Archive for December 2011

Hi guys!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO65wpwIebY

Bad news.  I turn 36 in less than 6 weeks, on 2/4.  Ugh.  I know, I know, it's not the end of the world- there are folks way older than me out there who are kicking way more ass than I am, I know...  But it's never fun to get older...

So, I decided to crank it up a couple more notches to try to be the best I can be on my birthday.  For myself, I am going to try to do some work on the whole "Triangle of Contentment" (I have been babbling about this theory of mine for years, but I just named it now...) The Triangle of Contentment is Physical, Mental, Spiritual.  It's my belief that if you are strong (healthy/improving) in just one or two of these areas, then you will be missing something in your heart of hearts.  But, that could be for another discussion another time- perhaps over a game of chess, some beers, or on horseback somewhere...  Yep, still weird.  But, I don't want to veer away from the point of this blog:

Inviting you to be the best physically that you can be on 2/4/2012! 

Hold on, give it 30 more seconds to consider this challenge.

• First, Misery Loves Company-- I'll be sacrificing deliciousness and training like a madman in the name of Self-Discipline, and although I do not advocate psychosis, if you are sacrificing something as well, we can keep each other company!  Accountability?
• Second- it's the time of year for making a "self-improvement oath" anyway!
• It's less than 6 weeks!
• I'm not asking any of us to become Jay Cutler or Wonder Woman-- simply to make some good decisions each day, develop some good habits that become our lifestyle-- feeling better and doing better are just as important, perhaps more so, as looking better.  But all three are great!
• I have a hunch, that if we can make some lifestyle changes up to 2/4/2012, they just may stick forever...

Lastly, I have a handful of these ICF shirts (modeled here by my totally awesome brother-in-law in Chicago, by my buddy G to the T, and by me with Cruz on his first roller coaster ha!): 

I received some product from GNC to try out- namely the protein supplement called Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60.  Pretty intense name...  Since I am my own guinea pig, I have been using this product for the past couple of weeks, and I thought I would give you my thoughts, for what they're worth!  :)

Taste is good!  Not the most delicious protein shake I've had, but far from the worst.  Honestly, I barely taste a shake at all anymore, because I drink them so fast as a quick nutrition bump that I don't even notice most of the time.  I'm enjoying the chocolate- can't vouch for the other flavors.  It mixes quickly and easily in a standard shaker bottle, without nauseating clumps...

How I've been using: I've altered the recommended serving size.  I'm a somewhat lean guy, almost 6 feet and around 170 lbs.  The recommended serving is 3 scoops, for 60 whopping grams of protein.  From the research I've done and the "experts" with whom I've talked (you know how I feel about experts), I believe about 35 grams of protein is good for me at a time.  So, I've been taking 2 scoops of this product, with water, immediately after resistance training sessions.  This has replaced my normal post-workout protein supplement, and is in addition to the other supplements I take throughout the day.

While difficult to pinpoint the exact effects of this GNC product, I can say that I have been pleased with what I have seen and felt the past couple of weeks.  I have been able to stayed dialed in on my food intake, while the supplement has kept me feeling strong and has helped me avoid losing weight.  I like that it has a solid amount of protein, very low in sugars and carbs, yet still has added aminos- so I don't feel like I need to add in any extras as with some protein supplements.  Here is a link to the supplement facts: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3509954

I think the key with any supplement is to make sure it is useful to you as a SUPPLEMENT.  First and foremost, make sure you are still getting good, clean foods- lots of veggies- and a lot of water.  Then, if you need to fill in a hole to help you reach your goals of feeling better, looking better, doing better, look at a couple of good supplements.  I like this GNC protein.  I use a lot of protein to help me get about 1.5 grams per lb of body weight, and I would definitely feel good about using this protein myself.  I don't know how the cost compares with other "premium" proteins, but it is certainly worth a look.

  Finally, here's a quick photo from our 12th anniversary night out with Juice on Monday.  Just so you don't forget to have some fun in your diet- here is proof of drinking some deliciously cold Kiltlifter beer and eating some warm jalapeno cornbread.  Mmmmmm  so good.  Not saying you have to drink beer- but you do have to let your hair down every once in a while, to keep yourself sane.  :) 

Until next time.  Remember: Consistency, Variety, and Uncomfortability

andy

So, I was asked to check out the new Passport system that communicates with a treadmill to make an interactive viewing and workout experience.  Here is a quick link so you can see what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b17PiS1Dspg  

I found one attached to a nice AFG treadmill set up for a demo.  I understand they also come set up with Livestrong treadmills.

Cool Features:

There are different landscapes: mountain trails, canyons, city streets, etc. Link to actual videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt0zDcq-Q7U&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL 

As your running speed changes, either manually or through a program, the speed of travel on the screen changes as well.  

As elevation of the trail changes, so does the elevation of your treadmill.

I like that it's actual filmed footage in high def, complete with people to look at while running.  Great distraction from the pain of running at times.  Escapism while training is pretty cool- especially if it's early in the am, or miserable outside, and you want to train while looking at something other than the numbers on a digital readout or television programming.

If I had access to this kind of setup, I would take advantage of it.  I love travel, and I love running in a new environment when I'm in a strange place- and this is a good simulation of that feeling.  Honestly, I don't know what the cost is to either purchase a new setup or to add the Passport system to your treadmill, but it is certainly a great idea for people to investigate.

Here is a quick video I did on the treadmill:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cyWm-Y1Uog

And here are a couple of pix

Hi guys!

 So, I've gotten so many questions and comments lately regarding the idea of how long it should take in order to see results.  This is tricky, as the answer is the one that no one likes to hear: it depends!  Of course, it depends upon so many variables!  Your unique physiology for one, intake, intensity and frequency of training, sleep, water, rest/recovery, alcohol/drugs/supplements, etc...  If you are doing everything well, and in a healthy manner (working WITH your body instead of tearing it down_ then, obviously, you will see results quickly-- feel better, look better, do better.

Specifically, I've been asked lately- how long did it take you to get a six-pack, how long did it take you to get a chest like that, how long have you been working out to get a form like that...  I believe these are questions better suited for Mr. O Jay Cutler, not skinny "chickenlegs" McD.  But, I can tell you this, that I have been training for a long time- about 20 years now, yikes!- and for a lot of those years I had no idea what I was doing!  Sure, I could play sports, or run fast and lift heavy, but in terms of overall fitness, health, and appearance, I have learned more in the past few years about taking care of myself than in the first 15 combined.  Yes, a big part of that was motivated by age-- at almost 36, I need to be dialed in way more than 10 years ago.  But, I wish I knew then what I know now, maybe I'd still be playing soccer, for some real scratch instead of just paying the bills!

I guess I'm writing this to encourage those of you who are "late-bloomers" or who are just getting started.  I have been playing sports and training for a lifetime, but I'm still finding ways to make improvements to better myself- and you can, too!  No need to re-create the wheel!  I have learned by trial and error and by seeing tangibly what's efficient and effective, and if I can help you, I will.   

Just to illustrate the point, here are two photos.  One is of me four years ago at age 31.  The other photo is a few days ago.  Now listen, before I hear from every hater-keyboard-jock, I know there are millions of people out there who look better and are bigger, stronger, faster than me- I'm only posting this so you can see that if I can improve, then so can you...  Holler at me