The Need To Compete............

I've always liked competition.  For the majority of my life I have played team and individual sports such as football and track & field, and competed in skateboarding competitions during my middle school years.  Some people are satisfied with being on a team or entering an event, I was not one of those people.  

Well, at least I never WAS one of those people.  I used to have "win at all costs" attitude.  I took pride in WINNING, just competing wasn't good enough.  I loved playing football, especially through high school and college, and when my team won the passion for the sport grew insurmountable.   When we lost, I was they guy you wanted to avoid at all costs. 

I ran track to improve my conditioning for football.  I threw shot put to work on becoming "more explosive".  I really didn't excel at these activities, but I still competed, mainly against myself.  I put forth tremendous effort to break my times and distances each time I stepped on the track or entered the shot put circle.

I like to think that I've gotten older and wiser and I think I've come to the point where I can be happy with the thrill of competition.  Winning is great, but just competing is something that I miss and look forward to doing in the near future.  

I have decided to enter a couple up coming competitions that are strength / fitness related.  The first one is a race called the Warrior Dash.  It's a crazy 3 mile race with a bunch of insane obstacles.  I'm not a big "distance runner" but I figure 3 miles is okay as long as there is mud and some flaming rocks to jump over.  This race takes place this Saturday, December 3rd, and I'm looking forward to getting muddy!  

The other competition I plan on entering is the Got Total? competition put on by Crossfit Ft. Lauderdale.    Most people know I'm not a Crossfit guy, but this event is a one rep max on standing shoulder press, deadlift, and squat.  These are lifts I'm a big proponent of, and having a chance to see how I do against other lifters seems pretty entertaining.  

At 36, I'm not sure how I fair against some of the more "youthful" lifters, but at least I'll go in swinging.  I think my deadlift will be pretty competitive, I'm hoping for 500, but my squat and shoulder press are just mediocre. Just getting under the bar will get those goosebumps kickin' and revamp the intensity that can only be brought about by laying it on the line.  This event takes place Saturday, December 17th. 

These events couldn't be more different as far as the energy systems that are utilized.  One is primarily endurance and the other is maximal strength.  They both require two things desire and intensity, if you bring all you got, you'll be successful no matter the outcome. 

One of my clients asked me if I'm training any differently for these events.  My response was, "Not Really, I just lift heavy, do sprints, run hills, and jump on things- that type of stuff prepares you for just about anything and makes you more awesome".  

Whether it's a "formal" competition or just competing with myself, I really like pushing my mental and physical abilities to the limit.  Winning a competition against others is awesome, but winning the competition against yourself is priceless.  

Push yourself, compete with yourself, and dominate the person staring back at you in the mirror. It's about time to start bettering your best...................

The Best Workout & Diet Plan EVER!!!!

There is new "ground breaking" workout and eating plan that will help you shed fat, get ripped, increase your strength and improve endurance.  Of course, anything NEW and "ground breaking" definitely is worth a try, because programs and eating plans of the past really aren't good enough.

The workout is so productive because of a process called "Muscle Thermodynamic Activation".  This principle was brought about by Eastern Bloc countries when athletes were cutting weight for World Wide competitions and had very little time to reduce body fat.

Muscle Thermodynamic Activation (MTA) is a process in which your muscles release an abundance of ATP and Creatine Phosphate and raise you body temperature to increase fat burning.   This process will continue to burn fat for 24-48 hours post workout.  MTA  has been shown to increase EPOC by 413% which is basically a full on fat burning blitz! 

An example would be to perform rapid, quick movements for 5-10 seconds after each set of resistance exercise.  So after a set of squats jump up and down and shake your arms vigorously for around 7 seconds.  If you are seeking the ultimate body fat reduction technique,  Muscle Thermodynamic Activation is kicked in to high gear by "shaking" your muscles and other body tissue.  Perform a "shake" similar to a wet dog trying to dry off.

If you really want a thermogenic effect, after each set of resistance exercise - shake your body violently for around 10 seconds.  Trust me, you'll feel the fat burning from your stomach, glutes, and thighs like never before.

Now for the ground breaking nutrition information that was keep under lock and key until a world renowned exercise physiologist and professor of human biology leaked this earth shattering secret.

The combination of 2 specific foods can give you a huge burst of energy and basically stop your body from storing body fat because of the synergistic enzymes that are released.  When combined with Muscle Thermodynamic Activation the body fat / weight loss results have been unprecedented.

These two foods are radish and beef jerky.  When eaten together they create an inferno of fat burning nutrients that can get you shredded in no time!  The texture of the radish and the amino acid content of the beef jerky create an unseen increase in metabolic rate.

It's a simple plan, just eat radish and beef jerky for breakfast and lunch and have a normal, sensible dinner and in 10-14 days you will need to buy a whole new wardrobe!

Okay, okay- If you're still reading this I give you credit.  Obviously I was just giving you a ride on the BS train that well educated adults actually would consider believing. As crazy as it seems there are some people out there that will follow this advice, or something very similar because the vast majority of our population is always searching for the "new and best" way to lose weight.

It shouldn't be that complicated.  Eat quality food, control your portions, and commit to an exercise program. Eat lean protein, lots of veggies, some fruit, and healthy (natural) fats.  Lift weight, do sprints, move more throughout the day and BE CONSISTENT!

Getting in shape shouldn't be a 2,4, or 8 week commitment. Make it a lifestyle.  Start setting your goals a couple years from now, not 6 weeks from now.  If you are 15 lbs. lighter in 6 weeks but 40lbs. heavier in 2 years what did you really accomplish?

Don't fall for gimmicks.  Don't buy into "rapid results" programs.  Make it a long term commitment to be leaner, stronger and healthier.  Improve the quality of your life from here on out, not just for 12 weeks.  Take the appropriate steps to make some positive changes, stick with your plan, and live healthy and be happy- that's what "being in shape" should be about.......