Who Are You? (alt. title: “I’m Baaa-aaack”)
Jeezh! Time flies, huh? It’s been awhile since my last post. Over a month, in fact. No, not a case of blogger’s-block or anything life threatening (other than a near fall from the wrong end of a tall ladder, but that’s another story).
I’ve just been caught up in biz, travels, etc. I guess what they say is true: Life happens – even to the best of us.
(I don’t know if ‘they’ really ever said that… as far as I’m aware, I just made it up.)
Anyway, for the past several weeks, I thought about doing some ‘best of the cup’ posts, but that just seemed cheap and tacky. Not to say that I’m NOT cheap and tacky, but if you want to see any of my old posts (you know you do), it’s easy enough to navigate your way around this blog.
But there is something I want to know about my regular readers… Are you a ‘fitness enthusiast’? Somehow tied into the fitness industry? Or just a misguided soul who gets an inexplicable sense of enjoyment from reading my words on paper…uhm… I mean a computer monitor?
Oh, and even though I haven’t been doing a whole lotta blogging, per se, I have been active in other “social media”: adding vids to my youtube channel, facebooking, tweeting, linked in-ing and the like.
So if you’ve suffered through the last month wondering when you’d get your next Joe-fix, have no fear my little friend. In the immortal words of ZZ Top, “I’m bad. I’m nationwide.” Any way you look, I’ll be there. (well except for here. But you know what I mean…)
US:British Fitness Equivalents
I often make the joke that I went into a bookstore while I lived in England and picked up a ‘best of British cooking’ book only to open the cover and find there were no pages inside. As uninspiring as the gastronomic experience of my 3 and a half years in the UK may have been, I wouldn’t trade the overall experience for the world.
While I didn’t return to the US in 2001 with anything close to the James Bond accent I was hoping to pick up (“I like my protein shakes blended, not shaken…”), I did come back with the ability to drive a stick shift with my left hand on the wrong side of the road.
Even though we all speak the same language, there were some interesting differences I learned in the gyms of England – and I trained at quite a few of ‘em.
Converting kilos to pounds wasn’t a big deal, thanks to my prior powerlifting experience, but it took me awhile to accept the fact that the all-American exercise we knew since birth as a push-up, my British clients called a press-up.
Lying Triceps Extensions… I’ve always known ‘em as “Skull-crushers”. In England, they call ‘em as nose-breakers.
Gym shoes are known as trainers and steroids are referred to as “gear”.
Even common anatomical terms were pronounced differently enough to make me say “HUH?!” more than once.
Capillaries -
USA: KAHP-ul-larrys
UK: kuh-PILL-er-ees
Skeletal system -
USA: SKELL-it-ull
UK: skuh-LEE-tull
Of course, I also came away with an appreciation for private insurance over the government mis-managed option, but at least I won’t ever have to worry about that happening here, will I?
Slosh Pipe for Core Training
This morning, I made another appearance on Grand Rapids’ Fox 17 Morning Show to discuss a fun li’l training tool known as the slosh pipe (a HUGE thank you to Sarah for leading into the segment with Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” and keeping my ‘guilty pleasure’ on the downlow).
Fox 17 Morning Show host Sarah Brodhead wrestles with the slosh pipe
Since it’s hard to squeeze everything I wanted to say into a 3-5 minute segment, here’s some extra notes to help you get started with slosh pipe training…
WHAT: The “Slosh Pipe” (also known in some circles as ‘the pillar of pain’), an 8′ to 10′ length of (schedule 40) PVC pipe, 4″ or 6″ in diameter; capped at one end, threaded ‘cleanout’ fitting at the other; filled 1/3 to 1/2 with water or RV antifreeze if you live in a cold climate (which Michigan will certainly qualify as in just a few more months)
WHY: Allows for ‘core’ training in an upright and ‘reactive’ environment. Low cost – about $25. Easy to make. Fun (assuming you enjoy pain!). Portable.
WHO: Anyone tired of endless, boring situps/crunches; competitive athletes; thrill-seekers and the exercise-curious.
HOW: Start by simply holding the slosh pipe steady in a horizontal position (the pipe should be horizontal, not you) Total weight is only 30-50lbs or so, but when the liquid is flying back and forth over an 8-10′ long line of travel, it’s like riding a mechanical bull. You’ll use muscles you didn’t know you had to resist and control the slosh pipe.
Once you’re comfortable with the basic hold, try walking, lunging, pressing, etc while working to maintain its horizontal position.
IMPORTANT/ACHTUNG/WARNING/PELIGRO:
This should be fairly obvious, but even though we demonstrated this training implement surrounded by expensive HD cameras, TV monitors, etc, because of the unpredictable nature of this training tool (and your response to its shifting mass), YOU SHOULD ONLY USE A SLOSH PIPE WHERE THERE IS ADEQUATE OPEN SPACE (read: outdoors, far away from windows, cars & people oblivious to their surroundings).
WHAT:
The “Slosh Pipe”: An 8′ to 10′ length of (schedule 40) PVC pipe, 4″ or 6″ in diameter; capped at one end, threaded ‘cleanout’ fitting at the other; filled 1/3 to 1/2 w/water (or RV antifreeze – this IS Michigan, after
all)
WHY:
Allows for ‘core’ training in an upright and ‘reactive’ environment Low cost – about $20 Easy to make Fun (assuming you enjoy pain!) Portable
WHO:
Anyone tired of endless, boring situps/crunches, competitive athletes, thrill-seekers and the exercise-curious.
HOW:
Start by simply holding the slosh pipe steady in a horizontal position (the pipe should be horizontal, not you) Total weight is only 30-50lbs or so, but when the liquid is flying back and forth over an 8-10′ long line of travel, it’s like riding a mechanical bull. You’ll use muscles you didn’t know you had to resist and control the slosh pipe (also known in some circles as ‘the pillar of pain’)
Once you’re comfortable with the basic hold, try walking, lunging, pressing, etc while working to maintain its horizontal position.
IMPORTANT/ACHTUNG/WARNING/PELIGRO:
because of the unpredictable nature of this training tool (and your response to its shifting mass), YOU WILL NEED PLENTY OF OPEN SPACE (read:
outdoors,
far away from windows, cars & people oblivious to their surroundings)
Glutes Like Oxen Heads
You know the ones. Those fully formed, spherical mass o’ muscles you see behind powerlifters, sprinters and female fitness models (mmmmm, fitness models).
Their butts defy gravity while they sit high up on their perch as if they somehow KNOW they’re better than all the other glutes.
…And they are.
So why is it that some butt-iss-ee-moes (as “Body by” Jake Steinfeld refers to ‘em) hang, sag, droop and flop around in the breeze?
I’m glad you assed. (not a typo, I just couldn’t resist)
When muscles aren’t challenged, they effectively ‘shut down’.
Forget to contract.
Lie dormant.
The contractile fibers are still there, but once they’re off, they’re off – until you turn ‘em back on.
As good as squats, lunges, running up hill and numerous other exercises can be, when a muscle can’t do its job, other muscles are called into play to create the movement. In the case of ‘gluteal amnesia’ (that’s an Alwyn Cosgrove-ism if there ever was one), it’s often the hamstrings which become dominant (and overused… and injured) while your butt just sits there.
Want to find out if your glutes are taking a nap? Try lying face up on the floor and lift your hips into a “bridge” position with your feet flat, knees bent.
Do it.
Right now.
Did your hamstrings cramp up on you? They shouldn’t. If they did, they’re working too hard. Your glutes should be the main players in this simple exercise.
Even if you consider yourself “old” and aren’t all that concerned with the look, shape or feel of your posterior, you be wise to consider the function (or lack thereof) of these all important muscles you’re sitting on right now.
If you really want to see me make an ass of myself, be sure to watch Grand Rapids Fox 17 this Friday morning (around 8.40am) where I’ll be taking Smita Kalokhe through as many variations of glute re-awakening exercises as we can squeeze into a 4 minute segment.
Can’t catch it because you’re not in the Grand Rapids area? I got you covered. Check back in after the show and I’ll post a link to the video plus some additional strategies to give you some shake to go with those fries. ;-)
What does that MEAN?
Don’t ever question Bruce Dickinson.
Hair Removal: Where Does It End?
I used to give one of my ol’ buddies a hard time when his mom would Nair his back in high school.
Perhaps it’s what they call poetic justice, but I’ve grown progressively hirstute over the years.
Since finally breaking down and going to the table for my first back waxing experience last year, I’ve had to face tough questions. Namely, where do you STOP?
Unlike the naturally occurring tree line near the top of mountains, I think it looks pretty darned ridiculous to go from a woolly forest of body fur to the alpine tundra of bare skin.
No transition zone. No feathering/fading from one area to the next. Just a sharp line where the skin stops and hair starts.
To spite the fact that I have, in fact, become “one of those guys”, I’ve actually toyed with the idea of doing a full-body mohawk – one continuous loop of pelage from top to bottom. I seriously doubt I’ll ever go down that road, but it certainly paints an amusing picture in my mind.
At least now that I’ve become a regular at a local de-hairing establishment, it seems the hair that does grow back really is thinner and lighter that it used to be. And using balls of sugar, water and who-knows-what-else (instead of traditional wax), they’re able to give me a more natural looking ‘fade’ from back to shoulder.
If you want more information on the history of hair removal (and you know you do), you’re gonna love this.
While we’re on the subject of hair, is it just me, or have you ever noticed the correlation between bald guys and convertibles? On those rare occasions I see a guy with a full head of hair driving in the open air, I always snicker and think, “enjoy your hair while you got it, chump!” I plan on keeping my (head) hair as long as I can - I won’t even open the sunroof.
This Blog Post Doesn’t Suck
Thought ya’ll get a kick outta this li’l video I put together yesterday for one of my ongoing projects…
Kirstie Alley, You’re Invited…
Dear Miss Alley,
In light of your recent weight (re)gain and apparent readiness to do something about it, you are cordially invited to spend an intensive weekend with yours truly in order to learn how to get – and STAY – on the fitness bandwagon once and for all.
Have your people call my people to make arrangements.
(hollywood air kisses)
“Mighty” Joe Stankowski
Creator of This Workout Doesn’t Suck
P.S. This is a genuine offer to help. Please don’t take it lightly.
I Can Haz Garage Gym
I can has garage gym - U can 2.
I dunno what it is about the site “I can has cheeseburger“, but daggummit if it’s not one of the most popular blogs on wordpress, I suppose I should put my hatred for cat pictures and stupid captions aside and try to learn something from ‘em.
Oh, and have I mentioned the “ULTIMATE HOME GYM GUIDE” has been updated and expanded? Get your copy at www.HomeExerciseResources.com.
The Most Important Fitness Training Skill?
I’ve been around the block a few times.
Seen my fair share of personal trainers along the way.
One thing all of us have in common is our ability to count reps. This isn’t meant to imply that we SHOULD count for our clients, but in my experience, it’d seem that quite a few trainers still consider this elementary ‘skill’ a critically important part of the service we provide.
If you are currently working with a trainer or are considering hiring one, here’s a quick tutorial (in multiple languages) designed to give you a head start on your next workout.
1: one, uno, eins, un, I
2: two, dos, zwei, deux, II
3: three, tres, drei, trois, III
4: four, quatro, vier, quartre, IV
5: five, cinco, funf, cinq, V
6: six, seis, sechs, six, VI
7: seven, siete, sieben, sept VII
8: eight, ocho, acht, huit, VIII
9: nine, nueve, neun, neuf, IX
10: ten, diez, zehn, dix, X
Now that we’ve covered the basics, I’m confident you can do this on your own from now on.
If a trainer insists on counting for you, my suggestion would be to find a different trainer… preferably one with more advanced skills.
Random Facts about Joe Stankowski – Part I
I make it a habit to politely ignore productivity-killing MySpace surveys, Facebook ‘app’ invites and email chain letters (“send this post to 7 people and you’ll have the best workout of your life today”), but somehow found myself amused enough to to respond to several requests for blog/facebook ‘tag’.
The rules are always a little different, so I’ve taken it upon myself to do this one MY way.
And I’m only gonna do this ONE time, got it?
1) I can’t donate blood in the US because I lived in the UK during the mad cow outbreak.
2) I’m neither an optimist nor a pessimist. I’m a realist. It’s half a glass.
3) Beer chugging skill: I’ve been clocked at under 3 seconds for a full pint.
4) I understand the need for “personality” in marketing, but I disagree with those who use their families, especially detailed stories and photos of their children, to show that they’re ‘real’.
5) Iron Maiden fan/collector. Have the original “Soundhouse Tapes“.
6) My first ‘real job’ after leaving college early had me boiling water professionally. I worked at the UofChicago steam plant for 5 years. Don’t miss it one bit.
7) I’ve always wanted to do one of those mid-winter ‘polar bear plunge’ events, but know I’d have a heart attack and/or drown.
8) I have never lifted a kettlebell. Nor do I care to.
(update: I bought a kettlebell in 2010 and yes, I occasionally use it. But it’ll still never be as good, IMO, as a heavy set of deadlifts)
9) Yes, I ‘tweet‘. Is that so wrong?
10) I never sign checks. I autograph them.
11) I am not the dancing type. Far from it, in fact. Yet when I saw ‘Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo‘ in 1984, I KNEW I was destined to become a professional break dancer.
12) I’m frequently told I have a good voice for radio. Or was that “face”? Either way, I always welcome the opportunity to audition for voice acting gigs.
Don’t lie… You’re dying to know more, aren’t you?
The other half of my randomly useless info can be found on my Facebook page.
Tips Are For Waitresses and Bartenders
“I heard red wine is good. Should I drink that?”
“Which exercise should I do?”
“How can I lose these fat slabs on my thighs”?
“What should I do to increase my bench press?”
“Intervals or steady-state cardio?”
I can’t remember the last time I’ve gone a full day without being asked for a tip about training, weight loss, nutrition and the like.
Of course, I’m always more than happy to give my $.02 when it comes to all-things-fitness, but with the understanding that a simple “tip” isn’t likely to change your life in any meaningful way.
Why?
Tips are virtually meaningless unless given within the context of a system.
When one lacks even the most basic of systems (ex. Weight Watchers, Body for Life, etc), random application of even the very best tips can only create random results. Without a hint of organization, there’s no way to know which tip is actually working (or isn’t).
This doesn’t mean cookie cutter/one-size-fits-all solutions are the answer, but before a tip can have meaning, I need to understand the purpose and limitations of the system(s) you’re already using.
Any blindfolded kid can hit a piñata if he swings long enough, but it’s so much easier to achieve your fitness goals when you can see the target and make appropriate adjustments.
Here’s my tip for the day: Use/find/develop a system – ANY system. If it works, keep using it. If it doesn’t work, you can either modify it until it does or try a different system.
(and always tip breakfast waitresses a little extra, too)
Weight Loss Magic
Losing weight isn’t rocket science – it just takes a half-way decent plan and some sustained effort – but people still go to great lengths to find a short cut; and I’ve heard some real doozies.
Here are some of my favorite ‘quick fixes’ to guarantee you WON’T lose a pound.
- Sitting on your butt complaining that you can’t lose weight
- Rabbit’s foot keychains
- Magic crystals (one of my early clients really had a pocketful of “weight loss crystals” spill on the floor during a workout. It takes a lot to shock me these days.)
- Denying the existence of certain food groups
- Voodoo dolls
- Amulets, talismans and lucky coins
- Ojibwa nation dreamcatchers
- Praying the rosary
- Chicken foot charms
- Talking about losing weight
- Thinking about losing weight
Before I Was Famous…
Many years before I lived in Grand Rapids, MI – or Delaware – or even England…
A lifetime before I began blogging at “the cup”
Before I laid the groundwork for This Workout Doesn’t Suck
Before writing the Ultimate Home Gym Guide
Before I was a member of the advisory board for Men’s Fitness magazine
Before I became a contributing author to “The Power of Champions”
Before I was “the official fitness trainer for Miss Delaware USA” (2003-04)
Long before anyone ever uttered the words “fitness expert” before my name…
I was a powerlifter
…and life was good
(even if I did finish second)
Personal Training In Delaware?
I am interested in providing my husband a gift certificate for private lessons with you. He is an active 30-something who works out at least 3 times a week if not more; however he is not losing weight like he wants.
He is a strong individual who uses exercise not only to keep in shape but also for health reasons (high blood pressure). Can you give me a call or email me to let me know what type of packages you offer for private lessons and what the price would be as well as your availability?
My husband has a hectic schedule (but don’t we all).
Best regards,
Gail
Phone: 302-XXX-XXXX
Email: XXXXXXX@verizon.net
***** ***** *****
Gail,
Thanks for your email.
Unfortunately, I’m no longer able to accept one-on-one clients in Delaware (mainly because I moved to Michigan and the 700 mile commute is a killer!) but I may still be able to help you…
First, I highly recommend AGAINST buying personal training sessions for another person. You know the saying about ‘leading a horse to water’…
While I could possibly recommend a trainer in your area, if your husband isn’t 100% on board with the idea, there’s a good chance he’d just go through the motions and fizzle out unchanged. I obviously don’t know him, but I’ve seen this happen time and time again – In fact, I won’t allow anyone but the actual client/member pay for my services. If we’re expecting serious change, I need them to be PERSONALLY invested in the entire process.
Plus there’s more to it than simply scheduling “lessons” or “training sessions” – the likelihood of his exercise technique being the limiting factor is very slim. And if your husband is already training regularly, there’s a good chance he already understands the nuts & bolts of a “proper workout”.
Most trainers will only be able to give him slight variations of whatever he’s already doing (something I’m sure he can easily do on his own if he so much as picks up a reputable fitness magazine) – but variety alone doesn’t guarantee results. The “trick” is having a logical training system – a personalized interpretation of progression – of 2 basic concepts:
1) Eat right
and
2) exercise
Eat right can be easily addressed through Dr. John Berardi’s Precision Nutrition program – it’s the same plan I use w/my private coaching clients and I recommend it to everyone, and it makes a great gift for about $100. It’s a complete system of audio/video/written/web-based material. Can’t really say enough good things about it – check it out.
The exercise part of the equation doesn’t have to be overly complicated (though a lot of trainers would like to make it seem like it is). If his training program needs a complete overhaul, my friends Alwyn Cosgrove & Lou Schuler wrote the best book on the market: The New Rules of Lifting (available at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, Borders, etc)
[If you have any interest in updating your OWN training program, they also wrote The New Rules of Lifting for Women (along with Cassandra Forsythe). Can't beat these books for about $20]
If after all of that, your husband decides he needs professional guidance to make sense of it all, I’d be happy to schedule a time to chat w/him for 10-15 mins and see if it’d make sense invite him into one of my distance-coaching programs – more affordable than my private coaching and PERFECT for those w/’hectic schedules’.
-JS-
P.S. Another idea, if he doesn’t already receive it is to get him a subscription to Men’s Fitness magazine. I admit I’m a bit biased because I do a lot of work w/MF, but it really is one of the best fitness mags out there.
P.P.S. If you’re still stuck on the idea of ‘personal training sessions’, let me know and I’d be happy to send you my checklist of questions to ask before hiring a trainer.
P.P.P.S. If you REALLY want to blow him away with a gift idea, I have a house for sale in Wilmington – buy it and I’ll even throw in a set of PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells!
Just One More Debate – PLEASE!!!
During the VP debate, Sarah Palin talked about “Joe Six-Pack”.
Last night, McCain and that other guy referenced “Joe the plumber” (many times).
If we can squeeze just one more debate out of this year’s election cycle, I have no doubt someone will finally mention “Morning Cup Of Joe” and my blog traffic will skyrocket. This will result in millions thousands a handful of new readers being exposed to my take of all-things-fitness and our world will be a better place.
Now who wants my vote?
“Let Them Eat Cake” she said…
If E really does equal mc(squared), “c” obviously represents “cake”.
My sister came up from ‘da region about a week ago armed with a treat I haven’t had in years.
Where we come from, it’s known as “ATOMIC CAKE” (presumably because your bathroom scale has a tendency to blow up after you eat it). It’s probably a good thing I haven’t been able to find it anywhere outside of our hometown.
Could THIS be what Einstein was searching for?
The Cake That Killed Fitness
Authorities are still searching for the missing piece of cake. According to eye-witnesses, there is reason to believe it’s currently located somewhere around my belly.
Mmmmmmm… now back to my regularly scheduled workout.
New and Improved Home Gym Guide
If you haven’t already downloaded my “Ultimate Home Gym Guide” (version 1), you still have time to get it for free – though if you’re a regular reader of “The Cup”, I can’t imagine you don’t already have it.
Now that I’m settling in to life in Grand Rapids, I’ll finally be able to put the finishing touches on Version 2 (NOT a freebie) in the next couple of weeks.
Send me your questions about designing, purchasing, maintaining or getting most out of YOUR ultimate home gym before I wrap up Ver.2 and I’ll be happy to email you a copy as a gift. Questions must be in before Oct 31, 2008.
-JS-
BTW, you may remember the pics of my basement gym in Delaware… here’s my new garage gym in Michigan (definitely gonna have to put a heater in for winter!):
Click for larger picture
Best part about having a gym in the garage is that I have direct and immediate access to the outdoors for sled-dragging, farmers-walks and other dynamic/agility work that just won’t “fit” indoors. (plus, my neighbors seem to enjoy the show)
UPDATE: One more pic using a better camera…
I Am Nothing If Not An American
I pledge allegiance
To my home gym
(The one down in the basement)
To the personal progress
And dumbbell stands,
Power rack with safety rods.
It’s incredible.
For deadlifts and squats…for all.
Too Frustrated To Come Up With A Quirky Title
Hi Joe,
I read this today. I hope to write on it myself as to the implications of such systematic eradication of physical activity in our children’s lives. I wanted to hear your thoughts because I greatly value your opinion. Thank you Joe.
Bobby F.
Age 25
California
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Bobby,
Thanks for alerting me to the story… As I read this article, my first instinct was to bang my head against a wall (or a fully loaded squat bar).
Now that I’m thinking (only slightly) more clearly, I’ll try to reason out a coherent response…
Should we blame the fear of physical activity on an out of control legal system? It seems like everybody’s looking for an easy payout due to “overwhelming physical and emotional trauma” attributed to childhood injuries (or the POTENTIAL of such injuries).
Or do we blame the liberal wacko movement that says we’re supposed to go out of our way to avoid ANY words/actions/thoughts that might be construed as “offensive”? (has anyone seen Jimmy Carter lately?)
If parents/administrators can’t understand that kids need to be kids, I suspect normal, healthy/active childhood games such as tag, touch football and the like will have to go ‘underground’.
Since dog fights are apparently on the list of things not-to-do, maybe we can start gambling on which kid will win at dodge-ball in an old warehouse. (Michael Vick called, he said he wants to put $400 on a kid called “Johnny Slaughter” in the 3rd round.)
There are any number of clichés/lessons one could learn from playing kids games.
- Life isn’t fair
- Cream always rises to the top
- Lose graciously
- Win with dignity
- If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig (I don’t know how this one fits in, but I love the saying!)
Back when I was a kid (I could’ve sworn I said I’d never start a sentence with those words), I tore holes in the knees of my pants by playing aggressively on the playground. I had fun playing with my friends. Sometimes I’d lose. Sometimes I’d get bumped, bruised or bloody. But I always got back up.
The more I learned how NOT to lose/fall/etc, the faster my athletic skills developed. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have developed those skills by just reading about ‘em. In fact, we used to play a game called “Keep-away” where it was ONE kid against everybody else. (kind of like football, but there was no goal line, boundary lines or referee)
In fitness, it’s all about the SAID Principle: Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands.
If schools refuse to impose any challenges more demanding than tiddlywinks, what the hell are the kids going to adapt TO? And maybe if there was more physical activity on the playground, there wouldn’t be such a problem with teen-pregnancy?
The more I get to know the human race, the less I want to be part of it.
Now who’s ready for a game of full-contact Twister?
Sales People: Stop Making America Fat
Fitness equipment distributors train their sales force to sell their latest configuration of plastic, aluminum, iron and computer circuitry as “cutting edge” or “state of the art”.
As such, it’s not uncommon for the typical gym or private training studio to start out with an investment of at least $100,000 in the latest & greatest equipment.
Now keep in mind, I’m NOT an equipment salesman – I’m a practitioner.
I’m also a pragmatist.
I ‘get’ that people have certain perceptions of what a gym *should* look like. Heck, they’ve been conditioned to remain deconditioned for the last 40 years. It’s hard to forget everything we ‘know’ cold-turkey.
I also ‘get’ that people want something to show for their investment of time and money. Isn’t that what it’s really about?
In 2004, I contributed a chapter (Is A Health Club Right For Me?) to a book called “The Power of Champions”. While the numbers have likely grown a bit since then, I explained…
- In 1982, there were barely 6000 health clubs in the US
- In 2003, there were more than 20,200
- More than 36,000,000 Americans belong to a health club
- Total industry revenues exceed $13 BILLION PER YEAR.
State Of The Art = Same Crap (Only Newer)
By creating more of the same, diabetes increased 33%, overweight/obesity is at an all time high and here in 2008, we’re not showing any signs of slowing down.
The “cutting edge” element doesn’t need to be the equipment, the environment or the logo on the door.
It needs to be in the way ACCURATE information is distributed.
People don’t NEED gym memberships.
Nor do they NEED personal trainers.
They need coaches/educators/mentors who can help them make the transition from “then” to “now”
They need accountability.
They need to have a base level of understanding of the consequences of their decisions.
They NEED to re-establish the fitness habit before they worry about the next “best new piece of equipment”.
Most of all, they need to accept RESPONSIBILITY and put what they learn into ACTION.
NOBODY ELSE CAN EXERCISE FOR YOU.
Seek out quality sources of information. When you find it, share it with your friends, family and anyone else who is tired of struggling to make a faulty system work.
If the fitness industry expects to be taken seriously (and not just as something you buy into while watching an infomercial at 3am), ALL OF US need to re-consider the way we provide our services.
Hear me today and believe me tomorrow, traditional gyms may work for the few, but they clearly aren’t working for the masses.
I’m Fat (And Personal Trainers Only Want My Money)
Real email. Real response (slightly edited for readability).
I realize it’s not my usual sarcasm-laced, trying-too-hard-to-be-funny post, but you might find it useful.
***** ***** *****
I’m frustrated with my weight but love to work out. I have four kids and I can’t go to a gym but I have a Precor elliptical machine and weights and cable machine in the basement. I just can’t seem to get dialed in on a diet. I hated weight watchers. I have worked with personal trainers in the past and all they wanted was my money!! I got down to 195 and 10% body fat. Now I am fat at 255. So wasn’t sure if you could help!! Have a great day!!
-Mike M.
***** ***** *****
Thanks for your email, Mike.
I’ll quickly try to point you in the right direction and save you a few bucks in the process…
Nutritionally, I can’t say enough good things about Dr. John Berardi(“JB” for short)’s programs. It’s the same system I use with my private coaching clients.
Depending how much you really want to learn about nutrition (and how much you want to spend), there are a few ways to get the information you need…
You can get the whole enchilada for about $100 (plus shipping) at PrecisionNutritionPlan.com.
OR you can get Gourmet Nutrition for $40 (plus shipping). It’s so much more than a simple ‘recipe book’, but this book gets more use than any other in my kitchen…
If you just want to test the waters before shelling out any more cash, JB created a FREE 8-day mini-course. (no shipping charges either!)
All of these options are based on the same set of 10 easy-to-understand nutritional habits.
Like you, I train at home (for a variety of reasons)… I highly recommend my ULTIMATE HOME GYM GUIDE (free pdf download) so you can learn some of my best tips & tricks for saving BIG $$$ on anything you may decide to add to your current setup.
Finally, if you need any help with your training program design/advanced training strategies, I currently have a couple openings for my Platinum-level monthly coaching program. If you’re interested, just drop me a line and we’ll start your application process right away.
-JS-
"Mighty" Joe Stankowski
