This past week...

someone e-mailed me and asked "Have you ever, personally, gone through great amounts (more than 25#) of weight loss? Or strength training to gain muscle/weight?" The firt part of my response was something along the lines of "wow, no one has ever asked me that!" Ever. And I have no idea how or why thats never happened because as I thought more about this past week, it's probably one of the most important questions someone could ask.

I think the question and answer help develop a communication line. In coaching, it's always been important to me that the players know and understand the thought process behind everything. I also feel it's important that they trust the "coach," could play. That he knows how to compete and has an intensity. On the flip side, when talking to high school kids about larger issues that surround them in the classroom, at home or with friends, I think it helps having an element of "yeah, I've also been there." I never knew if my coach was all-state or played big college ball, but I could see it in his eyes, he knew what it took to make us great. So again, in the questions asked above, I feel that the answer is a definition that says "Yes, I've been on the same path you're on and actually still working that path."

I might have been 22 or 23 years old and somehow gained a considerable amount of weight after high school. I think it was partially due to alcohol, maybe some depression and general lack of activity. I remember going to find a pair of jeans at the mall and literally couldnt find a decent pair. I had an event to attend and needed something new to wear and because I couldnt find clothes to fit, I didnt go to the event and missed out on an opportunity. I weighed around 315 lbs.

I very clearly remember the following weeks. I remember being very angry with myself and i'm not even sure if 315 sunk in. At the time, my issue was being too big for the clothes I wanted. So I decided to join Ballys.

I had some workout experience from high school but not much. Ironically, I was never really into the weight room. No clue why. I think I was lazy and complacent. I was one of the those dumb kids I now bitch at... kind of a big fish in a small pond. I knew I'd start on Friday nights without the weight room so I didnt care... which was a very large mistake. So I pulled some generic workouts out of a magazine and started my training. Monday was chest, Tuesday legs, blha blah blah boring workout. I remember my cardio was very, very lame. I thought I could hop on an elliptical for 20 minutes and think I was burning "x" amount of calories and be great. I would swim maybe twice per week as well.

One day two guys came up to me who were in very good shape, turns out they were Marines. One asked what I was trying to do and and I told him "lose 80lbs." He asked to see my workout routine and I handed him my notebook. He said "I'll give this back to you tomorrow. Til then, run. Just run. Dont try to be cute and mix in all these toys, go buy new shoes and just run." The next day, I came in and he handed me my notebook back with 7 new routines. He told me rotate through and run every day. They took me through the workout a couple times to show me the form and that was it. They also said to cut carbs and alcohol and to eat alot of protein.

So I listened. I wasnt a great runner and ever really ran more than 1 mile per day. (Maybe because it sucks counting 16 laps at Ballys to get to that mile.) Every morning was a shake, every lunch was a salad and every dinner was 1 chicken breast, 1 cup of brown rice and some vegetables. Thats it. Every single day, all winter long.

5 months later, 225lbs.

I dont think it was that hard because I wanted it so bad. It's all I wanted. Nothing could distract me.

I remember weighing in every week and thinking "Damn, 5 lbs this week!" I remember when I dropped under 275, then 250, then 240... then things slowed down but I stayed with it and got there.

I never even knew the guys names that stopped me and told me "run." I would see them everyday and they would watch me, but I kept my headphones in and just worked (plus I was shy and I dont think they wanted to bother me.) Thinking about it now, its probably why i say some of the things I say. Maybe why I train how I train. I learned firsthand why cardio is so important... actually why running is even more important. Can it be done without running? Yes. Could I have? I'm not sure. Everyone I train, I say "Get a pair of running shoes," or "That treadmill is our goal, so get comfy with it asap."

If you're reading this and wondering "Can I lose 40lbs?" Absolutely, you can. I know you can. But its not easy. It takes sacrifice and discipline. And I'm even throwing myself in the equation and not as a trainer. I let things slip late in 2011 and I'm back at it hard right now. Im back to shooting for 225 and I know i'll get there. I'm back to that mind set of nothing stopping me. And I know I have to run and I have to be disciplined and I'll have to sacrifice.

Its not a mood. Its a life decision. I think thats the difference. I think people get into a mood where they think "Jeez, I need to lose 15lbs. I feel chubby," or anything really. "Jeez I need to improve (fill in the blank)." But that mood fades and then it's gone. When you make a decision and commit to yourself... then thats it. It's happening.

Every say "I'm going to (fill in the blank)." Did you do it? Did you commit to it? What happened? Success or failure?

Another season is coming... the weather is getting warmer and soon it'll come and go all over again. Will you be sitting in that same seat in one year wishing you did something different?

Eastside (Blue Chip Stamp)

I referenced a couple times "Andy and I have been fortunate to play under or train with great coaches who were able to install certain attributes..."  Install might not have been to most fitting word, at least not with Andy.  I have a feeling he was born with the fire the displays now.  I think it was always there, he just had coaches (or role models), that may have helped him find comfort level in displaying it.  So it didnt need to be installed, just ignited.  There isnt a thing he touches that he doesnt have the intent of making it great.  Better than great. 
Tonight we finished the winter training with Eastside Volleyball and this past weekend, we knew we wanted to have some things to talk to the girls about at the last workout.  Again, our coaches found ways to motivate and we both still hear their voices.  If there was one thing we said that help even one girl find a way through a situation, job done. 
One consistent topic was work ethic.  This past Sunday I saw Larry Bird talk about the difference between LeBron and Kobe.  He said "If you want to have fun, play with LeBron.  If you want to win, play with Kobe."  The interviewer asked why.  "Work ethic," was all Larry said.  It's the intense, borderline obsessive drive to be the best at everything you touch.  Sports, training, school, life.  Shoot for the stars.  I know it sounds cliche' but you have to.  You cannot go into any situation thinking "Oh, well #2 would be cool."  No.  #1 is the only thing in mind and anything less is unacceptable.  #1 is it.  Train to be #1, practice to be #1, study to be #1 in your class.  Go hard every moment of everyday. 
I cant get into everything we talked about... we talked about alot.  But tonight there were a few points that somehow came out that I hope hit home.  I said "I couldnt tell if this was one of those bitter-sweet moments or not..."  and its not.  I'm not happy the training has ended... not at all.  I love training this group, Andy does the same.  But I also feel like "hey, we put in some hard work, harder than any group they'll play against... time to get some trophies!"  I really feel excited now.  I cant wait to watch them play!      I fell like they've been through the ringer and now its time to reap the benefits of the hard work... so I'm not feeling bitter-sweet (maybe a little... i couldve talked all night tonight) and I'm not sad it ended.  I'm happy it happened and pumped to watch those girls go out to their tourneys and win. 
The other point I brought up to the 17-18 year old group was actually off-topic from training and volleyball.  It was more of a life thing.  I heard a coach mention it once maybe 10 years ago and wanted to give it my own spin.  I said "Ever hear someone go on and on about 'the good ole' days?  About how 'Oh everything was awesome in 1999!' and stuff like that?  That sounds so loser to me."  I told them yeah, these days your going through now are great and you will look back on them with fondness... but its not your highlight.  These are not your 'good old days.'  Every year is your highlight year.  Every year is a 'good ole day.'  Make sense?  You will be great and better at every stage of your life!  Great high school careers, great in college, great jobs, great friends and great lives.   Believe in yourself with all your heart.  Even when the chips look down, dig deep and believe.  Remember, work hard and you can accomplish absolutely anything. 
I look at them... Andy and I watch them during our downtime.  I see strength and confidence that I dont see in many other places.  I do not see any fear in their eyes. I see excitement and energy and enthusiasm.  We asked a football team to challenge each others heart and dedication and asked "who would you go to war with?"  I 'm sitting here asking myself that question in regards to these girls.... any one of them.  They are tough as nails and they dont back down from a challenge. Full of heart and passion.  Leaders and role models.  These "kids," are amazing... barely kids really.  Kids now have so much more to deal with than we did, we all know that.  They have to be stronger now... the world is different.  The girls that Andy and I have had to pleasure to train over the last few months... hands down amazing and I cant wait to see who they become down the road. 
Parents, congratulations.  You have amazing daughters.

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I don't train...

...your spike.  I don't coach your swing.  I don't coach boxing or how to defend in the ring.  I don't teach you how to shoot a 3 or run the pick-n-roll.  I don't "x," and "o," your sport.  But I do watch you play and study how you move and that is what I do train, your movement. I hear your coaches coach and ask them what they need from you, then I help you make it a-whoooole-lot better.
I train the muscles that make the movement more efficient, faster, stronger, and more functional.  If you need to jump higher, run faster, be stronger, hit harder, breathe better, move quicker... I'm the guy that helps you make that happen.  Without a doubt.   If you're interested in posing... might want to keep googling.  I'm not interested in beach muscle.  I'm interested in your vertical, your power and strength, your movement... your scholarship.      
I train you mind.  By that I mean, I show you how to find a new level of "full go." Something we all think we know... but then we meet someone who shows us there's another level.... BlueChip is that level.  By the time we're done, you'll never have "I'm tired," in your thoughts.  You'll never give up. 
You'll train so hard and develop such a passion for your success, you won't let anyone beat you without the absolute best fight of their life.  You'll work so hard that every single time you step on the court, onto the field or in the ring... you will believe, 150%,  with all of your heart that you will win

Say it aint so, Joe

***This is not a fitness story***

My x-mas list has been the same since I can remember. 

“Anything blue & white.”

I have book ends, picture frames, clocks, every book the staff has published, their coaching manuals, DVDs, and postcards.  I have socks, boxers, t-shirts, sweat pants, coffee mugs, calendars, pictures, old rosters and jerseys.    One year (when I had a Velcro Penn State wallet) I thought it would be funny to add a formal picture of Joe Paterno to the others.  I would show off pictures of my daughters and then "Hey, whats this guy doing in here?"  Even though they usually stink, I still draft one Penn State player in my fantasy football league to be silly and say "I have a strong locker room leader." 

When I was little younger, I had the chance to meet the staff and later on would receive scouting materials for whatever school I was coaching, so you can imagine, this was basically a dream come true to be on Fran Ganters, Larry Johnsons and Ron Vanderlindens (members of the staff) mailing list.  An open invite to come up whenever I wanted to work with their strength & conditioning staff and be involved with their training was obviously even better. 

Every year, I would influence the linebackers I coached to go to their football camps and to work with their staff.  So much of what I learned about coaching, I learned there. 

I will never, ever forget the very time I saw Coach Paterno in person, just a 100 feet away, at a coaches clinic maybe 8 years ago or so.  I was his shadow for as long as possible.  Followed everywhere he went and listened to everything he said.  He'd walk from drill to drill and bitch out kids 5x his size for not using a proper technique.   

Penn State couldve showed me a water boy who said "Drink water like this, its better this way," and I would've done it.  I trusted every single syllable that the staff and most importantly Joe Paterno uttered as absolute gospel. 

I was wrong.

Joe Paterno had an opportunity to save kids, not just give them a scholarship, but to save them from an absolute monster.  An absolutely disgusting human being that was empowered by one of the most prestigious football programs in the country.   He enabled a monster to use the platform that he built for over 45 years to dominate, bully and terrorize under privileged children. 

Those who willingly stand by and watch a crime being committed are not guilty but they are far from innocent.     

They say its a privilege to play football and to play sports, but its more of a privilege to coach and to be around young athletes and their energy.  Its a privilege just to have an opportunity to be in a position to help kids grow and evolve and learn.  Joe Paterno and his staff no longer deserve that privilege.  They lost it when they decided to stay quiet and not give a voice to those who needed it. 

Every single coach or staff member, from top to bottom should step down because none of them deserve to wear blue & white. 

No Off-Season

I'm taking a minute to look back on this past year of training.  Thinking about the sessions, the outdoor workouts, the birth of Blue Chip, the people I've worked with and for, the gyms I've been in and all those miles on my car. 

I think it's an amazing foundation and the tone is set.  I love my view right now.  I think this past year kicked ass and proved a point.... and that can be said after nearly every workout "We kicked ass and proved a point."  Right now, Im so excited to get my next apt... because I train some serious badasses :) 

So I'm looking back on this "training quest"... and I'm very happy....
...and now I'm looking forward. 

Last winter, we had some hiccups and we were temporarily "homeless."  This fall/winter, we're settled.  We're "home," and we are going to kick ass all winter long.  The bad weather, the snow, the crappy roads, none of that is going to slow us down this year.  (Yes "bad weather, snow and crappy roads" was a metaphor for where were in late 2010:).   

There is no off-season.  Our training is on fire right now.  Get your 2012 "To-do list," ready!  More importantly, get your 2012 "TO BE," LIST ready!

Make a mental note:  If you know we're working out at 2pm or whenever, 2 hours before that, start getting your thoughts in order.  Get some protein in your system, get some water or gatorade and start getting your mind right.  You have to come in and be prepared for the ride.  Yes, we will defintely have some fun, we'll crack some jokes and defintely have a good time... BUT this is not social hour.  YOU/WE are here to do things that we cant do and dont do anywhere else.  Every single workout.  Every single time.  This is not "Do 1 set and bs for 3 minutes," personal training.  This is "Lets go off!  Every single time, every single set!" type personal training. 

***Womens only class, every Sunday at 11am at Titans Gym in Mentor.  $5 for non-members, free to members.  For those of you who have trained with me before in either the one on one setting or in the summer workouts or even the volleyball workouts... imagine those workouts and turn up the volume to "10."  I promise you, come for one month, stay and talk some nutrition after, stay and lets set up a cardio plan, stay and lets talk goals... within 2 months, you'll be well on your way to reaching some big goals.  Promise.

beat

It's football season.  And every season, at some point, I start to "lose," it.  And I'm not sure exactly what it is that I'm "losing," but something happens.  Crazy things fly out of my mouth, people close to me get really sick of hearing me talk, and every single thing is under a microscope.  My sleep goes down, my energy goes up, the seasons change, back to wearing hoodies, leaves change colors... i cant explain it.  Other than football is more of an analogy to life than anything I can think of and it adds another element to my day and another outlet for me to...  I really dont even know what I do sometimes. 

I was at practice the other day.  I dont talk about it on here much but I coach at a high school in the area.  We have some very talented young men with more potential than they know.  I dont fault them one bit because I think we were all that way at that age.  There was always someone who saw more than we did.  So anyway,  we're conditioning and I could see they were starting to drag it a little.  It was a tough drill but they were starting to "coast."   I pulled them in and said something along the lines of  "We're at the point in the season where we need to find another gear.  We know we're fast, we know we hit hard, we catch, we run, we block and we do alot of things right.  And odds are we'll have a physical advantage on most nights.  So now its time to tap into another advantage... one we dont even know we have yet..." and I pointed to my heart.   I paused because I had a mini flash back... I usually do... when that screachy voice jumps in my head... time to breathe and slow down before things really fall apart (if you know me, you know what and who I'm referring to :))   These kids arent dumb and they know they're good.  They know they have very real football skills and sometimes those skills are enough to slide by.  So I told them "We're going to see a team just as fast... who hits just like we do... who can run and jump like us... and then it wont be about out-hitting, or out-running... it will be about out-hearting."  It may have went on... hard to remember when things get going. 

(I think when I was a younger coach, I would address the same topic but in a very immature way.  Kind of challenging whether or not they had a heart.  Its different now.  I know its there but sometimes hiding... and I want to help bring it out.)

But it all is about that.  The analogy is right there.  We see it everyday.  We have jobs, we have friends and family and things we care about.  And every single thing eventually comes down to who has the heart. 
In my job, there are 100 trainers in the area, all with different skills, certifications, experiences and resumes.  Some have masters degrees, some have been around for 20 years and some think the'll be successful because of looks or who they know... it will always come down to "heart."