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...
Get Lean over the Holidays?
The Holiday season is in full swing, when many juggle office parties, meet-ups over drinks, even quick trips out of town to drink beer and play really bad hockey. Ho ho ho. Despite the festive vibe, a few clients have reached out to say they feel a little down. And it's all Thanksgiving's fault. Thanksgiving (at least the US version) is a 4-day disruption that arrives at the worst possible...
Never Stop Building
I never miss an interview (or today, a podcast) with a classic bodybuilder. I'm certainly well past the arbitrary 10,000 hour benchmark (which is kind of depressing when I think about it but I'll spare you the self-loathing). When I was young I was drawn to the differences in their approaches. Frank Zane dieted on low carbs, Franco Columbu didn't. Dorian Yates trained with very high intensity,...
The Best Ways to Manage Stress
There are plenty of ways to effectively reduce stress. Many impactful steps, however, might be next to impossible to implement, like reducing your daily commute or improving a toxic work environment. Furthermore, even more realistic measures can be inherently stressful (at first) as they require effort, such as adopting bedtime rituals or planning & preparing meals for the week. You gotta...