MMA News and Fight Videos

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

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!

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!

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search

Below are two video clips from the legendary Jack Lalanne.  Within each, Jack shares several tips for those interested in gaining weight.  Don’t expect a detailed discussion of molecular science, but do expect several easy to follow suggestions.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Lalanne’s old clips is his ability to simplify those topics that others try so hard to complicate.  Why must others make exercise out to be so complex?  As E.F. Schumacker once said,

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry would rather leave your head spinning.  They strive to create confusion in topics that a 5^th grader could easily comprehend.   They’ll throw together a few basic movements and then create a fancy name that “defines” the workout, as if a fancy name somehow adds another level of sophistication.  After all, if you are confused, you’ll become dependent on the guru and his advice.  If you become self sufficient, you offer nothing in return.  How can the guru purchase a new sports car if you don’t need him to hold your hand at the gym?
I’ve read articles where it seems like the author is competing in a 4+ syllable word contest.  How many 4 or more syllable words can he include within a 1000 word article?

And please do not confuse the meaning behind this entry.  I have nothing against 4 syllable words.  I am not being fastidious with my repugnance for provocative word selection, if such verbiage is both appropriate and conscientious.  Yet, the superfluity of words must not intentionally stray from elementary concepts such as simplicity.  Such intentional and incorrigible overuse of 4 syllable words would be deemed inappropriate, irrepressible, and perhaps indecipherable, even to those with unsurpassed intelligence acquired at the most magnificent universities.

Now, moving on from my moment of sarcasm, let’s get back to the subject of simplicity.  Look at the Jack’s picture above from 1954.  Jack was in top shape long before most of us were born.  He achieved his strength long before the latest and greatest breakthroughs were revealed online.   Many of my former coaches were also in top shape long before the Internet.  And please don’t take this as a knock against education or science.  My wife is a teacher and I’m a science junkie.  I’m not against learning.  I just happen to be in support of Schumacker’s advice (listed above).

The Internet has changed the fitness industry.  Never before has getting in shape been made out to be so complex.  I’m only in my 30’s, but even we didn’t have the Internet when I was in high school.  I didn’t learn of the Internet until my freshman year in college.  Back in the day, no one assumed that a degree in rocket science was required to build strength in the gym.  I know groups of guys who may have had one brain between the entire group, yet were monsters in the gym.  Not many athletes and gym rats were in contention for valedictorian.  I’d be willing to bet that our high school valedictorian didn’t know the difference between a pull-up and a chin-up.  Fitness wasn’t his gig.  Exercise wasn’t thought of as one of the lucrative fields to pursue.  There were still loads of strong and amazing athletes however.  The difference was that no one was trying to confuse them with irrelevant bullsh*t.  Athletes went to the gym and busted their ass.  The results followed.  That’s it.  Nothing fancy.

Oddly enough, many of our old gym class workouts are now thought to be revolutionary.  I just wish my old gym teacher knew the goldmine that he was sitting on as we ran suicides on the basketball court. He could have retired early…

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve rambled on longer than expected, let me close with an old saying.  Those involved in this industry need to start applying this simple advice.

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own.  Don’t let them confuse you.  Keep it simple, bust your ass, mix things up, and have some fun.  Simple often equals superior.

Ross

PS - For a related article, refer to The Endless Search