10 Epic Rants

OK, kiddos!  Enough is enough.  It’s time to get off the tit and stop making pathetic excuses.

So, you’ve received a couple ‘informative’ posts, that actually had some decent tips…and now it’s my turn to rant.  About what?  Well, everything…

1.  You, Mrs. come into Starbucks and order a venti caramel frap and a ‘multi grain’ bagel….in your workout gear. It’s crazy, everyone is laughing at you, and you should probably stick to water until your rear end doesn’t require it’s own zip code.

2.  You, Mrs. I like to wear summer dresses that are slightly see thru. This wouldn’t be a problem, if your dress didn’t keep getting stuck in between your side rolls.  This is no longer a ‘muffin top’, instead, it is now a triple scoop muffin wrapped in a thin napkin.  WTF?!

3.  You, Mr. my biceps are now bigger and more powerful than my quads. Huh?  If you visit your local corporate fitness chain gym on a regular basis, you know what I’m talking about.  It’s the rooster syndrome.  Big upper, towering build, and thick pumped arms…all carried by 2 toothpick size legs.  They’re easy to pick out…the ones who have calves and quads of similar size.  Be on the look out for sleeveless shirts, and your standard gym goer arm tattoos.  Members of this club are NOT allowed to own any shirts that have sleeves attached.  If the only work your legs get is the walk to the preacher curl machine, change your routine now.

4.  You, my gerbils.  You didn’t think I’d forget about the ones that stay consistently about 15-20lbs overweight, but somehow think it’s fine because they ‘treadmill’ 3x a week. You know, the ones who stand in line and wait for a machine…no goal to become the machine.  They buy the latest, greatest, running shoes- and Nike commercials consisting of people running for long periods of time inspire them.  Somehow, the same 45 minutes on the treadmill, at level 5, that they’ve been doing for the last 14 months, is going to bring a different result this time.  The only thing that has changed is the channel on the stupid TV, that they watch and laugh at for 45 minutes while they run.

5.  You, Mr. corporate fitness club, that gives everyone false hopes in search of a monthly fee. You preach a false slogan, ‘We’re all athletes.’ and then sell Coke, and NoS energy drinks outside of the locker room.  What ‘athlete’ drinks that crap after, or before a workout.  Athletes don’t use machines that look like the son of Robo Cop.  Athletes don’t do 100s of variations of bicep curls, and ignore everything below the waist.  You try to push your ‘branded’ supplements and say it is a boost the body needs for optimal results.  Real athletes wouldn’t wouldn’t touch that crap.  If you’re going to take pills that have more chemicals, bonders, binders, agents, and other synthetic fillings, than a box of Tide…why not just do steroids?  No matter how they want to mask it, we are NOT all athletes.  Some people in there barely qualify as living humans.

6.  You, Mr. and Mrs. nothing works for me, all fitness programs suck and I just can’t do it. Well, the last part is probably correct.  If you can, or you can’t…you are correct.  It’s been said many times.  Here’s a tip; in order for a program to work, you have to ACTUALLY do it!  If you train 4x a week and eat shitty 3x a week, you will fail.  If you train on a consistent basis, but have small cheats on a regular basis…you will fail.  You will not see any desired results.  If you’re schedule rivals that of Mr. Obama, and you find yourself training twice a week…you will fail.  If you train hard, but have no outside discipline..you fail.  If you’re a tree hugging freak, that eats only the purest of the pure…but hate to train- well, then, you’ll just look like a sucked up girly man.  You will probably start wearing real tight pants, dark shirts, and eye liner.  At that point, who cares anyhow?

6B.  You, Mr. busy, busy, busy. Well, from what I have experienced…it is my conclusion;  being ‘busy’ increases your chance of being obese by 92.6%.  Further research shows, of that 92.6%, self entitlement, and lack of time management was responsible for 99.5% of the ‘busy’.  Social activities based around a meal, and entertainment, were two other leading contributors.  Of course, this study is completely made up.

7.  You, Mr. I try everything, from the Ab Circle to Yoga, to green tea, to some pill that ‘clumps fat together’ so you can poop it out, to 3 meals a day, to 8 meals a day…everything, except, eating real foods. You love to make excuses about time, cooking, and shopping.  You search for a ‘healthy’ option that you can take to go thru a window.  You ignore obvious facts and nutritional information.  You allow others to dictate what you eat, and have no problem explaining your way thru meal after meal.  You justify this by blaming some genetic disorder, and never, ever have taken the time to truly track the food you eat and how it affects your body.  Here’s a tip; just because you slop your way thru a couple workouts per week, doesn’t justify your fast food crutch.

8.  You, Mr. Fitness guru. Your cheesy before and after photos that go along with your recommendations and product endorsements…all your marketing tactics, with the latest, and greatest developments…it’s sad!  If something has ‘never been seen before’ or is a ‘top secret tip’ or has ‘been used by pro athletes behind the scenes’ or ‘has not been available to the public’ until now…just run from it.  Don’t worry, there will be an ever better product released next year, and your favorite guru will probably endorse it, too.  Just save your money and buy next years model.  Better yet, get last years model out and actually TRY using it for a change.  It’s a shame this happens, and even worse…the people that buy it time after time.

9.  You, Mr. and Mrs. I cannot let go of the ’same old’ low fat diet, or fat free substitutes…or my belly. You would think that years of buying fat free this, and low fat that, would equal a flat belly.  Sure, it may have allowed some WEIGHT to be lost over the months- but, this may be credited to the fact that you don’t eat 2 snickers per day, and wash it down with a couple dr. peppers.  It has nothing to do with your fat free choices.  Actually, once you lose some initial weight- the fatless options are going to halt any further progress you desire.  Get with the program.  The research was flawed, and further covered up by enormous food corporations thru lobbying and good ol’ money!  Do you really think some half chemical, half food is better for you than real full fat food?  You cannot offset the fact that you eat way more than you should…not even some frankenfood invention that allows you to eat more.

10.  You, Mr. and Mrs. I cannot buy organic fruits and vegetables because they cost twice as much as conventionally grown products. First off, WTF?!  Why are pesticides and other crap practices considered conventional, or normal…and organic needs a special label?  It’s stupid.  Anyhow, if you didn’t have to save for the next release of the iphone, android, blueberry smoothie version of the blackberry…you’d have some extra cash for food.  Oh, and your hair, nails, and purse combo- that was about $700 total…well, it does nothing for your flabby gut.  Spend it on the right food if you want to look better.  Wow, what an amazing purse.  It covers up your rolls like magic! Puhlease!!

I hope you enjoyed the rant.

-Mike.

Happy Birthday, America!

To all my fellow American beez in peez, Happy Independence Day!  True, it is argued by historians that this is not the exact day we decided to free ourselves from British rule…but it’s close enough.

Just a side note; Imagine how crazy that sounded to everyone?  We are freeing ourselves from the king.  We will no longer be part of this.  Yes, we are willing to trade our lives in search of freedom.

Crazy huh?  Personally, I think it is awesome!  Celebrations tell me most of us do.

Think about it….every idea that we accept now was made possible by the decision of these few men.  They had a goal, and did not waver in the face of defeat.  The whole basis of our beloved country was founded on what most people thought was ‘pure insanity’ and basically, a stupid idea.

These guys were true warriors.  No, not some cage fighting, tight t shirt wearing, smack talking, tap out junkie, warrior….real true warriors- willing to give up family life, comfort, and even their own physical lives to fight for a country that had not even been born yet. Poorly armed, and very little training was the norm.  They faced huge armies of highly trained soldiers, equipped with advanced weapons.

If you fought for this country back then, you probably had your brother…or even father, right at your side fighting too.  Slaves, yes, slaves….fought besides their ‘masters’.  Given the circumstances, you would find it tough to place a gun in the hands of a slave, next to a slave owner…but all lives were equal.  Everyone fought for freedom.

Food shortage, makeshift shelters, long days, and endless nights…filled with anxiety and fear.  These men fought for what we now take for granted.  No radio contact, no advanced weapon systems.  Just good ol fashion metal balls being fired out of a musket, powered by gun powder.  Dodging huge cannon balls, some ripping thru entire bodies.  They had to hold off huge armies, fighting from a small camp filled with tents made from sheets and small fires creating a little warmth.  Knowing more ships were on they way, filled with even more redcoats…and more cannon balls.

Soldiers were common citizens, shop owners, farmers, and kids.  There was no technology;  just determination and a fight. No advanced training or medicine.  Infections and cold killed many freedom seekers.  There would be no USA if not for these selfless acts.

The Rebel Forces…true American heroes.

Let us fast forward…. If your cell phone isn’t connecting like it should, you can’t get your iPod to hold more than 999 songs, your car is making a weird noise, someone messed up your drink at Starbucks…and we all lose our shit!  It ruins your day….you’re in a bad mood and everyone needs to know your I-phone isn’t working well with the current apps that have been put out.  You need a Mercedes because the BMW doesn’t run like it should (mostly because you didn’t take care of it) and your latte doesn’t have enough caramel syrup.  You’re on 2 new prescriptions that have you feeling jittery, the last 3 diets haven’t worked, and your boss is on your ass.  On top of all that, you’re just too busy to be concerned with why and how you got here.  No admiration, no concern, just a healthy dose of self stress caused by self entitlement.

Just a couple centuries ago these guys were dodging 25lb metal balls being shot from ships…traveling faster than light, and traveling well over a mile in distance.  If you had been shot in the leg, it was usually cut off…if that didn’t work- you died.  There was no chopper to come rescue you and then present you with the purple heart.

This country was made possible by true warriors.  Selfless, brave, and relentless.  We whine about the internet being too slow.

Fast food drive thrus, and instant everythings have made this nation into a place filled with fat, lazy, and selfish people.  Unwilling to do work, unless it is outlined in their daily duties…from their carpeted box…aka the cubicle.  Athletes competing are now called warriors.  Names such as Hancock, or Edison are simply ‘company names’ to most people…completely oblivious to the true meanings.  Self entitlement runs deep.  Generations of immigrants have filled this great land with diversity…your grandparents risked their lives to give you a better future- and all you care about is your PS3 not working.  WTF?!

Or maybe your family lived here all along…but when the 4th of July rolls around, or even Memorial Day…all you can think about is a day off, some beer, and hot BBQ cranking out some tasty food.  “Whoohoo, happy 4th everyone!” is the phrase repeated over and over.  For some reason, BBQing is expected…but showing no admiration to the true warriors of this land is perfectly fine.  How about, hey- thanks guys for having some balls and standing up for what was right…and sacrificing all that you knew for a better future for your country.  We appreciate not having that annoying accent too.  (no offense anyone)

So, just at least this time…you can say a quick thanks to our true founding countrymen.  No matter what is going on now, like it or not…good times or bad…we have to appreciate what these men did.

In fitness, goals, and overall life…we need to be REAL warriors.

Let us stop complaining about what we don’t have.  We need to seek ways to work, instead of ways to complain about what doesn’t.  It doesn’t matter what was, or has or is happening…you still have the rest of your life to make it better.  Demand to be better than average!  Fear is your taxation without representation….demand your FREEDOM!

You can’t always ‘go with the flow’ and expect to be the best you can…create your own path.  Take the time to understand who you are, and what your goals mean.  Declare your own personal war on whatever it is holding you back from realizing them- demand your freedom.

Have a great 4th of July, and an awesome INDEPENDENCE DAY!  And be proud to know what it is to be an American.

-Mike.

CHANGE comes from HABITS within

If first, you don’t change yourself, nothing will.

If you change yourself first, the universe will follow.

I’m not sure who said it, and actually, it doesn’t matter.  The point is; change yourself.  Stop waiting on the world to create ‘change’.  And definitely stop waiting for Mr. Change to create it!

The change must come from within.

It has to be change that lasts the test of time.  Most people begin new projects every week, and seldom finish any of them.  Regardless if you’re a salesman, company owner, mechanic, grocery clerk, janitor, or any other of the millions of ‘jobs’ available, you are RESPONSIBLE for yourself.  Nobody can make you fix a car, clean a toilet, run a company, or do anything else better or worse than the next Joe.  Everyone works for themselves in this world. The change for the better must come from within.

Change does not come from a certain workout, or even diet.

They may be good starts, but they seldom pass the test of time if the change is not from within.  Just remember, if you’re going to dwell upon your current state, whether it be ‘too fat’ or ‘too skinny’ or ‘too old or too busy’, you will continue to attract more of what you dwell upon.  It is not the latest workout or diet fad that is going to help you change, it is YOU!

Is June 4th the 155th day of your 2010 resolutions?  Or like most, have they been put aside again until this Christmas?

The time is now, folks!  Set your watches, and all clocks to “N:OW” o’clock…and just get moving!

We all have something we would like to change in our lives, but it takes some digging to do it from within.  What do you wanna do?  Laugh it off, get back to your coffee or tea and daily dose of entertainment addiction, temporarily satisfied thru the internet or maybe the 4 hours of TV time the average person watches per day?  Or, will you suck it up…and START NOW?!

For me, the time has come to act.  Let’s get this started NOW.

For me, I know I can just get out and kill it…no matter what is going on.  I know I can fine tune the diet and workouts and shed a few pounds if needed.  This time, my goals, or promises, are from within- and only matter to me.

Here they are:

1.  READ: No, not the latest fitness mag or current issue of Mens Fitness.  40 minutes of quality, spiritual, or motivational material each day.  I’ve heard, “your life is shaped by the people you associate with- and the books you read.”  Well, since I don’t have many ‘friends’, I guess I will be reading allot more.  I am currently working on ‘The Perfect 10 Diet’ by Michael Aziz, M.D. as well as, ‘Your Erroneous Zones’ by Dr. Wayne Dyer.  Both of these books have been awesome so far.  The Perfect 10 diet is just what we all need to hear…or read.  The problem is, it’s a very long book.  And we all know, this is the land of instant gratification or bust!

2.  MEDITATION: Yoga (contrary to popular belief, it is not stretching in a hot ass room) prayer, breathing, just quiet relaxation.  Or, you can call this my ‘alone time’.  We all need a few minutes each day to clear the mind.  With 30 second commercials packed with lies, to rush hour traffic, and screaming kids…we all need to clear the temple.  Even when alone, and quiet, the mind continues to fire off multiple thoughts per second, and not all are positive.  Estimates say we have somewhere between 40,000-60,000 thoughts per day.  It will take much time and practice to stop them for 20 minutes.  Just imagine; if you could actually control most of those thoughts?  Wow!

3.  CONTROLLED COMMUNICATION: How many times have you said something, and then an hour later wanted to take it back?  Your thoughts are where it starts, then it manifests into words…from there, it either dies, or carries into action.  Words can hurt and cut like a jagged knife, or they can uplift and motivate like a great speech.  The goal is to catch the ‘negative’ thought before it manifests into words.  Nope, I am not saying I will start kissing ass, and saying only what people want to hear…instead, my goal is to refrain from negative conversation.  The next time you want to complain, ask yourself “Can this person REALLY help out my situation?  Or am I simply looking for another ear to dump my problems on?”

4.  DAILY PHYSICAL RESTORATION: This is the only ‘physical’ goal I am putting out there.  For too long I have ignored my muscle imbalances, aches, pains, and other plethora of issues.  I have done a few things, such as therapy, also using the Rotator, the foam roller, and other devices so far.  All of it has helped greatly, but I haven’t been consistent enough. The goal here is to do it EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I am a beast, and beasts cannot kill it if they’re injured or hurting. (well, we can always kill it- but not how we would like to)  Daily corrections are in order here.  And no, pain does not come with age…and the answer doesn’t come from your doctor and his eagerness to write you a Rx.

There you have it.  I’m putting it on the line.  There is no more time to be ‘busy’, or search for excuses.  Like it always has been…if I fail, I take full responsibility.

Let us shape the body, and build the mind NOW.  No more bullshit, no more excuses- just pure, 100%, doing.

-Mike.

Here we go, again!

The beast is near.  There is no time to hurry up and wait.

The mental war drums of doubt beat, arrows of agony pierce the mind.

Skeptical spears attack at every angle.

Foot soldiers are plentiful against us as we fight this personal battle.

Day One:  The road to beastville will be quite bumpy.

WOD- Good ol’ basics to get the heart rate up and body in motion.

Kettlebell swings: 2 x 25 / 2 x 25 with heavier bell.

Tire Sled: 3 x 40yds front / 2x 40yds back

Cone Cardio: 5 mins moderate intensity

It feels good, but still lacking.  Still no burpees, pull or push ups, or push presses in sight.  We take progress and move on to the next step.

I will post workouts and food outlines during the 8 week challenge as well.  It’ll be a great way to stay accountable, and possibly win some cash.  More on that below…

—-

The ‘diet’ continues to be tweaked and improved on as I learn more and more info.  Not to mention, a little discipline here and there helps.  We all know, it ‘aint easy’. Right???  I must admit, my new found interest (to put it VERY conservatively) in nutrition has taken up a great deal of my time.  I must apologize for my lack of rants thru the site.  I’ll make sure I get back on it!

My nutrition goal is simple; learn to live off of, and enjoy, real food all the time.

Understanding ‘real food’ is not so simple.  (that’s the reason we go on so many fad diets) Even more confusing is the human body and the nutritional needs we have.  There is only a few things I am sure about…and I’m pretty sure we’ve been duped as a nation of eaters.  Just remember, if we keep eating shit…they’ll keep feeding us shit. (First time readers can find the long GMO post on our current food supply here)

But, enough of those rants for now.  My fitness goals will change as my body heals and the workouts progress.  For now, we embark on a new challenge.  AST Gym is holding an 8 week challenge on March 1, and it’s $35 to get in.  Anyone local in the Anaheim or LA area is encouraged to sign up!  Check the Facebook Page here and email Tony for more info.

There is also a Mud Run coming up in Irvine.  This is coming up in April, and would also be sweet to partake in!  It’s been almost 90 days of no beastliness and for the most part, I have done my part and stayed away from the weights and tires and such.  I have kept my mind exercised and focused in other areas.  I think we have enough to attack now.  Let’s stop worrying about what we don’t have, and focus on what we do have…and can do.

Of course we have to start very slow again, but we must focus on steady progress.

Folks, I think it’s time we made some noise again! Now, go throw something around and piss off your neighbors..

Mike McNeil

OC Strength & Fitness

Anaheim, CA

Don’t pass this offer up! This cannot be missed…

Once in a lifetime offer!  Blahblibbity blah sales pitch here! Get ready, this is going to be awesome! (yeah, oh joy)

Hey (insert name here)

Even though I am emailing you directly, don’t respond because I will never get back to you…I don’t even check my own email.  It’s called marketing!

I have some kick ass news for you today!
Because you’re one of my faithful readers, we have negotiated a great deal with (insert product here).  This thing blows the socks off the other (insert product here) out there!

It wasn’t easy, so I had to promise I would only make it available for 7 days, and copies are limited! (even tho it’s a pdf book)  For the first 100 people to email us get this promotion.  Don’t worry, we never sell your info…and you’ll only get 3 stupid emails like this from me each day!  So, act now, and change your life for good! Rest assured, I am talking to YOU….not some mass email list.

Oh yeah, its free but we need your credit card because you definitely need a new set of tips each month for just $49.  You never know when some ground breaking new exercise or machine will come out!

Yeah! Blow me…. Man…shut the fuck up already!  Seriously, it’s annoying now.  I am about one nerve away from calling out names and being black-balled for good.

You want to know a secret? THERE ARE NO FUCKIN SECRETS!
It’s called a commitment to fitness and nutrition.  Whatever it is, losing weight, getting stronger, etc… Basic lifting, good eating, and proper recovery, is all you need.  Before you get these down, stop reading everything!

It’s hilarious how many people change their ‘views’ on things once profit gets involved. I will find articles on how the kettlebell is not an efficient tool, but then see kettlebells listed on the website….of course set up as an affiliate deal.  I remember a couple people swearing against the methods used by Crossfit, then completely turning into a human crossfit advertising machine. Seriously?  The same holds true with olympic lifts,  They hate em one month, useless…the next we have instructional DVDs being sold on their site, and now it’s ’something you MUST do’ for total progression.  Never once saying, ‘I was wrong’ and have some new info.

Seriously, make up your fuckin mind!

Listen, with no money at stake…ill let you in on some secrets for the average person.

1.  Only true advanced lifters need to worry about ‘changing’ things up very often. Chains, special jackets, state of the art machinery and supplements…etc.  Most of these other guys keep new clients on the same shit for at least a year, until the basics are met.
2.  If you don’t squat, learn how.
3.  Deadlifts….see #2.
4.  Your cardio should be brief bursts, but intense.
5.  You CANNOT get a six pack of abs if you are still ‘fat’. You lose fat, you gain abs.  It does not happen the other way, no matter how many books you read.
6.  Nutrition is going to be argued until the end of time.  There is not many that agree on all.  Just look at how many DOCTORS have come out with completely different diets….DOCTORS, not trainers.  Do some research on your own.  I mean real research, not something a supplement ad told you.  My main rule is to eat real food, not tainted with science.
7.  For you muscle mag readers….many of the top mags are owned by supplement companies. Ha!  It’s a great way to advertise your shit.
8.  Your weight loss products are filled with poison and lack real nutrients.
9.  Most protein powders contain soy, which has shown to have negative impact on male testosterone levels over time.  FYI: test is good for muscle growth.
10.  You are a guinea pig. You will have to find out what works for yourself.  99% of people CANNOT follow anything 100%.

The biggest secret of them all, which Zach Even Esh posted about….it’s called hard work.
Giving up your favorite shit food for fruit is hard work.  Stretching even tho you’re in a rush is hard work.  Keeping track of food logs and always striving to make the next killer workout, is hard work.  Cooking your own food, cutting back on portions, or forcing yourself to eat for muscle…is all hard work.

Fuck that, Mike!  I mean, who has time for all that anyhow?  We have lives, we’re busy!  That’s too much work…

But really, is it?  I think having a real disability and fighting thru it, is really, really, hard work.

It’s no wonder the diet and supplement industry are so huge…  People already know the truth.  They would like to think there may be something else tho.  Regardless of what pill does what, and what foods add muscle faster…it all comes down to ass kicking hard work….and discipline.

People these days hate hard work.  Unfortunately for them, they have not invented a pill or powder that keeps you motivated and focused on your goals…and especially one that makes hard work, easy.  So, if you are not willing be disciplined and put in the hard work…I have nothing to sell you.

Now stop looking for magic beans and get out there and killlit!

-Mike.

PS: Don’t get me wrong…there are tons of good info out there, and I have mentioned some of the sites quite a few times.  Stop being lazy…

Well, it’s here. Now what?

Well, the clock hit midnight and all kinds of magical shit happen…I think.  I fell asleep at 11 and woke up at 1am.  I’m old and boring now, sorry.

I am not one for resolutions, but here are 5 things I look to really ‘get in tune’ with this year.  None of it is new, and none of it is old.  Each topic has about 5 sides to it, and it all takes plenty of time to perfect and make your own ideal.

1.  Eat REAL FOOD a wo/man would eat. I have talked about this recently and now feel it’s like beating a dead horse.  But wait, is it a real horse…or a GMO horse?  HAAA!!  But….Just so you know…I am not ‘very’ concerned if a baby cow is taken from it’s mother, or if cows are being mistreated…I just don’t want myself or my family to suffer because of it.  People are getting sick!  And really, if your biggest concern is how an animal is treated and you have to make everyone aware of it…but have no clue about any of the PEOPLE problems out there…mistreatment is across the board….then what kind of person are you, really?

2.  Be kind to those in need. Typically,  I am a nice guy at heart.  This year I will go far and beyond to show it.  They were drunk, but I gave em my cooked chicken breast and some bananas I got from the store….because they asked for change.  I was hungry, so I went and got more.  My gas tank was on E, and I needed to collect…but the lady holding a HUNGRY sign got $1 and a can of tuna.  If you really can’t afford training, but have a real desire to change your life…I am always looking for that eye of the tiger…and God will provide.

3.  Relax. No, I do not mean with a beer or a vacation.  I am talking about ‘de-stressing’ myself thru slow form exercise and meditation…and of course, prayer.  Thru everyday problems, it builds up.  I would look for a release thru ‘killlin’it’ and it worked, for the moment.  In reality, I was compounding my problems without relaxation.  Stress in every form will ruin you…some faster than others.  Like I said, no more guessing.  Don’t you think for one second that this will take anything from my intensity…actually, it will get stronger once I learn to shut it down when it’s harmful.

4. Learn, research and do something. OK, so, most people question what I say or flat out ignore me because….I am not a nutritionist, I haven’t been training for X amount of years, I don’t have this X cert…and so on.  OK, so, tell me this…why do all these so called ‘expert’ trainers, doctors, nutritionists, etc….have so many different opinions when it comes to fitness…and especially FOOD?  Why don’t you get off your ass and start doing some research and reading on your own….genius!  We have doctors who say meat and cheese is all you need and others that tell u to live off beans and rice and avoid all animal products.  Wait…they’re all DOCTORS…so they have to be right.  Right?  Well, for me…both fitness and food is going to be ol skool, leave the science in the damn classroom.  Get strong and eat real food.  I hated science anyhow…

5.  Actions. Stop being a self doubting, energy sucking, negative, pussy!  Contribute to the positive universe and do something!  Your thoughts will become things…eventually.  If you’re not where you want to be.  Change it; first in thought, then act upon it…immediately.

No more waiting on the sidelines for me.

-Mike.

PS: Wake up, ya drunks!

The Making of Beast1.0 -Stage 1

New Beast10.

Here is the scoop.  As humans, including myself, we generally just live unhealthy lives.  This could mean improper rest, poor nutrition, or just too many pollutants being allowed inside our body…most coming from foods we consume.  We always want the fastest route to our goals.  Sometimes we reach em’ and sometimes they’re left to die with other dreams.

Intro new Beastola 10 version.

‘They’ say it takes 21 days or 3 to 4 weeks to make or break a habit.  For me, I will write all my stretching and light cardio (mostly walking) routines out and plan them as if they were my old ‘killlit sessions’.  I have been resting lately, but the ‘rehab’ part has been slacking.  Doing nothing, which is most peoples’ idea of rest, is simply not going to fix the problem(s).

I am willing to admit it, I am going thru some shitola!  Years of abuse, both internal and external, have led to me being bound up like a frozen rubber band.  My food choices for years were not the best, and even when losing weight…I was just pumping my intestines full of microwave meals and weight loss pills, all washed down with low-carb energy drinks and whatever powder mix I could get my hands on.

Toss in some sports, a banged up body, and probably a pretty fucked up mind…and there you have it, me.

That’s fine, just stretch, hydrate, and rest when needed and you’ll be fine!  Yeah…good idea, but we did none of that.  Water was at a low, rest was maybe 6 hrs of sleep if I was lucky, and who wants to take time off? That’s boring and we already made so much progress tossing 40lbs off from massive amounts of training and poor eating.

I must admit, I am pretty amazed as to how long it lasted this way.  I did some insane shit.  Oh well…

My promise: I will better myself from the inside-out.  I will fix my weak links, and strengthen the chain.  I will be back, a bigger, stronger, faster, healthier BEAST10.

The truth is I can easily work my way thru this, ignoring long term effects and accept the limitations I have for my workouts.

BUZZ!! WRONG!  I want more.  So I am willing to make sacrifice now…sacrifice now for the reward later.  Even if I am going to be 31 in January, I am not even close to reaching my full potential.

Whatever your age is, you too, are not at your full potential yet.  Sacrifice now, for long term rewards later.

Maybe you are going thru an injury too, or stuck at a certain weight, or a plateau of weight you’re trying to push…whatever it is, decide to take action NOW.  For me, I am affirming the fact that I WILL NOT train in January.  I have already started the walking and the joint supplements (including fish oils) have been in effect about a month now.  I am foam rolling now (sad I haven’t prior to this) and trips to the jacuzzi at 24 will be common practice.

The training isn’t fun, and to be honest, the foam rolling and stretching hurts like a bitch.  I have not seen the doctor yet, but that is next week and that’s when the shoulder rehab starts.  If you ignore things, they spread…to the elbows, wrists, etc.

This time off will make me feel very unbeastly, and to be honest…i will probably put some fat back on.  I am 100% ok with this now.  Why? Because, I love to killlit.  I am going to be thinking about tire flips and 10 minute kettlebell rounds every fuckin day.

This MENTALLY make me stronger.  We are working from the inside, out.

The mind is most important.  More on that to come…

-Mike.

Day 10: Im too busy…BLAH!

To my beez,

Okay beez in peez, we have a fast one here…gotta run.

The shoulder isnt letting up, I have fallen off the diet some and have neglected rules I made.

I am actually semi-depressed I guess you can call it.  No, it is not because I cannot kill it as I want…its because im cornered, an animal hobbling along trying to survive thru the excuses.

The existence of OC Strength is in jeopardy.  The beast as a new mission.

So, off to the promise-land I go.  We will seek and obtain new beasts in progress that will actually use and APPRECIATE what I do for them.

I am blaming nobody but myself.  Any time you ‘depend’ on anyone, you are vulnerable.

But just know this, the workouts don’t write themselves, the diet plan (which most of you ignore 100%) did not make itself up.

TIME IS NOT FREE.

On top of that, each and every person I have ever worked with, has agreed to help is some other way besides the PATHETIC $10-$30 you are charged.  Oh yeah, gas aint cheap either…ask our troops in Iraq.

Nobody has done shit, I scrapped the forums and continue to run my site for long term internet business.

So yeah, here is beastola…a little angry again, more at himself.  It is a good motivation tool…trust me.  Moving forward, I trust nobody and won’t believe a word you say until I see ACTION…I am still here to help, of course…it’s my job.  Just, don’t get pissy with me if I am ‘too busy’ helping others that are giving back as well.

You can now get back to your regularly scheduled program, Golf Digest, your shitty football teams stats, Tiger boner Woods, the latest fat loss tips for people that refuse to give up ice cream…or whatever else you choose to indulge your ‘busy time’ in.

Why don’t you do yourself a favor and work on your time management???

Seriously, your self worth, excuses, and lack of ‘time’ is really, very ANNOYING…and it probably pisses more people off than just me.

I just have no problem telling you.

Off to do WORK.

-M.

Beastmas Day 6: DISCIPLINE always wins.

Good afternoon,

Well, here it is, let me clear my throat- hum…hum.. If you do not listen to what I say, and carry out the instructions given…then you will fail.

“Put up, or shut up. It’s now that simple. “

I started my own regiment, as you know and this is now day 6. (Saturday)  This time around the goals and plans are different because of my body.  Whether you’re trying to add muscle, or lose fat, DISCIPLINE is still the #1 thing you will have to exercise.

It’s not 80% diet, and 20% training…or whatever they say…it is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT DISCIPLINE.

In 6 days I have cleaned up my eating habits in a drastic way and have also stuck to the training outline I prescribed myself.  This time around, it is not do whatever and eat whatever I want.  That was fun, I accomplished my goal…but I also paid more than I wanted to.  This time will take much more discipline.  This time I need much more rest, and much less food.

Since I started, I have cut 4lbs.  I am back around 177, and my intentions are to end up around 175- but with my muscle.  I am not starving myself, and I am resting every other day.  I simply changed the CRAP foods for the healthy food I always tell you to eat.  Guess what? It works..

I do not eat out, and I no longer drink alcohol on a regular basis.  For me, losing weight is not hard.

Losing weight is simply changing your eating and exercise pattern, and sticking to it long enough to see results.  It is simple calorie mathematics.  Once you increase your body composition and metabolism, it’s just like extra credit for sticking to the plan.

Don’t be stupid!

This time around, I know I cant do reps of 265 on the floor.  I will not be able to go 8 days straight without rest.  For me, diet will be very crucial for my intentions.  When I say diet, I mean food choices…not some point system or limited number of calories.  I am simply tracking things for a rough idea now.

Vegetables instead of bread, and rest instead of anger.  But really, I am tired of your pitiful excuses.  Nobody can make you or keep you from doing something you want.  I am still working our with my shoulder popping all over the place.  And yes, I am sure I will need some corrective rehab…that will happen in February.

The discipline is allowing me to continue to train and get results.  The plan was made knowing what injuries I had going into this.  The plan is working, it just takes longer this time.

The plan only works with DISCIPLINE.

By following my own program and sticking to it and not making stupid decisions (food and workouts) I have been able to hit the kettlebells for minute rounds, deadlift 255 with no pain, and do some 90# push press for a few reps and sets.  Plenty of soreness and stretching and rest, and much more discipline.

That has brought me to day seven on Sunday, 4lbs lighter, feeling leaner, more in control, and ready for my one cheat day…my killlit session!

Rain or shine, and I kinda hope it rains…it’s time to bring on the tire, kettlebell and sprints.  Maybe some truck dragging too, if it rains.

Let’s hope for rain,  beastola wants to kill it in the rain.

-M.

DAY ONE: Workout, meals, motivation, madness

Goooooood morning beeeztolas, warning..this is a long one.  (she said..no wait, nevermind)

The beast is back, and he is pissed at the world again.  Don’t ask me why, I think things are going pretty well considering all the obstacles so far.  Beastola isn’t very patient most of the time.

The body stepped up big time and did his part today, the beast wanted more…the general kept the plan in plain view…the body stepped in and said, ENOUGH.  The body almost shut down and went on strike.  That’s what happens when you listen to your body.  Sometimes it can be very loud.

Today’s WOD: Done at the local 24 because of the rain, some altering was done to the workout.  More reps and rounds, as I used the 20# instead of the 44#.  Carrying the 44 into the gym would have been too much for them…sad, I know.

Solid Warm Up, which got my heart rate up and some sweat flowing.  Plenty of jump rope work and just total body movement.  It was a mental warm up as well.  It may have been a little much but I wanted to make sure the joints and muscles were warm and ready to do some work today.

Two Rounds of 75 sec. kettlebell swings separated by 60 sec of rest.

Two Rounds of 90 sec. kettlebell 4 figure 8s to 3 presses, then rotate arms separated by 60 sec of rest.

One Round of 90 sec kettlebell figure 8s to swings

One Round of 2 min kettlebell combo, swings, 8s, 2 high pulls, separated arms with rest stance

By this time I noticed the heart rate was way too high for my normal ‘lite’ workout session.  I was only using a 20# kettlebell and I was getting my ass kicked.  I knew something didn’t seem ‘right’….but the 3 decided to stick to the plan.

Bearcrawl the room back and forth, about 50 feet total.

Tried a few burpees and was not confident enough to continue with them.

Up downs over the kettlebell, CLEAN the kettle bell up.  Rotate arms every up down. 30 reps.

Up downs to box jumps.  I got thru about 12 of these in a row and stopped for a break.  This is where things got ugly.  First it was a queezy feeling, then quickly turned into a tunnel vision zone and started getting dark.

No, not my mental state…the actual room.  I sat down where I was at, and collected my thoughts for a few minutes.  The two in the room glanced over, but just continued to do crunches.  They probably thought I had a seizure and passed out.  The twisting up down to a box jump isnt something you see very often there.

That was it, done.  Stretched, watered up, and foam rolled some as well.  I walked out with my tail between my legs.

I got whooped.

It’s obvious, this time around my body ain’t fuckin around.  It has been a month and a half of shit.  The beast never took anytime off, he just hibernated.  It’s pretty sad how fast you can lose ground once you begin to cave in.  Doing anything respectable on FGB is just a fantasy at this point.  I would puke all over myself and pass out in it half way thru the second round.  It’s sad.

Fuck it.  Stick to the plan, guys.  Even this, we knew this was a strong possibility.  The plan…  Tomorrow is a rest day, part of the alternating rest/work plan to start.  And ya know, I am glad for once.  I am sure the body is happy too.  But in the last 5 days, tomorrow will be rest day 4.  That’s 1 workout today, 3 rest days prior and Tuesday is a restola day.

I am not sore, and the troubled spots seem to be ok…but I am a little scared to be honest.  I pride myself on the ability to keep going.  Today was a reality check, I got bitch slapped. That was not expected, nor was it fun.

Tomorrow’s rest will do me good.  I will hit some lite abs and get warm enough to get another deep stretch in.  I will also do some focus and mental training again.  It is pretty clear this is a whole new ball game, folks.  I have some ground to make up, wreckage to clean up, and to be honest…just allot of stuff to un-fu** up.

A solid rest day of active recovery makes you hungry.  Physically and mentally, and I am itchin’ to get back in there and build up the endurance ASAP.

I felt like a little kid on a really crazy roller coaster.  When it was over, I wanted to sneak on again…but knew I would probably puke…or get a headache or some other crazy thing roller coasters cause….  Instead, I will be a responsible little boy and get back in line.

Today’s Lessons:

1.  Be realistic about your current situation.  Always set the bar high, but don’t take yourself out of the game in the first quarter.

2.  Even when you’re not working out, staying active is important.

3.  More importantly, what you feed your body is even more important.

4. Following the plan works.  (given that it’s a good plan) By sticking to the LAWS of the plan today, I think I saved myself another set-back.  I went til I had no more to give, but I did not crash.

I also resisted the temptation and utter exhaustion, and still did my stretch and deep tissue work after the workout.  I will stick to the plan tomorrow as well, no exceptions…

Day One Nutrition Points:  We did acceptable today, but I am not happy with some of my choices and timing of meals today.

Water:  Could have been better, but was  not.  No excuse, and the coffee rule was not enforced.  Tomorrow will be different.  I seen what it did to me.

Junk:  The crap was avoided for the most part.  All except two oreo cookies….I told you I would be detailed.

Packaged Carbs:  The breads were limited to 1 slice of ezekiel and 1 wrap.

Protein:  My protein intake was on point today.  This is not usually an issue.

Main Meals:

Burrito made from 3 eggs, veggies, and a half pack of lunch meat.  Wrapped with multi grain wrap with 18 carbs and 9g of protein.

Post workout I had a whopping shake with 40g of protein and 30g of carbs, which included sugars.

Dinner was pork and heaping veggies.

So here we go, day 2…..resting, rehabbing, fine tuning the diet, and getting ready to launch the first beastmas09 OCSF beast gathering campaign.

As far as the body is concerned, it is a day for rest…everything else will remain busy.

This time it’s personal, it ain’t some self induced anger management treatment.  It is not about any one person, or number as a body fat % or personal best on any one exercise.  I’m calm, there is nothing to hate.  It is what it is.

I didn’t even weigh in today, or take any before pictures yet.

Why?  I don’t know…well, actually, if you haven’t realized that I don’t do this to myself for just physical appearance sake…you just don’t know me very well, or at all.  It’s going to be different this time around.

This time I have something to prove….to myself.  Fu** all the haters, nay sayers, and lack of faithers…  This time I need to prove my own self worth, discipline, and overall relentless pursuit of my own success.  The majority of that has nothing to do with tire flips, kettlebells, or even protein intake.

So, will we just write off another 2nd place, or mediocre result…call it a New Years Resolution….part 7?  Keep reading more and more about something we don’t do, or listen to things that ‘pump’ us up for a couple hours then it’s back to the norm?  Not beastola, he is awake!  Bruised, broken, bleeding, popping, puking, or passing out…it don’t matter.  It is NOT the physical that makes the WARRIOR.

C’mon!  Let us killlit this day!

Do something to move forward today.  Killlit!

-Mike.

PS:  That’s day one…  It’s time to move the army ahead.  More video ‘updates’ this time too!

I will be back soon…but feel free to comment, email, or even use TWITTER.  I have activated my account again.  http://twitter.com/McNeilTraining and I will respond as soon as I can.

Keep killin’ it beez in peez, and stay strong!  I’m here when needed…

ZzzZZzzzZz time.

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