Tuesday, July 29, 2008

SoCal Earthquake Update!

Hey everyone,
I’m in LA today. We just had a ripping earthquake. It shook the crap out of my apartment in Valencia. Friggin’ RJ was getting ready to leap off the 2nd story balcony into the tree--fitness in ACTION at the time of need! Not a hard jolt but a major rock and roller up and down and all around for about 30 seconds—15 of which was pretty intense. Anyway, I’m okay. No damage that I can see anywhere. Not sure what is up at this point, but I’m hanging tight and okay. It was a 5.8 in Chino Hills between Santa Monica and Long Beach.

Edgy in SoCal, Coach RJ

Saturday, July 26, 2008

New KB Snatch PR!

So I'm in Paso Robles, CA this week. I set up some work friends on the kettlebells this morning. At the end, I tried a new PR on the SSST (Secret Service Snatch Test). I'm still using the 18kg for my SSST. I can snatch the 24kg but only 5-10 reps per side then I'm done. My SSST is hitting five minutes. I was at 117 reps in 5:00 last attempt. I hit 125 reps in 5:00 this morning. Now I'm on pace to expand the duration and push for 200 reps in 10:00. All the people agreed this morning--the KBs are the REAL deal! Kevin said I feel DIFFERENT! I agree. You do feel different--better! Albeit somewhat wasted at the end of a SSST but in a good sort of way. I love the intensity of the kettlebells. People that are not using don't have a clue about what they are all about. They are not stupid. They are not like dumbbells. They are unlike any other thing I have tried in fitness. KBs are high intensity primal training at its best. Swingin' HARD style today, Coach RJ!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Kettlebell Chemical Reaction

Today Luke (one of the FEW workouts partners I've had in my whole life because he can kick ass!) and I worked on KBs for 1.5 hours. I set him up on the basics. We felt the difference between other lifts and the KBs. There is a lot that goes on with KBs chemically that I didn't feel with other workouts. More HGH response. More EPOC. More testosterone. More fitness in less time. I FEEL DIFFERENT working with the kettlebells than with other types of strength conditioning. They've given me my edge back--the edge I had when I was racing at an elite level. On days when I'm throwing KBs, I have a different attitude. I was the MidState Fair tonight after our workout. Some people got rude. I thought...F this! I'm outta here! I don't tolerate bullshit when I throwing kettlebells. My mind is sharper. I'm more dangerous. I like it. Intense on Cali's Central Coast today, Coach RJ!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Battle of Atlanta...Where's Our Passion?

I was hanging out at Inman Park in Atlanta the other day. While twins Ronnie and Cade played on the climbing equipment, I ripped through a 30 minute body weight workout using a superset of elevated rear foot box lunges to decline push ups. The playground wall was great for getting the foot elevation and decline position. 20 lunges per leg then 20 push ups then repeat for a total of 200 lunges and 100 push ups. Then we walked around and visited with dog people and explored what is one of Atlanta's coolest historic neighborhoods.

I found a sign which explained the history of Inman Park. It was actually the site of the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. In one hot Southern July day, 9,000 men died in battle. I was awestruck. We were on hollowed ground...major chi rush followed. It made me think--people die for their passion and what they believe in. I don't think we have the right passion anymore in America. We are passionate about getting the newest iPhone or Xbox to point of killing someone over it, yet few really stand up for what is truly important like saving what is left of our country! Military is fighting doing their part. I'm fighting the health wars doing my part. Others are getting it on too--no disrespect to them. However, there are far too many people with jacked up priorities and completely lame in their way of thinking.

Speaking of lame, I saw two teens walking the other day. Both were holding their crotches because their damn pants were so loose they would fall down around ankles if not held up. What morons decided that wearing pants around the bottom third of your ass was cool? Whoever it was is making millions--that is jacked up! Pull your pants over your ass after you pull your head out--then fight for something worth fighting for y'all. Deep in the South today, Coach RJ