Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/20/14

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Before I get into the nitty gritty and link to some fantastic reads from this past week, I wanted to put out a quick “feeler” (not that kind of feeler. Get your mind out of the gutter) on something I’ve been thinking about doing in the very near future.

People have been asking me for eons now whether or not I’ll ever produce my own product. Much of my reticence in doing so has been the result of:

1) Not rushing into things. I figured twelve years in, and thousands of client/athlete contact hours (again, get your mind out of the gutter), I’ve amassed enough experience to toss my hat into the fitness product ring.

2) Only doing so when I felt I WAS READY. I always laugh when someone who’s just graduated college or has only been working as a personal trainer for a year states that they’re “world renowned” or an “expert.” Then, if that wasn’t enough of a red flag, are quick to promote their opus of an ebook that, according to them, will change the fitness industry and make us all wet our pants.  Twice.

Okay, now everyone’s mind is in the gutter.

Speaking personally, the only thing I was an expert in out of college or that early on in my career was sucking. And Super Mario Kart.

3) Above all, actually coming up with something worth putting out there.

And it’s with that I want to reach out to my peeps, my “Tribe” if you will, to see if anyone would be interested in participating in a Beta group for a program I’d like to test drive.

I’m still in brainstorming mode and nothing is concrete (yet), but I wanted to toss the idea out there to see if there would actually be any interest?

Basically, I’d write 4-6 months of programming (with a degree of customization involved, based of standard assessments and goals) for a minimum cost, and all I’d ask in return is honest feedback on a month-to-month basis from the participants (along with maybe a bag of beef jerky. I really like beef jerky).

Anyways, just wanted to toss that out to the universe and to place it on everyone’s radar.  If you’d like to leave a comment below expressing any interest you may have, that would be awesome.  Thanks!

There were a TON of great articles I read this week:

Another Bullshit Anti-Red Meat Study – Anthony Colpo

Red meat is blamed for everything. Cancer is the main “go to,” but other things like heart disease, obesity, and global warming are on the conversation.

Next time someone berates you for eating a burger and tries to give you a guilt trip about how you’re causing irreparable harm to your body, send them this article.  And then, for shits and giggles, and just because, make fun of them for thinking their non-GMO diet isn’t somehow genetically modified.

Pretty much everything we eat nowadays has been genetically modified to some degree.

Squat Form: Wide Stance vs. Narrow, High Bar vs. Low Bar – Israel Thomas Narvaez

One of THE best articles I’ve read in a long time on squatting technique.  Cue slow clap here.

Paleo is the Scientology of Diets – James Fell

Listen, I “get” why many people gravitate towards the Paleo lifestyle.  Anything that encourages people to eat real, minimally processed, whole foods is cool in my book.

Some people, though, take the Paleo thing too far.  Fantastic writing (and Nickleback burn) by James.

Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.

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Plus, get a copy of Tony’s Pick Things Up, a quick-tip guide to everything deadlift-related. See his butt? Yeah. It’s good. You should probably listen to him if you have any hope of getting a butt that good.

I don’t share email information. Ever. Because I’m not a jerk.

Comments for This Entry

  • Lyn

    Thanks for the squat article. I'm struggling with form as the weight goes up. The red meat article is also great as I have a ton of vegetarian friends. The James fell article - eh. Seems more about jumping on a trend without learning what that trend is.

    June 20, 2014 at 12:06 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Ran

    I am definitely interested, Tony! Your blog is among the ones that I visit on a near-daily basis, so it would be an absolute privilege to partake in your Beta-program! Given the fact that I have somewhat stalled on the Deadlift recently (I currently weight ~170lbs, and hovering around 270lbs on the DL), it would be amazing to see where your programming can take me.

    June 20, 2014 at 12:07 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Barath

    Congratulations Tony! It's time you came up with a product. I am in the middle of a program now, but I'd be more than happy to test drive your program starting mid August. (unless you come up with it before then, in which case I can't make it and that'll break your heart, I know).

    June 20, 2014 at 12:55 pm | Reply to this comment

  • WIll

    Another batch of stellar articles. Plus I am SUPER interested in the possible Beta test.

    June 20, 2014 at 1:02 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Joe

    I'd be interested in testing out your program, Tony. As a new coach, It'd be a perfect opportunity for me to learn some new things along the way.

    June 20, 2014 at 1:16 pm | Reply to this comment

  • JT

    For sure would be interested Tony - i'll be on the lookout!

    June 20, 2014 at 1:45 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Laurence Smith

    Would love to be a part of beta testing your program, Tony. Please let me know when you do it!

    June 20, 2014 at 2:20 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Carlos

    Interested. Weekend warrior.

    June 20, 2014 at 3:11 pm | Reply to this comment

  • OBoile

    I thought the Fell article was meh (no I don't do paleo). The other two were very good though.

    June 20, 2014 at 4:15 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Jeff

    Anybody that scoffs at red meat can take a look at my latest bloodwork. Total cholesterol is the lowest since Blues Traveler was popular. I am a client of Tony's online program and I can vouch for his stuff. I think a product would be great

    June 20, 2014 at 5:11 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Justin

    I would love to take part in the beta testing of your new product. I have implemented much of the advice you have provided for about 2 years now with great success. It would be awesome to see what you could do with a whole program. Please keep me posted

    June 20, 2014 at 6:21 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Brian

    I would definitely be interested in testing a program from you. I also appreciate all of the articles that are full of knowledge while also having fun with it.

    June 20, 2014 at 8:25 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Karen

    Beta testing with / for you? Sign me up (if I'm qualified of course...I'm still a n00b lifter)

    June 21, 2014 at 8:02 am | Reply to this comment

  • Bob

    Tony, I'd definitely be interested in a program designed by you. I've completed both "Show and Go" and "The high performance handbook" by Eric Cressey. I've seen some great results from both programs, but I'd love to take on the task of completing something you design. Thanks, Bob

    June 21, 2014 at 9:13 am | Reply to this comment

  • Shelby Lynn Downey

    I stumbled across your blog about three weeks ago (I don't even remember how now that I think about it...) but your stuff is awesome! You have a great personality through writing and you really know your stuff. I graduated with a degree in Athletic Training, completed a summer internship with my college S&C coach, plus taught various fitness classes as a certified instructor for four years, so it's refreshing to find someone incredibly knowledgeable that can relate the information to the general public! I have dabbled with heavy lifting - I've been doing rounds of Cathe Friedrich's STS program for the past year, but I'm always looking for something new and I'd be more than happy to provide feedback in a beta group. I'm definitely interested!

    June 21, 2014 at 2:49 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Shane Mclean

    Anthony, great article buddy. Good to see a fellow aussie kicking butt and getting the kudos's you deserve. Don't think you used the words wanker and bullshit enough. Need to sprinkle a few more in there. :)

    June 21, 2014 at 4:02 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Kourtney Thomas

    I would likely get on board with beta testing a program from you. Big fan of your work!

    June 21, 2014 at 4:36 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Bryan

    I'd definitely be in for some beta testing

    June 21, 2014 at 5:24 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Alex

    Definitely interested in doing the beta testing and hearing a little more about the program

    June 21, 2014 at 8:31 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Joley Sullivan

    I'm definitely interested. Count me in!

    June 21, 2014 at 9:39 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Sri

    Count me in Coach #betatesting

    June 22, 2014 at 5:44 am | Reply to this comment

  • Dale Kim

    Hey Coach, this is Dale, one of your former online clients. I'd like to volunteer for your Beta Program. Thanks!

    June 22, 2014 at 8:02 am | Reply to this comment

  • Jeff Collins

    I am also very interested in being a part of your beta program. I have enjoyed your blog and have integrated your thoughts into my practice as an athletic trainer!

    June 22, 2014 at 4:50 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Paul

    I would also be interested in your program. Thanks!

    June 22, 2014 at 4:57 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Dennis

    Definitely interested! Look forward to hearing more.

    June 23, 2014 at 2:15 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Kevin

    I would love to be a part of your Beta group.

    June 24, 2014 at 8:56 am | Reply to this comment

  • Mandie Holmes

    I would love to be considered for the Beta program (full disclosure: I'd have to consider cost, I know that training is not cheap but it has been a significant barrier to finding a program to date). I started weightlifting after a long illness that left me down 33% of my body weight. Three years out I am back and healthy and fitter than ever in part due to the information that you share with your readers. Your blog has been a great resource for me and has helped me to regain an overall level of strength and to develop the confidence in the gym to workout with the guys (even as a tomboy this was a tough thing to get over). I am now looking for a more goal oriented, strength building program developed by someone who understands the "why do something" and not just the "how". If we can make it happen, I'd love to be included.

    June 24, 2014 at 11:07 am | Reply to this comment

  • Michelle Kania

    I would be interested in a beta group if I could afford it. I love trying your ideas on myself and the patients I work with.

    June 25, 2014 at 9:54 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Tony Gentilcore Author

    To EVERYONE who expressed interest in the Beta Group. Sooo stoked to hear this! As it turns out, I'm still in planning/organizing mode on this and it may take me a few more weeks to get things squared away. Rest assured once things are somewhat unclusterf*****, I'll put up a post with more information. Stay tuned.....

    June 26, 2014 at 8:14 am | Reply to this comment

  • Colin Stewart

    Tony, I'd definitely be interested in being a lab rat for your beta test (as others have said, dependent on price - amazing what 2 kids will do to household finances). 44yo male, 1yr post-hernia op in Sep. Ran 5/3/1 for a while, now on New Rules of Lifting. 1RM DL 350, Sq 240, BP 195

    June 27, 2014 at 8:40 am | Reply to this comment

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