RossTraining.com Blog

Researchers recently analyzed the bone mass and genetics of a (then) 113 year old man.  The obvious question was how and why has this man lived such a long life?  The full story is available at the link below:

Lifestyle or Genes?  The Health Secrets of a 114 Year Old Man

One quote of interest from the story reads as follows:

However, researchers do point out the fact that the excellent health of this family, and of the 113-year-old man in particular, is probably due to a Mediterranean diet, the temperate climate of the island, a lack of stress and regular physical activity.

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Now we obviously know the benefits of eating well and exercising regularly.  There are thousands of books, websites, videos, etc. all dedicated to fitness and nutrition.  No one is denying the importance of these two elements.  Many seem to overlook another piece of the puzzle however.  In the quote above, it was also mentioned that the man lived with a lack of stress. 

The idea of living a life without stress and negativity isn’t new.  Remember this entry?  Jack Lalanne emphasized the importance of regular exercise, good nutrition, and positive thinking.   Unfortunately, many people in this world seem to overlook the role of positive thinking.  Just because you exercise and eat well doesn’t mean that you are a good person.  Exercising doesn’t put you in a higher class.  You could still be a complete assh*le regardless of your fitness habits. 

We all know some negative people.  These people bitch and moan about the world to whoever is willing to listen.  They complain about the government, gas prices, the economy, their job, their life, their neighbors, other drivers, their pets, other pets, etc.  It is a never ending whine-fest about how bad the world is and how bad their life seems to be within it.  I’ve come across these people at the gym.  As stated above, the fact that you exercise doesn’t mean jack!

Now back to the whine-fest…  What purpose does the whining serve?  Does it bring about change?  Or does it simply bring everyone else down around you?  Think about it…  I’m not happy about the rising gas prices, but what good is it going to do to cry about it all day?  Will I wake up tomorrow and find free gas in my car?  I doubt it.

So why waste your time complaining about the world every chance you can?  Don’t you have anything positive to say?  If not, why don’t you shut your mouth?  Have you ever thought that maybe some of the people that you whine to don’t want to listen?  Perhaps they don’t want to be tainted by your constant negativity? 

We all know that there are problems in the world.  Go watch the evening news.  There are some true scum bags in the world.  I don’t need to be reminded of it every minute of the day.  Sure, there are assh*les out there, but there are also plenty of good, honest people.  Why not focus on of the good?  I don’t need a doctor to confirm that constant negativity and stress are far from healthy.  Mr. and Mrs. Negative need not spread their poison to others.  Stop feeling so bad about yourself and the world around you and do something positive with your time… because guess what?  That time will expire at some point.  That is one guarantee that I can make to everyone on this planet.  Time is limited, so stop wasting it by bitching and moaning about everything that is wrong with the world. 

Life is what you make of it, so start making it more positive.  You’ll be a healthier (in many ways) person because of it.

Ross

The recent story of Army Spc. Benton Thames (pictured above) truly shows the power of the mind.  The full story is provided at the link below:

Soldier stands at attention for hours to watch LSU championship

My brief summary does not do justice to the full story, so please take a moment to read it in full.  Thames essentially shattered his personal best time (and all others) holding the Ready One position with his 9.5 pound M-14 rifle. 

How did he do it?  Well for starters, he was not in training as if this was a sporting event.  He held the position simply because he wanted something bad enough to endure the pain.  His mind made a decision, and his body came along for the ride.

When the mind takes over, this scenario is common.  Unfortunately, many people in this world grossly underestimate the potential of the mind.  For example, many trainers spend long hours researching rep ranges, periodization strategies, and other performance based protocols.  Yet regardless of what answers our research provides, most fail to consider and recognize the power of the mind. 

I’ve known athletes with average natural talent and haphazard training plans who went on to become champions.  Most gurus would claim that they are doing everything all wrong.  But guess what, it is difficult to argue with results.  What produces the results?  The will to win.  The refusal to give up.  The decision to fight through pain and do everything in your power to ensure victory.  The list goes on and on. 

These qualities don’t have anything to do with exercise selection or what form of periodization you support.  When your mind REALLY wants something, you’ll often surprise yourself and exceed even your highest expectations. 

Think about it…  Suppose someone took a loaded machine gun and put it to your head.  If they told you do keep going, you would keep going.  The potential is usually there.  It simply needs a higher power to unlock it.  Extreme desire is one example (ex. in the case of Benton Thames).  Fear is another (ex. if your life was threatened).

Now, I’m not suggesting that we put our lives on the line during each training session.  That is not the point of this entry.  The message is more subtle.  Recognize that you can often do more than you realize.  You don’t need to risk your health, but pushing yourself a bit more than normal is something most could do more often. 

I’ve been called a stubborn SOB for as long as I can remember.  I take it as a compliment.  If I want something, I’m going to get it.  I never believe that I can’t do something.  The analytical part in me would say that I’m not being realistic, but forget about logic.  The mind doesn’t work that way.  When you are TRULY determined, you can often defy logic.  It doesn’t need to make sense.  Think less and do more. 

Just do it!

Ross

Men’s Health recently posted a new article where “secrets” are revealed from the restaurant industry.  The list below will make you think twice about your next trip to one of these chain restaurants. 

16 Secrets The Restaurant Industry Does Not Want You To Know

When I take my family out for a meal, we head to one of the smaller Mom and Pop restaurants.  I stay away from these larger chains, and after reading this article, I won’t be changing any time soon.

Ross

New research suggests that diets high in fast food can be toxic to the liver and other internal organs, but the damage can be reversed. 

Fast Food Liver Damage Can Be Reversed

There are a few interesting tidbits that can be extracted from the link above.  First, it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that fast food doesn’t exactly classify as a health food.   Oddly enough however, I drive by a few fast food chains every afternoon and there are always cars lined up around the drive-through window.  It’s nice to see a study that comes out and identifies some specific risks (liver damage in this case).  There are people in this world who won’t listen to common sense advice.  Once you mention specific health problems however, they are more likely to listen. 

Another important point emphasized within the research is our remarkable ability to rebound and recover from past abuse.  As stated by Brent Tetri, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the Saint Louis University Liver Center and one of the country’s leading experts on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

“The good news is that most people can undo this damage if they change their diet and they keep physically active…”

In laymen’s terms, it is never too late to get started.  The past is the past, and it doesn’t need to define your future.  You have the ability to redefine who you are and what you are all about.

The Good, Now The Bad…

There is another paragraph from the link above that must not be forgotten.  It made me sick to my stomach (worse than you’d feel after shoveling down 5 Bic Mac’s). 

Here is the specific quote from Dr. Tetri:

“The fact we’re starting to see kids with liver disease should really be a wake-up call for anyone eating a diet high in fat and sugar and who’s not physically active…”

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How does a kid eat so much junk that he or she develops liver disease?   What is wrong with this picture?  Kids don’t drive themselves to the fast food restaurant.  Not to mention, who is buying the food?   Are parents paying their kids 6 figure allowances?  How does a young kid pay for enough fast food (and other junk) to give himself liver disease? 

Before becoming a parent, I may not have even noticed Tetri’s quote within the article.  I would have likely scanned over it without much thought.  Now that I am a parent however, I can’t imagine how anyone could allow something like this to happen to their children.  I’d give my life for my son.  He comes first before anything.  Stuffing him with enough fast food to cause liver disease borderlines on child abuse.  Parents need to wake up and get a clue.  Like it or not, but your kids will imitate your actions.  If you spend most of your time eating junk, chances are little Johnny is going to do the same.  You may not care about your health, but you better care about the health of your children. 

It is really hard to understand certain people in this world.

Ross

Take a minute to watch the video contained within the link below:

If He Can Exercise, So Can You

This man has lost over 100 pounds and continues to hit the gym 5 days a week.  A portion of his story is listed below (original source):

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Thirty-nine-year-old Jeff blames overeating for his all-time heaviest weight of 770 pounds. “I just wouldn’t quit eating,” he says. “When I’d get upset or nervous, food comforted me. I’d probably take 8,000 or 10,000 calories a day in. I could eat a bucket of chicken just like it wasn’t [anything].” Jeff finally had an aha! moment when he realized the toll his weight was taking on his health. “I’ve got to [lose weight] if I want to live, because I’ve almost died,” he says.

Jeff decided to revolutionize his lifestyle by limiting his food intake and starting an exercise regimen. Instead of chowing down on buckets of greasy, fried chicken, Jeff eats smaller portions of baked or grilled foods. Five days a week, Jeff hits the gym, where he does water aerobics and lifts weights. His hard work has paid off already—Jeff is down to 621 pounds. But he’s not done yet!

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In some ways, the story above is similar to this past entry.  Both men embarked on major lifestyle changes.  Jeff (from above) is still in the early stages, but is certainly on the right path.  Neither man uses a revolutionary plan however.  Instead, both men demonstrate, without question, that simplicity works.  Exercise regularly and clean up your eating habits.  Repeat the process and the results will come.  It’s only a matter of time.  It really is that simple.

Ross

In Jack’s words, “If man made it, don’t eat it!”

But how do you go about finding local farmers in your area?  Here is one excellent resource:

Eatwild Directory of Farms 

Also, be sure to check out the rest of the Eat Wild site.  You’ll find loads of information regarding REAL food found in nature.

Ross

In my last entry, I linked to a strength program from the past.  Within this entry, you’ll find present day bodybuilders who were likely around when some of the material from Sandowplus.co.uk was first published.  Please refer to the link below for an inspiring age-related story.

Bodybuilding For The Young… At Heart

Perhaps the best part of this story is contained within the video caption.  It reads as follows:

Walt Radke took up bodybuilding at age 65…

Look at what this man has done in five years.  More importantly, look at where he is as a 70 year-young man.  His story is absolutely incredible.  What’s even more shocking however is that I’ve received emails from men in their 30’s who already label themselves as over the hill.  What gives? These people need to wake up and start living!  Each day offers the opportunity to improve in some way.  Use it or lose it!

Train hard!

Ross

PS - Here is a similar story for those interested