Why Bother With Strong?

I've done some farily impressive things in my life, well at least they're impressive to me. The one thing I find the most humor in though is the constant question I get in regard to my strength.

People always ask how I got so strong, or they look at me in disbelief until I prove them wrong. It's really quite humorous to me that this is one of the top things that intriques people so much.

So here's how it happened...(and you can do it too)

I've played sports since 6th grade.

I've always been competitive.

I seriously got into working out and strength training about 6 years ago.

I started with traditional weight lifting.

I transitioned into non traditional weight lifting, kettlebell training, underground training, etc.

I kept at it, I increased weight when it felt too easy, I pushed myself, I challenged myself.

Like most things it wasn't easy. In fact at times I found it to be quite discouraging. Then I'd have a great PR, so I pressed on.

I continue to challenge myself, I try new lifts and heavier weights just because. It sets me apart a little bit. It's about dedication. It's about following a plan. It's about success...work at the plan, if the plan doesn't work, re-work the plan.

Train hard. Lift heavy. Challenge yourself. Because You Can.

Kettlebell Fun at the Jersey Shore

Made a trip down to Avon-By-The-Sea to visit my friends at the Training Room, Uncle Mike and the Milkman. Had a great little workout, then we climbed some rope (note: barefoot is not ideal), played around with the 32kg, and hit the beach to see where the Warrior Challenge was going to take place.

It's always good to visit friends.

Here's the video.

Getting Out of The Rut

I just talked about falling off the workout wagon a few days ago.

Man, is it hard to get back on, but here's what I've found to be the most effective. Just do it! I know, easier said than done right?

Here's the second part to that, make a big deal about getting back on the wagon. Make the first workout back different than what you usually do. Hit some trails, jump on your bike, go to the track for an awesome sprinting and body-weight workout. Anything that's a little different than what you typically do. It'll give you an energized feeling, and tomorrow you'll see how great you feel, and you'll be headed for your second workout without any thought.

Think about this one too, of course it's easier to stay on the couch or in front of the computer, but if health & fitness were easy, everyone would be doing it, this gives you something to brag a bit about.

Have fun, and let me know what fun workouts you have in store.

Training On The Go

We all know it too well, that moment when you've finally made some headyway in your training program, you've reached a few goals, your nutrition is solid, you feel great about yourself and what you've accomplished!

Then it happens, you go on vacation, you miss one day at the gym that turns into five, and all of sudden you think your body might have forgot how to do a squat. But more importantly you realize that you have no idea what's going on with you because up until now if you missed you workout by a few hours your day was totally off, so how can you have possibly missed an entire week?

It's easy to get out of the groove, so what can you do stay there, even when things go a little helter skelter?

First off, don't beat yourself up, the negative energy will kill any momentum that might lingering in your path.

Second, start back on your plan right away. Don't wait for next week to start, don't wait til the weekend is over, just make a concerted effort to start the moment you realize you've fallen off the wagon.

Once you've gotten back on track be sure that you aren't beating yourself up, give yourself a rest day, reward yourself for working hard (within reason) and get ready to conquer the next obstacle. You've probably faced much worse in life than falling off the wagon, so pick it back up and get ready to stay on track.

Look at it this way, you've devoted a lot time, effort and energy to make it to where you are, so why waste it on simple moment of weakness. Take it back and make it work for you, mostly because you can.

Time's A Wasting...

Here we go again...I've heard a bunch more excuses on why people can't fit a workout into their day.

Now it has to do with the kids being out of school, or it's too hot, or not having enough energy at the end of the day.

I can answer those three for you right now...

Take your kids outside to play, they need the fresh air and exercise just as much if not more than you do.

It's been beautiful lately, but even if you're overly sensitive to the sun and heat, most gyms are still indoors and they have the a/c on. If this isn't enough for you then make your workout revolve around swimming.

If you don't have enough energy at the end of the day, try working out first thing in the morning. For many folks, this is the preferred time of day. You can also make sure you are fueling your body with the appropriate nutrition and a decent amount of sleep.

There's always time for a workout, even if it's a short one, something (to an extent anyway) is always better than nothing.

Fresh Fruit in the Summer

Summertime is quite possibly my favorite time of year, not only because of the warm weather, sunshine, beach, and pool, but mostly because of the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetable taste so much better in the summertime. I make sure to visit the local fruit and vegetable stand a few times a week to pick out my weekly dose of all the local treats.

If you aren't a huge fan of the ever-so-good-for you fruits and vegetables, try giving them a chance in the summertime. You'll be amazed at how sweet and flavorful they are.

Fruits and vegetables are great additions to dinner meals especially grilled or added in as a stir fry, and with having so many options in the summer, you never get bored of what you're eating.

What are some of your favorite summer fruits and vegetables?