Eight Week Cycle Starts Tomorrow!

Our next Cycle begins tomorrow and with it comes new challenges to the members of MBG. This cycle includes some very challenging workouts that will push you both as individuals and as a group. This cycle will include something new called "Monkey Wrenches". Monkey Wrenches will add a random element to our workouts that will be put in on occasion to add variety to our workouts. Monkey Wrenches will be submitted by MBG's all over, you never know when they will show up but I am sure they will be challenging and fun. I am looking forward to watching us become stronger and healthier in the upcoming weeks. Remember to pay attention to your body and listen to what it is telling you. If your energy is down or your just not feeling right than back off your intensity until you are feeling stronger. The eight week cycle is the best way to make continual improvements but that doesn't mean you have to improve every week. Your going to have a week were improvements in performance may be minimal. This doesn't mean that you didn't make progress in your technique or confidence. Lets set the standard high for ourselves this week and get this cycle started with a blast. We have spent the last week focusing on recovering and should all be ready to go!

Expectations for 2012

I hope you all are able to enjoy this beautiful day that we are having to start the new year. Every year we get a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew on January 1st. Usually every year most people will generally come up with the same goals or resolutions. They want to be healthier, eat better, be happier, or possibly build their savings. These ideas sound great but at closer look they can be vague in their meaning. The mistake most people will make is to not put a workable plan that will make them healthier and happier. It is my hope that the members of MBG can come up with workable plans to achieve their goals as it relates to health and fitness. My question to you all is how do you intend to achieve your goals in the upcoming year?

At least one of our goals should be to achieve and sustain optimal health. Optimal health is more than just physical strength, it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (Pulde, Lederman, 2009). In doing this we can strive and excel rather than simply exist. If we are unable to take care of ourselves than how are we to take care of those around us? I can help you improve your physical strength and endurance. I can also try to educate you on the benefits of consuming strong, whole foods. However, I cannot control the decisions you make in your daily food consumption. You must gain a mastery of how you choose to nourish your body. This is an endeavor that you should engage in for the rest of your life. Our bodies are incredible creations that will always strive to repair itself and maintain homeostasis. It is our responsibility to provide our bodies with the proper "tools" to achieve this.

Many, if not all of you have made tremendous progress over the past year. You have become stronger and more confidant. Some of you have already taken the next step and have begun to make lifestyle changes in your diet. It is my goal that all of you begin to understand the importance of doing this. I do not expect you all to adapt a vegetarian or vegan diet, but I would like you to start to consume more whole foods. Foods that are nutrient dense and not simply calorie dense. In addition I would also like you to understand why you are making these choices. One simple goal for you all would be simply to consume 1 whole-food, plant based meal each day that is free from animal products. It is actually simpler than you might think.

It is impossible to predict how our futures will unfold, but let's get control of those things we can control. I know that some of you, especially the ladies, have made comments on how your arms feel bigger and tighter. That is to be expected training the way we do. It shows that what you are doing is working. Do not worry you will not turn into professional body builders. I would say to change your train of thought. Let's negotiate our future's from a position of strength, not weakness. Wouldn't it be better to face any obstacles this year with a strong, resilient body? Our next workshop will be on meal planning and how we can make sustained dietary changes in our diets. We will try and do this at the end of the month.

I hope this New Year brings you all health and happiness!
Jimmy