Can you see what i see?

I am near a loss of words for what I've witnessed during the past several weeks, and NOT in a good way. I confess, I've been to the big town gym a lot lately, but it's not what you think, i swear!! I've been going to _____ ___ for my protein shakes lately, and MAN are they good! But, what i see while I'm there seriously disgusts me, no joke. First of all, before i go to _____ ___, i have a KILLER workout...obviously, what else would someone do before a shake?? So i get to the gym, take a seat, and I'm beat from the workout i just pulled through in my DRIVEWAY. I obviously have time to look around and see what's happening at the big Ole' gym. What do i see? I look to my left, and i see several men and women SITTING...yes...SITTING on these little cycle peddler thingies (how should I know??) going about two mph, reading the latest Newsweek or whatever is good these days. I look to my right, and there are a few people on the treadmills, watching t.v. while they think they are doing themselves a favor by being there. GIVE ME A BREAK!! I'm sitting there thinking to myself..."do people actually go to the gym to RELAX??" Well, socializing is one thing most can't avoid in a place like that, but when you're interrupting your workout, you might as well leave and never come back. That's what i did!
I actually sat there listening to some girl saying...and i quote..."I'll workout a little bit, but talking to people is the only real reason why i come here." It's great to be honest, but then mutter on about how "these workouts just aren't doing anything!" I'll say it again...GIVE ME A BREAK!!
Don't get me wrong, people are completely free to waste their time walking around in a gym talking to people in hopes of avoiding doing actual work, but don't ever think you'll workout with me or anyone that I workout with. You're not worth my, or frankly...YOUR time, if you have an attitude like that. Not to mention the fact that you are not getting better at anything if you don't make the effort and push through to make a change. Here's a universal rule for ya... If you have a weight in your hand, you want to make a change in your life, simple as that. YOU have to decide if YOU want to change for the better, or do you want to be your old self a little longer!?
It's all about improvement. Making your life a workout of art. Yes, this includes your body, mind, and spirit. Be independent with your workouts. Don't just sign up at your local gym because you ASSUME "that's what people do to lose weight or get stronger, etc." Please, think for your self for once, and get with someone who knows what they are doing and can help you improve yourself. If you don't know how to make improvements on yourself (that you'll actually notice), you CAN'T do it without knowledge of HOW to change. Take it from someone who'd already tried to go to the gym four times a week, thinking that he'll improve, just 'cause he's at the gym. I was there, and now i'm working out in my driveway with tires, stones, and kettlebells. You don't need the big gym, and it doesn't need you. If you can improve yourself in that gym, by all means, go for it. But honestly, get it together and look at the big picture. What is worth your time?
I won't be an idiot and say "stay away from those gyms!" But i will say "stay smart about what and how you change yourself." And for goodness sake, if i ever find you at the "gym" sitting down on a cycle-sorus-rex, i just don't know you anymore...sorry!

Your friendly neighborhood strength coach,
Dan C

It's Time!

Alright peoples, the sun is shining, and the pavement is heating up. It's finally ideal weather in Maine for getting outside and using the jungle of nature to better our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. I don't think i stand alone in saying that spring brings a certain pattern of personal growth to our lives, as it does for the trees, the fields, and the beasts. Regardless of where you live, whatever you consider to be "good weather" can make you...no...PULL you outdoors and under the sun. It's time!
Jason and I had a crazy trip down to Zach Even-esh's Underground Strength Gym in Edison, New Jersey (a.k.a. "The Dirty Jerzee"), and found out first hand what the hype was all about. Like Zach often says, he's "killin' it" down in Jersey, and it's obvious to see by just watching his videos and connecting with the underground community, as it was by attending the certification weekend. Both of us are truly inspired by what we experienced at his gym, and recommend it to anyone willing to give their all, for their all.

Now, back to my point...GET OUT THERE!!

I think we underestimate how much we can benefit from being out in the open air with nothing but the will to sow the seed of perseverance and the patience to reap the strength, and maybe a pair of shorts ;-)

I took advantage of yesterday's sunny inspiration and took the kbells for a spin. Here's what i did...

1. 5 reps push-press, left (non-dominant) then right.
2. 7 reps swing-to-clean, left then right.
3. 10 reps kbell push-ups, not too fast, full body tension, parallel grip and close to body.
4. 5 reps, double rack squats, not too fast, smooth full body tension.
5. 2 reps, snatch (1-4) top-down TGU (turkish get-up), left then right, with one press at the bottom.
REPEAT (if you can)
End with farmer walks or rack walks with both bells, then get your protein shake and TAKE A SHOWER you filthy comrade!

Take this workout into consideration as a max-out session. Mix up numbers and/or drop an exercise to better suit your energy needs, but push yourself a little more each workout. As your body advances, so should your discipline.

What are you waiting for? Hop outside and get to work!

Stay strong,
Coach C