Articles

Training Program ADD – The Reason For Your Disappointment

December 20, 2010 By JC Deen 24 Comments

Photo Credit: Heather Buckley

In light of New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve been getting emails about programming, goal-setting, and general questions about what to do for weight training routines and other fitness-related hoopla. What I’ve discovered is fairly universal. If we’re not searching for the holy grail of training programs, we’re trying to perfect something else, or obsessing about minutiae, which only creates unnecessary frustration by the end of our day.

In other words, were spending time focusing on all the wrong things, which usually ends up in the changing of our minds on a daily basis.

As I stated in the past article about scrapping the traditional approach to resolutions, I feel the importance now lies on having an action plan of sorts. For most, this means having a blueprint to follow and adhere to.

While I gave you some motivation to stop talking and start doing, I understand some of us need concrete instructions in order to function like normal. Sometimes, we need someone else to tell us exactly what to do. I get that, and it’s why having someone to coach us along is often all we really need to succeed (even if we already have all the answers).

In my last newsletter, I mentioned how I was putting together a resource that will be available for those who want to remove the guesswork and have a plan to follow. In short, I’ll do all the thinking, and you’ll be able to focus on the doing. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motivation

Stop Talking and Start Doing – Screw Your New Year’s Resolutions

December 6, 2010 By JC Deen 32 Comments

Photo Credit: Katie Tegtmeyer

As 2010 comes to a close, most people begin thinking about some changes they’d like to make for the New Year. Oh yes, the wonderful (and sometimes dreaded) New Year’s Resolutions. While I love the idea of changing for the better, I hate the road most take when setting up these life changes.

Last year, I wrote about why your New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to suck. But this year, I want to push you; make you think a little more about the previous failures, to make better choices and to change for the better.

If I ruled the world, I’d secretly tap into everyone’s subconscious and remove the whole idea about New Year’s Resolutions altogether. Why? Because the concept doesn’t work for most and here’s why.

Everyone’s familiar with the idea of something being new and exciting only to lose interest after a few weeks when the shine deteriorates. Statistically, it’s why gyms fill up during January and February and then decrease to regular membership levels. Everyone’s gung ho about their new goals and commitments to lose weight and become fit but then reality sets in. This crap actually takes some work and effort. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Goals, Motivation

How I Gained 6.2 Pounds of Muscle in 48-hours…

November 28, 2010 By JC Deen 37 Comments

Image Credit: skippyjon

Here’s the deal. I know I’ve been writing for the last two years about how we should all be sensible and practical when approaching this physique-enhancement venture. But it’s time I come clean and be real with you once and for all. I know, I know – some of you are going to be very disappointed but I just can’t contain myself any longer.

I need to let you in on a little secret.

I’ve been working behind the scenes on a project very few know anything about. I know you think I’m some sweet, southern boy who loves to talk fitness but over the last year, I’ve even spent a majority of my time in Europe and Asia performing studies on myself under the close watch of the most brilliant scientists. It’s sure to put all the fitness gurus out of business and it’s going to piss very many people off.

If you’re tired of wasting your time in the gym, and spinning your wheels, look no further; for your life is about to change. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Random Thoughts, Rants Tagged With: no-BS, vince delmonte

Weight Training Routines and Individual Temperament

November 23, 2010 By JC Deen 29 Comments

image credit: MYSZA831

In our never-ending quest for the perfect weight training routines, ultimate post-workout meal, and optimal rep range with regards to hypertrophy, one aspect of this weight training game we should always consider is individuality. While I don’t believe many of us to be unique, little snowflakes, I am certain that we all bear different personalities and temperaments.

While we may not differ too drastically from one another on a biological front, the way we process ideas, and associate meaning to various situations can be dramatically different from one person to the next.

What does this mean when discussing weight training routines, and our chances of success or failure when approaching lofty strength or mass gain goals? It means everything and here’s why.

Some Are Predisposed To Busting Azz

For example; let’s say we have a female who consistently busts her rump in the gym. She’s known for pushing the envelope every single session and her favorite movement is the deadlift. Every meeting with the barbell is so intense that she often takes 2 days off between sessions to fully recover.

If we put her on a more frequent training routine, let’s say something like a 4-5 day split in which the loads vary from day to day, it’s likely she’d never survive.

But why? The reasoning is simple. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motivation, Training

Simplify Your Fitness Lifestyle: How I Do It and How You Can Too

November 15, 2010 By JC Deen 11 Comments

A few short weeks ago, I found myself amidst what seemed to be an endless to-do list, multiple exams, client projects, and various meetings to tend to. My schedule was (and always is) crazy; I was sleeping 4-5 hours per night, and I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever come up for air.

A few friends of mine had even called within the same time period asking me for advice on productivity, how to be more proactive with various pursuits, and simply “how in the crap are you not going crazy?”

Without getting too complicated about the process, I basically started my explanation with “I always make things simple.”

And what I mean by this is no matter what I’m doing or focusing on at the time, I turn everything I must accomplish into manageable chunks. I set priorities and then list the positive and negative consequences associated with each priority.

Then I decide how I’ll feel about each decision I make and whether or not it’s going to affect everything else in my life. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motivation

Mag-10 Fast Pulse: Your Magic Fat Loss Pill

November 9, 2010 By JC Deen 46 Comments

Image Credit: Heather Buckley

Within recent developments, a few colleagues pointed out an interesting new product I wanted to share with all of you. However, I’m not suggesting you buy it or even waste your time reading about it. Today, I simply wish to illustrate a few points and further the education of those who aren’t in-the-know.

In the past, I’ve been labeled as the consumers advocate for fitness enthusiasts and while I find it a little humorous, I sort of take it seriously. So what if I care about what you’re filling your mind with on a daily basis?

In fact, I’m pretty passionate about helping you rid yourself of a harsh relationship with your cheeseburger. I love getting people to think about their personal fitness routine as a journey and a positive experience as opposed to a daunting obligation.

I digress.
Now back to this awesome product. Ladies and gentleman, I now introduce to you MAG-10 Pulse Fast – 36-Hour Physique Transformation Breakthrough.

You read it right. When T-Nation (or T-Muscle?) first came out with their breakthrough I, Bodybuilder program where the trainees couldn’t do a proper hang clean, I was a bit skeptical. Then, when they came out with The Anaconda Protocol, in which they were scamming newbies out of $350+ dollars for a month’s supply of product, I was just floored.

Today, I don’t wish to hate. I’m merely writing to point out some flaws and will hopefully open the eyes of a few who’ve been led astray in the past by big promises, false hopes, and glossy pictures providing “proof.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: Newbies, Rants

Senseless Self Destruction – Real Life Shoulder Savers For The Injury Prone

November 2, 2010 By JC Deen 27 Comments

Photo Credit: vramak

In our cozy, little world of fitness, strength training, bodybuilding, and textbook narcissism, our fitness lifestyle is rarely deemed the safest of ventures. Every single day we step foot in the gym or onto the track, we risk injury. Every time we set up for a new personal-best on the deadlift, we’re susceptible to passing out, causing a hernia, or (insert your feared misfortune here).

As someone who’s experienced multiple injuries throughout my athletic career, as well as my personal fitness journey, I’ve picked up a few gems along the way.

While no one has all the answers, I’m getting pretty darn close.

Okay, I’m kidding but I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned after multiple instances with minor shoulder injuries.

Let’s start with a typical scenario of a few bros in the gym:

Bro #1: “One more set bro. You gotta do one more set!”

Bro #2: “Alright, let’s add another 20lbs – I’m just gonna try to get one more. I’ve never benched this much in my life.”

Bro #2 sets up, unracks the weight, and forces a few reps only to surface grasping one of his shoulders in agony. Something is wrong. Scratch that – something is very wrong. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Rehabilitation Tagged With: rehabilit, shoulder pain, shoulder savers, shoulders

3 Reasons Why You Should QUIT Training and Tracking Your Intake

October 25, 2010 By JC Deen 21 Comments

Image Credit: kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Yea; you read it right. I didn’t stutter when formulating that headline. However, I had a recent brush with injury, a close encounter with overexertion, and I even saw a silhouette of what looked to be a divine figure whilst coming out of the hole on a widow-maker squat.

I was beat up, burnt out, and mildly pissed off. Training had become a chore. Eating was becoming a real pain in my backside, and I was running out of steam.

So, I quit.

It’s really hard to utter those words but it’s true. I just quit. I let go. I stopped trying to control everything.

My shoulders were hurting. My hips and glutes were tender and consistently knotted up. Every pressing movement provided moderate discomfort for hours beyond the session. My lower back was in a consistent state of wadded-up.

If you asked me about my training or nutrition, I just scoffed in bitterness.

Was I overtrained? No. Was I burnt out? Yes.

I needed a break. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motivation Tagged With: mindset

Counting Calories: Your No-BS Guide

October 19, 2010 By JC Deen 19 Comments

Image Credit: CarbonNYC

The concept of calorie counting is often associated with feelings of frustration and aggravation. While many deem it a tedious task, most of the time it’s fairly necessary for those with specific fitness goals to make progress in a timely manner.

For someone who’s never counted calories before, it can be somewhat intimidating. First, many don’t realize the difference between a calorie and a gram. And then, most don’t realize a gram of fat is twice as dense as a gram of carbohydrate or protein.

We also have to consider what a serving actually is compared to monstrous portions we are accustomed to consuming and just how far off base we can be with estimating our intake.

However, the concept isn’t hard, nor does it have to be a daunting chore. While some fear they will have to count calories the rest of their life, I don’t believe this to be true for the majority. The goal of this article is to give you all the information you’ll ever need to make this process simple and effective – mainly because I want you to carry on with your life in a worry-free, non-obsessive myriad of awesomeness. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Diet Tagged With: calorie counting, calorie tracker, calories, macronutrients, micronutrients

Clean Eating is DEAD: Putting the Nail in the Coffin

October 11, 2010 By JC Deen 36 Comments

Image Credit: • Happy Batatinha •

It’s been an entire month since I posted the much hated-on article titled Clean Eating is a Scam. I’m hardly amazed at what people say or do anymore on the internet. The riot this one caused on the bodybuilding.com forums was nothing short of hilarious.

Thanks to the readers here who continue to share my work with others.

However, with all due respect to the narrow-minded, neurotic elitists in the health and fitness world, I felt it was quite pertinent to put the nail in the coffin so to speak.

You see, as a writer and fellow fitness enthusiast, I feel it’s my calling to share with you what I feel is relevant, practical and useful for your personal fitness journey – whether you’re competitive or merely a weekend warrior.

Some call me the consumers advocate for all things fitness-related. I say I’m just telling it like it is. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Diet Tagged With: clean diet, clean eating, clean food