Alex always pushing it with a heavy rock he found lying around!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The (Sand) Hills Have Eyes
Just finished working out on those sand hills I talked about in my last blog post. Eleven sets today, will try for 20 sets next week. Joining me today were Fitness Tech athletes Cliff Fua, Alex Buzon,Eric Sorenson, my bro, Mo "Swag" and Andres "I.J.H.S." Salas, who has a title fight coming up July 11th. It was a great, hard working group. These hills were tough since our feet kept sinking in the soft sand which made for a great physical, but also mentally challenging workout!
Alex always pushing it with a heavy rock he found lying around!!
Alex always pushing it with a heavy rock he found lying around!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Back To My Roots
I saw a video on this year's number one NBA draft pick, Blake Griffin training on the sand hills at Fort Funston in San Francisco.
I remember running these hills (well, similar ones, since the ones I used to run are no longer there) way back (around 14 yrs ago, yikes!! I'm OLD! lol) when I was training to try out for my college basketball team. When I saw that video, I was like, wow, I know that place!!! So today I went with my buddy Les to say hi to an old friend who did help me make the team. When we made it to the hill, our hearts started to race already!!! The video doesn't do it justice, it's scary!! Like the Magic Mountain roller coasters kind of scary!!! We knew this was going to be a tough workout especially running or, even crawling up in the soft sand. We made it through seven sets of those hills (I've read Griffin does anywhere from 20-25 sets, sometimes even carrying weighted balls and sandbags, insane!!!) which left us drenched in sweat and feeling lightheaded!! Safe to say, we'll have to gradually build up to the 20-25 sets.
The point I'm trying to make is you don't need a fancy gym or state of the art equipment to get results. To go a step further, I'd say those places, used exclusively, makes people soft (i.e. - not mentally tough). Running hills in soft sand, dragging a sled, pushing the prowler, carrying sandbags are not easy!!! Not many people want to work that hard. But let me tell you, since mixing in my outdoor training with weight training in the gym (3x's outside, 2x's gym per week), I am so much stronger and in better shape than I was when I just went to the gym. There's something about knowing that no one else is putting in that kind of work that gives you a mental edge. The training clip in Rocky 4 vividly illustrates my way of thinking with Rocky training old school and Drago in this fancy high-tech gym. We all know what happens, Rocky kicks Drago's ass!!
Funny how in life, you always seem to come back full circle. What it all boils down to is how hard you work and how bad do you want to achieve your goals.
I remember running these hills (well, similar ones, since the ones I used to run are no longer there) way back (around 14 yrs ago, yikes!! I'm OLD! lol) when I was training to try out for my college basketball team. When I saw that video, I was like, wow, I know that place!!! So today I went with my buddy Les to say hi to an old friend who did help me make the team. When we made it to the hill, our hearts started to race already!!! The video doesn't do it justice, it's scary!! Like the Magic Mountain roller coasters kind of scary!!! We knew this was going to be a tough workout especially running or, even crawling up in the soft sand. We made it through seven sets of those hills (I've read Griffin does anywhere from 20-25 sets, sometimes even carrying weighted balls and sandbags, insane!!!) which left us drenched in sweat and feeling lightheaded!! Safe to say, we'll have to gradually build up to the 20-25 sets.
The point I'm trying to make is you don't need a fancy gym or state of the art equipment to get results. To go a step further, I'd say those places, used exclusively, makes people soft (i.e. - not mentally tough). Running hills in soft sand, dragging a sled, pushing the prowler, carrying sandbags are not easy!!! Not many people want to work that hard. But let me tell you, since mixing in my outdoor training with weight training in the gym (3x's outside, 2x's gym per week), I am so much stronger and in better shape than I was when I just went to the gym. There's something about knowing that no one else is putting in that kind of work that gives you a mental edge. The training clip in Rocky 4 vividly illustrates my way of thinking with Rocky training old school and Drago in this fancy high-tech gym. We all know what happens, Rocky kicks Drago's ass!!
Funny how in life, you always seem to come back full circle. What it all boils down to is how hard you work and how bad do you want to achieve your goals.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Some Food For Thought
Gonna watch this movie next week, but just looking at the trailer makes me sick to my stomach!!! The reviews for this movie are good, and, if anything, should provide some awareness on your next trip to the supermarket. A good tip when grocery shopping is that if you can't pronounce the ingredients on a label, it's probably not that good for you!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mama Said Knock You Out!!
Man, that old school song by L.L. Cool J always gets me pumped up to train!! Speaking of training, yesterday I met up with Fitness Tech athlete Alex "The Beast" Buzon so he could teach me some muay thai techniques, the student became the teacher for this day, hahaha!!! Since I train fighters, it makes sense that I should learn more about muay thai/mma so I can better understand the movement patterns and demands of those sports. Sure, I'm well versed in how to train the fighters being a fan, closely watching the movements as well as constantly reading articles, books, watching videos, etc., but I believe you gotta get "in the trenches" to really bridge that gap between knowledge and application.
I've been wanting to really start doing some training in muay thai and mma, but couldn't find the time to fit it into my schedule. Well, I know you've heard THAT excuse before, maybe you've even said that about your own fitness routine!!! So, instead of waiting until "2010" (wink, inside joke), I took some action and met up with Alex so he could show me some basic techniques. We went for about 45 minutes hitting the pads.
A great example of "in the trenches" learning for me was that the power from punches comes from your core muscles, mainly the obliques and hips. Sure, I understand this and I've read and watched videos, but to actually apply it and feel it now gives me a better understanding of the actual movement patterns. 
Hips Don't Lie
To get to that next level (in any sport or profession) takes constant learning and hard work. Now get "in the trenches" and knock out your competition!!
I've been wanting to really start doing some training in muay thai and mma, but couldn't find the time to fit it into my schedule. Well, I know you've heard THAT excuse before, maybe you've even said that about your own fitness routine!!! So, instead of waiting until "2010" (wink, inside joke), I took some action and met up with Alex so he could show me some basic techniques. We went for about 45 minutes hitting the pads.
A great example of "in the trenches" learning for me was that the power from punches comes from your core muscles, mainly the obliques and hips. Sure, I understand this and I've read and watched videos, but to actually apply it and feel it now gives me a better understanding of the actual movement patterns. 
Hips Don't Lie
To get to that next level (in any sport or profession) takes constant learning and hard work. Now get "in the trenches" and knock out your competition!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Belated Congrats And A Happy Bday
I wasn't going to post anything about the Lakers winning the NBA title a couple days ago since I'm from Northern Cali and don't care, but today is my Laker fan client's birthday, so I'll be a good sport and congratulate the Lakers on their championship. Happy birthday Tom! Enjoy your bday and Lakers win!! Tom is a very consistent and hard working client and he makes it easy (well easier) for me to get up at 5 am to train him at 6!!
Even though I could care less about the Lakers, I do deeply respect Kobe for his intense work ethic and extreme desire to win. None was more evident when he hurt his already dislocated pinky during the game. In a timeout, the trainer tried to offer him ice and tape, but Bryant refused saying, "I want to feel the pain." That mental toughness is why Kobe is a champion and the best in the world. Now I'm not saying go out and train when you're injured, of course not, but you can adopt that mentally tough mind-set when it comes to achieving your goals.
Even though I could care less about the Lakers, I do deeply respect Kobe for his intense work ethic and extreme desire to win. None was more evident when he hurt his already dislocated pinky during the game. In a timeout, the trainer tried to offer him ice and tape, but Bryant refused saying, "I want to feel the pain." That mental toughness is why Kobe is a champion and the best in the world. Now I'm not saying go out and train when you're injured, of course not, but you can adopt that mentally tough mind-set when it comes to achieving your goals.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Congratulations
Just wanted to congratulate Fitness Tech athlete Andres "I.J.H.S." Salas on his 3rd round TKO victory in the muay thai event War of the Heroes on Saturday in Santa Clara. This victory puts him at 4-0 and qualifies him to fight in Thailand in November. In addition to that, he will get right back to the grind and train for a title fight July 11th at the Fox Theater in Redwood City which also will feature Fitness Tech athletes Cliff Fua and Alex Buzon. Andres is a cocky SOB (hahaha), but not over-confident. He's a hard worker and very dedicated, showing up to every one of my workouts. After the fight, he told me his cardio was as good as ever and that he could've gone 4, 5, or 6 more rounds!! He should give thanks to his many friends, the sled, the prowler, mr. sandbag, and the sledgehammer!!
At only 20 years old, Andres still has a lot to learn about the sport, but with his work ethic, determination, and willingness to keep learning, I'm confident that he will be very successful in the coming years!!
At only 20 years old, Andres still has a lot to learn about the sport, but with his work ethic, determination, and willingness to keep learning, I'm confident that he will be very successful in the coming years!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hey Kids, Beat It!!
Had an outdoor training session today at a playground with muay thai/mma fighter Cliff Fua. We needed to use the monkey bars for some pull ups and suspended push ups so we gave some mean, dirty looks and kicked the little kids off the play structure and sent them home crying!! Naw, just kidding, I'm kidding!!! We're not THAT mean, and besides, this was in the morning so no one was at the park (only a couple dog walkers) hahaha!!
Today we did 100 pull ups (broken up into sets), 100+ suspended push ups, and 10 minutes of prowler sprints on thick grass. Oh, since Cliff is a heavyweight, 100 total pull ups are difficult for him, so he alternated between pull ups and inverted rows (see pics). It was a basic, but still kick ass, high quality 35 minute workout.
Now, I've got to put this out there, some people ask me about kettlebells, P90X, bosu balls, the perfect push up handles, etc., etc............basically the supposed latest and greatest training methods out on the market at this time. Most of these people can't even master the basics, the foundations, true "functional" exercises!!! I'm talking about push ups, pull ups, and squats using only your bodyweight. My good friend and muay thai trainer, Mark Tabuso has always said, those exercises (push ups, pull ups, squats) are must-have movements that have been around since the beginning of time. "If you can't control your own bodyweight, how in the hell are you going to control your opponents' weight in the ring," he says.
Those training methods have their place, but sometimes we tend to forget about the foundation, the basics of strength I guess because they're not "exciting" or "new". It's like jumping straight to calculus without understanding basic math!!! Bodyweight training (in addition to the weights) can take your physique to another level, now go crank out some pull ups!! Ok, kinda went off on a rant, but sometimes I feel we put the cart before the horse, so to speak!! Check out the pics:
Suspended push ups, great for upper body and core strength
Inverted row
Neutral grip pull ups, and NO my feet are not on the ground!!! Cliff can't take pictures!!! hahaha I really need to get a flip camcorder!!
Prowler sprints. No weight needed, the thick grass provided ample resistance!!!
The low handle is EVIL!!!
Today we did 100 pull ups (broken up into sets), 100+ suspended push ups, and 10 minutes of prowler sprints on thick grass. Oh, since Cliff is a heavyweight, 100 total pull ups are difficult for him, so he alternated between pull ups and inverted rows (see pics). It was a basic, but still kick ass, high quality 35 minute workout.
Now, I've got to put this out there, some people ask me about kettlebells, P90X, bosu balls, the perfect push up handles, etc., etc............basically the supposed latest and greatest training methods out on the market at this time. Most of these people can't even master the basics, the foundations, true "functional" exercises!!! I'm talking about push ups, pull ups, and squats using only your bodyweight. My good friend and muay thai trainer, Mark Tabuso has always said, those exercises (push ups, pull ups, squats) are must-have movements that have been around since the beginning of time. "If you can't control your own bodyweight, how in the hell are you going to control your opponents' weight in the ring," he says.
Those training methods have their place, but sometimes we tend to forget about the foundation, the basics of strength I guess because they're not "exciting" or "new". It's like jumping straight to calculus without understanding basic math!!! Bodyweight training (in addition to the weights) can take your physique to another level, now go crank out some pull ups!! Ok, kinda went off on a rant, but sometimes I feel we put the cart before the horse, so to speak!! Check out the pics:
Suspended push ups, great for upper body and core strength
Inverted row
Neutral grip pull ups, and NO my feet are not on the ground!!! Cliff can't take pictures!!! hahaha I really need to get a flip camcorder!!
Prowler sprints. No weight needed, the thick grass provided ample resistance!!! 
The low handle is EVIL!!!
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