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...
Happy Birthday, Arnold Schwarzenegger
I’m a bit late but I’m sure he won’t mind. A lot of guys like me cite Arnold as their inspiration for first picking up a weight or choosing a career in fitness. Others more thoughtful view Arnold as the ultimate example of the American dream: the peculiar immigrant with the even more peculiar accent taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded to him by a generous nation to achieve...
Everything Matters and Everything Is Connected
Just today someone asked about my “coaching philosophy.” That's not even bullshit. Seriously, someone did ask me. But do take note, when you read “people always ask me...” you can comfortably assume there’s a trailer load of horseshit on the way. Anyway, after I was asked, I ended up thinking a lot about it and decided it was this: “Everything Matters.” Not exactly “go heavy or go home” or “if...