As I’m sure you all know, former world champion Vernon Forrest was shot and killed last weekend.  Sadly, this is the third former champion who has prematurely left this world in July (along with Arturo Gatti and Alexis Arguello).

Below is a Vernon Forrest tribute video that was recently added to Youtube…

You can also learn about some of the work that Vernon did outside the ring…

I was fortunate to have met Vernon a few years ago, and communicated with him on a few occasions.  He was obviously a talented boxer, but also a genuine, respectable man who gave back to his community.

It is mind boggling to think that he randomly pulled into a gas station, and then moments later he was murdered by complete strangers.  His death certainly brings truth to the words below,

“No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.” – Euripides

We all have bad days, but rarely does one think that life will be gone tomorrow.  It is human nature to assume that we will continue to live another day.  Tragedies such as the death of Vernon Forrest should remind us all that life can come and go in a split second. Life must be cherished, and never taken for granted.

My heart goes out to Vernon Forrest’s family.  For those interested, you can find a guestbook at the obituary link below.

Vernon Forrest Obituary

The Sandowplus site recently added another Bob Hoffman text.

The Secrets of Strength and Development was originally published in 1940, and then reprinted later in 1972.  The book is now available to be read online at the link below:

Online Version

The book can also be downloaded as a PDF.

PDF Download (approx. 60 megabytes)

It’s definitely worth a look.  As is often the case, the more you look back in time, the more you will realize that almost nothing from today’s era is new.

A reader of the site recently passed along the video below…

Within the video, Jyothi Raj puts on a tremendous physical display.   It will not take long for you to understand why Raj is known as the real life spider man.

He is also an example of a man who has defied the words below…

“Every day, people settle for less than they deserve. They are only partially living or at best living a partial life. Every human being has the potential for greatness.” – Bo Bennett

Many in this world would consider his feats impossible.  Raj obviously believed otherwise.  He didn’t acquire these talents overnight.  He’s clearly put in years of hard work.  He is just another example of human potential.

A consistent effort has a funny way of conquering even the most daunting challenges.

In the words of Winston Churchill,

“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential”

No, it isn’t easy, and no one can do it for you.  Making the choice day after day is what ultimately separates the action takers from the action fakers.  It is up to the individual to decide.

Below is an excellent video about Kenyan distance running.   You can also find a series of related articles here.  Both links were passed along to me by a reader of the site who is a highly competitive distance runner.

Personally, I do not have any interest in competitive distance running, but I do respect the dedication and amazing abilities of these runners.  As stated within the article above, even most casual sporting fans are aware of the dominance often displayed by Kenyan runners.

Years ago, I remember waiting at mile 18 of a marathon that my brother was running.  A group of Kenyans (who were leading the pack) ran by me at a pace that was faster than what most could hold for a single mile.  Impressive is an understatement.

Unfortunately, distance running is often knocked by many (self-proclaimed) hardcore exercise enthusiasts.  Many are under the false impression that anything non-interval based must not be challenging.  I’ve even seen trainers who would struggle to run across the road take it upon themselves to diss anything and everything related to distance running.  Oh, the irony…

Personally, I favor power based sports, but I also realize that personal preference does not make my activities somehow superior.  Distance running requires extreme dedication.  The Kenyans are known for it.  Their work would bury most fitness fanatics.

And please do not misinterpret the purpose of this entry.  As stated before, distance running is not for me (although it was at one time).  I’m not suggesting that you head for the door to run 20 miles.  Currently, I prefer training for different goals, but I also recognize that specificity is king when it comes to training.  The Kenyans are dominant runners primarily because of their running.  Practice is the mother of all skills.  It isn’t possible to be great at everything.  Dominance requires specificity.

In the words of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung,

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

Many in this world would be better off by listening to Jung’s simple, yet meaningful advice.  Different rarely equals better or worse.  More often than not, different simply equals different.

Hats off to the Kenyan runners.  I am amazed at their abilities.

The video below delivers a powerful message…

In the words of Ali,

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”

And a related quote from William Jennings Bryan,

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.”

As is often the case, if you want to do something, you must take matters into your own hands and write your own future.

No one can decide for you.   It is entirely up to you…

In the past few weeks, I’ve had a few forum members express disgust in their inability to find anywhere to perform pull-ups.  They do not have door entrances that can accommodate a doorway bar, so have been looking for other home based options.

Below is one idea that was recently emailed to me.  Although I have not tried it, it appears to be an inexpensive option that may be worth a shot.

Complete instructions can be found at the link below:

Door Anchor Pull-up Instructions

This idea seems to be an inexpensive alternative to the following design.

The author of the above listed instructions also passed along the following idea for homemade rings.

Plywood Ring Instructions

As always, I encourage you to pass along any other homemade equipment ideas.  We have an evergrowing list of ideas hosted within the forum.

Please see the link below:

Homemade Equipment Archives

Below is a brief video that tells the story of former world champion Vinny Pazienza (often known as Vinny Paz).  Growing up in New England, Paz was a household name in the 80′s and 90′s.  He was a huge draw in the world of boxing as Paz always put on a show.  Win or lose, the fans could always expect him to fight with the heart of a lion.

His accomplishments are clearly impressive, but perhaps most impressive is the fact that he came back from a near fatal car accident that snapped his neck in two places and dislocated it in another.  Following the accident, doctors told Paz he would never fight again.  Logic certainly supported their position.  Fortunately for the fans, Vinny Paz once again chose to defy logic.

Whether you are a boxing fan or not, most will agree that life is a fight.  There are times when you need to fight back to determine your own future.

I recently came across a story on MSNBC about a man (David Smith) who has lost over 400 pounds.   Several related videos can also be found on Youtube.  Below is one of many:

David is also now starring in his own reality television show on TLC.

Here is a man who a few years ago contemplated suicide.  He felt hopeless and had no desire to live.  He wanted to disappear from the world around him.  Just a few years later, he’s completely changed his life and is starring in his own television show.  The drastic change that David has made certainly deserves a place in the inspirational section of this blog.

I do however realize that some may not find inspiration in such a story.   An argument could be made that inspiration should instead be found in those who have been exercising all along.  And while I understand these feelings, I still enjoy this story for several reasons.  Perhaps most importantly, David Smith lost the weight without surgery.  He used diet and exercise alone to lose over 400 pounds.  Yes, he has had surgery to remove excess skin, but the actual weight loss itself came through hard work and discipline.

His story should certainly give hope to others who currently struggle with obesity.  You do not need surgery and you certainly do not need anything fancy in terms of exercise and diet.  A consistent and diligent effort has once again come out on top.

So often the obese feel hopeless.  The marketing powers that be have convinced these people that pills and surgery are the only solution.  I’ve had intelligent adults write me with the belief that it is truly impossible for them to lose weight.  The honestly do not believe me when I tell them otherwise.

The often deceptive fitness industry unfortunately welcomes such feelings, as doubt leads to useless pill purchases (among other things).  The industry doesn’t see a dollar when a man such as David Smith begins exercising in his home without equipment.

It’s nice to see major media networks paying attention to David Smith’s story.  It should certainly give hope to those who are currently hopeless.  Regardless of what others have said, anyone can lose weight with a consistent and diligent effort (both in the gym and in the kitchen).

Below is yet another excellent video from Dominic (aka the ideaman99 from youtube).

His work has been featured on this blog before (here and here)

As you will see within the video above, even a tire can be turned into a useful piece of exercise equipment.  And to those who may be new around here, Dominic was born in 1941.  If that doesn’t inspire you to get up and train, I don’t know what will…

Ross

I’ve been away from the blog for the past several days.  Last week I was down in Philadelphia working with a fighter for an ESPN2 bout.  It was great to be in Philadelphia.  We visited Joe Frazier’s old gym, made another trip to the Rocky steps, and visited the legendary Blue Horizon arena.  It was shaping up to be a great boxing week…  that is until we returned home on Saturday the 11th.

With just a few hours of sleep since the fight the night before, I hopped online after a long ride home.   I was planning to check my email briefly before catching up on some much needed rest.  Unfortunately, neither of my plans panned out.  I never made it to my inbox and I didn’t catch up on any sleep.

When I hopped online, I immediately read that Arturo Gatti had been killed.  I was shocked to read such terrible news.  Anyone with any interest in the sport of boxing has had their share of excitement during an Arturo Gatti fight.  He wasn’t the most skilled fighter or our era, but he was arguably the most exciting.   Gatti gave his fans a show every time he stepped inside the ring.  He had as much warrior in him as anyone you’ll ever see.

It’s terrible to see anyone have their life cut short at the young age of 37.  We may never know what really happened or why it happened, but I do know that Gatti inspired countless fans around the world.  I still remember jumping up and down during his first of three epic bouts with Micky Ward.

Gatti highlights could easily fill an entire DVD, but here is one of the best videos you can find online.

RIP to a true boxing legend…