Simple Nutrition for Fat Loss

Hope you had an amazing weekend.

I spent it with Bally the Dog driving all over the city looking for a new home in the Beaches or Leslieville areas of Toronto.

Both neighborhoods are perfect - dog friendly and a little offbeat and even slightly weird.

Now speaking of weird, I've been getting a lot of emails and Facebook questions about the craziest diets - many of which I had never heard
of before.

But eating for fat loss doesn't have to be confusing, crazy, or complex. In fact, I'm a big believer in Simple Nutrition.

Eat real, whole, natural food (which allows you lots of carbohydrates), and don't eat too much (eating too much is almost impossible on a whole, natural foods diet).

That is the BEST diet for fat loss. And yes, it really is that simple.

After all, it works for me...for proof, just check out the new photo of me above at these stats:

5'9", 180.5 pounds, 9-10% body fat - April 14, 2010

This Simple Nutrition fat loss diet is also good enough for GQ magazine...

What do I mean by that?

Well, if you haven't already heard, GQ magazine stole one of my photos and used it on page 66 of the April, 2010 issue (bottom left hand corner).

If I'm lean enough to be a "GQ model" (and yes, I AM adding that to my resume), then my Simple Nutrition program must be working, right?

So if you're sick & tired of confusing carb-restriction diet programs that leave you starving and still stuck with stubborn belly fat, then I have great news for you.

I've put together my complete nutrition program - and over 31 amazing blender drinks, smoothies, and post-workout shakes - into a special (and super cheap) nutrition package showing you how to eat a lot of carbs and still lose fat.

Plus, you'll get those blender drink, smoothie, and post-workout shake recipes to help you add fuel to your metabolism fire.

Here's my Simple Nutrition program that you've been asking for:

=> Simple Nutrition & Blender Drink Recipes

But be warned...this program is not...

- "low carb" or "obsessively high protein"
- confusing or complex or crazy
- restrictive (you'll actually be full & satisfied!)

Listen, I stay at 9-10% fat all year round while eating tons of carbs and loving every meal I eat - and I avoid all diets that are so restrictive it causes you to binge eat on weekends.

So not only will you get proven fat loss advice (my recommendations are backed by clinical scientific research) but this program will also take the stress out of eating.

It's so simple...even Bally the Dog uses most of the secrets in the plan to keep his six pack abs sharp (and yes, a vet really did once tell me that Bally the Dog has six pack abs). Funny, huh?

So get ready to discover...

- The Simple Nutrition Rules for fat loss
- The top 3 food myths that everyone gets wrong in their diet
- The 7-step detox diet plan (that doesn't require a zany detox diet)
- My grocery list and meal plan
- 43 blender drink, smoothie, and post-workout recipes

(NOTE: I'll be adding more recipes every couple of months, and I'll send you the updated recipe book for free every time I do!)

Time for another delicious and filling Simple Nutrition meal.

Have a totally amazing week,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Simple Nutrition

PS - If you are sick and tired of confusing and complex diets...

...then you need to stop the insanity and switch to the Simple Nutrition for Fat Loss System.

Your results are guaranteed by a 100% money back promise. And no matter what, you'll get to keep the recipes & you'll still get all of the future recipe updates.

PPS - Make sure you get the videos, too.

You'll get to see me and Bally in the kitchen...him eating and me being a total clutz.

PPPS - Stay tuned for some really cool free stuff this week...

...I have two free reports and some workout videos to share with you.

Quick Favor - Free Workout

Would it be possible for you to do me a quick favor?

I put together a quick little survey that will take you less than 1 minute to fill out...

...and to show my appreciation for you taking 1 minute to fill out the survey, you'll get to choose from one of two free TT workouts (retail value $19.95).

So here's how to turn 1 minute into a 20-dollar workout...

1) Go to this link and fill out the short survey:

=> https://www.Surveymonkey.com/s/turbulencetraining

2) When you are done the survey, it will take you to a page where you can download your free workout.

Thank you so much for your time and feedback.

This will help me make better programs and videos, and write more helpful articles for YOU. Thanks!

You are so awesome!

Have a great weekend,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training

PS - Don't forget...

The 8th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest starts on Monday, May 3rd. More details coming soon. Get ready for your chance to win $1000 just by losing belly fat. Winners of the 7th TT Contest will be announced on Tuesday.

TT Workout Filming Update

Last night I finished filming one more phase of Booty for Wife, and then the TT Addiction workout...Workout C is totally awesome...can't wait to hear your scores...

And I took this goofy photo.

Anyways, speaking of workouts...this is possibly the HARDEST TT workout ever (and you get the full program for FREE on the Turbulence Training Fanpage)

=> Extreme Fat Burning Workout

And today's kick-butt mindset quote:

"Everything has a price. Success has a price, and so does failure. Choose either, but be prepared to pay the price for your choice."
Larry Winget

And speaking of "failure", I had a small one today with the blender drink:

Tried hemp seeds in the blender drink today and wasn't too thrilled with the taste - I blame Jason Ferruggia for this...I'm just not down with the hemp flavor...

Ingredients:

1 banana, raspberries, blueberries, spinach, 1% milk, almond milk, cashew butter, flax oil, vega protein, hemp seeds.

Had with a toasted raw almond butter sandwich on flax meal bread.

Fortunately Jay has redeemed himself with this awesome article on how to do more pullups

=> How to Improve Your Pullups

My workout today is Workout B from TT Hardcore 2K10...just wait till you see the cover for this manual...I think you'll love it and laugh at it.

Stay strong,

Craig

PS - Very tight race in the Female Transformation Contest voting...

...please stop by, check out the photos and essays, and have your say in who wins the $1000 top prize (greatly appreciated!)

=> Transformation Contest Voting

Blender Drink/Workout of the Day

Last week I finished up the latest phase of my own personal program, and I'm going to start a new program next week, but in between, I'm spending this week training with a couple of lab rats to work out the kinks in the new TT Hardcore 2K10 program coming out in May.

Today we finished up Workout A, and it was solid. The interval session is tough stuff. The resistance training is fast, efficient, and a little bit different from what I've done in the past. Tomorrow...barbell complex and bodyweight training.

Earlier I tried out chia seeds in a blender drink...the full ingredient list was:

1 banana, raspberries, blueberries, spinach, almond milk, walnuts, cashew butter, sesame seeds, chia seeds, & brown rice protein powder. Also had a raw almond butter sandwich on toasted flax bread, an apple, and a green tea.  

Resources

#1: An abs interview I did Monday night with Scott Colby on how to get a flat stomach with simple nutrition and the right ab exercises

=> Abs Diet & Exercise Tips

#2 - Finally...got some new videos up on Youtube --

=> 15 Minute Fat Loss Workout

And today I got a great response on my Facebook page with these kick-butt mindset quotes...

"Want a better life? Go after the cause of your problem. Don't mask the problem. Don't dull the pain. Instead, feel the pain and ask yourself what is really causing it. Then attack the cause." - Larry Winget

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it." - Charles Buxton.

The quote from Buxton was probably my most "liked" quote I've ever posted...very interesting...

Alright, off to interview Super Joe Mario...I'll post the link to this call for you soon,

Craig 

Funny Story, Final Notice

Here's a quick little funny story...

The other week I sold my house here in Toronto, and I plan to wait until the housing market here cools off a bit before I buy a new place.

However, I did something silly...

I left my apartment searching till the last minute, and now I'm scrambling to find a place to live before my "Final Notice" to move out of this place.

I'll let you know how the drama unfolds...I'm looking at a couple of options right now...but I'm not extremely happy with either of them. But you know what, I actually feel a little better just explaining it to you...so thanks for listening!

And take it from me, the last thing you want to do is miss a big deadline. And there's a very big deadline happening today...

...because today is your last chance to get me as your very own personal trainer, coming into your house to take you through the TT for Abs DVDs.

We'll do every set, every rep, and even the intervals together.

And after I'll invite you into my kitchen to show you the Simple Nutrition System that I follow for staying lean with six pack abs all year round.

Plus, today is the last day to save over $100 on the regular price of this 19 DVD System AND your last day to take advantage of the 4 payment plan option.

And it's also your last day to get the free shipping too.

So this is your final notice to take advantage of the most complete Turbulence Training System ever created.

=> Click here to take advantage of the TT for Abs Special Offer

And then I'll be showing up on your doorstep soon,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Creator, TT for Abs DVDs

PS - The price of the TT for Abs DVDs increases by $100 after midnight tonight.

So grab your copy and the free shipping today here:

=> http://www.ttforabsdvds.com/specialoffer/

There's also a lower priced 4-payment plan to help you out. But it's only available until midnight as well.

7th Transformation Contest Finalists

Have you checked out the finalists for the 7th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest yet?

They are amazing and you can support them by voting here:

=> Transformation Contest Finalists

Pictures may be worth 1000 words, but their personal stories are 10x's more powerful than even the most dramatic of their before and after photo.

Please take a moment to read the entries from our amazing finalists, including our women...

1) Julie, a busy young hairstylist and student who dropped 15 pounds

2) Busy Mom Stacey who lost 12 pounds and dropped 2 pant sizes

3) Kes, who dropped 12 pounds while kicking perimenopause to the curb

4) Shannon, who dropped 10 pounds & 2.5 inches while becoming a role model of health and fitness to her family

5) Busy Mom Shanda, who lost 14 inches & 12 pounds of post-baby fat

6) Becky, who lost 4% fat & 3 inches from her belly (read her essay!)

And our men...

1) Rob, who dropped 16 pounds and now fits back into size 32 jeans!

2) Mike, who lost an amazing 21 pounds and 6.5% Fat

3) Oak, who dropped an incredible 30 pounds with just 3 workouts per week

4) Joel, who combined Cheat Your Way Thin with Turbulence Training to lose 20 pounds of body fat and can now see his abs

5) Tamas, who lost 30.5 pounds of fat and 5 inches from his belly - thanks in part to his son who bought him the TT program

6) Troy, who dropped a contest-best 31 pounds of fat to look like a fitness magazine cover model.

Read your entry and cast your vote for our men and women here:

=> Transformation Contest Voting

So proud of everyone that entered,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training

PS - The 8th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest starts...

...on Monday, May 3rd. More details coming soon.

Get ready for your chance to win $1000 just by losing belly fat!

7th TT Transformation Contest Voting

Time to vote for the male and female winners of the 7th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest.

Congratulations to all of our finalists! This was our most consistent "class" for both men and women. Some really amazing changes, and please read the essays as they are 10x's more powerful than just the photos.

Please vote for men AND women here (and tell your friends to vote too):

=> Click here to vote for the Transformation Contest Winners

Voting ends on Friday night at 9pm EST.

Very inspiring...and it got me thinking about how to make the new TT Hardcore 2K10 program even better...you'll probably see an interval program similar to the one I did today:

Today's workout: Dog walk, stretching, 10 sprints of 24 seconds with 36 second recovery. More stretching. That's it.

Today's Blender Drink comes in 2 versions...the "beginner's version" without any funky ingredients, and the "health freak version" that contains weird
stuff.

Beginner: Raspberries, strawberries, 1 banana, 2 cups 1% milk, cashew butter
Weird version: All of the above plus spinach, flax oil, and sesame seeds.

And some good resources for you to check out:

Resource #1

5 ab exercises that will make your abs sore

=> Advanced Ab Exercises

Resource #2

Some tips from Mike Boyle

=> Mike Boyle Strength Training Advice

And finally, today's kick-butt mindset tip:

Kekich Credo #47 - "The right thing is usually not the easy thing to do. You may sacrifice popularity for rightness, by you'll lose self-esteem for wrongness. Don't be afraid to say no."

Be strong,

Craig 

Deadlift, Abs & Post-Workout Resources

Good deadlift workout today...I'm going to focus on improving my DL for the summer, and I'll be finding tons of awesome resources to share with you as well (I'm going to interview a lot of experts about how to improve it).

Today's workout:

1) Jumps (4x4)

2) Deadlift (3x5)

3A) Good Morning (2x8)
3B) BB Shrug (2x8)

4) BB Lunge (2x8)

Earlier today, I had a random, thick, "I ran out of almond milk" blender drink:

1 banana, strawberries, applesauce, spinach, oatmeal, walnuts, chocolate protein powder, cashew butter, almond milk, and sesame seeds.

Very filling.

And a giant big boy salad for lunch:

can of black beans, spinach, field greens, 1/2 avocado, mushrooms, red pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, and salsa  

And now for some training & nutrition resources:

Resource #1: My favorite ab exercises

=> Ab Exercises Video

Resource #2:

Jason Ferruggia post-workout nutrition tips here

=> Muscle Building Nutrition

Resource #3:

5 abs exercises that gave me sore abs recently:

=> Advanced Ab Exercises

And finally, today's kick-butt mindset quote:

"Unhappiness is not knowing what you want and killing yourself to get it." - Unknown.....Listen, make sure your goals are specific. Know your destination. This goes for fitness, work, life, etc. Don't grind yourself into the ground because you don't have a finish line.

Stay strong and set those goals,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS

PS - And a bonus resource...

I really liked this...7 interesting lessons my buddy Vinny D & his awesome girl Flavia learned at Marriage school

=> Marriage Preparation Lessons

Supercharged Sunday

Supercharged Strawberry-Banana blender drink: 1 ripe banana, frozen strawberries, spinach, flax oil (you can't taste it), cashew butter, chocolate vegetarian protein powder, and almond milk. Served with toasted raw almond butter sandwich (flax meal bread).

It will be followed by bench press workout, dog walk, and watching golf (one of the few sports I find more interesting to watch than to play).

I'll be hanging out and watching golf with one of my best clients today...someone who might eat even healthier than me, so I thought this kick-butt mindset tip was appropriate for you today:

"Spend some time this week with people who are fitter and healthier than you. Find out what works for them, what drives them, and what you can learn
from their habits and apply to your life. Hang around A-level players and take your game up to their level."

Resource of the Day:

Here's a little "workout fix article" I helped the Toronto Globe and Mail with...NOTE: Do not read the comments (as they are full of un-needed hate)

=> Busy Mom Fat Loss Tips

And a bonus...yesterday's kick-butt mindset quote was this:

"Oh, what a boring life we would lead if not for the wonderful challenges we are given. Every challenge is an opportunity. An opportunity to overcome. An
opportunity to grow. An opportunity to learn. An opportunity to live." - Read this in a book given to me by my friend, Gerald Romine.

Hope you have great workouts this week,

Craig 

Testing Your Limits

Today's TT Workout: TT Addiction Workout C -- tested my limits. Crazy times. You'll love it. Coming April 19th to an asylum near you. It roars out to a crazy start with the pushups, peaks in the middle with the Burpees, and then finishes strong with the kettlebell swings. Upper body gets pumped, but its the quads and glutes that take the biggest beating of all. And everything is bodyweight except for the KB Swings. 

So push your limits, but don't get frustrated if things don't go your way. Just listen to what one smart guy had to say...

"I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward."
Thomas Edison

And then here are my thoughts...

"If you plan, & I mean really plan (not just making your lunch the day before, but plan out meal by meal, grocery trip by grocery trip, workout by workout for 12 weeks), you will lose fat & achieve more than you ever thought possible. This is the stuff of legends. Take 3 hours & plan out your next 3 months. You might this incredibly hard, or even incredibly liberating, but each time you do it you will get better at it."

And planning is necessary for winning the TT Transformation Contest...speaking of which, FYI:

Transformation Contest #7 ends next week...and the 8th Turbulence TrainingTransformation Contest will start May 3rd. Last day to enter will be May 31st.

Looking forward to your success,

Craig

PS - Do yourself a favor and make someone else happy today.

It will make you happier than if you tried to "get happy" by shopping, drinking, or eating.

24-36 Interval Split

I spent a lot of time in February reading interval training studies and articles, and I think I might have found the most effective interval training duration.

And I used it today in Workout B from the upcoming Turbulence Training Addiction program. You sprint for 24 seconds and recover for 36 seconds. The
Australian researchers who performed the intervals vs cardio study that was published back in 2007.

But I added a little twist to it...based on another interval training study I read last year...that study looked at the physiological responses to different types of interval training used by members of the Ivory Coast national soccer team - Who knows, maybe Didier Drogba was a research subject?

So the TT Addiction Workout B program includes a special type of TT interval using the results of both of the studies.

The program also included L-Chinups, 1-leg hops, jumps, decline pushups, and a couple of metabolic circuits. The complete program will be available on April 19th.

You'll get hooked on this one pretty fast.

In the meantime, here's today's kickbutt mindset tip:

Kekich Credo #42 - "Lead by example."

If you don't have social support, take charge as the leader. Be confident in your choices. People will respect your decisions, even if it seems at first that they don't. Eventually, a lot of people will come to you for advice and support. You are the one making the right decision. Never forget that. If you are the one to lead, people will gravitate towards your passion.

And 2 resources for today:

1) Cool vegan & veggie health foods reviewed

=> Vegetarian Health Foods Reviewed by Kardena Pauza

2) Life changing question:

=> 1 major question to ask yourself

Stay strong,

Craig

PS - Big news coming about Memorial Day weekend...

Life Changing Question

Every morning I review my secret, sacred "guiding documents" that keep me on track to doing what I love, helping others, and of course, building a lean muscular physique and increasing my vitality & health.

And today just happened to be the day that I was to review this question from my quotations document:

1) Is the life you're living worth what you are giving up to have it?

You may have heard this question in church, at a personal development seminar, or even just from a respected elder.

But it could be one of the most powerful questions anyone will ever ask you.

Are working too much for too little? Sacrificing time with your family just to make a few extra bucks to buy things you don't need?

Are you sacrificing your long term health and vitality in exchange for the rush and recklessness of cigarettes & alcohol?

Are you giving in to junk food which causes belly fat and leads to you being discriminated against at work?

Are you skipping workouts to watch TV or sit at the bar, leaving you without the lean mass you desire?

So many questions...and I'm not done yet. And yes, I realize that you probably want me to shut up and stop challenging you.

(Reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live skit where Dana Carvey playing Bono comes out and says, "Am I bugging ya? I don't mean to bug ya.")

But I DO mean to bug you.

Once you've answered that question, answer these:

Are you doing what you want in life?
Are you living the personal life that you want?
Are you doing enough of the little things that make you happy?
Are you spending enough time with the people that make you happy?
Are you making the best use of the limited time you have?

Now I know that some folks will answer a resounding "YES!" to all of these, and I'm super proud of you and happy for you.

But for others, answering these questions might be like getting a bucket of icey cold water to the face.

These questions are a wake-up call.

But there's light at the end of the tunnel.

So here's the most important question to ask yourself...this is THE LIFE-CHANGING question...

If things aren't going great, what's at least one thing you can do to start making a change right now, today?

You don't have to tell me (but if you want to comment below or send me a message on Facebook, that's cool - I'd like to hear from you and maybe even help guide you to a solution).

But most importantly, just tell yourself, and then get started on making the change. That's how you get things done.

Remember what I said earlier today...research shows that the biggest regret people have in life is not something they did, but something they DIDN'T do.

And I don't want you to go through life regretting that you never did this or that, because as my friend Vince Del Monte says, "living a life of regret SUCKS".  

If you have regrets right now, you need to change. And yes, it will require you getting outside of your comfort zone, but that is what life is all about.

That is how we live the life worth living. Yes?

If you want to motivated to find your mission in life, to build the lean mass you want and deserve, to find the MATE you desire, and yes, to even earn the money you deserve, then I highly recommend you take action and start making a change today.

It's not "just" about workouts. It's about working on every part of YOU so that you live the life you've always wanted to live.

If you want to change, start taking action now.

Your friend and coach,

Craig Ballantyne

Muscle & Milk Resources

Couple more articles I don't want you to miss...

1) 10 Reasons You Need Lean Mass

=> 10 Reasons to Build Muscle

2) Brad Pilon discusses milk, health, and government regulations

=> Healthy Milk Discussion

Milk is the hottest, most controversial topic in nutrition today. I think he makes some great points, and the discussion has been quite good as well.

Craig

#1 Rule for Men

I've got a very strong politically incorrect opinion for all those guys emailing me and saying that they are 5'8" and weigh 145 pounds and want to lose fat before they start building muscle...

...and that is, "WRONG CHOICE!"

Brother, you need muscle.

In my infamous "abs photos" online (including the one recently STOLEN by GQ magazine - April 2010, page 66), I weigh 180 pounds at 5'9". And I still look small!

So listen, the #1 rule for men is this:

When in doubt, a guy should focus on BUILDING muscle, not losing fat.

Unless you are over 15% body fat, you should not even think about losing fat or dieting if you aren't at the right weight for your height. Once you hit your height-weight level, then you can work on fat loss.

Here's my infamous height-weight scale.

5 feet, 6 inches = 150 pounds
5 feet, 7 inches = 155 pounds
5 feet, 8 inches = 160 pounds
5 feet, 10 inches = 170 pounds
6 feet = 180 inches

(For every inch gained in height, add 5 pounds.)

NOTE: If you are below the assigned weight for your height, you MUST - and there is NO debate - focus your workouts on BUILDING muscle.

That's the #1 rule for you.

And there are two guys who can help you...with two very different approaches and attitudes:

1) Jason Ferruggia - The Renegade - He's raw and rough around the edges...but also one of my best friends. Check out his interview and free report here:

=> Jason Ferruggia Muscle Building Interview

2) Vince Del Monte - The Passionate One - A lot of mindset and motivation from my good friend Vince. You can tell he is the son of a pastor...

=> Vince Del Monte Muscle Interview

Get strong, stay strong, be strong,

Craig

Morning Interval Workout & Blender Drink

"What you think about, talk about, and get off your ass and do something about, comes about." - Larry Winget.

Great start to my day. Up at 6. Dog walk. 20 minutes stretching. 10 minutes intervals. 2nd dog walk. 5 minutes stretching. Then I sat on the balcony
overlooking downtown Toronto while I designed part of "TT Hardcore" for May Workout of the Month.

Then I made the morning blender drink...

1 banana, blueberries, raspberries, spinach, walnuts, cacao nibs, almond milk, vegetarian protein powder, and cashew butter.

Today's resource:

7 tips for thinner thighs

=> Thin Thighs and a Better Butt

And today's kick-butt mindset tip:

Kekich Credo #42 - "Lead by example."

If you don't have social support, take charge as the leader. Be confident in your choices. People will respect your decisions, even if it seems at first that they don't.

Eventually, a lot of people will come to you for advice and support. You are the one making the right decision. Never forget that. If you are the one to lead, people will gravitate towards your passion. People love to follow people with passion - never forget that.

Stay strong,

Craig

Challenge Yourself

"Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory."
General George S. Patton

Today's workout:
Turbulence Training Addiction Workout A - included an interesting 5x5 superset.

I also benched 250x3, which is the best I've done in a while. Stay strong, challenge yourself, and your confidence will ...shoot through the roof everytime you conquer an obstacle.

Workout also had some upper back and arms, and my legs are starting to get sore from yesterday.

Of course, there is more to life than just challenging yourself with workouts.

For anyone going through one of those "what should I do with my life" phases, ask yourself these 5 questions:

- "What is my purpose/higher calling here on earth?"

- "What did my higher power put me here on this earth to do?"

- "Who was I put here to serve?"

- "What skill/ability do I have that NO ONE else in the world can do better?"

- "What do I want my legacy to be?"

I hope that helps you out,

Craig

PS - Vince Del Monte is the talk of the fitness world this week...

...and if you want to get to know him better, join Vince and I on this audio interview - or read the report of our call here:

=> Vince Del Monte Muscle Building Interview

3-Minute Pushup Tips

I've added an extra day to the pushup challenge...so you can still get your entry in before midnight tonight. Here are the rules:

=> http://snipurl.com/3minpu

Lots of folks surprising themselves with their results...and here's one big tip...Do NOT overdo it in the first set. If you're a guy and can do 40 pushups straight, don't do more than 15-20 in your first set.

I can do 57 in a row and I stopped at 20 and went:

20-20-20-15-10-10-10-5-4

If you do 30 in your first set you'll bonk too quickly.

Today's workout for me

1) Max Jumps (5x2)

2) Wide Sqt (3x5)

3A) Olympic Squat (2x5)
3B) RDL (2x8)
3A) Cable Abs (2x20)

*************************
Now a word of warning...

Don't go depending on the "cardio confessional" today...you can't burn off a 2500 calorie Easter Sunday dinner/chocolate fest with 30 minutes on a cardio
machine. Just forget about it. So instead of dreading a cardio workout, do a TT workout that gets you pumped.

And today's kick-butt mindset tip:
Don't be satisfied with the norm if you want more. It's okay to want to achieve special results. The world needs folks who dream and achieve big things. Keep pushing to reach your full potential. Persevere. Never give up. And don't let anyone hold you back.

Stay strong,

Craig

PS - Toronto...

...if u have a lil change in yr pocket, please help the food bank:

=> Click here to help the Toronto Food Bank

They appreciate your help. It's been a rough year for them. 

Saturday Morning Dog Shenanigans

Ha, so Saturday morning I'm at my parent's house and my mom is scolding Bally the Dog for drooling on the kitchen floor...but I think it's her fault for cooking bacon.

And to top it off, she keeps on telling him to "stop dripping"...or "at least sit on a mat if you're going to keep dripping". As if he's a faucet.

Personally, I don't care if he drips, I just want him to stop puking...because he woke me up early Saturday morning by puking in the corner of my bedroom. Lil' stinker.

Anyways, on to some workout tips...

1 common characteristic of almost all success stories is that they had a BEFORE photo taken - this is a key to long-term motivation. Don't be afraid to do this...it will drive you to success.

Resource #1:

Inspiring audio/transcript of interview I did with Vince Del Monte on building your lean mass metabolism...plus you hear the funny story of how he almost died...seriously, its funny.

=> Vince Del Monte Maximize Your Muscle Interview

And...

Resource #2: 10 Step Guide to Becoming a Successful Personal Trainer

I first answered this on TT Members and then added it to the Facebook Fanpage here:

How to become a successful personal trainer

Enjoy,

Craig

3-Minute Men's Health Pushup Challenge from Martin Rooney

This weekend I want you to take the 3-minute Men's Health pushup challenge designed by Martin Rooney.

You can find all the details on page 46 of the April 2010 issue of Men's Health, or you can find the details and enter your score to win 3 months free at Turbulence Training here:

=> 3 Minute Pushup Rules & Contest

Martin Rooney is one of the most experienced strength and conditioning coaches in the world, and I've interviewed him a couple of times.

In one interview we talked about the importance of an athlete having a high strength to bodyweight ratio. Here's how Martin explained the importance:

"Re: strength to bodyweight…Think of it like this…If I did a forty-yard dash and a vertical jump (two good tests of performance) and then performed the two tests again with a 25-pound weighted vest, would I get worse the second
time? Of course.

But how would you explain that? I explain that the athlete just got heavier, but didn't get stronger to accommodate the new weight. Because of this decrease in strength to bodyweight, their performance suffered and their chance for injury increased.

Most athletes are too weak for their bodyweight. And they commonly weigh too much. This is a double strike against them."
Read the rest of the interview here:

=> Martin Rooney Interview

Okay, now for today's workout...which I did outside at 10:30am in 70 degree weather with no shirt on. Can't remember an Easter this warm. While I trained, the dog went swimming in the river beside my parent's house. Now he's begging for lunch...Ok, so back to the workout:

1) The 3-Minute Pushup Test = 114 reps.

- 2 minute rest

2) Then I did the same 3-minute test for bodyweight squats = 121 reps (I expected more...)

- 2 minute rest

3) Then I did the 3 minute test for pullups = 30 reps (I could have done more here with better timing)

4A) Elevated Pushups (2x20 per side)
4B) KB Row (2x15 per side)
4C) Plank (2 sets of max time)

That was it.

Going to do a kettlebell workout tomorrow.

Today's workout has given me some good ideas,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, TT Gauntlet Workout

PS - The TT Gauntlet videos...

...have been added to the TT Fanpage Video Section here:

=> TT Gauntlet Workout Videos

Enjoy!

Crazy Train-ing

Crazy week around here...First Vegas, then the GQ magazine incident, interviews with John Romaniello, Vince Del Monte, and Dr. Chris Mohr, and I sold my house yesterday.

By the way, here's the link to Vinny D's call:

=> Vince Del Monte Interview

Also interviewed Dr. Chris Mohr this morning, and we had a lively call about post-workout nutrition, the truth about milk, Vitamin D, fish oil, and REAL
WORLD fat loss. That call is now available to TT Members.

But the crazies "event" of the week might have been something I watched at the gym today...

A poor girl at the gym today was doing "jump training" by lining up 6 BOSU thingys and jumping (more like mini hopping) from one to the next. And she had them set up on a slippery aerobics studio floor, so they kept sliding out from under her.

Listen, whoever is teaching this stuff needs to stop now. Its stupid, dangerous, and a waste of time. And this is NOT an April Fool's joke...but I kept looking for hidden cameras because it was hard to believe someone thought this was a good idea...

1A) Pistol
1B) Stability Ball Plank  

2A) BGSS 1&1/2 reps
2B) 1-Leg RDL

3A) Stability Ball Rollout
3B) Stability Ball Leg Curl

That's it ... crazy week is over.

Have a great long weekend,

Craig