The Mirror Has Two Faces
Life is about mastering skills and overcoming adversity, and building your body is no different. As a coach I try to identify a person's strengths and weaknesses fast as it helps determine the focus of the plan in terms of exercises, lifestyle, and where we need to note the wins and work on the losses. What's interesting (at least to me) is how someone's greatest strengths often mirror their...
Do You Need to Be Told You’re Dying To Start Living?
Alex Trebek announced he has advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. While treatment has come a long way, that's still a dire diagnosis. Especially if you're pushing 80 years old. Trebek, always a pro, delivered the bad news with professionalism and textbook Canadian humor, saying he needed to beat the disease to fulfill his Jeopardy hosting contract. But he knows his odds of winning this fight aren't...
Your Own Hollywood Transformation
People love Hollywood physique transformations. "How did they change so fast?" we ask, as if what prevents the everyday person from achieving similar results is a secret workout or diet and not a combination of great genetics, unlimited resources, and good ol' Hollywood magic (wardrobe, lighting, and anabolics). Then there are reverse transformations: stars who for a brief time go from beautiful...
Do You Believe in Magic?
Probably not. But I do. Hard Work is Magic. Follow a so-so free workout program off the 'net and you'll make progress — if you work hard. Whereas the Perfect Program will do next to nothing if you sleepwalk through it. Consistency is Magic. Three days of "perfect" eating followed by two of whatever won't accomplish anything. But a month of 90% compliance or only one or two off-plan meals a...
The Muscle Building Uniform
Put some damn clothes on! (At least if you're trying to build muscle.) People (especially guys) trying to gain muscle need to embrace "sweater weather." In other words, use the cold weather as incentive to add a little bulk to their frame, even if it comes with a TEMPORARY loss in muscle definition and (gasp!) a less aesthetic look. It would seem like a no brainer, especially considering:...
Counting Macros Can Kill Your Gains
Some do well with counting macros or calories because it offers a sense of control. Especially in light of all the conflicting advice and agenda-driven bullshit that comes with the diet industry. Yet it has its drawbacks, from the accuracy of the numbers being used, to that precious control eventually becoming a psychological prison. I know people who get anxious at the thought of NOT counting,...
3 Quick Tips for Those in January Mode
As a coach I have mixed feelings about the month of January. On the one hand, business definitely picks up as people decide that this is "the year they get serious" and sign up for coaching. On the other hand, it's a very tricky time of year as even smart, experienced, long term clients can, depending on their level of indulgence, fall victim to "post holiday bloat so I better slash my calories...