Yet another amazing weekend in the books. I don’t know about everyone else out there, but this summer has been unbelievable here in Boston. You really couldn’t ask for better weather. Just about every day as of late has been 85+ degrees with a lot of sun, and I’ve taken every opportunity possible to walk around with my shirt off soak up as much of those rays as possible.
1. First off, I have to ask: do people actually enjoy (or better question: actually read) my Miscellaneous Monday posts? I like writing them because it allows me to discuss things that aren’t necessarily fitness related (boobs), and demonstrates to people – to a varying degree – that I’m more than some functional anatomy and performance nerd that does nothing but talk about insertion points and how to put 50 lbs on your deadlift.
I mean, I write this blog as much for YOU, my loyal readers, as for myself. So, I’m just curious if people actually enjoy these sort of posts where I go off the cuff and write about random stuff.
Hey! Did you know that if you have 3 quarters, 4 dimes, and 4 pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
Be honest. If you think these types of posts are garbage, tell me. I won’t cry.
Too much.
2. On Friday I mentioned in passing that CP was celebrating it’s fifth anniversary of being in business. In that post I also mentioned that one of the greatest things about working there – outside of Tony’s Techno Tuesdays – is the sense of camaraderie that we’ve gone out of our way to develop amongst the staff and clientele.
This was never more apparent than this past weekend, when a bunch of CP regulars (staff and clients) attended another (ex) client’s wedding in the city.
The food was great, I busted out my “robot” on the dance floor, and tomfoolery was had.
Exhibit A: this picture.
That’s the one and only Eric Cressey photobombing the shit out of what would have been a perfectly romantic picture between Lisa and I….haha.
3. Last week’s training was solid and I’m pretty sure I could have kicked Superman’s ass if given the opportunity. Okay, maybe not Superman. Aquaman, perhaps.
Suffice it to say, I felt goooooooood, and Dean (Somerset’s) programming has been G6 throughout this whole “getting my spine back to bullet proof status” training cycle.
Last Monday I was allowed to work up to a heavish set of five of conventional deadlifts with chains.
I ended up pulling 315 lbs of bar weight with an additional 150 lbs of chains, for a total of 465 lbs at the top.
After high fiving everyone within a two block radius, I emailed Dean to tell him the good news, and he was happy.
“Okay, we’re making awesome progress,” he said. “Now, just don’t be stupid.”
Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but “stupid” can be interpreted in so many ways.
- Sticking your hand into an electrical socket? Stupid
- Watching an episode of Jersey Shore? Stupid.
- Deciding to “test my back” and attempt a single merely three days after pulling heavy for the first time in two and half months? Borderline mentally challenged!
That’s 405 lbs of bar weight with an additional 150 lbs of chains, for a total of 555 lbs at the top.
It felt great, and I totally went home that night and made out with my girlfriend.
I posted that video on Facebook to let the world know that I was “almost” back. I mean shoot, pulling 555 lbs two months after a back injury ain’t too shabby.
I woke up the following morning to check my emails and saw one from Dean titled:
Goddammit Tony!!!!!
In no uncertain terms, Dean ripped me a new one, and rightfully so. In retrospect it was really dumb of me to do that, and it really could have jeopardized my progress because I allowed the inner meathead in me to take over.
Thankfully, nothing drastic happened and I walked away unscathed.
Sorry Dean. Hugs? It won’t happen again.
4. A few weeks ago, I was perusing the internet (ie: creeping on Facebook) and noticed that Dr. Evan Osar recently came out with a new book, Corrective Exercise Solutions to Common Hip and Shoulder Dysfunction.
Having read a lot of his previous work throughout the years, I was stoked to see that he had come out with something new and I immediately went to the site (On Target Publications) to purchase the book.
About 30 minutes later I received an email from Laree Draper telling me that she had already mailed an advance copy to me and that I should be getting it in the mail shortly. In addition, she stated that I should never hesitate to ask if I needed anything and that she hoped I liked it.
SWEET!
I wrote back to say thank you, and to note that the reason why I ordered it was because the last thing I want to be known as is some fitness prima donna who expects to get things for free or who makes odd requests.
I SAID GREEN M&Ms ONLY!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhh
*punches hole in wall*
Anyways, I finally got the book a few days ago, dove into it immediately, and LOVE it. I’m only a few chapters in, but so far it’s melting my face off with the amount of information it contains, and I can’t recommend it enough.
5. Along those same lines, another solid product to check out is Kyle Arsenault’s ebook, The Other 23 Hours.
Kyle’s a former CP intern who’s gone on to start up a successful business of his own, teaming up with physical therapist Eric Schoenberg in Milford, MA.
The title says it all. While everyone tends to focus on that ONE hour during the day that they’re at the gym, it’s really the other 23 hours that can have a profound effect on one’s results – whether we’re referring to fat loss, muscle gain, addressing postural dysfunctions, or trying to get girls to want to hang out with you.
Kyle’s currently running a HALF-OFF sale right now, and you can purchase the book for $11. So, for the price of what it will cost you to go see The Dark Knight Rises this weekend, you could make yourself a little better (and smarter). That’s a fair trade off if you ask me.
NOTE: Just an FYI: I DO NOT receive any affiliate income (or kick back) for recommending either of the two books above. I just think they’re both kick-ass and deserve a little recognition.
