RossTraining.com Blog

Just when I thought we’d seen it all, a new pill has been created with the goal of tricking the body to believe it is undergoing serious exertion.

New Pill For The Obese 

As stated within the article:

“The drug hints at radical new potential treatments for obesity whereby fat people would be able to use drugs to slim down rather than dieting or exercising.”

So, rather than dieting or exercising, this study suggests that a pill is the cure all to obesity.  The article even claims the discovery of an easy route to health. 

How do these pill pushers define health?  Does the pharmaceutical industry really believe that a pill can correct all of the problems associated with poor nutrition?  Obesity is just one of many problems linked to diet.  And what about exercise?  Is this pill going to strengthen your heart? 

Once again, the public is deceived into thinking that diet and exercise are not required for health and longevity.  Why work for health, when a pill can give us the same thing?

Pure nonsense!

Ross 

In the past, I’ve discussed the importance of mental toughness. 

Train The Body, The Mind Will Follow

We can look back to the 1996 Olympics for a perfect example of physical and mental toughness.  Kerri Strug put on a mental toughness clinic, as she battled through an injury to ensure victory for her Olympic team. 

As mentioned on her website:

“She captured America’s spirit at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.  As the team competition neared its end, Kerri was up last on vault.  After shocking spectators by falling and injuring her ankle on her first vault, she managed to stick the landing on her second vault before collapsing in pain, helping to secure gold for the American team.  It was a moment that landed Kerri on the front page of newspapers around the world and catapulted her into the spotlight.  She was only eighteen years old.”

****

Here is a video of the performance:

As you can see, if you really want something, nothing can stand in your way.  The body and mind are much more powerful than most will ever understand or appreciate.  If you refuse to give up and believe in yourself, the sky is the limit.

Kerri Strug is a perfect example.

Ross

Following the recent discussion (on this blog) regarding obesity, genetics, and lifestyle choices, I believe the study below will be of particular interest.

Even a Little Extra Exercise Lowers Kids’ Risk of Obesity
As stated within:

“In a cross-sectional study of more than 5,000 12-year-olds, a daily quarter-hour of moderate to vigorous exercise was associated with a 50% drop in the risk of obesity for boys, found Andy Ness, Ph.D., of the University of Bristol.”

The report goes on to state:

“We know that diet is important,” said co-author Chris Riddoch, Ph.D., of Bath University, “but what this research tells us is that we mustn’t forget about activity.  It’s been really surprising to us how even small amounts of exercise appear to have dramatic results.”

*****

This research should not come as a surprise, but rather a wake up call.  Many obese adults were first obese children.  With even small amounts of exercise, this trend can be reversed.  As parents, we have a responsibility to care for our children.  Part of this process involves leading by example. 

As a child, I cannot remember a time when I was not involved in sports. 

We didn’t sit around playing video games and watching television.  It wasn’t an option.  We were always involved in one sport or another.   

As a society, we need to stop looking for excuses, and instead focus our time and attention towards finding and then sharing solutions.  Fortunately, these solutions do not require an understanding of rocket science.

Take your children outside, go for a walk, throw the ball, ride a bike, etc. 

Lead an active lifestyle, and your child will eagerly lead it with you. 

Ross

A recent study suggests the following:

“The average workers’ compensation medical claims cost per 100 employees was $51,019 for obese workers and $7,503 for non-obese workers, according to the study, conducted by Duke University researchers and published in Monday’s edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine. “

The full article is available at the link below:

Study finds obesity takes an economic toll on workers, firms

This is a particularly interesting study for those who ignore the current obesity crisis.  You may not think it is “your” problem, but in fact it is our problem.  It appears that we all pay the price.

Ross

A recent thread on the message board questioned whether the rising popularity of MMA poses a threat to the sport of boxing. 

My initial response to this thread is listed below:

“I find it odd how it (this kind of discussion) always ends in a MMA vs. boxing discussion (as if the two cannot coexist).  I’ve been to SEVERAL gyms where mixed martial artists train alongside boxers.  Everyone is welcome in the gym.  The actual fighters get along and respect each other.  You’ll often see boxers at UFC events and vice versa.

The fighters don’t seem to have a problem with the other sport, so why do fans get so upset, as if you need to choose one or the other.  Fighters from all backgrounds deserve props.  No matter what style floats your boat, it still takes balls to step in and fight.”

*****

I enjoy baseball, basketball, and football.  Just because I enjoy watching the World Series doesn’t mean that I cannot enjoy the Superbowl or the NBA championships.  The athletes from each event are exceptional at their chosen sport.  I can’t understand why a true fight fan would not enjoy an action packed match, whether it be boxing, MMA, collegiate wrestling, or any other “combat” sport.  Why does the fan need to choose one or the other?

Should a UFC fan not enjoy the IFL?  Should a PRIDE fan not enjoy the UFC? 

Of course not…  It’s all nonsense.

If you enjoy combat sporting events, give each fighter their props. Whether they compete in your sport of choice does not mean that you cannot enjoy the action that two noble athletes produce in combat. 

Personally, I enjoy all combat sports.  Rather than hating on one sport, why not sit back and enjoy the action. 

For example, check out the action from the first Ward vs. Gatti bout (video below).  Watching this 9th round live was one of the most exciting fights I’ve ever seen.

And for those boxing fans who dismiss the mixed martial arts, how could you not enjoy the free telecast on Saturday night?  These were world-class bouts that did not require a pay-per-view investment.  Gabriel Gonzaga shocked the world with a devastating knockout of Mirko Cro Cop.

Ultimately, whether you are a boxing fan or a fan of the mixed martial arts, you still qualify as an official FIGHT fan.  Enjoy the fights and stop hating on FIGHTERS from other combat sports.

Ross

This post has nothing to do with physical fitness, but considering that it is the weekend and I really enjoyed this story, I believe it is worth sharing.

Don’t mess with Miss America

Have a great weekend!

Ross

The video below is not a training video, rather a unique demonstration of human endurance. 

This video offers just another example of the human body’s potential.  These men will hunt for hours on end.  

When survival is at stake, the capabilities of man become much more apparent.  These capabilities are often underestimated in today’s world.  Many have no idea how much we are all capable of achieving. 

I’m certainly not suggesting that we all go hunt food for the next 8 hours, rather I am using this video to highlight what we can do when circumstances leave us no other option.

Ross

PS - To those who have recently used this article to justify their obesity, I find it strange that this “gene” seems to be missing amongst the culture seen in the video above.  Perhaps lifestyle is in fact more important than any genetic deck of cards? 

As today’s fitness industry continues to promote false promises and so-called breakthroughs, it is often useful to take a look backward, rather than forward, to be reminded that the display of strength is not new.  Strength has been around for a long time!

Paul Anderson is one prime example.  Below are two brief demos of this man’s amazing strength.

As you can see, strength is not a new concept. 

Enjoy,

Ross

With the recent discussion of homemade equipment ideas, I believe many readers will enjoy this homemade kicking apparatus (see video below):

Designed by Ron Kosakowski, this low-tech device would be a great (inexpensive) addition to any fighter’s gym.

To those in my local area (Connecticut), check out Ron’s gym in Waterbury if you are looking to enhance your mixed martial arts training.  Here is a direct link to Ron’s website:

http://www.psdtc.com/Grappling/

Ross

Here is a great clip of legendary strongman Bill Kazmaier.

Whether your interest is bodyweight exercise, free weights, odd object lifting, or a little bit of everything, you can’t deny this man’s strength.  This clip will make you want to pick something up and throw it!

Enjoy!

Ross