I’m leaving for a much needed vacation this Friday.
My wife, Julian, and I are heading down to Florida for a week. I hate being hot and sandy, but I don’t care. I’ve been sequestered in this apartment for a full year and I just need a change of scenery.
Nonetheless, don’t be alarmed at the lack of content in the coming 10-14 days. I’ll still likely post some old stuff you may have missed the first time around (jerk).
Bye, I love you.
Copyright: conneldesign / 123RF Stock Photo
SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
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People are routinely on the prowl for the perfect program. They’ll start one, only to flip the script two weeks later.
I’m here to tell you that CONSISTENCY is paramount. Stick to the plan and don’t waiver.
This was not a fitness related article in the least, but just a lovely and heartfelt piece of writing by my good friend Bryan discussing the passing of his dog, Maverick.
Today’s guest post comes courtesy of NJ based personal trainer and strength coach, Chris Marzarella. When it comes to best practices for getting both strong and ripped you have those who feel powerlifting is the best way, and those who feel more of a bodybuilding approach is the key.
Why not use elements of both at the same time?
I.e., PowerBuilding.
Check out Chris’s program below and maybe give it a go!
Train like a superhero to get that superhero physique.
This is a high-volume training routine.
It keeps elements of powerlifting and bodybuilding, two of my favorite things aside from NJ pizza, Guinness beer, and a Cohiba Black.
Note From TG: I had a Guinness once. Key word: once…😂
I am offering you a way to keep both in a program.
You will continue to make gains using both methods.
You do not want to do this program on a cut or during a dieting phase. It is demanding. I do not suggest staying on this program for more than 16 weeks.
It…is…demanding.
You need to have calories. I would prefer you to have 35% protein, 35% carbohydrates, and 30% fats. For a quick and dirty calculation, multiply your body weight x 12. This will give you enough calories. If you fare lower with less carbs, adjust the ratio, but don’t expect to make (as much) progress with a low(er) carb approach.
And please, for the love god, do not attempt this program following a keto approach.
Higher volume requires more calories for optimal recovery. If you try to do this cutting a dieting phase, you are shortchanging your results. Why put yourself through hell and not have enough brick and mortar to build that house of your dreams?
Conjugate Method
The conjugate method is born out of both Soviet Union and Bulgarian training systems. It was popularized by legendary powerlifter and coach, Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell.
The foundation of this program is centered around selecting a compound move and trying to progress each each week by even a small amount of weight.
The format of the conjugate week looks like this:
Maximum effort upper (Bench Press variation)
Maximum effort lower (Squat / Deadlift variation)
Dynamic effort upper
Dynamic effort lower
In this program you will stay on a lift for a period of one to three weeks.
Even if it’s a 2.5 lb. gain, it’s STILL progress.
Another thing to consider, and something that’s often glossed over, is FEEL of a set. Technically, you can stay with the same load for multiple weeks and just focus on making that load feel less effortful.
That’s progress too.
However, the main concept to anchor in your mind is that even a seemingly small increase is still an increase.
To that point, you may want to consider purchasing a cheap set of fractional plates.
After one to three weeks, you’ll change a small component of the lift.
From there you will want to consider varying your lifts slightly every few weeks.
If you did a competition bench press, change the grip to a narrow grip or something that makes it different. If you did a competition squat with a belt, train without a belt. Change the first bench press into an incline bench press. A back squat can now become a front squat.
The choices are endless.
The Format
We will keep the two max effort days the same. We are going to use higher volume with a push-pull-legs format for the latter half of the week so that it looks like this:
Day 1: Max Effort Upper
Day 2: Max Effort Lower
Day 3: Rest and Recovery
Day 4: Push
Day 5: Pull
Day 6 : Legs
Day 7: Rest and Recovery
The Program
Recovery Day Options
Warm-Up: 3 Minutes on bike, elliptical, or walk outside.
15 Minutes HIIT: Choose one of the following modalities:
Tire flip: Set timer for 15 minutes, and flip the tire. Rest only as needed.
Sprints on Elliptical: Warm-up two-minutes, high burst intensity for 20 seconds/low intensity 40 seconds, repeat ten times, cool down for three minutes
Ball Slam – 15 seconds slam the ball/45s rest – repeat 15 times.
Sled Push – Set a timer for 15 minutes. Walk with bodyweight amount on sled. Rest as needed.
Workloads in the beginning of the week will focus on the compound lifts and getting you stronger. So, think: squat variation, deadlift variation, and bench press variation.
Your accessory work (subsequent exercises) should focus more on your weak points and/or technique flaws with the main lift(s).
For example, if your glutes are weak, select an exercise (after the main lift) that targets that weakness. If your shoulders are the weak point on your bench press, select an overhead press variation.
The program above should serve more as a template than something that’s set in stone.
Variations
Don’t go so far away from your primary lift movement pattern that you use three or more modes of overload.
Don’t use a Swiss ball, plus bands, plus a barbell, while using a Slingshot to vary the basic bench press. What do you think this is…
…Instagram?
Instead, change your grip, use a different range of movement like an incline bench. Change the rep tempo, pause inside of the rep.
Anything can work to continue training the basic movement.
One small tweak is all you need to count as a variation.
If you squat with a belt, spend three weeks squatting without a barbell. Maybe consider performing a Pin (or, Anderson) Squat.
Paused squats, slight changes.
As far as deadlifts are concerned, you can choose to deadlift off blocks. Deadlift with a squat shoe, use a Trap Bar, deadlift with a band around your waist and planted into a power rack.
How about Slow Start Deadlifts?
Changes need to match the lift.
Getting Stale On Accessory Movements
Change a little something about the lift.
For example, if you are doing a good morning, but not progressing, change the movement to a stiff leg deadlift. You still have that hip hinge, but you are changing it enough to create a new stimulus.
Give the exercise time to work.
Do not change it every three weeks. Stick to it for 4-6 weeks.
Final Details
Where you see AMRAP sets, stop one or two reps shy of failure. Don’t go bananas. You are risking injury.
Where you see total rep numbers, I like to get as many reps as possible on the first set. Then whittle it down to a total of reps needed.
Unsure of when to move up the weight? Use auto regulation. Do the required amount of reps for the sets. On the final set, take it to failure. If you get 2-3 additional reps, add 5 lbs next time. If you get more than that, add 10 or more. Choose wisely or you risk injury.
Plan a recovery workout. It should include a HIIT training session, a series of stretches, mobility work and a cool down period.
Give this program all you have for twelve weeks.
Remember: Treat it as a template. I encourage you to change things to fit your injury history and ability level. The important thing here is the structure.
Seriously, twelve weeks.
Go hard, but be smart (and consistent). Boring often works the best anyway.
You’ll be strong AF and looking like Batman (the Affleck Batman, not the puny Keaton one) in no-time.
About the Author
Chris Marzarella is a trainer and strength coach and owns a studio located in Brick, NJ. He is available online and in person in Ocean and Monmouth County NJ.
He runs a dry land strength and conditioning camp in Tinton Falls at Rock Sports Club. The program is for young swimmers with the NJ Racing Team. He has trained clients and athletes for over 25 years. He is also a competitive NPC classic physique athlete.
Admittedly, I can understand why some of you reading might be thinking to yourselves “ooooookay, Tony.”
It’s quite an inane thing to announce.
I mean, people join commercial gyms all the time. Much like they brush their teeth in the morning, make a grilled cheese sandwich or, I don’t know, shop at The Gap.
People do shit.
What’s the big deal?
Well, nothing. But you made it this far so you may as well keep reading…;o)
1990 (or 91)
That was the year it started.
I was 13 and that was the year Mariah Carey dominated my bedroom walls I got my first weight set. You know, one of those sets that was always on sale at K-Mart and came with a bench, a barbell, and cement weights covered in plastic.
I loved that weight set and Mr. Random Black & White Male Model On a Poster Who, In Hindsight, Wore Shorts That Were Way Too Short became my mentor.
I followed that poster to a “T” and, along with my Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco rookie cards, it became one of my most prized possessions.
Soon I entered high-school and was then old enough to be allowed to use the weight room, located in the basement of the school itself and quite literally a dungeon. By then shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, In Living Color, and Martin were dominating my cultural landscape, along with baseball, and the idea of playing it at the collegiate level.
Also, not for nothing: Salma Hayek entered my life.
I spent just about every day after school between my sophomore and senior years lifting weights in that dungeon. It had one of those universal gyms complete with a chest and shoulder press station, pulldown, leg press, leg extension/curl, and dip station. There was also a squat rack (if I had access to a time machine I’d go back and tell myself to start using it sooner), a few barbells, and a smattering of weight plates that were rusty enough to have required a yearly tetanus shot
I have fond memories of that dungeon.
It’s where I benched pressed 135 lb (the BIG WHEELS) for the first time. It’s also where I got stapled by 135 lbs for the first time when I attempted a second rep.
1996
In 1996, while home for summer break after my freshman year of college, I was punched in the face (in a good way) by the welcome surprise that a commercial gym had opened up in my hometown.
My hometown didn’t have a fast food joint (or a traffic light), but it now had a gym.
I was beyond the moon.
It wasn’t perfect, but it came with all bells and whistles I had never had access to prior…
Two squat racks (at this point, still not a fan. Dammit Tony!)
A litany of selectorized machines
More weight plates than I could count
And even the token old-timer meathead who, much to my mother’s gasp, told me to put raw eggs into my protein shakes
It was glorious.
It was mine.
And then…
2002-2021
In 2002 I became a fitness professional.
For the first five years of my career every workout took place in a menagerie of gyms I was employed by, except for the one year Eric Cressey & I drove to Stratford, CT 2x per week to train at South Side Barbell (a powerlifting gym) amongst giants.
That gym doesn’t exist anymore, but it was one of the best training years of my life.
Then, in 2007 I helped co-found Cressey Sports Performance and ever since I’ve lived in this peculiar strength & conditioning bubble where people perform full-ROM pull-ups, are more inclined to squat on Monday than bench press, and shrug it off as no big deal whenever someone deadlifts 405 lbs for reps.
It’s been 25+ years since I’ve paid for a gym membership because I’ve either worked in one or “owned” one.
For the past 15 months, however, I’ve been sequestered in my own 500 sq. ft. studio.
It gets the job done and I have everything I need to fulfill my training goals:
✅ Keys to the door.
✅ Ample weights.
✅ Specialty bars.
✅ Power Rack
✅ Sick hip hop beats.
That said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t confess I’m sometimes bummed I don’t have access to certain types of equipment.
That, and as a writer always looking for fodder to write about, selfishly, meandering about a commercial gym has always provided me a bevy of content.
It’s the ultimate anecdote to writer’s block…😂
That said, I hit a tipping point recently and came to the conclusion I needed a change of scenery; even if only 1-2x per week.
Now, it’s not lost on me I’m complaining about something many would have killed to have access to the past year, but working out where I work has been getting monotonous and boring.
I needed a change of pace. A break. A separation of church & state if you will.
After doing a bit of reconnaissance I ended up joining a neighborhood commercial gym this week, and so far it’s been a splendid experience and a welcome jolt to my training.
Granted, I don’t miss the incessant “peacocking” of dudes walking around or the perplexed looks I’ve received whenever I ask someone if I can jump in on a piece of equipment.
Based on some reactions you’d think I asked them what their favorite protein powder was in Klingon.
Relax.
I’m only going to take 30 seconds and then you can do your 47th set of seated rows.
Regardless, thus far the benefits have far outweighed the drawbacks. A different vibe was definitely needed and it’s offered a chance to disconnect and just focus on my training.
Plus, I never thought I’d be so smitten to see a pec deck.
Everyone has different goals, aspirations, pacing, expectations, and Spotify playlists that get them revved up to exercise.
Today’s guest post, written by Westchester, NY based personal trainer Elaine Studdert, highlights the concept of sustainable fitness and strategies people can use to attain it.
10 Suggestions On the Quest For Sustainable Fitness
Sustainable
NOUN
the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
What is sustainable fitness?
Sustainable fitness is a mindset rather than a program. Having the right mindset is the difference between reaching your goals rather than continually chasing them. This is something you can practice for life, at any phase, at any age, at any fitness level.
Sustainable fitness is not a quick fix.
It’s not about getting results in six weeks.
It’s slow and steady versus a quick fix. It’s reasonable and maintainable over the long haul. It’s fitness you can stick to and get lasting results with.
It means working hard but working smart.
Taking this approach doesn’t mean you can’t have hardcore abs, get shredded, or ripped.
Quite the opposite, because if you stick to a plan the sustainable approach works. Any program that promises quick results is probably too good to be true.
Would most of us rather lose 40lbs in 40 days?
Absolutely! The problem with that is what happens after the 40 days? Programs making false promises can lead to burnout or injury.
If the program claims to be insane, it probably is.
Discovering what will work for you is a process, but worth the effort. The potential for achieving your goals grows exponentially once you figure it out.
Here are things to focus on while you search:
1. Consistency Is the Key to Finding Sustainable Fitness
If you attempt to keep up a pace that allows little time for anything else in your life it will be almost impossible to maintain.
Keep a schedule that is manageable with your lifestyle. And once you find it, do your best to stick to it.
2. Expect Ups, Downs, and Bumps In the Road Ahead
Don’t be derailed by an “off day” or a “missed workout.”
In the long run the trajectory will be on an upward trend if you stick to a consistent plan rather than a quick fix. This might sound boring but consistency is the way to success. If you miss a workout don’t try and make up for it and work extra hard next time.
Just move on!
3. Appreciate the Little Things
Take time to celebrate small successes and don’t expect changes to happen overnight.
You are in this for the long haul. Little changes add up over time and compound. Similar to money invested in the stock market, your strength will build over time. Short term gains might be easy to attain but those gains can be quickly lost if you don’t sustain them.
Add a little bit to your portfolio each week and watch yourself get stronger.
4. Work At a Level That Is Easy to Maintain.
If you are at a level 10 for every workout it will be hard to keep that up.
That is not to say you should never go all out and push limits.
However, the majority of your workouts should be reasonable and not leave you so sore that you have to take days of rest to recover.
Think moderation!
5. Keep It Simple
Focus on mastering basic skills.
Try not to be enticed by every new program or exercise that you see. Just keep your blinders on and stick to what works.
That doesn’t mean you should repeat the same workout forever, but mixing things up all the time doesn’t allow for progression.
6. Be Authentic to Yourself
If you have never picked up a weight before then seek guidance from a friend or fitness professional. Don’t try to jump into a fitness challenge that you are physically not ready for.
Build up to it.
7. Know Where You Are and Accept It
Something you did in the gym ten years ago may not be relevant today.
If you are getting over an injury or getting back to the gym after a long hiatus, start where you are at the moment, not where you were in the past.
Be honest and patient with yourself.
8. Move Every Day
Not every workout takes place in a gym.
Take a walk, a bike ride, play a sport, or just do mobility work.
Everything adds up.
9. Find Your Tribe
Being with like-minded people is a huge help in keeping yourself on track.
10. Lastly, Pay Attention to Your Nutrition and Recovery.
Exercise is just one part of the equation. Don’t ignore everything else.
The most important thing to keep in mind while finding your sustainable fitness is to be flexible. Remember that life will throw challenges at you and you need to adapt. If you stay true to practicing the above, you will have the tools you need to be able to navigate anything life throws your way.
About the Author
Elaine Studdert is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer based in Westchester, NY.
She trains clients virtually and in-person at HealthyFit in Mamaroneck. Elaine specializes in functional movement and kettlebell training. She loves to work with clients who are looking to improve their quality of life through movement.
See her most recent article on virtual fitness training at Larchmont Loop.
You don’t need to be in a gym for 90 minutes every day in order to see (or get) results. We’re all pressed for time of late, and Shane provides some valuable insights on how to get the most for your training (time) buck in this article.
Nick is one of my favorite people in the fitness industry. He’s authentic, genuine, and doesn’t sugar coat anything. I’d HIGHLY recommend signing up for this FREE 3-part video course where he highlights some of his “secrets” to becoming a successful personal trainer.
Full Disclosure: You do need to provide your email address in order to receive the course. But don’t worry, Nick won’t spam you. He’s not a dick…;o)
About a two weeks ago I received an email from a newly minted trainer in the industry who had read THIS article on program design I wrote not too long ago.
Sheepishly, he admitted that program design was one of his weak points and that he felt he was ill-prepared to write effective one’s despite having recently completed the certification process.
I could relate.
I recalled how in the first few months of my personal training career I felt like an abject failure when it came to writing programs for my clients.
Here’s how it went:
Client: “Hi.”
Me: “Hi.”
Client: “Can you write me a program to help me reach my goals?”
Me: “Brb.”
(cooly turns around and heads off to the back room to hyperventilate into a paper bag)
(10 Minutes Later) Me: “Yes, I can do that.”
In the time between those initial few months and now I’ve written roughly, I don’t know, 5,000-7,000 (+/- infinity) programs for a menagerie of individuals and backgrounds. Many have been influenced by books I’ve read, lectures I’ve listened to, and/or conversations I’ve had with other colleagues of mine.
Moreover, many have their roots in me just spit-balling and experimenting with an idea of concept. There’s a thought process behind them of course; I’m not just blindly tossing things at the wall and seeing what sticks.
However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t just come right out and say that a portion of my program writing process is me just saying to myself, “let’s see what happens if I do this.”
No one has died or lost an appendage yet…😉
More to the point: I’ll be the first to say that NONE of my programs have been perfect. Even today I am constantly x’ing stuff out, changing this exercise to that, adjusting loads, regressing, progressing, or otherwise flat out changing my mind.
Sometimes I’m overzealous, sometimes I’m too reserved.
Sometimes I’m wrong.
I’m not scared to admit it.
Nevertheless, the point is: I am always leaning into the process and accepting the fact that I am (and will always be) thiiiiiiis close to grabbing that paper bag.
Which brings me back to the new trainer from above.
As he and I were corresponding back and forth he proposed something to me. He wanted to see if I could help him find another coach to mentor him and to possibly write programs for a few of his current clients.
He’d provide the details.
The other coach would write the program
Then he’d want to “dissect” the program with the other coach to ask more of the why’s and how’s behind the program.
I gave him two pieces of advice:
1. To seek out a local trainer/coach that he could shadow/observe on a semi-regular basis. This is something I wish I would have done earlier in my career.
It would have helped tremendously.
There’s an abyss of value in having the ability to watch another coach in real-time do his or her thing and to also have the opportunity to ask questions.
I reminded him that he won’t write perfect programs. That’s an awful expectation to put on himself. I reiterated to him that his client’s wouldn’t need “perfect” programs, but rather just some semblance of progress.
Let’s be real: Most people see improvements in spite of what their program has them doing.
It’s more about being consistent with something, anything than it is whether or not they’re following an undulated, block periodization plan centered around quasi-isometric eccentrics.
If you’re a new trainer the best way to learn how to write programs is to jump in and do it.
Appearance on the Physical Therapy Innovations Podcast
Sha-ZAM.
I had the lovely opportunity to be invited onto the newly minted Physical Therapy Innovations podcast hosted by Vickie Dills.
I’ve always felt there’s an important bridge that connects the strength & conditioning world with physical therapy and that there’s a lot of crossover and synergy between the two when it comes to helping people feeling and moving better.
Ones the peanut butter to the other’s jelly.
Batman to one’s Robin.
Dead to a lift.
You get the point.
Vickie feels the same way and I think you’ll enjoy this conversation.
This is the third and final installment of fitness financial expert Billy Hofacker‘s Coach and Grow Rich series on TonyGentilcore.com. However, unlike most trilogies (ahem The Matrix Reloaded & Revolutions) this doesn’t suck.
Financial literacy is a topic that’s not emphasized (much less taught) to fitness professionals. What’s your plan for retirement? Do you have short or long-term disability? How about a 401k? SEP IRA? How do you handle debt?
The gist is: If you have a better handle on your rolodex of Russian weight training manuals or keto recipes than you do your budget, you may want to consider readjusting your priorities.
Here’s the first two installments in case you missed them:
Just like our clients need to learn proper squatting technique before we throw a heavy bar on their back, we need to have some foundational principles in place for building wealth.
Before we dive into part 3, here’s a quick re-cap of the first two installments.
Part 1 of Coach and Grow Rich was all about developing a money mindset. Since we’ll never outperform our self image, it’s crucial to pay attention to what we’re thinking about. Most people wind up where they expect financially, which isn’t far. By improving your mindset, you can set and achieve greater goals than you thought were possible.
Part 2 dealt with a sometimes uncomfortable topic, debt.
It’s an area I know all too well as my wife and I scraped our way out of a massive amount (more than 100K) of debt 10 years ago. I know firsthand how debt can cripple the future. I’m on a mission to help fit pros destroy debt so they can live the life they’re destined for.
The topic for this final post in the series is wealth building.
Accumulating wealth can sound like a scary thing. I know I’ve had to shift my mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. Just over a decade ago I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to keep our house and now I have a grandeur vision.
Hopefully this post will help it seem a little less daunting for you. If a guy like me can get to the other side, with some hard work and discipline, you can too!
I hope you’re convinced of the importance of taking your finances seriously.
If so, here are the 7 habits of highly effective finances (and wealth building).
1. Do a Spending Plan
Think of your spending plan like your training program.
You create your plan before the month starts with your end goal in mind. It then serves as a guide for you to follow. We never follow it perfectly but we do much better than if we had no plan at all.
One of my favorite personal finance books is The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley. While income level can be a big lever when it comes to building wealth, it’s not true that a high income is needed to get ahead financially.
Additionally, high consumption isn’t correlated with high net worth.
The next time you’re at a stoplight, you may see a brand new Mercedes on one side and a three year old Toyota Corolla on the other. While there’s a chance the person driving the Mercedes is wealthy, there is a greater chance the owner of the Toyota is.
You may be surprised to find out that even among people who make 250K or more, only 39% drive luxury cars. It’s also not surprising that 8% of people who earn less than 100K drive luxury models. That’s keeping up with the Jones’ at its finest!
3. Stay Out of Debt
One of the most common traits of millionaires is they get and stay out of consumer debt. Even with a higher income, if a large percentage of it is going towards debt, the lost opportunity to build wealth is tremendous.
4. Save Your Pennies
Another trait of financially successful people is that they’re organized and prepared. They know that life happens and aren’t caught off guard when the water heater breaks, they have a flat tire, or when it’s December 25th.
They save a little each month and build up an unexpected event or sinking fund so when things happen, stress is minimized and they can keep moving in the right direction.
5. Invest
Money sitting in the bank can have its purpose (as mentioned in the point above) but keep in mind that over time that money will be worth less.
This is due to inflation, the decline of purchasing power over time.
One of the key principles of investing is that the higher the risk the higher the potential return. For example, you can invest in individual stocks or cryptocurrency. You may get lucky and choose the right one, like a guy I know of who invested in Apple at 9 years old and became a multimillionaire by age 13.
However, there is a much greater chance you will lose your money since there are so many unknowns. For this reason, most financially successful people have most of their investments in assets that have greater stability like mutual funds, index funds (a close cousin of mutual funds), and real estate. You have to determine how much risk you’re willing to take based on your situation (e.g. age, goals, etc.).
6. Get Money Smart
Some people say to stick your money in an investment, let it grow, and don’t worry about it. Or, hire a financial planner and let them handle it so you can focus on what you do best.
I agree and disagree with both of these strategies.
The main thing for me is that nobody is going to watch your money like you do.
Nobody.
I don’t believe you should take your finger completely off the pulse. You shouldn’t do that with your personal money or the money flowing through your business. I’m not saying you need to check your net worth three times a day, but spending a few hours a month on things like organizing your finances, thinking through different purchases, setting goals, etc. can go a long way.
Life is not all about money but when this part of things is organized the rest of life will work better.
7. Be Generous
Counter to what many think, the wealthiest people are the most generous.
And you don’t have to be wealthy to start giving.
Did the wealthy people become generous by getting rich? Or did being generous make them rich? Even with very little, you can cultivate a generous spirit. It might be with a few dollars, a higher tip, or even a compliment.
Being generous can become addictive. It feels so good to give that you want to earn more just to give more. It becomes a positive cycle of doing good, earning more, and creating a greater impact.
As That’s That
As you can see, building wealth doesn’t have to be complicated.
It can be rather simple.
It’s not easy.
It’ll take years of hard work, discipline, and courage. It’s not all that different from setting a goal in any important area like fitness or relational. I challenge you to do all or most of the seven things mentioned here for the next 30 days. You’ll see that you can win with money and hopefully be on your path to achieving financial freedom!
About the Author
Many fitness professionals get stuck in the day to day and have little to show for their hard work. Billy Hofacker helps them get on a plan to achieve financial freedom. You can learn more by listening to the Your Fitness Money Coach podcast or visiting www.yourfitnessmoneycoach.com.
It seems summer decided to show up a bit early in my neck of the woods. Today is day #2 of a four-day spread of ungodly hot weather by New England standards. Yesterday hit 90 degrees and there’s talk of two to three 95-100 degree days looming.
My wife, a Floridian, is ecstatic.
Me?
I’d rather have a tickle fight with a grizzly bear.
Nevertheless, on a personal note (and with the warm weather officially here), we booked our first family vacation since before the pandemic for later this month.
We’re heading, of all places, to Florida at the end of the month….hahahaha.
I mean, FML.
I can’t wait.
Also, speaking of travel, I’m now starting to book some workshops.
STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST
1. I’m Coming to England (Manchester & London: Fall 2021)
I have confirmed that I’ll be coming to England this September to do not one, but TWO separate workshops.
I’ll be doing my 1-day Coaching Competency Workshop at Gudlift Gym in Manchester on Sunday, 9/12 – click HERE for itinerary and to register.
The following weekend (9/18) I will be in London alongside Luke Worthington to put on our 2-day Strategic Strength Workshop (host location is still being figured out)
It feels extraordinary to finally be putting events INTO my calendar rather than taking them off.
I hope to see you there!
SIDE NOTE: I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there for this Fall, and it’s looking like I’ll be making a cameo in Orlando this winter.
I’m also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.
If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.
Recently I was invited onto The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast hosted by Chris Abbott and Mike Kurkowski. I know I say this every time I’m invited onto a podcast, but this time I really mean it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.
This is not just three dudes talking about lifting heavy things (although there’s a teeny tiny bit of that). This is three dudes hitting on a litany of topics ranging from authenticity to the intimacy of writing to that time I had to take a young athlete aside for disrespecting his parent.
