AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE
ISSUE 125 - 3/14/2007
1. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
--Christopher Reeve
I had a great conversation with my friend David Weck this past weekend on what it takes to be successful. Dave is the creator of the BOSU www.bosu.com which is one of the hottest fitness products around. I literally see the BOSU everywhere and unlike some other lame fitness products, the BOSU is an incredible training tool that I recommend highly. Anyway lets get back to my conversation with Dave. Similar to most successful people, Dave worked his ass off to achieve his immense success. He had tons of roadblocks on the way and there were many moments in which he thought he was done. No one gave him a roadmap to success. He simply had to act, fail a lot, persevere, and eventually achieve immense success.
This is a common path that most successful people have been through. What separates Dave from most people is he was not afraid to make mistakes. He made plenty and still does. However, he also hits home runs from time to time and they more than make up for all of the mistakes. Remember, in professional baseball if you hit the ball three times out of every ten at bats, you are a superstar! This means you are missing the ball 70% of the time! a 30% average is an F in school. Get over the illusion of having A+ results in the real world. If you are closing 90% of the deals you go after then you are either a liar or do not have enough deals. The more at bats you take the more misses you will have. However, do enough at bats and you hit a few balls as well. The key is to keep going for the hits and forget about the misses. Only losers get beaten down by mistakes. Winners take them in stride and are too busy pushing forward to give up.
Now that Dave is highly successful, he gets people coming to him all of the time for his secrets to success. These people are looking for a seamless path to success and hope that Dave has all of the answers. While it is great to get ideas from successful people on how to make it, you are kidding yourself if you think you can avoid suffering and failure on the way to success. If you are not prepared to get your hands dirty and put it all on the line, then do not bother starting. Moreover, do not bother wasting Dave's time or any other successful persons time. You have to get out there and learn how to be successful. You have to read the books, try plans out, fail miserably many times and still have the courage to persevere. You have to be able to persevere through being defeated day after day, month after month, and even year after year. You have to wake up the next day after being kicked around and do it all over again. You have to be able to get your ass kicked, recover and come back for more. Yes it is a fight and you need to be able to go all twelve rounds and then twelve more. Few have what it takes which is great for those of us that do as it means less competition, ha ha.
Most people will not even make it past the first set back. They get rejected once or do not have immediate success and it is all over. Pathetic to say the least. Such people do not deserve success as they do not value their lives. Especially if they are in America which is the equivalent to winning a lottery ticket. Making it here is much less easier than elsewhere. Unfortunately, people that are born in America rarely value the gift. Study successful people and I challenge you to find one person that had an easy road to success. Interesting people are people that persevered through rough times. You cannot have personal growth without tough experiences. No personal growth equals a very boring life and a very boring person.
Why do so many people give up at the first sign of failure? Why do others do whatever is necessary to make it? Who knows. It is one of the great mysteries of the universe. Regardless, I have a theory. People that give up easily are simply people that are nor prepared for success. They are nor prepared to do what needs to be done and suffer accordingly.
Without hard work, set backs, suffering, frustrations, and problems you will never enjoy the successes when you finally make it. You can apply whatever excuse you want. Maybe they had mean parents. Maybe they grew up in the inner city. While all of these are extremely influential factors, eventually you have to take responsibility for your life. You have to face your inner demons, crush them, and make your life what you want it to be. The arduous process is what reveals the inner diamonds. There is a difference between being a millionaire and having a million dollars. People that were given a million dollars did not have to work for it like the people who earned it through hard work, problem solving, and working smart. People that achieve their fitness goals through proper training, restoration, and nutrition are always more empowered than people that get cosmetic surgery.
People that are afraid to get their hands dirty are afraid of change. They really do not want to change or they would be busy working instead of applying delaying tactic methods. Yes eventually all talk has to stop and you have to act. Getting excited about an idea is easy. People do it all of the time. Every January 1, millions of people get excited about working out and getting in great shape. By January 15th, 50% of those people have given up. By March 1 the other 49% have as well. The final 1% get their hands dirty and finish what they start.
The only question left is are you part of the 1% club?
Live Life Aggressively!
Mike Mahler
Who says we do not have any heroes any more? Here is a group of them. Thanks men you make us all proud!
"Good morning Mike! Just wanted to share some pics from the Fort Hood KB Club via Baghdad. The team is doing well
and staying safe, although we did lose a close friend on the recent helicopter crash. I truly enjoyed your "Aggressive Strength Solution
for Incredible Kettlebell Training". I am planning on ordering your latest Ebook "Aggressive Strength Solution for Size and Strength". Would
I have your permission to share this with the team members here in Iraq? I believe I have stated this before in previous emails, but just
wanted to say thanks again for the great web site and free articles. Your contribution to the fitness community is duly noted."
- David COL Jon "David" Mullins
2. AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY KETTLEBELLS ARE FINALLY HERE!
I have been getting a lot of questions regarding the new Lifeline USA Kettlebells and here are some answers:
Q: I have one Dragondoor bell, can I use a Lifeline USA bell with the DD one for double work?
A: Yes it should not be a problem at all. While the LL bells have slightly thicker handles, the bell is pretty much the same size and will not be an issue.
Q: Can I get single units of the super small bells (16lbs and below)?
A: Right now the super light bells are only sold in pairs. I am trying to get LL to change this for the very near future. All other sizes 35s and up are available in single units.
Q: Can the smaller ladies bells be used for Renegade Row?
A: While the smaller bells look like real kettlebells (no plastic thin handles) I do not recommend anything below 35lbs for Renegade Row. It becomes too much of a stability issue with very light bells.
Q: Do the handles have the slick smooth epoxy coating that DD bells have?
A: Nope, I made a point of having LL avoid the slick handles. They are smooth enough that they will not tear up your hands and rough enough that they will not fly out of your hands on high repetition work.
Q: How big is the 97lb bell?
A: Around the same size as DD's 88lb bell. I love the 97s for double work!
Q: How is the quality?
A: I am very happy with the quality. The bells went though strict quality control measures and passed with flying colors. I could put my reputation behind any bell on the market and chose to do so with the LL bells. I have been training with them for a month and love them. I know you will as well.
Here is what people are saying about the bells:
"I recently received two 80 lb. KB's from Lifeline. The delivery was very prompt. The bells themselves are of excellent quality. I like the thicker grips-they seem to facilitate performance. Cleans, rows, swings, and especially overhead pressing was very smooth with what I perceived as a very well balanced piece of equipment--they have a different feel than their competitors in this regard much for the better. The handles are not at all slick and have enough grain to make gripping easy without raising blisters. Overall, a superior product."
--Steve Fink
"My Lifeline kettlebells have just arrived. I am well pleased! The finish and design are simply perfect. Your offerings are what I have been hoping would appear for years, quality, usable kettlebells at reasonable prices. Lifeline has met the challenge. I expected such, as it is my experience that the products, teaching and endorsements of Mike Mahler are honest and high quality. I shall be recommending your products to my friends and students. I look forward to a long and satisfying relationship with your firm as a customer."
--Randy Shadoe
"I just got my Lifeline KBs, so I thought I'd drop you a line. OK,
keep in mind that I've never used DragonDoor KBs; I've only used the Ader
bells, and I wished I had ready your review of the different KBs on the market
before I bought them because they are way too slick for my taste. I started to
develop serious calluses at the base of my fingers because I had to use a
rosin bag for grip.
Well, when I unwrapped my LL bell, I could tell the difference right away.
Hell, I guess my rack technique is not as bad as I thought because I didn't
bang my forearms with the LL bells as I've been doing with the Ader bells.
Don't get me wrong, I know that I have to improve my overall technique so that
I can handle any KB; however, I like the different feel of the grip and shape
of the bell of the LL's version. I'm trying to figure out a way that I can
sell my Ader bells, so I can buy another LL bell. LOL!"--Muata Kamdibe
"Mike, I received the Lifeline KBs(2 79s and a 97) today, and did some snatches, Turkish get ups, and presses. It felt good to be able to press the 97. The handles have a nice gritty feel--I believe I like them a little better than the original Dragon Doors, definitely better than the newer, slicker Dragon Doors. Thanks again for your ideas. I'm looking forward to your new DVD." --Brian DeLong, Harrisburg, PA
You will love the prices on these bells. Click on the link below and check it out.
Lifeline USA Kettlebells
The marketplace is finally ready for a high quality kettlebell at a great price. I have no doubt that you will love these kettlebells and you cannot beat the price!
3. 2007 AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH KETTLEBELL WORKSHOPS
Interested in hosting or sponsoring an Aggressive Strength Kettlebell Training Workshop?
Most likely I will not be interested, but you can always try ;-)
» Click Here for More Information
Attention: I will no longer be doing workshops in Northern VA/DC, Denver, and Northern CA, Why? Because I am sick of traveling!
May 12, 2007:
Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY (3
spots left)
» Click Here for More Information
May 13, 2007:
Mahler Level 2 Advanced Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY
(Sold Out! Email mahler25@yahoo.com for the waiting list)
» Click Here for More Information
May 20, 2007:
Mahler Level 1 Plus Kettlebell Training Workshop in Miami, FL
(5 spots left)
» Click Here For More Info (Only 2007 Miami Workshop)
NEW June 16, 2007:
Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV
» Click Here for More Information
NEW June 30, 2007:
Mahler Level 2 Advanced Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV
» Click Here for More
Information
September 15, 2007:
Mahler-Shaffer Level 1 Plus Kettlebell Workshop In Dallas, TX
» Click Here For More Information
(Last Dallas Workshop Period! I will not be traveling in 2008)
4. Aggressive Strength Community Service
My friend and top body worker Dianna Linden sent me a list of non-profit organizations for helping out the Katrina Victims. Here is the list:
- Operation USA http://www.opusa.org
- Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org
- Oxfam America http://www.oxfamamerica.org
- America's Second Harvest http://www.secondharvest.org
I encourage you to take a look at the above organizations and make a donation to the one that sits well with you. Also if you want to help out animals, make a donation to http://www.bestfriends.org.
5. NEW AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH PRODUCTS: NEW FAT LOSS SYSTEM DVD IS NOW IN
STOCK!
Tired of losing the battle against fat? Time to win the
battle against fat with The Kettlebell Solution For Fat Loss And Mental
Toughness
A super effective way to combat fat is to build as much muscle as possible.
The more muscle you have the more of a fat burning machine you become. I am
happy to report that boring cardio programs that insult your intelligence and
make you feel like an idiot are not only unnecessary but counter productive.
The real solution to losing fat is not spending hours on low intensity
aerobics burning calories. No, the most efficient path to success is the
application of the following:
- Muscle building exercises
(This DVD has 18 of them!)
- High Workout Frequency Full
Body Workouts (No less than four workouts per week)
- Proper Diet (No low fat diets
allowed!)
- Restoration (Yes you need
sleep and recovery methods)
- Optimizing Sex Hormones (Poor
sex hormone levels equals: poor mood and poor body composition period)
» Click
Here for More Information, or
The Aggressive Strength Solution for Size
And Strength e-Book
This e-Book is 160 pages of fluff-free information to super charge your
workouts. No wasted space with photos of roided out bodybuilders. No use of
super large fonts to artificially make the book longer. Just pure content to
give you the tools you need. Whether you train with barbells, dumbbells,
bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, or a combination of all of the above, you
will love this e-book. Loaded with nutrition and sports supplement info as
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» Click
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6. RECOMMENDED LAS VEGAS MASSAGE THERAPIST
"I was in Vegas preparing for my own wedding. I was stressed to the max and the only thing I could think of to relax
me temporarily get my mind off of things (other than wine) was Carol. Carol was so professional and so attuned to my needs. I believe it was
the best massage I have ever experienced. Needless to say, with Carol's help I wasn't so stressed and the wedding went smoothly. Thank you
Carol, you have a life-long client! The wedding did go very smoothly and we had a wonderful time. We plan to return to Vegas in June and
we'll be back for another massage appt. Thanks again Carol!"
- Tonya Taylor, Lafayette, LA
My fiancé Carol is now available for therapeutic massages in the Las Vegas area. We have a great massage room at our house that will help you unwind right away. Check out her web page today at: Las Vegas Massage
7. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING ARTICLE
"300" Inspired Training For Exceptional Conditioning
By Steve Maxwell
Here's a cool workout the actor Ken Butler did to get in shape to play Leonidas, the Spartan king, in the new movie, 300. (Editor's note: Mark Twight trained the guys in 300 and you can read about his program at: http://www.gymjones.com/knowledge.php?id=35 )
The movie's about the greatest goal line stand of
all time: 300 hundred Spartan warriors were all that stood in the path
of a million-man Persian army. The Persian king, Xerxes, tried to march
his guys through the tiny Spartan army which was holding a narrow
pass between the ocean and sheer cliffs.
The Spartans were renowned for
their incredible bravery, and ferocity, on the field of battle. For two
days, the Spartans killed 20 Persians for every one of their own men slain.
Xerxes' million men were stopped in their tracks and couldn't advance on their
way to Athens. As a true Spartan king, Leonidas led by example and remained
in the front ranks with his men during the battle. The Spartans had
known before the battle that it was hopeless, and basically, a suicide
mission. They knew the numbers were overwhelming, but they wanted
to slow the advance of the Persians just long enough for the Spartan allies
to form a defense, and like true warriors, they stood shoulder-to-shoulder
with their comrades, utterly willing to fight to the death. They
knew their sacrifice would allow the Athenians to regroup, hopefully
saving Greece.
Unlike other armies of the day,
the Spartans fought as one unit, as a team; they were drilled to slay the
enemy like a well-oiled machine. The Spartans developed a
technique, called the phalanx, that proved unbeatable--it was as if
the Persians were facing a meat grinder. The ancient bards said the sea
ran red with blood for miles and the slain bodies piled higher than the
height of a man for as far as the eye could see. These same tactics
are studied to this day in modern warfare and in fact he US Marines still use
some of the techniques invented by the Spartans.
The finale came three days in,
when the Spartans were betrayed by a local shepherd, who showed the Persians a
secret pass around and behind the Spartans. Thus sandwiched between
two opposing forces, they were forced into retreat against the cliffs.
Even with their spears and swords broken, and their shields smashed, the
Spartans fought on with even their bare hands and teeth. The Persians
were so intimidated, they brought in the archers to finish the job.
Since the Spartans considered the shooting of a man from a distance
an act of complete cowardice, they stood their ground, knowing they
hadn't adequate defense, yet defiantly facing the enemy without fear; they'd
learned to transcend the fear of death and walk in total presence.
The Spartans were at peace in the midst of this chaos and accepted their
deaths; so great was their bravery, we still marvel at this battle that took
place more than 2000 years ago.
Here is your workout dedicated to the 300--it would have been a Spartan staple:
Without rest between exercises, perform 300 reps total of the following moves:
25 pull-ups
50 push-ups on rings (or push-up bars, or the handles of two dumbbells)
50 jumps on a 24-inch box
50 floor-wipers (hold the Olympic bar over your chest with a 10 lb. plate on either side, with arms locked as if doing a bench press. Keep your legs straight and vertical, touch your feet to one plate, then over to the other plate. Rotate back-and-forth)
50 single one-arm clean and presses with a 16 kg kettlebell.
25 body-weight rows
50 deck squats
The above is my version. The original workout by the actor called for 50 dead-lifts with 135 lbs. but I substituted the deck squats. The original also called for another 25 pull-ups at the end but I substituted the body-weight row.
Go at this like the Spartan that I know you are.
For more info on Steve Maxwell, go to: http://www.maxwellsc.com/Home.html
8. GET THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH DVD COMBO PACK TODAY
Kettlebell Solution for Size and Strength
If you enjoy lifting light kettlebells and have no desire to be strong with a powerful physique, then this DVD is not for you. However, if you are ready for a new challenge with kettlebells and desire to maximize the benefits of kettlebell training, get this DVD today.
The Kettlebell Solution For Size And Strength will show how to get much stronger with kettlebells and build a muscular physique as well. This detailed DVD is for all levels and covers the basics enough for beginners and offers new challenges for experienced kettlebell lifters.
» Click Here for More Information,
Kettlebell Solutions for Speed and Explosive Strength
Super comprehensive kettlebell training DVD that goes over how to build speed and explosive power in four different categories: Full body explosive power, Upper body explosive power, Lower body explosive power, and Rotational explosive power. Translation? You will be one explosive hombre after you practice the exercises on this DVD and follow the programs in the Free Kettlebell Training DVD E-book. I did not leave anything out on this DVD. Even if you do not care about getting faster and more explosive, you will love the wide variety of exercises that this kettlebell training DVD contains.
» Click Here for More Information
9. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH NUTRITION ARTICLE
Alcohol and Your Diet
By Ori Hofmekler, author of "The Anti-estrogenic Diet"
We live in a society where regular alcohol consumption is commonplace. Many people enjoy the daily routine of having an alcoholic beverage as a means to unwind. Besides a sense of relaxation or satiation, alcohol has no real positive health effect on the body. In fact, it has just the opposite. Alcohol consumption lowers the liver’s capacity to metabolize estrogen by causing ethanol toxicity, which can lead to a host of metabolic issues, including high triglycerides, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Therefore, alcohol, in its essence, promotes an estrogenic environment in the body. This poses the question as to whether or not one may drink and still take an anti-estrogenic approach to dieting. Quite frankly, the best action is not to drink alcohol at all. But, if you must, here are some guidelines by which you can minimize the collateral damage that alcohol may cause:
- All alcohol is not equal. Some are much worse for the body than others. What and how much you choose to drink can help minimize or maximize any damaging effects. (Refer to the diagram at the end of this section for the best choices.)
- Drink wine (preferably red), as it at least contains some nutrients that are beneficial to the body (resveratrol, tannins, anti-oxidants).
- Combine alcohol only with proteins or fat fuel foods, such as fish, eggs, nuts or seeds, respectively (see food list from Phases I & II). Cheese is also a good combination. For that matter, wine and cheese will always be a superior combination over wine and pasta. Both protein and fat food will help minimize an insulin spike and the negative effects on the liver.
- Never eat simple or processed carbohydrate foods while drinking alcohol (i.e. – crackers, cookies, pasta, grains, starches, etc.) Combining alcohol and carbs can over-spike insulin levels leading to blood sugar fluctuations, elevated blood lipids (high tryglicerides) and stubborn fat gain.
- As a rule, try to incorporate as many anti-estrogenic foods as possible with alcohol. This may help balance its estrogenic effect and minimize its toxicity.
- Also, stay away from drinks that are made by blending alcohol with sugary mixers (i.e. – margaritas, piña coladas, fruit daiquiris, cocktails with fruit juice, etc.) These again will cause a high spike in blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Remember not to drink any alcohol during Phases I & II. It will completely undermine your progress. Moreover, if you are going to drink, do so only during the Third (Reintroduction) Phase, so as to monitor how it affects your body after Liver Detoxification. Treat alcohol like a reintroduced food item. Never reintroduce more than one item in the same day. This applies to alcohol as well.
- If you have any existing estrogen disorders such as stubborn fat, stay away from alcohol until all of your symptoms have dissipated, so as not to prolong the issue or make it worse.
A Note about Alcohol
Having an occasional drink is not a bad thing. In fact, wine has been enjoyed for centuries throughout some of the greatest civilizations by people who lived long and healthy lives. Unfortunately, we now live in a world that is already overwhelmed with estrogenic chemicals that affect us in adverse ways. For those already suffering from estrogen disorders, drinking just exacerbates the issue. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to first address the estrogen issue within our bodies, so that we can effectively handle modest alcohol consumption.
Fight Estrogen And Lose Stubborn Fat
EstroX
We are bombarded with estrogen on a daily basis and it is important that men and women fight back. Excess estrogen equals excess stubborn fat, low sex drive, poor mood, and may even be the main culprit for prostate issues. EstroX contains a blend of Chrysin, DIM, Resveratol, Quercitin, and other ingredients to clear our harmful estrogen. If you have stubborn fat or a low sex drive due to excess estrogen this is a product for you. Moreover, why wait until you have estrogen dominance. Be proactive and make this supplement part of your arsenal today.
Contains no gelatin or animal products and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Recommended Use: Take 3 caps 1-3 times per day.
Contains 180 caps per bottle.
Regular Price: $79.95: Your Price: $59.95
10. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE
The Real Reason For the Andro Ban.For more info on Dr. Wong, go to www.docsprefer.com
About the Author
Dr. Wong is the author of "The Best Natural Sports Medicine Book Ever" and "10 Natural Treatments You have Not Heard Of Until Now." He is also available for phone consultations. Visit his website for more information.
Vitalzym: Best Post-Workout Recovery Supplement by a Long Shot!
By far my favorite supplement and one of the best things you can take for workout recovery, reduce inflammation, and clear reduce scar tissue. In Germany when someone gets into a car accident, they pump them up with systemic enzymes to reduce inflammation. Many plastic surgeons overseas give breast enhancement clients systemic enzymes to speed up recovery. Thus, for for all you guys that want pec and calf implants, vitalzym could be just what you need for post surgery recuperation ;-) For the rest of us, we will find that we are less sore after workouts and simply feel better with less aches and pains. This is a supplement that everyone should be taking. For athletes and serious trainees it is simply a must have. I am offering it to you at the best price on the web by far. Take a look around and see for yourself.
For more info on Vitalzym, read Dr. Wong's article:
Increasing Anabolism With Enzymes By Dr William Wong
Contains no gelatin or animal products and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Recommended Use: Take 3-5 caps in between meals and after workouts. After very hard workouts take up to 10 caps to maximize recovery. This is powerful stuff and a staple in my supplement regimen.
Contains 450 caps per bottle.
Regular Price: $149.95: Your Price: $109.95 (free shipping)
Order Two Bottles for only $99.95 each (total: $199.90 and free shipping)
11. RECOMMENDED AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH BOOK
The Anti-Estrogenic Diet
By: Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet
The author of the "Warrior Diet" has out done himself and has put out my favorite nutrition book on building muscle, burning fat, and clearing excess estrogens. If you have high estrogen levels forget about getting lean and ripped. Forget about feeling strong and powerful as a man should. This books covers how to modify your diet to become an estrogen obliterator! There is something for every man and woman in this book.
12. KETTLEBELL TRAINING INFORMATION PAGE (NEW)
http://www.mikemahler.com/kettlebell_info.html
13. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
http://www.mikemahler.com/newsletter
Until next time.
Live Life Aggressively!
Feel free to email me with your comments and feedback at mahler25@yahoo.com
Mike Mahler