The Greatest Fat Loss Article to NEVER Get Published
Years ago I was at a crossroads. I was working as a personal trainer in three different gyms, plus helping a friend coach athletes at a private facility. And I was burning out fast. I needed to get off the gym floor at least a few hours a day, but I still needed to make money. And for some self loathing reason, I wanted to stay in fitness. Good thing was it was back when the internet was...
Adversity and the 11th Commandment
Not gonna lie. The past month or so has been one heck of a challenge. But at the same time, a much needed reality check. For those lucky folks who have been able to avoid my persistent whining, here’s a brief summary to get you up to date: Around a month ago, a quick dash into the street to corral my kid resulted in a noticeable popping sensation in my right calf. As soon as it happened I...
Less is Mastery
As a coach a big part of my job is helping clients maintain focus on what matters in what can be a very overwhelming process. The way I do it isn't subtle or elegant; it's stating a few key ideas over and over. Structure. Consistent sleep & wake times. Planning meals in advance and repeating as many as your personal tastes/family dynamic will allow. Measuring & tracking accurately....
What makes me say, “This is going to be easy.”
I had a consult with a new client, a man who's lost a lot of fat and now wants to start putting on some quality mass. When I asked how he lost the weight, he said by diligently counting macros + prepping his food + eating basically the same foods most every day for a year. I paused for a moment. Smiled. "This is going to be easy," I said. I wasn't being overly cocky. When somebody shows up "at...
Nine tips for tracking (and purposely NOT tracking) macros
This post is inspired by my friend Jay Ashman's recent evolution in his own approach to dieting. While none of this is my invention (imagine that) I do think it's an alternative perspective that deserves more air time. So hopefully no one gets too triggered — if you do, you're emotionally invested in something that should be free of emotion. Just a thought. Tracking macros is a great exercise...
Oh, that diet. Again.
Back in 1996 I told a bodybuilder friend/mentor whom I really looked up to about this new diet I was following. “You eat zero carbs but lots of fat and it tricks your body into surrendering bodyfat while sparing muscle.” My mentor wasn't too impressed. "Oh yeah, THAT diet. Again." I protested. “No, this diet is NEW and totally cutting edge. You also get to stuff your face with carbs on the...
The Rock Lied: It Does Matter!
If I could click my Jordans together three times and make anything disappear it would be the overplayed, too-cool-for-school It Doesn’t Matter schtick: How many reps should I do? » "Doesn't matter. Just work hard." Can I eat toast, or should I stick with oatmeal? » "Doesn't matter. A carb is a carb." Dumbbell presses or barbell presses? » "Doesn't matter. Just lift." What and when should I eat...