Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Get Up Early
tonight, so I have a few deadlines to meet. Early to rise is the best way for me.
Hit a great deadlift workout around 7 am. Should be able to hit an upper body workout in Vilnius, Lithuania on Thursday, and then bodyweight workouts in the
woods for the next week while hiking. Maybe a gym workout in Austria or Copenhagen before I fly home.
After training, I tried cherries in a blender drink today...didn't like it. On the other hand, I like adding cinnamon to green smoothies.
TT Trainer Update:
Congratulations to Christian Leighton...the newest Certified Turbulence Trainer down in Florida, near Miami. Thanks for being part of the Turbulence Training 1 Million Transformation Mission, Christian.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Whatever is in your way, you're stronger than it, you're tougher than it, and you're better than it. You're going to beat it.
Stress makes us grow. But you choose the direction of growth. Stress can make you stronger and tougher, or bitter and angry. Don't take the easy way out.
"Keep an active mind, and continue to grow intellectually. You either grow or regress. Nothing stands still." - Kekich Credo #28
Today's Independence Tip:
"Mastermind and collaborate with other smart entrepreneurs if they have futures that are bigger than their present." - Yanik Silver
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Join the Turbulence Training 1 Million Transformation Mission
Monday, August 08, 2011
Training Environment
Tomorrow I'll be back at the gym in Toronto...better suited for the deadliftingz...what about you?
What type of gym/training environment do you have - and is it important to you?
PS - I'm not making excuses...but since I had the choice...why not lift in the best environment?
The gym I was planning on training at today is smaller than the gym in Toronto. There's only one squat rack and not a lot of room.
And in the AM, there are 1-2 guys that do these ridiculous 9 exercise circuits and take up 1/3 of the weight area. At that gym, i've spent 20 minutes waiting for room to open up. Also, the toronto gym has bumper plates and a platform...and 5 squat racks, and no one is tthere when i lift.
Today's Training Resource: The hottest workout in the TT world
TT Metabolic Resistance Training
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"You must believe that your past is not your future. You are not stuck or defined by tradition and you don't have to listen to what others tell you to do. Focus on the bright things, the ones that bring a smile to your face. Find that passion and focus." Gayle Carson
One person you need in your life...and 10+ books I think you should read
- 10 Books You Should Read
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Become a TT Certified Trainer here
PS - This is classic:
"It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential." - Bruce Lee
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Easy Sunday Morning
Morning blender drink: Almond milk, vanilla whey protein (I think its a Canadian brand, "Progressive Organics"), broccoli (yes, broccoli - didn't have any spinach...you can't really taste it...although its not as smooth when blended), and 1/3 cup frozen blueberries.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Churchill
Today's Independence Tip:
"Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can't be done." - Bo Bennett
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT
Editor, EarlyToRise.com
Saturday, August 06, 2011
My abs are still sore
Yesterday I did my final squat workout of my current 4-week program and today I did the bench press session. I'll take tomorrow off - going to the beach - and then will deadlift on Monday.
Tuesday night I fly to Lithuania for 5 days, followed by 4 days in Austria (hiking) and then one day in Copenhagen. So my heavy lifting sessions will be on a 2-week break. I'll resume my next 4 week program on Monday, August 22nd.
If you want a bodyweight workout for holidays, get this one - no equipment needed:
=> Bodyweight Cardio 3
Today's Training Resource:
Two new bodyweight and kettlebell workout videos from Certified Turbulence Trainer, Chris Lopez on his blog:
=> Kettlebells, Bodyweight, and TRX
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Change your mindset. You are a person who can and will succeed. Truly believe in yourself.
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James
Today's Independence Tip:
Simplest, best, general advice: Get a mentor. An ethical, wise, worth-emulating mentor.
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
Friday, August 05, 2011
The right attitude
Two fitness resources for you today:
First, a video of goofy ol' me showing you how to do advanced interval training:
=> Interval Training Ideas
And then this week's fitness QnA on MRT
=> Metabolic Resistance Training Definition
Also, I wrote an article about choosing what you do in life. What do you think
about the "Passion Myth"?
=> The Passion Myth
Today's kickbutt mindset tips:
I've had a couple of great days with a few real negative things happen, so from time to time, I feel like I've been knocked down, kicked while I'm down there, and then knocked down while trying to get up.
You know it. But we'll beat it.
When you're out there doing stuff and taking action, it's natural that you're going to lose a few battles...
I've screwed up royally several times this week myself...but just remember:
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi
"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude" Thomas Jefferson
Stay strong,
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Get Turbulence Training Certified
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Summer Outdoor Workout
Nutrition Resource for you to go with your workout tip:
My diet circa 2009...it's still about 80% the same...although I haven't had that particular breakfast in about 2 years
=> Daily Meal Plan
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Head up! It's easy to get down on yourself, but don't let a bad day or mean person get you down. Keep your head up and stay motivated by looking long-term. Things could be a lot harder, and things will get a lot better. Stay strong.
Today's Independence Tip:
Work hard, work honestly, and work to benefit others. Do this and you will succeed. Continue to be pragmatic and work with integrity. Now, more than ever, we need good business people.
Every business owner can learn a ton from this post - Why you should avoid "deal of the day" sites
=> MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.cbathletics.com" claiming to be www.ptpower.com/2011/08/04/deal-of-the-day-death/
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
PS - I'm a big fan of this guy...I have all his albums
=> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enrUMD_QXZM
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Chin Up Video
Good times. Will do an outside upper body workout tomorrow.
Great training resource:
I highly recommend checking out Jim Wendler's latest training program on this site here:
- www.T-nation.com
And a quickie - Band-assisted chin-ups:
Band assisted chinups by Chris Lopez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_7LHNpnF54Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Take your #1 goal and make it your priority in life. That's how you get ahead. Accept that you will need
to sacrifice some other goals in order to achieve your priority goal. It's a much better approach than
trying to achieve 5 big goals at the same time.
"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." - Og Mandino
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
http://www.turbulencetraining.com/forfriendsofjoel/ - MRT workout sale today
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Weird Workout Response
shirt - like a heartbeat. It stopped after about 5 minutes. Happens from time to time when muscles are
fatigued, although I'm not sure why the deltoid was twitching. Perhaps some carryover effect from
Monday's bench press workout. I'm off from lifting upper body till the weekend.
I have a ton of TT projects on the go today. I'm going to release TT for Abs 2k11, finish up the August
issue of the TT Certification and TT Secret Society newsletters, and write an article for my blog on 3
training tips to implement into your workouts immediately. Better get to work.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Anyone can succeed. It is just a matter of discipline and effort. How hard are you willing to work? How
disciplined are you willing to be?
Today's www.InternetIndependence.com Tip:
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you
first find yourself. -Mark Caine
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT
www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com
Monday, August 01, 2011
TT for Abs 2K11
contribute a workout to their new book, "The Big Book of Ab Workouts". It's similar to the "Big Book of
Exercises" that I contributed to a couple of years ago.
My workout today was upper body, since I didn't get to train on Sunday. Bench press, and lots of
upper back.
We're having an interesting discussion over on FB today...
Have you ever done a 14-day or 21-day diet experiment where you removed one type of food or
ingredient from your diet? If so, what were your results? Was it difficult? What did you do to stick to
it?
Answer here:
http://www.TurbulenceTrainingFanpage.com
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Lean into it. Start your day by working on the projects that you'd rather avoid. You'll get them done
and it won't be that bad." - Matt Smith, Publisher, Early to Rise
‎"If you know what matters to you, it's easier to commit to change. If you can't identify what matters to
you, you won't know when it's being threatened. And in my experience, people only change their
ways when what they want is truly threatened." - Marshall Goldsmith
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Dinners and workouts on the road
Then a late Friday night dinner in Austin - surprisingly went with indian food...i think it was called
Little India. It was great.
On Saturday morning I had an early flight to Miami to spend time with my friend Matt from
www.facebook.com/thenewearlyto​rise and his family. His kids (aged 3 and 5) are adorable.
We went to the Setai Hotel for dinner. The chicken satay and spring roll appetizers were great. I had
organic salmon for my main course - which was fantastic.
Now I'm off to hit Gold's Gym for a Miami Meathead upper body workout, then flying back to Toronto
today. Yesterday was the most inactive I've been in over a year. All I did was walk from gate to gate
in the Austin and Atlanta airport. No dog walks, no lifting, no bike rides - should be well rested for
my workouts this week. Legs are a little stiff from Friday's squat workout still.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
If you fall "off the wagon", cut your losses, don't worry about it, and get right back on track.
Immediately. It's minor damage that can be dealt with.
"Know where you're going: Create a personal vision or mission statement." - Frank McKinney
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." -
Epictetus
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
Saturday, July 30, 2011
3 ways to rehab your body
seafood and oyster restaurant called Perlas. It was a great atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly
friendly. The food, including the mussels, red snapper, and grouper were really good too.
As we caught up, John told me about how he and his wife were planning to do one of those 10-mile
"Tough Mudder" runs, but training had been leaving them plenty sore.
So I gave them the following 3 resources, and wanted to share them with you too - and they are free.
I've used them all (obviously), and my chronic injury and pain level has been lower than anytime
during the past 5 years - despite training a lot with heavy weights.
Enjoy, and yes, you CAN overcome pain and soreness at any age.
1) Check out this video of how to do foam rolling to beat muscle soreness:
=> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2KS-wnfAag
2) Read my old-man warmup that i do before each workout
=> http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/off-day-workouts/
3) If you suffer from any type of back, neck, or sciatic pain, this free book will help you:
=> http://tinyurl.com/avoidbackpain
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
Friday, July 29, 2011
Gold's Gym Workout
and still felt like I slept in. We had a later dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse here in Austin, which wasn't
bad, but before that, I met up with other friends at Perlas Oyster and Seafood bar. I had more fun at
Perlas, and my friends really enjoyed their meals. The folks at both restaurants were really nice, but
"cooler" at Perlas. I'd go back there for sure.
Nice work everyone...today I trained at Gold's Gym in Austin, Texas at 6am. Perfect meathead
environment, and they had boxes for box jumps, a glute ham raise, and empty squat racks.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips from www.EarlytoRise.com:
"Recognize your highest calling as early as possible in life." – Frank McKinney
The world does not reward average people well so I will be extraordinary. – Ted Nicholas
And at the end of the day, we have to remember we have the easiest lives in the history of civilization
- better than Kings and Queens of the 18th Century. So always be thankful for what you do have,
even if it's not ALL that you want to have.
Today's www.InternetIndependence Tip:
‎"Find out what works, and then do more of it. Focus on first doing the right things, and then on doing
things right by mastering details. A few basic moves produce most results and income." - Kekich
Credo #18
Fun day planned in Austin today, and off to Miami tomorrow.
Keep pushing,
Craig Ballantyne
www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In Home Warmup and Deadlift Workout
and using the lil travel roller (foam roller substitute) that I ordered from Fitter First. It's really cool,
and I might take it on my trip to Austin tomorrow. I usually travel with an acuball but I left that out on
the farm.
After about 15 minutes of rolling and bodyweight exercises, I did a short commute to the gym on my
bike and got into glute-ham raises and box jumps. Those were done for just a couple reps each to
continue my warm-up, and then I started specific deadlift set warm-ups.
As you can see, my warm-up is long. I've usually been going at it for 20-25 minutes before I do my
first real set of deadlifts, but I use such a long warm-up (my old man warm-up - posted on the blog
at www.TTFatLoss.com) because I go quite heavy and push the limits in my workouts.
You don't need such a long warm-up for metabolic resistance training TT workouts. You only need
10 minutes or so of rolling, a total body circuit warm-up and specific warm-up sets for your main
exercises.
Tomorrow I'll workout at the Gold's Gym in Austin, Texas. I've trained there before and it's good
enough, and I always try to hit Gold's when I travel. And since I've done so many workouts on the
road, I'm going to write up a list of the top 10 gyms I've visited and workouts I've had around the
world. Look for that tomorrow.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip
One of my favorite quotes is, "To get what you've never had, you have to do something you've never
done." What's your favourite quote? Share it on FB here:
http://www.Facebook.com/CraigBallantyneFanpage
Today's Tip from www.EarlytoRise.com
According to Top Grade author, Brad Smart, "A-player executives read an average of 24 books per
year." I was surprised by this. Most A players that I know read closer to 50 books per year. Maybe I
only know AAA players.
Today's Independence Tip
‎"A creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer, craftsperson, performer, animator, designer,
video maker, or author - in other words, anyone producing works of art - needs to acquire only
1,000 True Fans to make a living." – Kevin Kelly
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT
www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Hill Sprints and Last Chance
If you're a trainer looking to help more people, I hope you'll join my awesome team (and my buddy Bedros) here
=> http://www.TTSummit.com
It's your last chance to register at the Early Bird price AND get three awesome bonuses. This is going to be an incredible weekend for any trainer interested in being part of the Turbulence Training 1 Million Transformation Mission.
My workout today included the old-man warmup followed by some hill sprints out on the farm. After this I'm heading back into the city for a couple of days, and then off to Austin, Texas for a 3-day trip. Then back out to the farm before a big trip later this August.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Happy people measure their progress against the past, not against perfection. Are you improving? That is what matters.
And your Independence tips:
"It is infinitely easier to become a millionaire by becoming the kind of person deserved of being a millionaire and likely to sustain being a millionaire, than it is to pursue just the million dollars." Dan Kennedy
"Your only limitation is how much action you are willing to take." - Carrie Wilkerson
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
www.TTSummit.com - Last chance to get the early bird registration bonuses is today
Monday, July 25, 2011
Meathead Monday Bench Press Goal
db incline press, face pull, triceps.
My goal for today's top set of bench presses was 200x11, but I only hit 10 reps. Still that is an improvement on my previous program and I'm going in the right direction, with shoulders getting stronger and having less issues with the rotator cuff muscles on my left side.
And I have my "old man warm-up" to thank for that.
My current 1RM estimation for the bench press is around 275 pounds, a long way from my personal best of an actual 310lbs bench in 2006, but I'm working my way back up.
Share your goals with the RIGHT people - the ones who will encourage you, motivate you, and connect you with others who will move you forward towards your goals and dreams. And constantly take action - one step (baby or giant, doesn't matter) every day closer to your goals and dreams.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip from a reader of www.EarlyToRise.com
"Look first to yourself for answers. Determine what it is you want to accomplish. Based on your decision, create a vision to which you can bring the energy and determination to give it life during the time given to you. That will be your best opportunity to contribute effectively to the world." Jim Tallman, ETR reader
Just added a new FB page for my new business
=> http://www.facebook.com/TheNewEarlyToRise
Today's Independence Tips:
Deadlines = Speed of implementation = Attraction of the right people that will help you reach your goals
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Turbulence Training Certification
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Squat Workout and New Project
Probably off to some outdoor eating festival today, and that's no problem for me and you one day per week. But if you want to lose fat, always remember who wins the battle of diet vs. exercise
=> Diet vs Exercise
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip
Cool story that supports writing down your long-term goals and vision...Four years ago, when Tony Bates was an exec at Cisco, he and his wife created long-term goals...Tony's written goal was to be CEO of a major company before age 45...he listed 4 companies, including Skype...and it happened. Today, Tony is the CEO of Skype (at age 44). Make sure you are setting your goals and writing them down.
"When you stay dedicated to your mission, the right opportunities will come to you." - Demetrius Walker
And my new project, "Early to Rise".
I'm now editor of a website called, www.EarlytoRise.com. It's been around for over a decade and has been a tremendous influence on me. I first started contributing to Early to Rise back in 2005, and now I write the main articles for it. It's a big deal for me.
It would be great to have you join me on the ETR Facebook page here:
=> http://www.facebook.com/TheNewEarlyToRise
ETR is about helping your live a richer, fuller life. We are dedicated to growing your income and helping you be more productive so that you can enjoy more time with your family and friends.
And finally, some summer reading (or airplane reading) suggestions:
Excellent articles on Ticketmaster and E-Bay in the July-August issue of Fast Company. And the August issue of Wired magazine has a great article on the Khan Academy (the guy who creates videos teaching math to kids and has received $2 million from Bill Gates).
Great to see so many people out there having a positive impact on the world,
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
www.TTSummit.com
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Jungle Gym XT Workout
Great times.
I would have kept on going but I don't need the muscle soreness, plus I'd clearly hit a point of diminishing returns.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"You can make your life anything you want it to be." Ted Nicholas
And today's Independence Tip (for next week):
Create a work area that allows focused concentration and productivity.
Make sure that you are set up to minimize distractions and maximize output so that you don't end up staying 30 minutes late because you goofed off indiscriminately surfing the web or with co-workers talking about sports, Jersey Shore, etc.
Remember...time you lose to unproductive activities is stolen from your family, friends, and hobbies.
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
TT Trainer Summit <= Best use of a trainer's time
Friday, July 22, 2011
My Typical Day
Here's what a typical day looks like for me when I'm home in Toronto although I'm out on the farm today, and that means less dog walking because I can just open the door and let him get his exercise on his own):
=> Time Management Tips
When I hit the gym it will be deadlifts, 1-leg squats, good mornings, and some ab endurance work.
Today's Training Resource:
Check out today's QnA mailbag that gives you a really challenging bodyweight circuit and a link to one of my favorite Youtube videos that I've filmed.
=> Bodyweight Circuit Challenge
WARNING: This next link is ridiculous...this is what happens when I have too much caffeine and get stuck on an airplane for 4 hours. The end result is a re-creation of an Austin Powers/James Bond movie gone Pete Tong:
=> EPIC Workout Battle for Bally the Dog
Hope you like it.
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
"Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention." - Jim Rohn As Jim says, "Wherever you are, be there."
"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." - Nido Qubein
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT
The Turbulence Training Summit - Join us here
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The big news
to take control of a website called, www.EarlyToRise.com. This website has been extremely influential
in my life, and we look forward to continuing the tradition of bringing readers amazing content.
My first article for the site is:
"12 Rules I Live By"
Check them out and add yours here:
=> http://www.earlytorise.com/201​1/07/20/12-rules/
To me, #8 is probably the most important of them all...it could stand alone.
Of course, adding another business to my life means I'll have to step up my time management. Time
is your most important asset.
So today's Kickbutt Mindset tip is:
Be firm with your time. A 10 minute phone call should not become a 30 minute conversation. Set
boundaries from the outset, and stick to them. It might upset a few people, but it will likely get
respect from a lot more who realize how valuable your time is worth. Do not hesitate to be ruthless
with your time...it's your life.
The above article was also written with the purpose of building a connection with the readers. After
all, as I mentioned yesterday, people won't listen to you until they know you. So I opened up and held
nothing back.
Once people know and like you, they will trust you. All things being equal, folks choose to do
business with their friends.
So today's www.InternetIndependence.com tip is:
Never underestimate the opposition to purchasing your product. Make sure you overcome every
objection and every last bit of skepticism. Remember...you're probably trying to sell something to a
complete stranger over the internet...think about that for a long time when you're creating your
website and offer. That's a big hill to climb. Work accordingly.
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Leg Workout and Upper Warmup
and front squats. A bunch of ab endurance work as well (plank variations). Later this morning I'm off
to my chiropractor for Active Release treatment. That involves a 30 minute bike ride across the city.
So lots of lower body work today.
Tomorrow though, is bench press day. My bench is climbing up the fastest of my three lifts, and I do
an extensive shoulder warmup before each workout. Check out the video here
=> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enrUMD​_QXZM
TT Trainer Update
Congratulations to Robin van Tintelen, the newest Certified Turbulence Trainer, and 1st ever from
Holland. Welcome to the TT Certification Mission, Robin.
For more information on the Cert and our Mission, please visit:
=> www.TurbulenceTrainingCertific​ation.com/vision
Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
‎"To get something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done." - Author
Unknown
‎"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
-C. S. Lewis
Today's www.InternetIndependence.com Tip:
"No one will hear you until they KNOW you." – Jonathan Sprinkles
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Turbulence Training Certification














