AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE

---

ISSUE 130 4/26/07 

1. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

Being "realistic" is too often an excuse for not working hard enough to improve.  It also happens to be a significant source of unhappiness. 
John Eliot, PhD. 

     This week's quote comes from a great book I've been reading about the importance of exceptional thinking in achieving success and enjoying life to the fullest:  Overachievement:  The New Science of Working Less to Accomplish More by John Eliot.  This week's quote reminds me of my brother, Roger, who's a perfect example of exceptional thinking. 

    Early in life Roger realized that being normal was not his path:  his brain just wasn't made that way and there wasn't any point in denying it.  In college, Roger decided to learn Japanese--this coming from a guy who failed miserably in his previous high school efforts to learn French.  The difference is this:  Roger was prepared to be unrealistic and busied himself learning Japanese instead of stopping to worry how very difficult it is to acquire a new language; moreover, Japanese was the language Roger was motivated to learn; everyone told him to pick an easier language but Japanese was his choice and he spent every free moment on his "word tank" acquiring new Japanese vocabulary. 

     Roger visited Japan many times--and for extended periods--with only the most basic Japanese language skills in his arsenal.  Once you get outside Tokyo (and even in Tokyo for that matter) you'll be hard-pressed encountering people who speak even a tiny bit of English--and that's exactly where Roger spent most of his time.  The first few trips to Japan were brutal:   he felt like a helpless child relying on others for the most rudimentary needs, such as ordering a meal or asking for directions.  Regardless, it was a great learning environment to pick up the language, as necessity can make the best teacher.  Long story short:  Roger gained fluency in Japanese and even lived in Japan for several years while working as a translator.  Years later, when Roger's high school French tutor learned of Roger's level of Japanese fluency, she nearly fell out of her chair. 

     Learning Japanese is merely one example from Roger's exceptional thinking portfolio:  a few years ago, Roger decided he was tired of getting ripped-off by car mechanics.  He was tired of his own fear of car problems and his ignorance of how a car actually operates; thus, he decided he'd learn on his own how to fix the basic car problems.  He purchased a manual for his car and went to work and only a few months had all the basics down.  Eventually he went on to learn how to fix any and every BMW problem you could imagine.  Now Roger drives with the pure confidence of knowing he can fix more-or-less any car problem that may arise and, moreover, if he does ever have to visit the mechanics, they don't stand a chance in trying to rip him off.  Yet many of his so-called friends told him he'd never figure it out and thus was a waste of time to even try--a common excuse for never doing anything in life.  Roger, once again, proved them wrong--which is the same path he's always blazed. 

     The final example I'll share of Roger's exceptional thinking happened only a few years ago:  Roger was para-gliding and had a very bad accident.  His leg was mangled and he was rushed to the hospital.  Many of the interns told him he'd likely lose his foot or, at best, he'd walk with a gimp foot for the rest of his life.  The combination of the shock from the accident with being drugged-up gave their grim assessments an ominous validity. 

     After a brief period of depression, Roger decided he'd make a full recovery and live a functional life in the meantime.  Roger went through several operations, with the last one leaving him several months with his left leg in a cast.  At the hospital, Roger told me he'd simply learn to drive with his right leg, thank you very much--which is when his nurse blurted out, "No, you won't--you can't do that!" Roger knew then, with absolute certainty, he'd learn to drive with his right leg...and went on to do so.  During his entire recovery process--from initial accident to complete recovery--Roger was too focused on where he was going to let any negativity from other people affect him.   When interns predicted he'd never fully recover--he'd laugh right to their face.  When nurses told him what he could--or couldn't--do, he'd smile warmly--and immediately dismiss them.  Such are the habits of the exceptional thinker:  never let others tell you what you're capable of--only you know what you're prepared to do. 

     Roger's exceptional thinking has resulted in:  complete fluency in Japanese; fixing any automotive or computer problem you can imagine (he even built his own computer); making a full recovery from a devastating accident that may well have permanently side-lined another, unexceptional thinker; the considerable skills to film and edit all my DVDs...and a whole list of other great accomplishments. 

     These days, Roger wants to break into Hollywood as a script writer.  Everyone tells him it's a long-shot and he'd better have a "back-up plan"--but Roger knows back-up plans aren't for exceptional thinkers.  There's only one thing an exceptional thinker wants to accomplish in life and any other option...is simply not an option.  I have zero doubt he'll be a successful script writer with his solid track record of proving the naysayers wrong.  Like any truly successful person, Roger's prepared to pay the price--and simply too focused on where he's going to make any pit stops in the land of doubt and failure.

     Forget about being "realistic"--do you know anyone who's accomplished anything impressive by being realistic?  Realistic people are boring people leading boring lives of quiet desperation.  Be an exceptional thinker:  if people think you're crazy you're on the right track!  What's crazy is not valuing your life enough to live it to the fullest.  What's crazy is letting others decide your capabilities--you declare your own potential.

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.

---

3. 2007 AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH KETTLEBELL WORKSHOPS

May 12, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY (SOLD OUT, email mahler25@yahoo.com for the waiting list. This is my only 07 NYC workshop)  
» 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

June 16, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV (five spots left) 
» Click Here for More Information

 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) 

October 20-21, 2007: 

Boys are back in town 2-day Kettlebell Workshop Plus! Featuring Steve Cotter, Mike Mahler, Steve Maxwell, and Nate Morrison Click Now For More Information (SOLD OUT! Email mahler25@yahoo.com for the waiting list)

---

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. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH ARTICLE

Your body is a barbell No dumbbells, no barbells, no problem

By Alwyn Cosgrove

Muscles are just plain dumb. Despite their ability at some level to perform amazing Cirque De Soleil type feats, muscles only ‘know’ two things – stretch and tension. They can’t differentiate between stretches (whether the stretch is coming from yoga or from Taekwon-do kicking) or types of tension.

Let’s talk tension. As far as a fitness enthusiast is concerned, muscle tension comes when you place resistance on the muscles. And it doesn’t matter what form that resistance takes. You see, as far as the muscles are concerned, resistance is resistance is resistance. The muscles have no idea what form the resistance takes, whether it is a dumbbell, a resistance band, a barbell or your bodyweight. True, free weights are superior to machines when it comes to building strength, but it’s because free weights require you to stabilize the load in three planes, not because the weight on the muscles is any different.

In fact when you think about it, the only reason to ever use external load (i.e. weights) is because your bodyweight is not enough resistance. Yet most guys are making exercises harder by adding external load, when they aren’t capable of handling their bodyweight in the same exercise. I’m constantly amazed by how many people I meet who can bench press whatever pounds of weight, but are unable to perform 10 correct push ups (typically due to a lack of core strength and synergistic muscle stability. As far as I’m concerned – unless you can do an easy twenty push ups, you have no business getting under a bar for bench pressing. In my training facility everyone begins with bodyweight exercises. You have to earn the right to lift weights in my facility.

Now I’m sure some of you are jumping up and down right about now, convinced that your bodyweight is not enough for you to get a ‘good workout’. You think you’re much too strong. And you’re probably right. If you’re an Olympic Gymnast that is. Remember - most gymnasts use primarily their bodyweight in their conditioning programs and have no problem developing great physiques and great strength levels. I’d go as far as to say that most gymnasts have better physiques than most weight trainers. And these guys train exclusively for performance – not for mass or aesthetics. Nick Grantham CSCS, former conditioning coach to the Great Britain Olympic Gymnastics team noted that the majority of male gymnasts, after years of bodyweight training could typically bench press double their bodyweight the first time they ever tried it. If that’s not evidence of the efficacy of bodyweight training then I don’t know what is.

 

The key to effective bodyweight exercises are the same as with any exercise – time and tension. We need to select exercises that load the muscles effectively through the entire range of motion, and select a speed of movement that eliminates all momentum.

 

Workouts

 

Lower Body

 

A1: Bulgarian Split Squat:         2 sets x AMRAP each leg @ 333 30s rest

A2: Hip thigh extension:            2 sets x AMRAP each leg @ 333 30s rest

 

B1: Partial co-contraction lunge:            2 sets x AMRAP each leg @ 333 30s rest

B2: Step Up:                                        2 sets x 15-20 each leg @ 201 30s rest

 

C1: SL Partial squat:                 2 sets x 15-20 each leg @ 333 30s rest

C2: Single Leg RDL:                 2 sets x 15-20 each leg @ 333 30s rest

 

D1: Single Leg Squat:   2 sets x AMRAP each leg @ 303 30s rest

D2: Single Leg Deadlift:            2 sets x AMRAP each leg @ 303 30s rest

 

Upper Body

 

A1: T-Push Ups Left arm:         2 sets of 15 reps @ 211 30s rest

A2: Inverted Row:                    2 sets of AMRAP @ 211 30s rest

A3: T- Push Ups Right arm:      2 sets of 15 reps @ 211 90s rest

 

B1: Mixed Grip Chins:  2 sets of 5-6 reps EACH SIDE @ 222 30s rest

B2: Dips:                                  2 sets of AMRAP @ 211 30s rest

B3: Prone Jackknife:                 2 sets of 10-20 reps @ 232 30s rest

 

C1: Pike Push ups:                    2 Sets of AMRAP @ 222 30s rest

C2: Reverse Crunch:                 2 sets of 15-20 @ 111 30s rest

 

 

Advanced options

 

So is bodyweight training too easy for you? Yeah right. If that’s truly the case then here are a few variations that you can use for any of the exercises to dial up the masochism factor.

 

Oscillatory isometrics:               This is an exotic name for what is essentially performing 4-5 short range mini-reps at the end range of the exercise. For example, perform the concentric portion (the lifting portion) of a chin up at a normal speed, then lower yourself down an inch or so and ‘bounce’ (controlled) up and down in that end range for 4-5 reps, before lowering yourself back to the start.

 

Dynamic Isometrics:      Not a misnomer – just a combination of two complete opposite methods. This involves maintaining an isometric contraction in the toughest position of the lift for 4-5 seconds, and then performing the concentric and eccentric portions as fast as possible and returning to the isometric position. For example you’d be doing a tempo of X5X. Hold the bottom of a push up position for 5 seconds, then straighten and bend your arms as fast as possible.

 

Iso-explosives:              Just taking the above a step further. A combination of isometric holds in the toughest position, with an explosive exercises. For example: hold the bottom of a Bulgarian split squat or a push up for 4-5 seconds – then as you press back up – explode with maximal force so your body actually leaves the floor.

 

One and a quarter reps:            Perform the entire rep, and an additional quarter rep in the toughest part of the range (typically the bottom). This overloads your weakest angles by performing twice as many reps in that range.

 

Ladder reps:                 Break the exercise up into thirds – the bottom third, the bottom two-thirds and the full rep. For example perform five dips in the bottom third of the range (the toughest portion), then five reps in the bottom two-thirds of the range and finally perform five full range repetitions. This means you’ll have performed fifteen reps in the toughest range of the exercise, but only five in the easiest range.

Once you are capable of performing 15-20 reps of each of these exercises at the given tempo with ease – you are now ‘allowed’ to grab a 5lb dumbbell and start over!

 

For more info on Alwyn Cosgrove, go to: http://www.alwyncosgrove.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. NEW AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH PRODUCTS: NEW FAT LOSS SYSTEM DVD IS NOW IN STOCK! 

  Kettlebell Solution for Fat Loss and Mental Toughness

"The DVD is the best yet buddy! I'm finally interested in the fat loss side of things! GREAT detailed instruction with sound info on the finer aspects. You've cut through the crap that's out there & blown the lid off all the mystical BS that usually surrounds this subject AND not a stepper of 'spin' cycle in sight!! FANTASTIC!!"--Dan Wait

"I love your new DVD. Definitely the best ever. You totally crack me up with some of your comments and jokes. You exude a marvelous energy. (And, I love your arms. Good thing you've got a sleeveless shirt on!) Your DVD has traction on totally new training ground with all that info on hormones."--Jeanine Trevillyan M.D.

» Click Here for More Information

The Aggressive Strength Solution for Size And Strength e-Book  

"I am reading your book "The aggressive Strength Solution For Size and Strength" and it is the best book I have ever read pertaining to working out and improving strength."--Juan Albert 

“After reading your new e-book, I implemented your strategies right away. After a 5 X 5 regimen , a period of active recovery, then HFT for several weeks; I have noticed some good strength gains across the board. The one that I was most happy with was being able for the first time to clean and press an 88lb KB. I was previously able to snatch it and push-press it, but could never press it until now. Thanks Mike!”-- Frank DiMeo Gulf Coast Crossfit

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 well.

» Click Here for More Information, or:

Order Now for Only $19.95:

 

---

7. GET THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH DVD COMBO PACK TODAY

 

---

---

 

8. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH RESTORATION ARTICLE

Meditation for the lazy person: How The Holosync Technology Works

By Bill Harris, Director, Centerpointe Research Institute

I have had so many people call or write to ask me exactly how Holosync technology works, and what it is that distinguishes each deeper level of the program from the previous level, that I have decided to write this Special Report to clarify these questions and also to explain just why what we do at Centerpointe Research Institute is different from—and more effective than—other neurotechnology approaches.

In the early 1970s the Menninger Foundation studied some Indian yogis who were in the United States. They hooked these yogis to different machines in order to measure the yogis' control over supposedly unconscious mental and physical functions. These studies gave researchers the first peek at the electrical brain wave patterns of meditation. (Shortly thereafter, the Transcendental Meditation movement of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi also conducted studies that showed the brain wave patterns of the meditative state.)

At about the same time, but completely independently, a researcher named Dr. Gerald Oster of Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York published a paper in Scientific American about research he had been conducting since the 1950s into the effects of sound waves on brain wave patterns. Oster had discovered a method, using sound, to create any desired electrical pattern in the brain, including those of meditation.

A small field sprang up around this technology and a related technology that uses flickering lights to alter brain wave patterns. This field has always focused (mistakenly, in my opinion) on what I would describe as the symptoms of exposure to these brain-altering technologies. You will hear people say, for instance, "we will put you in an alpha brain wave pattern and such-and-such will be your experience" or "we will put you in a theta state and you will have an out-of-body experience" (or whatever).

This, to me, is like a runner thinking the important thing about running
is that you breathe hard, you get sweaty, and your legs get tired.

These are symptoms of running, but the real essence of the experience is that the cardiovascular system and the muscles are reorganizing at higher levels of functioning—called "getting in shape."

My view of what happens when we expose ourselves to these neurotechnologies is completely different. First of all, the sound technology Oster discovered (which is the basis of all neurotechnologies using sound), as well as the flickering lights used in "light and sound" devices, both create very great fluctuations in electrical brain wave activity.

As one moves from the beta brain wave pattern of normal waking consciousness to the slower brain wave pattern of alpha, then deeper into theta, and finally to the deepest delta, the fluctuations in the brain are constantly increasing. Here is the important point, though : these fluctuations give the nervous system input, or stimulus, beyond its ability to handle, the way it is currently structured.

In order to handle these fluctuations, the nervous system is forced to reorganize itself at higher, more complex levels of functioning, evolving a new structure that can handle the input it originally could not handle. As the brain continues to receive this input, the nervous system will continually reorganize itself, in a series of quantum leaps—some at a micro-level of functioning and some at a much more global level...

...until a new structure has been created that can easily handle this input.

This model of change is based on the work of scientist Ilya Prigogine, winner of the 1977 Nobel Prize for work on the growth and evolution of what scientists call "non-linear open systems". This work is, in my opinion, one of the greatest scientific advances of the modern era, right up there with quantum physics and the theory of relativity. Scientists have applied Prigogine's work to everything from how a seed germinates to how a corporation expands, a highway system grows, a cell divides, or an audience breaks into applause.

It has been applied to the movement of the stock market and to the expansion of the universe. (I have written extensively about Prigogine's work in the introductory materials for The Holosync Solution™ program as well as in the Support Letters and in my book The Management of Evolutionary Change.)

Neurophysiologically, this reorganization in the brain causes the creation of new neural pathways, resulting in communication between parts of the brain that previously were not communicating, or were communicating only a minor amount.

One of the unique things about Holosync is its ability to create synchronization between the two hemispheres of the brain, over time making this kind of cross-hemispheric communication permanent.

This increase in communication within the brain leads, over time,
to what scientists call whole brain thinking or whole brain functioning.

This includes such things as increased learning ability, creativity, intuition, mental clarity, and intelligence, plus an increase in what some would call "mystical" or "metaphysical" powers—in my opinion, latent abilities we all have but usually do not exhibit because we use such a small portion of our brains.

But here's the really amazing thing that happens: every time the nervous system makes a quantum leap—every time your brain reorganizes in response to the input we are giving it with Holosync—in order to make that shift you have to let go of some of the unresolved mental and emotional material we all have under the surface in the unconscious mind. Whether it is unresolved fear, anger, anxiety, sadness, or limiting beliefs, some of this material will be incompatible with the brain's ability to operate at the next higher level of functioning and will be resolved.

Eventually, the nervous system comes to a point where it has made all the changes it needs to make to handle the extra input it is receiving. The same process happens with the runner who, after weeks or months of training, can now easily run five miles. Running five miles at that point no longer pushes the body to better physical condition (unless, of course, he or she runs faster—but let's not complicate the analogy yet).

With the neurotechnology explorer, this is the point where he or she says "this used to have quite an impact, but now it doesn't seem to affect me as it once did." Many of you have told me of having this very experience with other neurotechnology approaches before you found Centerpointe Research Institute and Holosync.

Years ago, when we reached this point in our early experiences with what eventually became Holosync (the point where nothing more seemed to be happening) we were disappointed.

"So much has happened," we said, "and we've had so many amazing changes.
It's a shame we're not being pushed to grow anymore."

At this crucial point, I asked a question that no one else in this field was asking—a question that really opened the doorway to getting much more from this type of technology.

No one was asking this question because they were stuck in what I mentioned before—focusing on the particular brain wave pattern being induced and the accompanying momentary experiences or symptoms rather than on the deeper and more significant underlying changes which were happening. (The explanation I have given of the brain reorganizing itself at higher levels of functioning in response to stimulus beyond its ability to handle is not an explanation you will hear from the rest of the neurotechnology community—even though it describes exactly what is happening.)

Here is the question I asked: "Is there something else we can do, something we haven't yet noticed, to increase the amount of input we're giving the brain and which will allow us to continue the evolutionary changes we've been enjoying so far?" It was in answering this question that I began to look at something called carrier frequency.

To understand carrier frequency, you have to understand at least a simplified explanation of how the different brain wave patterns are induced. We do this by introducing a tone of a certain frequency into one ear (which affects the opposite side of the brain) and a tone of a slightly different frequency into the other ear.

The electrical brain wave patterns will then resonate
to the difference between these two tones.

If we make the difference between the two tones ten cycles-per-second, for instance, the predominant brain wave pattern will be ten cycles per second, in the middle of the alpha range.

Notice that there are an infinite number of pairs of tones we could use to induce (for instance) a ten-cycle-per-second alpha state. As long as the difference between the tones is ten cycles per second, it doesn't matter what the tones are—your brain will go into a ten cycle-per-second alpha state.

It seemed intuitively obvious to me, however, that the lower the two tones were—in other words, the lower the carrier frequency—the more powerful the effect would be. (I have to admit that I was blown away by the discovery that no one else in the neurotechnology field was paying any attention to this little piece of incredibly important information—they were [and still are] too hung up on "what brain wave pattern are we in?" and the momentary "symptoms" of being in that state.)

Once we determined that the lower the carrier frequency, the more powerful the effect, we naturally wanted to find out just how low we could go.

So, being young and reckless, we made ourselves some ultra low-frequency soundtracks and started listening to them every day. At first we were very euphoric, but within four or five days we were freaking out! We had so much mental, emotional, and even physical "stuff" coming out of us all at once that we were totally overwhelmed.

What we were experiencing was, I believe, what Eastern meditation schools call a "kundalini awakening"—but without the body or the nervous system being purified enough to handle the energy. (These soundtracks we made in the early days, by the way, correspond to the strength of something between what is now Awakening Level 4 and Purification Level 1—we now have levels that go much lower, but we only use them after we have built up to it gradually.)

From this rather horrible experience we developed the idea of having an on-going program where we would start people out with a carrier frequency that would be challenging to the nervous system, but not overwhelming.

Then, after several months of daily use, when the nervous system had finally come to the point where it had made all the changes it needed to make to handle the input it was receiving, and the soundtracks didn't seem to feel very strong anymore, we would move the person to the next level of the program by lowering the carrier frequency—still taking them into the same alpha, theta, delta brain wave patterns but at a lower and more powerful carrier frequency.

When we did this, we noticed, first of all,
that the soundtracks felt powerful again.

Plus, a whole new and deeper set of changes began to happen.

Then, after six months or so, the nervous system would again come to the point where it had finished making whatever changes it needed to make to handle the stronger input from this new and more powerful carrier frequency.

At this point we would once again move the person to a still deeper level, with an even lower carrier frequency—and so on, and so on, and so on, until we had taken them as low as it is possible to go. During this time, incredible changes—different for each individual—would unfold.

There are two ways, then, for us to give the nervous system input or stimulus which pushes it to reorganize at higher levels of functioning. One is by slowing the brain from a beta rhythm to an alpha rhythm, then to theta, and finally to delta, each deeper brain wave pattern creating greater fluctuations in the brain and pushing it to create new neural pathways and new connections. The second is by lowering the carrier frequency used to induce these alpha, theta, delta brain wave patterns.

Both are necessary. Without the unique ability of Holosync to create cross-hemispheric communication and brain synchronization by forcing the two sides of the brain to interact , we would not have the creation of new pathways in the brain. (Just creating a strong stimulus is not enough— if it was, we could just loudly bang on pots and pans and that overdose of stimulus would create brain evolution. The stimulus needs to be of a certain kind, and luckily we have the technology to provide exactly the stimulus we need.) But we also need the increasingly lower carrier frequencies. Otherwise, we would end our journey after a few months of use—once the brain finished creating the pathways needed to handle the first set of frequencies we originally gave it, the evolution would stop.

Lowering the carrier frequency, for us,
is like the runner adding more miles to his or her daily run.

Eventually I concluded that carrier frequency was the master key that really allowed us to take full advantage of Holosync and to continue the process of change far beyond the point where other neurotechnology approaches pooped out. This is why it is so important to continue into the deeper levels of The Holosync Solution.

By gradually increasing input to the brain through the use of increasingly lower carrier frequencies, we continue to move the brain to higher, more complex levels of functioning where unresolved mental/emotional garbage cannot exist and is resolved and higher mental functions are developed.

My own personal experience with this technology was the melting away of a lifetime of uncontrollable anger and the elimination of my life-long bouts with severe depression. I also gained, over time, incredible clarity of mind and greatly increased self-confidence (I never could have organized or run a company like Centerpointe before, I'm sure).

One of the changes most difficult to describe, but certainly one of the more far-reaching, was the development of a very deep insight into who I am, how I create my reality, and why I am responsible for everything that happens in my world.

Out of this insight came changes in every area of my life: relationships, self-confidence, health, finances, creativity, mental clarity, and inter-connectedness with the rest of the world.

These changes did not happen overnight (in fact, they're still happening).

They have unfolded over several years, with some periods of intense upheaval and other periods where it felt I was at a plateau and not changing as quickly. After several significant breakthroughs, I learned to trust the process rather than continually analyzing it and trying to decide if it was "working."

That the breakthroughs were of a magnitude and permanence I had never experienced before—despite the fact that I had spent nearly twenty years intensely participating in every personal development approach that came down the road—gave me the confidence to let go and trust the process.

I sometimes tell people that the really big changes start when you get to Awakening Level 4 and beyond. Some people take this to mean that the levels preceding Awakening Level 4 are not that important. Not so. Incredible changes happen for people in these first few levels, and these changes prepare the way for even deeper shifts to follow.

It's just that it is difficult to describe the depths of change that are now possible due to our new-found ability to stimulate the brain in this unique manner. Even people who come to the program convinced they've already handled "everything" are surprised to find deeper and deeper levels of unresolved material as they go deeper into the program. As this material is resolved, more and more profound levels of awareness and inner resources unfold for them, and changes happen that they really couldn't have imagined when they started.

I started this company because using this technology totally changed my life, but I'm sometimes at a loss as to how to adequately explain just what I mean by that. The changes have been so far-reaching that the person I used to be sometimes seems like a faint memory of some other person from some far-away place.

My hope for you is that through this program you will be led to your own version of the same adventure I have had with this technology.

There is nothing more satisfying in life than finding something that really works and sharing it with others. This company is my attempt to be of service to this planet. I want to sincerely thank you for playing a part in allowing me to do something that makes me feel useful and valuable. I hope that through the changes and insights you experience from this program you will find, if you haven't already done so, your own contribution to the world, your "labor of love."

Be well,

William Harris, Director

 

Meditation is one of the best things you can do to relax your mind and handle stress more effectively. High stress equals low DHEA, testosterone, and GH levels. You must get a handle on stress to be at your best. My online client Les Larson told me about this program and after only a few weeks I am hooked. 

Just listen to the program for 30-60 minutes per day and you will notice a difference after a few days. After a week you will look forward to each session. I like to use it after working out or before going to bed. Check it out at: 

Holosync Meditation CD's That Actually Work

9. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH NUTRITION ARTICLE 

Cruciferous Indoles for a Healthy Estrogen Metabolism

By Ori Hofmekler www.warriordiet.com 

The connection between derived ingredients and estrogen metabolism is just beginning to emerge. Studies at the Strang Cancer Prevention Laboratory, N.Y., were the first to establish the link between phytonutrients from cruciferous vegetables and estrogen metabolism. They showed that supplemental use of a single cruciferous compound can dramatically induce beneficial effects on estrogen metabolism. This beneficial effect has the power to greatly reduce the risk for estrogen related cancer for both genders (i.e. breast, ovarian, prostate).

Diindolymethane (DIM), the most active cruciferous indole, can help restore and maintain a favorable balance of estrogen metabolites.

It became evidently clear that metabolism and growth promoting activity of estrogen can be modified by milligram amounts of dietary indoles from crucifers. Cruciferous indoles were found to shift estrogen metabolism into predominantly 2-hydroxy and 2-methoxy estrogens. Known as "good estrogens", these active metabolites act as antioxidants and have the power to eliminate damaged or cancerous cells throughout the body. Deficiency in these phytonutrients may cause an increased production of adverse groups of estrogen metabolites (i.e. 16 hydroxy and 16 methoxy estrogens). These adverse metabolites, also known as "bad estrogens," cause increased oxidative stress, DNA damage and promotion of cancer cell formation.

Much epidemiological evidence shows that imbalanced estrogen metabolism, due to phytonutrient deficiencies caused by low vegetables diets, is associated with a high prevalence of estrogen related disease, such as breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. Imbalanced estrogen metabolism may also cause fat gain particularly in estrogen sensitive adipose tissue, such as abdominal or chest for men; hips, lower butt and upper thighs for women.

Supplemental use of diindolymethane (DIM), the most active cruciferous indole, can help restore and maintain a favorable balance of estrogen metabolites.

Diindolymethane (DIM) - first defense against estrogen's adverse effects

Diindolymethane (DIM) is the most bioactive compound in crucifers to help defend women and men against estrogen's adverse metabolites. DIM is found in cruciferous vegetables including: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts. DIM is derived from Indol-3 carbinol (I3c), which is synthesized from parent glucosilates found in cruciferous vegetables. Early studies in animals revealed that supplemental DIM, IN3 and a high intake of cruciferous vegetables helped prevent chemically induced cancer. DIM, which has been used since 1987 in animal studies, proved to be non-toxic and a potent aid against estrogen adverse effects.

The mechanism by which DIM induces its beneficial actions has been shown to involved a reduction in estrogen receptors activity, promotion of healthy estrogen metabolites and support for selective cells apoptosis (cell suicide), which removes damaged or sick cells.

Early studies in animals revealed that supplemental DIM, IN3 and a high intake of cruciferous vegetables helped prevent chemically induced cancer.

Supplemental use of DIM in humans helps shift estrogen metabolism to favor the production of 2 hydroxy or 2 methoxy estrogen metabolites over 16 hydroxy or 16 methoxy estrogen metabolites. Note that increased ratios of 2 / 16 hydroxy (or methoxy) estrogens is correlated with protection against cancer. This relationship has been documented in several case-control studies.

It has been widely established that risk factors, for estrogen related cancer include obesity, high animal fat diets, and diets deficient in omega 3 oils (n-3 EFA), all of which have been correlated with low 2 hydroxy estrogens. DIM has the unique ability to favorably increase the production of 2 hydroxy or 2 methoxy estrogens and thus help defend the body against estrogen's adverse effects.

Note that DIM is not a phytoestrogen. Not like soy flavones which mimic estrogen and are believed to cause mild estrogenic activity DIM has no inherent estrogen activity. DIM is an estrogen modulator, positively affecting estrogen metabolism with estrogen inhibitory properties (i.e. lowering estrogen-receptors activity).

Supplemental DIM is highly recommended in cases correlated with the following conditions:

• Exposure to estrogen chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, petroleum based products)
• Estrogen therapy
• Steroid use (on or off drugs)
• Aging
• Obesity
• Elevated PSA
• Pre- and post-menopausal women
• Deficient diet (low vegetables, low n-3 oil)
• Increased inherited risk for estrogen related cancer

---

References

Adlercreutz H, Western diet and Western diseases: some hormonal and biochemical mechanisms and associations. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1990; 50 (Suppl 21): 3-23.

Michnovicz JJ, et al., Dietary and pharmacological control of estradiol metabolism in humans. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1990; 595:291-9.

Michnovicz JJ, et al., Altered estrogen metabolism and excretion in humans following consumption of indole-3-carbinol. Nutr Cancer. 1991;16(1):59-66.

Michnovicz JJ, et al., Changes in levels of urinary estrogen metabolites after oral indole-3-carbinol treatment in humans. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997 May 21; 89(10):718-23.

Bradlow HL, et al., 2-hydroxyestrone: the 'good' estrogen. J Endocrinol. 1996 Sep; 150 Suppl:S259-65.

Zhu BT, et al., Is 2-Methoxyestradiol an endogenous estrogen metabolite that inhibits mammary carcinogenesis? Cancer Research 1998 June 1; 58:2269-2277.

Steinmetz KA, Vegetables, fruit, and cancer prevention: a review. J American Dietetic Assoc. 1996; 10: 1027-39.

Farnsworth WE, Roles of estrogen and SHBG in prostate physiology. The Prostate 1996; 28:17-23.

Zeligs MA, Diet and estrogen status: the cruciferous connection. J of Medicinal Food 1998 Nov 2; 1: 67-82.

Bradfield CA and Bjeldanes LF, High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of anticarcinogenic indoles in Brassica oleracea. J Agric. Food Chem. 1987; 35:46-49.

McDanell R, et al., Differential induction of mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activity in rat liver and intestine by diets containing processed cabbage: correlation with cabbage levels of glucosinolates and glucosinolate hydrolysis products. 1987 Food. Chem. Toxicicol.; 25: 363-368.

Chen I, et al., Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activity of diindolylmethane. Carcinogenesis 1998; 19: 1631-1639.

Telang NT, et al., Inhibition of proliferation and modulation of estradiol metabolism: novel mechanisms for breast cancer prevention by the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1997; 216: 246-252.

Kabat GC, et al., Urinary estrogen metabolites and breast cancer: a case-control study.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1997 Jul;6(7):505-9.

Ho GH, et al. Urinary 2/16 alpha-hydroxyestrone ratio: correlation with serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and a potential biomarker of breast cancer risk. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1998; 27:294-299.

23. Schneider J., et al., Abnormal oxidative metabolism of estradiol in women with breast cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1982; 79: 3047-3051.

Bradlow HL, et al., 16a hydroxylation of estradiol: a possible risk marker for breast cancer. Annals NY Acad. Sci. 1986; 464: 138-151.

Sepkovic DW, et al., Estrogen metabolite ratios and risk assessment of hormone related cancers: assay validation and prediction of cervical cancer risk. Annals of the N.Y. Acad. of Science 1995; 768: 312-316.

Hershcopf RJ, et al., Obesity, diet, endogenous estrogens, and the risk of hormone-sensitive cancer. Amer. J. of Clinical Nutrition. 1987; 45 (Supplement 1): 283-289.

Verhoeven, DTH, et al., Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 1996; 5: 733-748.

Kall, M.A., et al. Effects of dietary broccoli on human drug metabolizing enzymes : evaluation of caffeine, oestrone and chlorzoxazone metabolism. Carcinogenesis 1996; 17: 793-799.

Bradlow HL, et al., Long-term responses of women to inole-3-carbinol or a high fiber diet. Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarklers & Prevention 1994; 3:591-595.

Klauber N, et al. Inhibition of angiogenesis and breast cancer in mice by the microtubule inhibitors 2-methoxyestradiol and taxol. Cancer Research 1997; 57:81-86.

Ge X, Yannai, S, Rennert, G, Gruener, N, and Fares, FA, 3,3'-Diindolylmethane induces apoptosis in human cancer cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 1996; 228: 153-165.

Ettinger B, Overview of estrogen replacement therapy: a historical perspective. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1998; 217:2-5.

Colditz GA, Relationship between estrogen levels, use of hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 1998; 90: 814-23.

Labrie F., DHEA as physiological replacement therapy at menopause. J. Endocrinol. Invest. 1998; 21:399-401.

Ginsburg EL, et al., Effects of alcohol ingestion on estrogens in postmenopausal women. JAMA 1996; 276:1747-51.

Krieg M., et al., Effect of aging on endogenous levels of 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, estradiol and estrone in epithelium and stroma of normal and hyperplastic human prostate. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab 1993; 77: 375-381.

Nakhla AM, et al., Estradiol activates the prostate androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen secretion through the intermediacy of sex hormone binding globulin. J. of Biological Chemistry 1997; 272: 6838-6841

---

 

---

10. RECOMMENDED AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH BOOK

 

---

 

---

11. KETTLEBELL TRAINING INFORMATION PAGE 

http://www.mikemahler.com/kettlebell_info.html

---

12. 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

ARCHIVES:

• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003

Home • Store • Aggressive Strength Magazine • Kettlebell Information • Testimonials • Massage • Journal • Contact • Links

Copyright © 2003-2007 Mike Mahler. All Rights Reserved.