ballpark. He could run a 90 yd touchdowns which would display how fast he was to match how strong he was. He would catch baseballs with his bare hands while jumping or running up baseball stadium walls robbing hitters from homeruns. THink of the modern day adrian peterson who is considered the best running back in todays NFL game. THis was Bo back in the day only faster and stronger and to balance an NFL career with a Baseball Career. The only reason he is not considered the best by many espn polls, etc is that his career was short lived due to a career ending hip injury where he decided to try to run over a defender rather than run out of bounds on a random NFL afternoon.

Bo Jackson was hands down the best athlete ever.

DA PUMP!!!!!!!!!



Next time you workout I want you to pay attn to the pump you are getting. Its a wonderful feeling. Pay attn to the muscle parts you are using. As Arnold says its like someone is blowing air right into your muscles making you feel very tight!

"To me, the best exercise is running. Running is so important that you should keep it up during your lifetime. What time of the day you run is not important as long as you run. In the beginning you should jog easily and then gradually increase the distance and tempo, and finally include sprints to develop your 'wind.'" - BRUCE LEE

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Bear Crawl


You probably already know this but the bear is an incredibly powerful animal. They are the world’s largest land carnivore and some species can reach up to 10 feet tall and weight over 1500lbs. Simply by walking and carrying around this enormous body bears build up incredible strength and stamina. One park ranger I read about observed (from a safe distance) a young Grizzly Bear casually moving a boulder about with a single paw. After the bear left the ranger went up to the boulder. He estimated the boulder must have weighed close to 500lbs.

Bears are not only incredibly strong and powerful but they are also fast and agile. Bears can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. That’s faster than a horse. They can chase down a jack rabbit and match it cut for dodging cut but at a faster clip. Amazing.

When you read the above can you understand why it might be beneficial to train like a bear? When you perform bear crawls, or some of the other animal inspired exercises I teach in “Animal Workouts“, I think you’ll be shocked at just how effective they are. Crawling along the ground like a bear works your entire body as a unit. You’ll feel it in your arms, chest, shoulders and back. Not only that you’ll be huffing and puffing like you will not believe. Seriously. If you haven’t done them before you’ll find that you’re huffing and puffing after 2 minutes of bear crawling in a way that would take a person an hour of running to achieve.

Back in the day (the early 1900’s) it was not as important to do exercises like bear crawls as you would get this kind of workout just by working on the farm. Today most people don’t perform physical labour of any kind which is why performing kinds of exercises can be so vital.

The bear crawl is perfect for all fitness levels and is one of the best animal exercises to start with. It’s the King of animal exercises in my opinion and will help you build power, strength and endurance. Whether you’re an athlete or a desk jockey they can benefit you.

WAKE UP and JUST DO IT!

Client feature: Ailing


Look at this pic? what can i say ? This is my latest client feature: everybody meet Ailing. If you ever have heard screams or shouts randomly in sobe its most probably from her! Ailing's drive, motivation, and consistancy has helped her drop over 20lbs and still dropping!!! What is even more impressive is that she actually makes the time to workout 4 to 5 days a week with a very demanding high powered job at one of Floridas best ad agencies.
Great job ailing - you make me proud ..... I look forward to each and every one of our sessions and I thank you for pure entertainent you bring to each workout!!! progress with laughs? cant beat that combo can you?
aj fit