RossTraining.com Blog

Do you enjoy the time you spend training?   For example, you may enjoy the actual training, enjoy the challenges associated with it, or enjoy benefits derived from it.   What do you enjoy about exercise?  What motivates you?  I’d love to hear what everyone has to say (in the comments section).  I am particularly interested in hearing what those from the non-competitive crowd have to say.

For those in this crowd, I believe it is important to enjoy your exercise time.  Life is too short already.  Why not enjoy the time spent exercising?

Personally, I train because I enjoy it.  My competitive days as a fighter were over a long time ago.  I am not training for a specific event.  I train for the fun of it.  I do what I want to do.  I train in a way that I enjoy.  The hour or so that I spend alone in the gym is a nice escape for me.  I thoroughly enjoy myself during this time. I work very hard but I enjoy every minute of it.

And while I do spend time experimenting with different protocols in the interest of my athletes, I am not paid to exercise.  I am paid to train athletes.  These athletes (and their managers or promoters) do not care what I can do at the gym.  I am paid to improve the athlete.  That’s it.  My own personal accomplishments don’t mean anything to them.

Therefore, I include a fun factor within each workout.  My workouts are fun for me, and if I start to become bored, it is time for a change.  The workouts that I do this month will surely be different from the workouts I did last year, and the year before that, and so on.  I always mix things up in the interest of fun.  Perhaps I am working on a new challenge.  I enjoy the challenge and find joy in overcoming the challenge.  I will never work with a protocol that I dread.  Why bother?   There are so many ways to become stronger and better conditioned.  Why not work with a system or program that you actually enjoy?

Too many people in this world want you to believe that their way is the only way.  Don’t buy into the nonsense.  It simply isn’t true.  There have been successful athletes who have engaged in an infinite number of training styles.  Almost anything that you do will work if you are passionate, diligent, and consistent with the work.  Often times, it isn’t the individual workout that is most important, but how you attack the workout.  How much passion and intensity do you apply to the work?

As for the competitive athletes, your training is a job.  You are training to perform in a specific event.  There will be certain parts of training that you may not enjoy. It isn’t a hobby, it is how you earn a living.  When I’m training a fighter, I’m not looking for a smile.  We do what we need to do to win.

And please don’t mistake this discussion to say that non-competitive trainees will not or should not push themselves at the gym.  I no longer compete in a sport, but I still push myself as hard as anyone. The difference is that when I train on my own, I choose what I want to do. I do not have a crazy coach (such as myself) yelling at me to suck it up and continue!

Even my most intense session is a session that I chose to perform.  I am not being told what to do.  I picked the workout that I wanted to perform.  I must either enjoy it or will enjoy the benefits produced from the session.  The “fun factor” is an important element to the workout and overall training program.

Some may call me crazy, but exercise is fun.  I’d much rather be in the gym than sitting on the couch watching television.  Even the best action flick cannot replicate the adrenaline rush that I experience while training.

In my opinion, more trainers should encourage others to do what they enjoy.  The “do it my way or else” mentality is about as useful as pissing into the wind.  As Swiss psychologist Carl Jung once said,

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

Jung was a wise man.  His words can be applied to many facets of life.  Unfortunately, many ignore his wisdom.  I hear from so many people who are miserable while training.  They dread their time in the gym.  This is a HUGE mistake.  Why force yourself to do something that you dread?  Who told you that exercise had to be boring and miserable?

And what about those who feel it is their life’s mission to convert everyone in the world to train exactly as they do.  Did they ever stop to think that someone else just might have different goals and interests in life?  Remember the words from Carl Jung…

I can’t count how many times I’ve seen one exercise enthusiast argue with another simply because the two had different preferences.  If you’ve been on an online forum, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.  Internet message boards can really bring out the worst in people.  Here is a common scenario.  One member expresses an interest in bodybuilding.  He will then be chastised by someone who believes his training lacks functionality.  Both members may have desk jobs, yet one believes the bodybuilder will not be prepared for his daily elevator ride to the office.  Perhaps the anti-bodybuilder also believes the other man will not be prepared to encounter aliens from outer space?  Even if this were the case, does it really matter?  Why waste time griping over such trivial topics?  If aliens invade my neighborhood, I will reach for my shotgun, not my weighted vest and jump rope.

If you want to be a bodybuilder, I commend your efforts.  If you want to be a marathon runner, I commend your efforts. In fact, I’ll commend your efforts no matter what you are training to accomplish.   I commend anyone who gets up and exercises in a way that they enjoy.  Who am I to say what you should enjoy?  No one has that right.  The only people that I tell what to do are those who pay me to prepare them for a specific event.  Then it becomes my job.  Other than that, why not have some fun while you are training?  You don’t need to satisfy anyone but yourself, so do what you want to do.

Ross

As a kid, Mark Speckman’s mother would create challenges for him.  She tested him to see what he could do.  She forced him to think.  She didn’t want to coddle the youngster.  She wanted him to figure it out.  There is always a way.

And while this bit of parenting may not seem too unique, Mark Speckman certainly is.  Born without hands, Speckman has always found a way. He has been figuring it out for over 50 years now. Take a look at the video below to watch his amazing story.

I find this story particularly inspiring.  Earlier in my life, I went through my own poor me moment.  I had hand problems from boxing and was forced to walk away from the sport.  At the time, it seemed like I would live in a cast forever.  I had fracture after fracture.  Each time I returned to action, I broke the hand again.  Being forced to walk away from the sport I loved, it seemed like the end of the world.

Fortunately, I snapped out of it and went on with my life, but it would have been nice to see Mark Speckman’s story.  Talk about putting things in perspective!  This is man born without hands.  He doesn’t even have hands to break, but that never slowed him down.  He’s become a success, both on and off the field.

Speckman’s story has me raring to go this morning!

Ross

I’ve received several questions from readers about how one can obtain a large tractor tire for flipping and other related exercises.  Fortunately, it is usually a fairly easy process, with almost no cost involved.  Most tire shops will gladly give away large tires from their scrap pile.  The only cost incurred would be the fees associated with renting a truck to transport the tire.

Finding A Tire Supplier

If you wish to find a tire, you can start with an online search.  Yahoo’s Yellow Pages are a good starting point.

Yellow Pages

From the link above, select the Automotive category link:

Next, choose Tires:

You’ll need to choose your location (enter your zip code), and Yahoo will then list all of the tire suppliers in your area.  You’ll need to sort through those that specialize in automobiles vs. those that specialize in tires for larger trucks and tractors.  The latter group will be more likely to have tires that can be used for flipping.

If you are not able to find any large tire suppliers initially, start by calling some of the automotive tire suppliers.  They can likely refer you to a business who deals with larger tires.  Many related businesses (in the same general area) will know each other.  They should have no problem referring you to a company that specializes in larger tractor tires.

Once you find such a supplier, ask if you can take a look at their scrap pile.  These large tires are not easy to dispose, so many suppliers will have a scrap pile on site.  One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.  Just because the tires are no longer suitable for driving, does not mean they will not be suitable for training.

I recently located a new supplier in my area, and they were more than happy to provide access to the scrap pile.  I had pick of the litter, and was told that we could take as many tires as we wanted.  I was doing them a service by ridding them of some “junk” tires.

Finding The Right Tire

As for finding the right tire, get your hands dirty and find a tire that is right for you.  Often times, you will not know the exact weight of the tire, but it really isn’t necessary.  Flip a few tires while searching through the scrap pile and find one that is suitable to your current strength level.  From a conditioning standpoint, I prefer a mid-sized tire for fast paced circuits.  For example, we’ll set the clock and flip a 500 to 600 pound tire as many times as possible during the period.  We also mix the tire in within multiple exercise circuits (ex. quickly moving from one station to the next). Heavier tires can also be used for a greater strength challenge.  If you have room, consider one mid-sized tire and one monster for pure brute strength.

Transporting The Tire

As for getting the tire home, Home Depot rents trucks by the hour.  The sides go down so you can fit almost any size tire.  In my local area, Home Depot had the best price on truck rentals, and it took just  a few minutes to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Once you get the tire home, I’d start with a thorough cleaning.  I use a scrub brush first, and then apply a spray-on foam automobile tire cleaner.  This helps to clear any remaining brake dust, dirt, etc.

Flipping Your Tire

As for proper flipping technique, take a look at the video below, courtesy of the Diesel Crew.

You can also find tips within the article below:

http://www.elitefts.com/documents/tire_flipping.htm 

Other Uses

These tires are also ideal as rebound surfaces for your sledgehammer.  Refer to the Sledge I and Sledge II for more sledgehammer training ideas.

Happy flipping!

Ross

PS - For more low-tech equipment ideas, refer to the link below from the message board:

http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1056 

9 comments

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice that obesity rates have “sky rocketed” in recent years.  Like it or not, but much of the world has grown fatter than ever before. Obesity is a growing problem (no pun intended), but we already know that.  Identifying the problem doesn’t do much of anything.  Yes, we have an obesity problem, but how do we go about fixing it?

I wish there was a simple answer, but when dealing with large populations, it becomes much more complicated.  Yes, we need to promote exercise and healthy nutritional habits, but there is a much more to the story. Those who read blogs such as mine are already health conscious, or at least ready to get started.  You didn’t come across this blog while watching your favorite television show.  You had to actively seek out exercise or fitness based information to end up here.

What about those who are not as active however?  What happens to these people?  Perhaps they turn on the television and come across one of the two commercials linked to below:

I can’t believe that such nonsense is allowed to run on national television.  Do we really need to promote high fructose corn syrup?  Does the world really need more of this CRAP! And what about the use of the word natural?  How the hell do these people pass high fructose corn syrup off as a natural food choice?  Are they serious?

Look, I’m not suggesting that a popsicle is the end of the world, but our kids are already growing fatter and fatter.  They are going to eat their treats regardless of the commercials, but do we really need to encourage even more?  Do we need to con the public into believing that this crap is somehow healthy?   Should we call everything “natural” considering that everything in this world came from this world.

And what about the reference to moderation?  Does anyone actually do anything (that they enjoy) in moderation?  Can we trust a young child to eat junk food, but only in moderation?  Will the average 9 year old recognize the need to consume his bag of treats in moderation?  Give me a break!  Where do we draw the line with this blatant bullsh*t?

And for those who may be confused, high fructose corn syrup is everything but “natural” and everything but “healthy”. It is pure crap, and something we can all do without.  If you want to give your children a natural snack, give them a fresh piece of fruit.  There is no need for a fruit flavored snack when you can go directly to the source and eat the REAL piece of fruit!

For those who need more information about high fructose corn syrup, take a moment to read through this link

And to the corn farmers who wish to send hate mail, how about growing some real corn that we can eat instead!

Ross

Ron Ringewold is doing his part to show that age is just a number.   At age 73, he can be seen pulling 481 pounds at the link below!

http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/8716 

I’ve seen so many “experts” label certain exercises (such as the deadlift) as dangerous.  It is nice to be reminded that actions speak louder than words.  Another example can be seen within this past entry.  The woman seen within is 63 years young and is pulling 300 pounds (perhaps more now).

To those who waste time arguing over dangerous exercises, why not take up a more worthy cause?  Don’t you value your time?  Does anyone actually believe that exercise is more dangerous than REAL problems such as drunken driving, smoking, gang violence, domestic violence, etc.?

Here is a news flash to those who need one.  Exercise is safe and damn  good for you!

Hats off To Ron Ringewold for showing what the body can do when treated properly.

Ross

I just wanted to thank those who came out to the ESPN2 televised fights at Mohegan Sun last week.  I was fortunate to meet some of the site readers and forum members.  I didn’t realize how many Connecticut readers were on the site.  It was a tough fight for Matt, but one that he will certainly learn from and build upon as his career progresses.

No one ever knows how a fighter will react after hitting the canvas.  Nwodo is considered by many to be the biggest puncher in the division.  Matt weathered the storm however and made the necessary adjustment, ultimately winning via an exciting 4th round TKO.  It turned out to be a great night, as CES fighters won every bout on the card.

Ross

Below is an inspiring video that was recently posted to the message board.  Within the video, you’ll see the story of Stevie Zee, a man who has refused to succumb to the challenges of cerebral palsy.

Aside from the obvious physical accomplishments, I enjoyed listening to Stevie’s words of wisdom.  He speaks about the “poor me” attitude, and how he refuses to live with that mindset.

In his own words,

“When you change your attitude, you never know what you can do with your life.”

We can all learn from Stevie’s example.  I see the “poor me” attitude almost every day.  Why waste your time living with such a negative outlook on life?  No matter how bad you have it, someone else has it much worse.  And when people like Stevie Zee can take what many would consider a bad situation and turn it into a positive, there is no reason that we all cannot do the same with our lives.

And while many will read this and nod their heads in agreement, please note that agreeing and doing are not the same.  It is one thing to know something is right, but quite another to actually initiate action and change.

Actions speak louder than words.

Ross

I couldn’t have asked for a better (worse actually) follow up to my last entry.  Nine-year-old Jericho Scott (pictured above) was recently told by the Youth Baseball League of New Haven, Connecticut that he is too good to pitch in the league (full story here).  The eight league team, with approximately 100 players has decided that Jericho throws the ball too fast for the rest of the league.

This story hits home (for me), as New Haven isn’t far away.  Connecticut is a small state.  My own state is kicking kids out of little league because they are too good!  What the hell is going on?  What kind of message are we sending our kids?  Let’s all play nicey nice, but let’s not try to be good at anything.  Should we all get together in a group hug and start playing with foam baseballs instead?

Pure Nonsense

The league’s attorney Peter Noble had the following to say regarding Scott’s pitching ability:

“There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport…  Facing that kind of speed is frightening for beginning players…”

How is kicking a 9 year old boy out of the league promoting the sport?  As for the comment about beginners, Jericho is only 9 years old!  It isn’t as if he’s been playing baseball for 10 years.  He is just as young as everyone else, and he’s never even beaned another player while pitching.  It seems like the league has enacted a ban-him-just-in-case law.

And for those who are not familiar with New Haven, it is a rough city with gang violence and more than its share of drug activity.  Cities such as New Haven need more kids on the baseball field! We can’t turn kids away because they are too good.
The parents who made this decision should be ashamed of themselves.  After all, it isn’t as if the 9 and 10 year olds had a meeting and decided to ban Jericho from the league.  It is obvious that the parents got together and made this decision.  What message is a parent sending his or her own kids?  They can play sports, but they should never face an opponent who might be better?  Should we pretend that everything in life is fair and even?  Should we pretend that there are no challenges in the world?  Is that the message we want to send our kids?  Is that going to help little Johnny become a better person?

When I played little league, there wasn’t a 9 and 10 year old league.  We played with the 12 year olds.  At 9 years old, a 12 year old is an imposing monster on the mound.  That was part of the fun.  There was nothing better than a base hit against a pitcher who was a few grades above you in school.  That is what we called bragging rights!  Sure, we all had moments of nervousness when an older pitcher threw some high heat, but that was just part of the fun!

No one was kicked out of the league for being too good.  We busted our ass for playing time.  No one wanted to sit on the bench.  Playing baseball wasn’t about being fair.  It was about working hard to earn more time on the field.  Working hard to become a better player.  Working hard to give your team a better chance at winning.  These are lessons that carry over into the real world.

Sooner or later your kids will figure out that life isn’t all fun and games.  I’m not suggesting that we throw our children to the wolves, but little league baseball shouldn’t be confused with a rabid pack of wolves.  Let kids be kids!

Ross

Below is an excellent article about safety and kids, and the potential problem that one has on the other.

Why Safe Kids Are Becoming Fat Kids

The author discusses several modern safety measures that didn’t exist when we were kids.  The world has changed however.  Kids no longer are encouraged to get outside and play.  There is no freedom to explore and do the things that kids would naturally do.  There are even certain school districts that have banned running at recess.  Running has been deemed too dangerous!  What the hell is wrong with our world!

When and why did the world become so soft?  What happened to letting a kid live a little?  Is it really that bad?  As kids, we grew up outside.  No one wanted to sit inside and play video games.  We grew up playing baseball, tackle football, pick up basketball games, etc.  We would have stayed out all night if sun didn’t go down.

Sure, there were times when I came home with bumps and bruises, but that was just part of growing up.  Life isn’t supposed to be cake walk.  Why fool kids and pretend that it is?  If you never learn to take calculated risks as kids, how can you be expected to take calculated risks as adults?  No one is suggesting that we all live recklessly, but there are times when it makes sense to go against the grain.  Almost every successful person in this world did just that on his or her way to the top.

Today, we preach safety and sameness.  Kids are always being reminded to take it easy.  Don’t do this, don’t do that, be careful with this, be careful with that, etc.  The outdoor fields are empty.  When I take my son to the playground, we are usually alone.  No one else is outside playing.  Should it come as a surprise that adults in today’s world struggle with obesity?

What will come next?  Will our kids be banned from going outside?  Is it too dangerous?   Should we all walk around with safety masks?  Should we live inside protective bubbles?

The world needs to lighten up.  A few bumps and bruises are the end of the world.  There are much bigger problems faced by millions of people around the world.  Let your kids live a little and get outside with them.  Leading from the front is the only way to lead, and your kids will learn by watching you!

Ross

PS - Here are two related entries (here and here)

PPS - Yes, the image above is of me at age 9.  What isn’t shown is me crashing into the floor after jumping off my bed in an attempt to look like I could fly.  My brother was the remarkable camera man who was able to jump out of the way before I crashed into him.  Nothing beats the good old days!

Can you imagine biking for 112 miles, swimming 2.4 miles, and running 26.2 miles, all in a single day?   At first glance, many would view this challenge as physically impossible, regardless of their training and preparation.

Fortunately, one woman can change your mind. Her name is Sister Madonna Buder.  She didn’t start exercising until she was 50 years old.  She has now been setting Ironman records for the past 20 years.  At age 77, she is still going strong!

Can you imagine approaching a 50 year old man or woman with no exercise experience, and explaining to them the possibility of competing in a triathlon?  Most would consider us crazy for even suggesting the idea.

But who is crazy?  Those who believe that the body is much more capable than others realize, or those who never try to find out for themselves?

If pushing past commonly perceived limits makes us crazy, I’ll live happily crazy for the rest of my life!
Ross