Experiments In Eating

I have to admit, if something new pops up in the fitness and nutrition world, and it makes sense - there's a good chance I'm going to do some personal experimentation.  After reading several articles on the benefits of Intermittent Fasting  (IF) and starting the day by "NOT" eating breakfast, I decided to give it a shot.  I actually attempted this strategy last year, but it was a half ass effort, so I really didn't think to much of it.......

After a great Florida winter of eating way too much and consuming some high calorie adult beverages I decided to hop aboard the leanness train again and get ready for spring.   I thought about what worked for me in the past and basically ignored it and decided to play around with the new and exciting way of eating....  On to round 2 of the skipping breakfast / intermittent fasting experiment.

Pretty much sums up how I felt after winter break.... 

I started my day with some greens plus and some coffee (not mixed together!).  Mind you, I wake up at 3:45am to take the dog for a walk and get ready for work, my first client is at 5am.  At first, I thought that this would be great, I have more time in the morning to putz around the house and get on the interwebz  while enjoying  my morning caffeine fix.

I planned on eating my first meal around 11am and my last meal around 7pm, basically the 16 hour fast/8 hour eating strategy. 

The first couple days were not too bad, I was energetic and my training was pretty intense and I liked the idea of eating 2-3 bigger meals instead of 5-6 smaller meals and shakes.  By about Day 4 I was a little more "moody" in the morning, which is definitely not a good thing with my profession.

(I personal train from 5am-7:30am, teach 6th grade PE from 8am to 330pm, then go back to the gym in the afternoon to train some more- eventually I get some lifting/sprinting time for myself).  

When I was at the gym training clients I was okay mood wise and I was still amped up off the caffeine.  But when I was at school I had a short fuse during my morning classes, and when you deal with middle school kids that's a extremely bad trait.  Patience is a virtue when dealing with 40-60 kids a class, especially with that age group.

Instead of letting my body and mind adjust to my new way of eating, I realized I needed to be more enthusiastic and in a better mood to do my job the way I like.  So my experiment with the true "Intermittent Fasting" approach lasted only a week.

I needed to make a change based on mood, not on hunger so I decided to eat around 8am, before my first class off the day.  I usually ate steak, broccoli, and a serving of almonds or scrambled eggs with a ton of veggies mixed in.  Technically, I guess you could call that breakfast.  I felt better, my mood improved and my energy levels were clearly better.

At this point I wasn't really following any sort of IF protocol,  I was just eating 4 hours after awakening. I was also eating only 3-4 times a day. I was following a low carb approach during the beginning of the day and eating some carbs at night (post training).  My weight was pretty steady for a couple weeks, but I was actually aiming for a little body fat reduction because spring and summer are approaching and its always beach season in Fort Lauderdale.

About 8 weeks into this style of eating, I was pretty much ready to go back to what worked for me in the past and what got me in the best shape of my life.  I used  the 5-6 meals approach, with a couple shakes a day.  My meals consisted of protein, veggies, and some fruit hear and there (more fruit on lifting days).  

I started making my awesome eggs breakfast again, courtesy of Dr. Jonny Bowden (eggs, spinach, and a chopped up apple cooked in coconut oil).  It's a freakin' great meal at 4:15am!

My next meal is usually ground grass fed beef or ground turkey with some veggies mixed in and a serving of nuts, it's usually around 8am.

I eat lunch around 11am which consists of steak or chicken, some veggies, a fruit and some more nuts.

I'll have a protein shake a little later and I'll have another shake post- training on my lifting days.

For dinner usually some type of grilled dead animal and a big salad with a crap load of veggies and maybe some more nuts or fruit if I'm hungry.

Weekends are a little different.  Nothing is really structured and I might go 4-6 hours without eating.  My main goal is to consume lots of protein, a good amount of vegetables, healthy fats and some fruit. My wife and I typically do a nice dinner on Friday or Saturday and I'll eat whatever I'm in the mood for and have a little red wine, but only for the antioxidants and resveratrol ;-)

It's only been a short period of time but this style of eating is actually very convenient for me.  I have sustained energy throughout the day and I look forward to every meal.  I feel great and when I used this approach in the past I got really lean while improving my numbers in the gym.

Eating plans and protocols very for each individual.  What works for me might not work for you and vice versa.  What people need to realize it that they need to find a way to eat healthier food and follow a eating strategy that works well for their lifestyle and profession.  I'm sure there are plenty of people that are getting great results from skipping breakfast and doing IF, but it just wasn't for me at least at this point in time.

Over the next couple weeks my training is going to remain the same, I took some recent pics and I'm going to do a caliper measurement over the weekend.  I'm curious to see if I'll see any physique changes and notice any improvements in strength.

I believe in reading research and I respect the nutrition coaches who have success getting people very lean with various eating strategies.  I also think that "self experimentation" has a lot of external variables which doesn't necessarily produce a very accurate theory or conclusion.  It's important to understand new information regarding health and nutrition comes out on a daily basis, sometimes what's new isn't always better, and there is no "one size fits all" eating protocol.

Most people try some sort of "new and exciting" way of eating or dieting and give up after a couple days and resort back to stuffing their faces with a bunch of garbage and within weeks they try another "diet" because it's better then the ones they've tried before.  It's about being consistent and making better choices, whether your eating 2, 4, or 6 meals a day.   Commit to whatever nutrition strategy you want, but don't let eating drive you insane, worsen your mood, or reduce your energy.

Food should improve the quality of your life, not make it worse- but by the look of the line of cars at the Micky D's drive-thru this morning, a lot of people are choosing to do the latter....

Why is getting in better shape so confusing???

Anyone who is trying to achieve a higher level of knowledge in any field of study has probably faced some sort of "information overload".   With all of the books, blogs, articles, dvd's, and magazines relating to fitness and nutrition there is a plethora of information that is either recycled or contradictory.  It can be a little confusing to the majority of the general population that is trying to get in better shape or shed a few pounds.

Most of the stuff we are learning has been around for a while and had just been rewritten with different words or phrases that make the exercise or nutrition plan more appealing.  Terms such as "muscle confusion" and "metabolic conditioning" have a nice ring to them and make people feel that they are doing something groundbreaking.  Meanwhile, back in the late 80's and early 90's (when I was in high school) we did tons of metabolic conditioning, we called it football practice.

I think some of the information that is thrown out to the fitness world is developed just to contradict someone else's article, idea, or  book.  There are a few fitness/nutrition "experts" that make a living out of putting down another trainers/coaches programs and boasting themselves as the "all mighty" king of the throne when it comes to getting people shredded or increasing performance.

A lot of stuff does make sense, but sometimes things that make sense tend to contradict one another.  Take Gary Taubes information on insulin and obesity- he kinda throws out the law of thermodynamics and places the blame with obesity on excessive carbohydrate consumption and hormones.  It makes sense when you look at the external variables, but experts that preach "calories in, calories out" will be quick to disagree.

Then you have the "Twinkie Diet" in which a college professor lost 27 pounds in 2 months while eating sugar filled snacks and chips instead of meals.  This diet was based around reducing daily caloric consumption, not so much about the quality of food, but less calories = more weight loss. Right???

The eating "strategies" listed above are two very different pieces of information that have "proof" that each theory "works", yet they couldn't be anymore contradictory.  So which program will produce the most significant fat loss?  Which form of eating will be better for long term health? Hmmmmm......

Most recently, the "mainstream" approach is to follow some form of intermittent fasting.  Now you have another nutrition strategy that looks very intriguing, and quite possibly could lead you to a muscular and lean physique.  People are having great results with the IF approach, and there is a lot of science to back up the claims so obviously this is the correct way to EAT!

Not so fast my friend......

If the IF approach doesn't fit in you schedule, or if you just enjoy a healthy breakfast and the 6 meals a day strategy is something that has produced adequate results for you so far,  maybe a this eating plan isn't ideal for your lifestyle.  Just some things to think about......

When it comes to exercise finding the right regimen to get the results you want  is just as complicated.  Are you going to lift total body 3 days a week or do an upper / lower body split?  Should you avoid back squats and focus solely on single leg movements?  Are plyometrics dangerous for overweight individuals?  What is better for fat loss,  HIIT or steady state cardio?  Is crossfit really the "be all, end all" in the pursuit for an optimal fitness level?

If you want to find information to justify your way of exercising or eating, it's out there.  Just google whatever fitness concept that you want reinforced and you'll find a series of websites that will provide you with the information you WANT to hear.....

You can look up "The Benefits of Pilates" or "The Dangers of Pilates" and there are pages of information on both topics that are very believable and provide viewpoints that couldn't be more different.

So what is the trainer, coach, or exercise newbie to do in this world of recycled, regurgitated, contradictory information?

First off, I don't suggest the "Twinkie Diet".  There are so many ways to reduce calories with nutritious food, personally I think that foods like Twinkies should be avoided even when having a "binge meal".   Try to eat lean protein, fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water.  Avoid fat-free foods and stick to natural sources of fat like olive oil, avocados, real butter and fish oil.

If you want to eat 6 smaller meals a day that will work, so will 3 medium sized meals. Structure the way you eat around your lifestyle. Breakfast or no breakfast- that's your call- just remember to eat protein with every meal (I think we ALL can agree about that).

As far as exercise, lift weights (push, pull, squat), do some interval work, and add in some steady state cardio if you feel like it or when you have time.   Perform some body weight movements and some single leg stuff and have some variety with sets and reps.  Sometimes you should perform 5 sets of 5 repetitions of an exercise and other times change it up to 2 sets of 12 repetitions or perform an exercise for a specified time.

Try to get some variety with your training sessions, add in some sprints and jumps at a park or go run up a hill a bunch of times.  If you want to do Pilates or Yoga, it's your time and money- just don't think that type of training is the only thing you need to improve your health and physique.

One really important piece of advice, do yourself a favor and avoid Jillian Michales articles, dvd's, and supplements like the plague!  She is all that is wrong with health and fitness! 

I vomit a little in my mouth every time Jillian gives advice...... 

Follow the above guidelines and don't confuse yourself with everything you hear and read.  Stick to the basic principles of human movement and fundamental nutrition guidelines and you'll be more advanced than the majority of "fitness bandwagon" people out there.

“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” 
― Bruce Lee

What Is "Right" About Crossfit......

I am not a "Crossfitter".  I have never participated in a Crossfit training session, nor have I attempted a "W.O.D"  (workout of the day).  You'll never hear me talking about my time completing "FRAN", or how many "kipping" pull-ups I can perform.  I would not recommend Crossfit for an unconditioned individual, and I would even be hesitant on recommending Crossfit for an average trainee.  If Crossfit is a form of exercise you would like to attempt, proceed with caution, because injuries can occur with improper technique in any strenuous exercise program.

There are many coaches and trainers who claim that Crossfit is evil and should be banished from society.  There are also devoted followers of Crossfit who claim that it's the holy grail of fitness and everyone should bow down to Greg Glassman before beginning the beloved W.O.D. 

Mr. Greg Glassman - creator of Crossfit and one of the "most controversial individuals in fitness".

Throughout the Internet you can find numerous articles, blogs, and videos that ridicule Crossfit workouts and all of the negative things associated with what Crossfit entails. 

Is Crossfit really that bad?

I mean, we live in a society where more than 1/3 of Americans are considered obese.  The majority of adults I know consider a 30 minute jog an awesome workout.   Everyday people go into commercial fitness facilities and peddle away on a recumbent bike for a 10 minutes, then do some bicep curls and call it a strenuous training session.

There are those people who sit on the couch eating Ben & Jerry's making fun of anyone who eats a healthy diet or enjoys spending time exercising on the weekend.  Now that's the enemy!  As a trainer / coach, those people get under my skin more than the "Crossfit Cult".

This is more of a problem to our society than Crossfit!

If a form of exercise motivates people to get up off their asses, lift some weight, do some mobility work, and elevate their heart rate, should it really be ostracized from the fitness community? 

The good things regarding Crossfit:
-There is a strength/resistance training component that involves compound movements.
-There is a mobility component which focuses on a dynamic warm-up before exercise.
-There is a "team work" setting where people are motivated to do their best.
-There are goals and standard to measure your level of fitness and strive for improvement (W.O.D. times)
-The accountability factor of being at a class or to a training session on time (you miss, you're charged!)
-It can be more "cost efficient" than individual training sessions.
-There is a nutrition component that influences people to eat "healthier" food. (Paleo is better than that Jenny Craig/Quick weight loss crap!) 
-Some of the girls in the crossfit games have awesome bodies, just sayin'......

I know there are several strength coaches and trainers that can make a list 3 times as long listing all of the negatives surrounding Crossfit.  I would probably agree with some of the the things written on those lists, but there are a lot of positives with what's going on it the Crossfit community.  It's obvious the Crossfit craze is catching on like wild fire, and people are drinking the Kool-Aid.  If people can become that passionate over a form of exercise I have to show a little respect toward the Crossfit Klan.

As a person who endorses exercise and physical fitness I think we should embrace a variety of exercise and conditioning protocols, except Zumba, that's just lame!

My Training.....

For about 2 months now I've been training a whole lot differently.  I've been lifting at my buddy Jeremy Herring's gym (Power Sports Academy aka The Factory) and also at my regular gym (Nova University).  I've always based my training around strength first but after I entered the Got Total competition (Squat, Deadlift, and Shouder Press) I really became obsessed with becoming the strongest I've ever been.  This obsession is not for any reason or purpose except  I feel that being strong(er) is awesome and being weak is awful.

The Factory, where the strong get stronger.... 

I don't plan on doing any "lifting" competitions in the near future, but I do want to increase my numbers on the squat, bench, and deadlift because it is a measurable goal - and it just fells bad ass to move some heavy weight.

After messing around with Total Body training 3 days a week and using the 5/3/1 program with a lot of success physically, I decided I need a "mental" break.  A change from your regular routine can do a lot for the intensity you bring to each training session.

I have been really happy with my current set up, it's a little "Westside/Conjugate" and since I've been lifting at THE FACTORY on Monday and Wednesday , Jeremy designs the program and writes in on the board-  I go in and do everything verbatim.  It takes the guess work out of my programming and it's pretty freaking intense!

Here's the set up for the week:
Monday - Heavy Bench  (Max Effort)
Wednesday - Heavy Squat / Deadlift (Max Lower)
Friday - Dynamic Bench (Speed/Repetition Work)
Saturday - Dynamic Lower (Jumps/Speed Work)

Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday are usually spent sprinting hills, running tempos, and ocasionally taking a day of rest if I'm feeling a little beat up.

Hill running in sunny South Florida, gotta love it! 

Here's what a typical Wednesday would look like:
-Foam Roll, Dynamic warm-up
A1.  Max effort box squat
B1.  Deadlift from Pin 2 (Blue Bands) 4-5 sets of 3-5 reps
C1.  Posterior Chain Movement (RDL, Hyper extension, Reverse Hyper) 2-3 sets of 15-20
C2.  Heavy Sled Drags
D1.  Heavy Rows 3-5 sets of 8 to 12 reps.

I don't think this is the best approach for everybody, there are a very few people that I know that are truly concerned about getting strong (er).  This style of lifting has made me feel more powerful and  each session brings back memories of the college football days.

As I get older, I question why I'm still competing with myself every training session and why I push myself to the limit each time I touch a barbell.  To be honest, I don't know any other way.......

There's Something Wrong Here....

Now that we are about a month into the New Year, I guarantee there are there are massive amounts of people who have already failed at their "New Year's Resolution".  Of course, not all resolutions are related to fitness, health, and fat loss- but I'm willing to bet a good majority of people started the month with hopes of getting in shape and losing a few pounds or inches.

Since this blog is primarily about getting leaner, stronger, and all around more awesome, I want to discuss some things that are very puzzling to me in the areas of health and fitness.

How the hell does our obesity rate keep increasing?

To think that 1/3 of the adult population in the US is considered to be obese is downright disturbing. I know that some people relate more to "visuals" rather than "statistics", so go to a mall, grocery store, or anywhere else that you'll find a large gathering of people and I'm sure you'll find a good percentage of those people to fall into the category of  "obese" adults.

Yes, cardio can be boring- but at least it's exercise...... 

I guarantee everyone that falls into the category of "obese" knows that EXERCISE provides numerous benefits for your health and contributes to weight loss. So, can anyone explain how the percentage of people in the US that exercise on a regular basis is DECLINING??? WTF!!!!

It seems that every strip mall or shopping center has a gym or fitness facility somewhere nearby.  Pilates/Yoga studios, Crossfit boxes, and "Franchise" health clubs are everywhere you look, and the parking lots are filled to capacity.  Yet, we're getting fatter and exercising less???

If you watch TV for a brief period of time you'll see commercials for Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, and Weight Watchers appearing more frequently than ever before.  The amount of infomercials that are related to fitness products is borderline ridiculous.  The Weight Loss industry is stacking up the dough. We're talking billions of dollars spent on exercise equipment and "diet" products that apparently provide nothing beneficial to most consumers.

No supplement can replace quality food! 

People spend a small fortune on "fat burner" pills, powders, and creams.  Vitamins and Supplement sales are
at an all time high, and the "diet book" section at retail book stores continues to grow as well as the mass production of exercise DVD's.  It's crazy to think with all of the money invested in this stuff that somehow we are gaining body fat and becoming more unconditioned than ever before.

If you go into a Starbucks, it's common to hear "I want a skinny____________" and Subway is constantly promoting their "Jared Approved" foods.  Even McDonald's is jumping on the bandwagon by advertising their "healthy" breakfasts, such as fruit and nut oatmeal.   But we still are experiencing a girth increase that is honestly frightening.

So what's the solution?   People are spending time and money at  gyms, book stores, and supplement shops.  Just about every daytime talk show has some segment on "weight loss" and "toning up".  I think people have more knowledge than ever before regarding nutrition and exercise, some information had to be absorbed from all the fitness magazine and book sales....... Something has to be accomplished with all of those people spending hours in the gyms and fitness classes......But look around, obviously what people are doing  to improve their level of leanness is not working.

So, what are we doing wrong?

I wish I had a simple answer.  I wish I could say something that people would want to hear... Unfortunately, I have a theory - one that won't be too popular of looked at in a "positive way".

WE ARE DOING THE WRONG THINGS!!!

The majority of people that go to a gym or health club on a regular basis are doing  "fluff" workout. Numerous gym goers spend too much time doing meaningless cardio, such as slowly peddling away on the the elliptical at a snails pace for hours.

How often do you see the squat rack being used (with people squatting correctly)?  Count the number of people you see performing chin-ups or deadlifts.  I guarantee its a number you can count on one hand.  People just "workout" with no real intensity, and I hate to break it to ya your strenuous spinning class is not the answer to your "LEAN IN 2012" goal.  Put some weight on the bar and start grabbing some heavy dumbbells and push, pull, and squat!

I wish more people lifted like this..... 

Eating right is something that has really confused a lot of people.  Most people have been brainwashed to thinking that cereal or other "whole grain" products are a great breakfast choice and low-fat everything is the way to a leaner physique. Eating quality food is a huge factor when it comes to losing those cottage cheese thighs, but most people don't know what quality food really is.

Now I don't want to sound all "PALEO" but if you stick to food from the earth, preferably organic, (nuts, veggies, and fruit) and real meat products (chicken, fish, beef, eggs) and avoid everything else, you'll be on the right track to achieving the body you want.

Most people don't wanna hear this, but if your eating right from Monday to "happy hour" time on Friday and then shovel a bunch of crap down your pie hole during the weekend you're WAY off track!   It might be tough, but limiting yourself to ONE bad meal, is acceptable - frequent stops at the golden arches for a couple days is NOT ACCEPTABLE!  Binge eating weekends can be death traps for the quest to look good naked.

We live in a country where if something is new and flashy it's gotta be good, or a product needs to produce results in record time.  Getting leaner and better shape happens with hard work and dedication, nothing "trendy" needed.  Stop wasting money on gimmicks and weight loss programs. Just pick up a heavy barbell 3-4 days a week, invest $10 on a jump rope and actually use it, and don't eat like an idiot and you will be one step closer to lean and mean in 2012.

3 Reasons Why You SHOULDN'T Purchase Personal Training Packages

A little disclaimer - I'm not against people hiring a Personal Trainer for a long duration, most of my clients have been with me for 4-5 years.  I feel when someone is seeking the help of a personal trainer they should not buy packages of 20+ sessions before they have actually worked with that trainer for at least 3-4 weeks.

I know this might ruffle a few feathers, but I've worked in a commercial gym setting where I've seen first hand how these multiple session packages can be a mistake.  While working in the "Fitness Club" setting, I DID try to push HUGE packages of personal training because of the COMMISSION that went along with the SALE.   I told people that 20 or more sessions would save them money per session as well as create a feeling of dedication and accountability for long term success.

Not the best motivational approach, but I bet this guy was a good salesman!

Since I've been out of the "SALES" based arena for a couple years now, I've formed a strong opinion on the professional aspect of being a "Personal Trainer" rather than a SALESMAN.  At my new facility people are billed on a session by session basis, which is a little easier on the pocketbook than forking over 1,000 plus dollars every couple months to purchase a multiple session training package.

I've never been a SALES based trainer, I like to think of myself as a RESULTS based trainer.  Looking back at my beginning days of working in a gym, management didn't care about results- only the SALE.  I wrote THIS blog when I began to really look at the disservice some Personal Trainers provide, check it out.

I've been in the trenches for a while now, and I feel I have the responsibility to provide some much needed advice to help future clients consider some things before hiring just any Personal Trainer.  Here are 3 reasons to avoid those 20+ session packages:

1. You really don't know your Trainer.  Yeah, you might have met for brief period and they said all the right things and made you feel like you are going to achieve all of your fitness goals in record time- but  do you really KNOW them?  Are they going to be on time?  Are they professional on a daily basis?  Are they focused on your results or just making you SORE?  Do they have a plan with your goal in mind?  Do they take every client thought the same routine? (I've seen this on more than one occasion).

Those are all thing to consider before dropping a huge chunk of coin on someones services.  Remember most gyms pay trainers commission on the packages they sell.  A general rule is 10% on each package. So if you are paying $70 a session, and purchase a 20 session package- your trainer makes $140 without providing you with any service whatsoever.  Now, what if they are late for your sessions?  Or they take you though the same routine day in and day out? Or is they socialize with other gym members when they should focus you YOU?

Sorry to say, but you probably won't get a refund and they are going to keep their commission.  Bottom Line - Get to REALLY know your trainer before making  a long term commitment.

Recording programs is important, but so is paying attention to "hand placement" during an exercise.

2. Your sessions can EXPIRE.  If you have the intention of training 2 times a week for 10 weeks, that leads to about 20 sessions.  You might be an extremely dedicated individual and have a phenomenal trainer.  What happens if you get sick or injured and you can't make it to the gym for 6 months?  Hopefully your gym can "freeze" the sessions, but some gyms will have an expiration date on your training contract with a lot of important stuff in fine print - READ IT!  Make sure your sessions can be extended for any legitimate reason.

A Gym is a place of business, a company striving to make a profit.  So It's not likely upper management will care if you purchase a package of 20 sessions and only use 4 before they expire.  The GYM keeps the money, and doesn't have to pay the trainer for the 16 other sessions- that's a HUGE profit margin for any business.  In the long run, your fitness center can give a damn about your results as long as they keep raking in the revenue.

3. Your Trainer might leave.  Okay, so you have met the BEST trainer in the world.  They have the credentials and the personality that meet your needs and they are ready to get you the results you want.  You've seen them train and you've talked to other gym members and hear nothing but positive feedback about "World's Best Trainer".  Now you're ready to pursue optimal fitness! You decide to dish out 2,000 plus dollars and get the VIP package.   You've made all of  your appointments for the next few months so you are 100% accountable to make it to the gym during your scheduled time slot.

A week later your trainer calls and tells you they are taking a job at another gym.  What do you do?  How many gym actually have multiple quality trainers (that aren't completely booked)?  Not many.   To be honest, you probably won't get a refund and you could stuck with someone who doesn't know their ass from their elbow.  At that point you'll probably wish you would have bought the 5 or 10 session package instead, the best you can hope for is a partial refund- but that's not likely.

There are some valid reasons to buying multiple session packages, but having worked in a commercial gym setting for over 7 years- I've seen several aggravated gym members because of the above circumstances.  Making a choice to hire a Personal Trainer should be a very positive experience.  I've worked with some fitness professionals that I'd recommend, and some I'd tell you to avoid like the plague.  Having seen the good and bad,  I want to stress before hiring a trainer make sure their focus on helping you achieve RESULTS and not meeting their monthly sales goal.

Resolution Madness......

Every year around this time gyms and health clubs are filled with people with the goal of achieving better fitness and health in 2012.  Vitamin and supplement sales also increase, especially weight loss products and various "fat burners".  In some sporting goods stores there are empty shelves where the exercise equipment belongs-  weights, bands, and other fitness products have been sold out for about a week now and they are ready to used as tools to create a lean and chiseled physique.

All of this is brought about with one famous saying:

MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS TO....... lose weight, get in shape, eat better, not be fat anymore, run a marathon, look good in a bikini, lose my spare tire, look awesome in a man thong (god, I hope not), get a 6 pack, lose the fat on my legs/butt, etc.

Gym membership sales skyrocket!  Personal Training revenue is through the roof!  Some health clubs have a waiting list for the cardio equipment.  Group X classes are filled to capacity.  At some fitness centers parking is so crazy, people have to walk half-a-mile to get to the entrance (sadly, it's probably a better workout than they'll get inside the gym).

Not much success will be achieved here, if my calculations are correct... 

This time of year is really irritating to me, which is surprising considering I am a Personal Trainer and I can easily increase my client list (if I had space).

I'm not against anyone having a GOAL or a RESOLUTION.  I'm actually a big believer in goal setting, and I encourage people to exercise more and eat better on a daily basis.

I don't mind that commercial gyms and fitness centers are so crowded people feel like sardines. I work at a private training facility and lift at a University weight room and a small warehouse gym.

Most of my clients have been at my facility for a while and are trying to get better every session - not start training harder because it's their "resolution".   As far as the University weight room, it's a little more crowded than normal, but most college kids usually train hard year round.  The warehouse I train at is strength training compound, everyone is focused on hitting PR's and getting ready for the next power lifting meet or athletic season.

My problem with this time of the year is that the desire most people have to "Getting FIT in 2012" only lasts a month or so, then begins to fade.  Some time during the month of February it's acceptable to be lazy, eat Twinkies and ignore all the "fitness" goals that people have set for themselves, yet haven't come close to reaching.

2012, the year of ABS!!! 

This time of year it's normal to go to a restaurant and order grilled chicken and some steamed veggies, but a couple months from now I get looked at like I'm vain or shallow and am only concerned with my appearance for ordering a "clean" meal.  If I choose not to have a beer and drink water instead, it's socially acceptable January 1-14th, but after that, "Come on man, have a beer- playoffs are on".

Going to the gym on a Saturday is something to be proud of for the next few weeks, but after that I hear things like, "Don't you do anything fun" and "Let's hit up a bar to watch the games, forget the gym".

Almost every year right about Super Bowl time, the whole "Get Fit CRAZE" turns into "GET FAT (er)".  It only takes about one month for the willpower to evaporate and most of society to get back to the beer guzzling, chicken wing eating, laying on the couch slobs we are used to seeing.

Before we know it the gym parking lots will be half-full, then almost empty.  The Saturday morning "boot camps" will soon become a ghost town because people will be headed to the beach.  The  Group X classes will go from having people lined up at the door to trying to recruit people to come inside.

Are we that weak of a society that our health and well being is only important for around a month?

Instead of a "Resolution" people should make a "Commitment".  A life long commitment to improve their fitness level, better food choices, and reduce mental stress.  Of course, there are more important things in life than being in great shape- staying out late drinking, eating comfort foods, and staying home so you don't miss your favorite TV show are all acceptable reasons to skip a training session and damage your health.

If you're passionate about getting in GREAT shape this year, set your goals HIGH, and ACHIEVE them.  Don't let others drag you down, make this your best year yet!

But, for the next 4-6 weeks be patient with the herd of people fighting for a treadmill so they can perform an intense walk at 2mph, and talk on their cell phone while cranking away on the elliptical.

Welcome to "Resolution Madness".