Mass Hysteria...

There are few things in this world I hate. Its a strong word and tends to invoke many negative felling/actions on both side of the equation. So, I try my best to stay away from it. But I can honestly say that I HATE the opportunistic, leaching, bullshit that is being thrown at people in the name of health and fitness.

Exhibit A: Cleansing for Weight Loss.
Nothing could be praying on the desperate masses more than the bullshit of "Cleansing for Weight Loss". Now don't get me wrong, I love cleansing! I believe in the rejuvinating effects of cleansing. I have seen the health benefits for cleansing with my own eyes with some of the worst health conditions known to man! But to trick people with the thought that cleansing is a valid way to loose weight, and keep it off no less, is straight out BULLSHIT! There are "Celeberty Trainers" that make a killing by acting like "Oz". "It will boost your metabolism!" "You'll loose fat!" "You'll have more energy!" Only 2 of those claims are true. One is a partial truth and the one that is false is so fucking false it makes me want to beat the shit out the person saying it.
This is the irresponsible nature/society that is festering personal training today.

Exhibit B: Training Gimmicks
ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!!?? Why are people trying re-invent the wheel?!? The men and women that made the physical culture what it is today were no saints. Some did exactly this. They created gimmicks to sell to the masses in the name of health and fitness. Snake oil is nothing new. But we have become so lazy in our pursuit of a lean muscular body that we are desperate enough to trust something that is not proven and dismiss what is. The body itself is powerful enough to create a physique that most will be very happy with. No money out of pocket. But its not packaged with flashing text, sexy models or a cool pitchman. So...no one wants to by it.
I have gathered enough "tools" to take anyone (housewife, weekend warrior, or elite athlete) and put them through a solid bodyweight workout that will get the job done. This is more of where my spiritual approach to strength training (because that is what fitness really is), but one must mast ones body before you master the environment you live in.

Exhibit C: Supplements
Because there is no regulation (this is both a blessing and curse), supplements are not even a shadow of what they use to be and should be. When you look back to the start of supplementation, not just for fitness but health in general, it was done with the intention and practice of providing therapeutic dosing for the purpose of BALANCING the body's physiology. First, look at the word: "supplement". They have always and should be used to supplement your current diet. Not replace anything!!! I have seen too many trainers/coaches suggest supplements over real food. There are certain instances where the predominate use of supplements is needed, but when you look at the public at large they are additions, not substitutes. So many supplements now are fairy dust and donkey piss that your better off not buying them at all. 90% of all "nutrition" bars and pre-made shakes are WORSE than some fast food. EDUCATION! Its the only way to be sure you get what you need.

Exhibit D: Training Systems.
This is a recent thorn in my side. In the beginning of my career I followed only a couple beliefs and bad mouthed everything else. I now sing a different song. Want to hear it? Ok...me me me. Do do do do. Ok, I am ready. "EVERYTHING WORKS AND EVERYTHING FAILS." At one point in time, what ever system you looked at has worked 100% for a certain number of people and it has failed just as many. The dogmatic approach to training is a sure way to either fail yourself or your clients. When distilled to the bare essentials, all systems/schools have the same philosophy: "Work hard, stay focused, eat clean food and rest." How you do all this is open to the way you feel, what you like, and what you are comfortable with. There I just filtered all the bullshit for you so you can concentrate on the stuff that matters, the training protocols. Certain system's training protocols are more powerful than others and work in different situations than others.

Through my years I exposed myself the work of some great people. A few that are note worthy are:

Charles Staley, Phil Stevens, Dan John, Rob Fortney, Dr. Lonnie Lowrey, Paul Chek, Mike DeMora, Ian King, Mike Mahler, Mark Ripptoe, Carl Lanore Dave Tate, Casandra Forsyth, Alan Cosgrove, Jim Smith.... this list can get huge fast. But this is the most distilled version I present here.

Find the works of these professionals and educate yourself. Don't be a sheep.

For those that are following my progress. I didn't workout Friday, because I watched TV late with the wifey. I don't get to spend as much time with her as I would like, so I took advantage of the time I had.

45mins.
Dynamic Warm Up - 10mins

Crunches w/10lbs x40 (these are getting easy and I need to find something more challenging)
Windmills w/16kg KB x40 (It took me 3 rounds again)
Club Butterfly x45 (I need to add speed to theses.)
*I took 3 rounds on all of the following*
Squats w/16kg KB x40
BO Row w/16 & 24kg KB (I am going to need to make the switch to 24kg completely very soon)
Push Ups X40 (used varying hand widths)
Swings w/24kg KB (My first 2 rounds were 15reps. My back is getting stronger. Cleans and Snatches aren't far away!)
-Used the standard 30sec rest between all movements-

I am really hoping that our tax return will allow me to get some sandbags. This would add a great deal more variety to my training. Though, I am thinking I need a pull up bar more. I might have to flip a coin over it. Let fate decide.