RossTraining.com Blog

Since starting this blog, I’ve made a few references to the Sandowplus.co.uk website.  It is absolutely loaded with training material from the past.  You could literally spend days reading through the texts.  There is that much material.

One of the better books in my opinion comes from Saxon himself.  Here is the direct link to the full program:

The Textbook of Weightlifting

Before you head to the link however, I suggest that you set aside some time to actually read through the text.  Many may be eager to jump to the exercise photos, but you’ll really miss out on some worthwhile reading.  It is shocking that this book was published in 1905. 

For example, Saxon addresses the critics of strength training.  He cites many common arguments against the use of weights (remember, this was from 1905!):

Now, the chief objection which the opponents of weight-lifting always advance is that it makes a man slow and cumbrous.

He then goes on to say:

Further than that, it is and has been contended that by developing one’s strength to the degree of coping with weights of two or three hundredweight, a man will transform himself into a species of clumsy elephant… In short, totally incapable of anything resembling delicacy or skill…

*******

Saxon then goes on to dispel these myths, even citing examples from the sport of boxing.  The book then moves on to various exercise demonstrations.  You’ll find everything from one hand barbell work, to dumbbell swings, to kettlebell lifts, and more.  It’s all there, and this was over 100 years ago.

I find it almost humorous that the arguments against strength work are still around today.  Saxon was a living example of his theories.  He was strong, powerful, and athletic.  It is unfortunate that so many still struggle to hear and apply his message. 

I suppose there will always be critics in the world.  They don’t want to listen, and often don’t even know what they are arguing for or against. 

Ross

Below is a nice video of several past greats.  It shows the hard work that takes place behind the scenes.  Whether you have 12 minutes or 12 hours available to train, this kind of video will often get the blood flowing for your next session.

Have a great weekend,

Ross

Okay, not really…  But if you feel like wasting 20 seconds, refer to the link below:

http://www.spellcaster.de/burpee/

This program was posted to the board recently.  I got a kick out of it.  Here is the original thread for those interested.

Enjoy,

Ross

This blog entry isn’t intended to be a complete knock against the pharmaceutical industry.  There are good apples and bad apples in almost any industry.  I’m not looking to spread fear and chaos with this entry, but rather to open your eyes to events that often take place behind closed doors. 

As stated within the link below, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently revealed how the large drug maker Merck had manipulated dozens of publications to promote its painkiller Vioxx.

Merck Busted For Ghostwriting

These recent events have come as a surprise to some.  After all, aren’t we supposed to trust the scientific process? 

In a perfect world, we would, but this world is far from perfect.

More Info To Ponder

When reading through new material, it is important to realize that actions are often inspired by motives.  These motives may have nothing to do with your well being.  Just because a doctor or pharmacist says something doesn’t mean that it is always true.  Regardless of your profession, we are all human beings.  We all make mistakes, and no one knows everything.  New information comes out each day, and no one spends 24 hours a day reading it.  Think back 50 years ago.  Many facts from yesteryear have been completely disproven.  I’m sure the same will be said 50 years from now. 

Ultimately, we need to make informed decisions.  No one plugs their brain into a knowledge machine at night and has all the answers in the morning.  Knowledge is free and readily available to those who are interested in finding it. 

I have friends and family members who would jump off a bridge if a doctor suggested it.  The word of the doctor is gospel in their eyes.  If the doctor said so, it must be true.  They have all the answers, right? 

I don’t agree.  I’ve met some excellent doctors in my time, but I’ve never met anyone who was perfect.  I rarely believe anything without first putting in my own due diligence to come to my own conclusions.  I’ll listen to everyone, but I don’t believe everyone until I am thoroughly convinced.  Perhaps that is the only message that should come from this random post-workout blog entry…

Ross

For those struggling to lose weight, the best advice is often simple.  Get up and get moving.  Clean up your diet and stay consistent.  That’s it.  You don’t need to understand rocket science to battle and defeat the bulge.  The story of Scott Cutshall offers yet another real life example of this simple idea.

http://thegearjunkie.com/large-fella-on-a-bike

His story truly emphasizes the significance of consistency and personal motivation.  The best training plan is often the plan that you will actually use.  It doesn’t need to be a plan that has been signed off and approved by a “certified” guru. 

If you want to lose weight, you will lose it.  The biggest obstacle is often your own mind.  Ask yourself how bad you want it?  No one can force you to change your ways.  It must be a personal decision that you are willing to make, not just today, but for the rest of your life. 

If you find yourself in this position, go for it and refuse to lose.  You’ll surprise yourself.

Ross

As mentioned in my last entry, I am away through Saturday.  I was contacted today via phone however to inform me that rosstraining.com had essentially disappeared.  The registrar failed to renew the domain on time.  Fortunately, everything has been resolved.  The site is back, and I’ll be back in Connecticut tomorrow. 

If you attempted to email me in the last 24 hours, please resend your message.  The message may have been rejected during the down time.  I will respond to everyone over the weekend.  I should then be back up to speed by Monday morning. 

Thank you again for your patience,

Ross

I have been away for most of the week, and will be returning to Connecticut on Saturday evening (April 19th).  I will catch up with all emails and message board queries upon my return. 

I apologize for any delays throughout the week.  The trip was a last minute arrangement.  I have had a difficult time connecting to the web so have been unable to keep up with email.  I will respond to EVERYONE as soon as I return this weekend.

Thank you for your patience,

Ross Enamait

Be prepared for a good laugh…

Sticks To Stools - 7 Random Objects Sold As Exercise Machines

As you read through each product, it becomes abundently clear that the inventors have absolutely no interest in your well being.  Dollar signs are the sole concern.  If it can sell, it will sell.  Whether or not it works is almost irrelevant. 

Let The Buyer Beware? 

The argument to my rant is Let The Buyer Beware.  But what does that really mean?  Is the industry so pathetic that we must always believe that the seller is corrupt?  How did the fitness industry become so ridiculous?  Passing a stool off as an exercise tool is as bad as selling a brick as a hamburger. 

Are other industries so pathetic?  Would the car industry try to pass off a rock as a new environmentally friendly SUV?  When we buy a new car, should we question whether it actually drives?  Where do we draw the line between clever marketing and total bullsh*t?  

Suppose I buy a stool to lose weight, and it doesn’t work?  Is it my fault for buying the stool?  Should my ignorance be held against me?  Perhaps I didn’t make a wise investment.  I can understand this argument, but how is the consumer to blame when he or she has been conned by an entire team of marketing specialists?  Not everyone studies exercise science. There are plenty of other career choices in the world.  You could be a highly regarded stock broker, yet not know the difference between a ligament and a tendon.  What you consider common knowledge is often completely foreign to others.  We should all know the mistake of assumption…

What is the lesson to be learned?  The answer is simple.  No one can make any promises for you (about you).  I can’t promise that you’ll read this site and lose weight.  I have almost no control over it.  Perhaps you can find some useful information here.  Perhaps you can find some motivation.  At the end of the day however, it is YOU who must put forth the effort.  I can’t hold your hand and do the work for you. 

When you see a product that promises the world, realize that you are reading a load of BS.  The greatest gym in the world is worthless if you never get up, bust your ass, and use it.  Your own personal effort and motivation is more important than the greatest tool.

I don’t need anything to get in shape.  It is something that I want, so I’ll put in the work and get the job done.  This holds true regardless of my surroundings.  Equipment is always optional.  You can exercise your body a million ways without anything.  Some people go for it, while others sit around and wait for a new breakthrough to come along on late night infomercials.

News flash… 

You may as well wait for pigs to fly, as it’s a far more likely scenario.

Ross 

So many people in this world sell themselves short, as they simply do not understand or appreciate the potential of the body.  The short video clip below will offer a brief glimpse at our potential.  To put it bluntly, I’m impressed…

Don’t give up on yourself.  If you haven’t achieved what you want to achieve, there is a good chance that you haven’t worked as hard as you may think… 

Ross

As a fan of weight training, bodyweight training, odd object lifting, and more, I find it humorous how there are still those who adamantly preach the dangers of weight lifting.  Through their distorted eyes, anything that is remotely related to iron is labeled dangerous.  Anything that includes bodyweight-only resistance is considered safe and beneficial. 

Clearly, such views are grossly distorted, and this is coming from a person (me) who is a big fan of bodyweight exercise.  The lesson to be learned is simple.  Let’s not knock anyone for having different goals and interests.  I enjoy a little bit of everything. 

And for those who believe bodyweight training cannot be dangerous, have a look below.  It’s always nice to end the week with some humor…

Have a great weekend,

Ross