Home → Aggressive Strength Magazine → Issue 143 - 11/14/2007

Aggressive Strength Magazine

Issue 143 11/14/07

1. Aggressive Strength Living Article Of The Week

Happiness is not a competition.  Authentic happiness derives from raising the bar for yourself, not rating yourself against others.

—Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D,  Authentic Happiness

As many of you know, I have a degree in religious studies and spent years studying Eastern religions and philosophies, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sufism.  Recently, I've been thinking on Buddhism and how it relates to the new direction I'm taking with my business...but more on that in a minute.  First, let me give you some background on Buddhism, to convey where I'm coming from.

There are two major schools of Buddhism:  Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism.  The goal of Theravada Buddhism is attaining the state of Nirvana, otherwise known as enlightenment.  Enlightenment is a state where you're one with the universe and no longer bound to the suffering that comes along with being a desire-based human (yes, that's a simplified description, but it explains the basic premise, so shut up and keep reading.)  Mahayana goes a step further:  the goal is not only achieving enlightenment--but to help other people achieve enlightenment.  Now, to be fair, I believe that helping other people in achieving enlightenment is implied in the Theravada school, after all, Guatama Siddhartha (otherwise known as The Buddha) achieved enlightenment, then went on to help many others do the same.  But, in Mahayana Buddhism, helping is more emphasized.

When I started my strength training business, the goal was to build a successful business in helping people achieve their fitness goals.  I committed to generosity, which is evident in the amount of free information available on my site.  As a result, over the years, I've built a loyal following, simultaneously enjoying myself while working along with a wide variety of great people.  I'm not the cheapest trainer around, nor ever intended to be.  I'm not the Wal-Mart of strength training:  People should be prepared to pay an appropriate fee for quality products and services.  People who feel otherwise should take their money elsewhere (but are welcome to read my free articles and subscribe to my free magazine) this business is far more to me than making a high income.

Recently, I've noticed I'm not as satisfied with my business as I used to be.  It's not that I don't enjoy teaching workshops, writing articles, and creating products--of course I do--but I have a nagging itch that no matter how many workshops I present, or products I introduce, it won't ever be enough.  I desire greater opportunities to express myself--and what I have right now is no longer enough.

One area in which I've developed over the past twelve years (that few trainers have) are marketing and promotion skills.  My marketing and promotion skills aren't the cookie-cutter, over the top methods in vogue right now.  My approach is different and, frankly, not tacky.  I assume my readers have brains for one.  Thus I attract the intelligent and--more importantly--stable people (for the most part anyway ;-)who've been with me for years.  In other words:  I believe in building long-term relationships with my customers and readers, rather than one-time hits.  This approach has worked very well, not only in helping me realize a great income (the bright side of offering great products and services) but in distinguishing me from my competitors.

People tell me I have a gift for marketing and promotion--which is actually an insult.  A gift implies someone gave the skills to me--which couldn't be further from the truth.  The reality is I worked my ass off,  paying in hard work and stacks of money, to master these skills  I've told the story in previous issues of this magazine.  In sum, while my business has benefited tremendously from these hard-won skills, it's no longer enough.

After talking to my good friend and mentor, self-defense expert Tim Larkin, I grasped the obvious:  I need to help other instructors develop their businesses.  Not only is this good for my business, it's good on a personal level.  We all need outlets for our skill and you must share the things you enjoy, and at which you're excellent, in order to receive a deeper experience of life.  Tim's built his success by providing opportunities for his team members.  He personifies an admirable philosophy:  make a lot of money for other people and you'll make a lot of money for yourself, or, in other words:   help others find happiness and you, in return, will find happiness.

As good as Tim’s advice was, my first inclination was to fight it.  After all, I've worked my ass off to get to where I am--and I don't mean as a businessman, but as a man, period.  A part of me has zero respect for people unwilling to get their hands dirty in acquiring the skills I've attained.  What right do others have riding on my years of failures and frustrations to get a piece of what I've earned?  A part of me will always feel this way.  Another part of me realizes that not everyone does what it takes to create success...but that doesn't make them bad people.  It makes them human--we all have strengths and shortcomings.  As hard as it is for me to believe, some people don't care about learning effective promotion and marketing methods, they're happy to pay others to do it for them.  And at the end of the day, I'm no different, I merely have different priorities.  For example, I don't enjoy housekeeping and happily pay someone else to do that work for me.  Neither do I enjoy yard work or washing my car and likewise pay others to do those things.

More obviously, I make a living helping people attain their fitness goals.  They pay me for my accrued research and life experience.  Nothing wrong with that!  Marketing skills are another arena many are willing to delegate to someone with more knowledge and experience.  Why shouldn't I be that someone and reap the rewards?

Thanks to Tim (and a lot of time mulling it over in my head) I'm now ready to commit to helping other instructors achieve my level of success.  I'd actually love to help others become more successful than me.  Now, that would be exhilarating--I love to see people growing and manifesting success.  When I see success in others, I'm stimulated to create more personal success.  I've never been someone who feels jealousy of others' growth:  jealous people are pathetic and receive neither my time nor attention.

The promotion wheels are already turning:  I recently promoted workshops for top instructors (and personal friends of mine) Steve Maxwell and Dylan Thomas.  Over the years, I've worked closely with these outstanding instructors and fully endorse their skills, both as instructors and as human beings. The latter is most important since I'll only work with people I respect.  I'll never promote someone with questionable ethics--that's not me nor ever will be.  I'll work with a select few instructors and help them create a high level of success before doing a little for many on a random basis.  Just as I design personalized programs for training clients, I'll be designing personalized marketing and promotion programs for trainer clients.

As I focus on promotion, I'll take a back seat as an instructor:  this is my formal announcement that 2008 is my last year presenting beginner kettlebell workshops.  I'll continue teaching higher-level workshops, such as last October's Boys are Back! seminar in Las Vegas with Steve Cotter, Steve Maxwell and Nate Morrison.  (By the way, if you missed the workshop, don't worry, we filmed it and the DVD will soon be available.  Plan to order early December.)  I repeat:  from 2009 on, I'll no longer travel to beginner workshops  Is this a clever marketing scheme to fill my workshops?  No, my workshops always sell out and have done so since 2004.  I don't exploit tacky marketing to sell my products and services.  I've found that straight-forward promotion methods--which don't insult the reader’s intelligence--are enough.

As for any other things I plan to pursue with all my newfound free time?  I'm currently spending it with my amazing and beautiful wife Carol, and my two time cancer surviving dog, Mona--I'll let you know more when I know ;-) Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

For more info on Tim Larkin, Click here

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Live Life Aggressively!

Mike Mahler

***Article Edited by Teresa Blazey: teresa.blazey@gmail.com

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Support The Camp Victory Kettlebell Club In Iraq 

Yes some hard working members of our armed forces in Iraq have formed a kettlebell club and are selling some t-shirts, hats, and mugs to raise funds to purchase more kettlebells for our troops overseas. Kettlebell training is a much needed positive outlet for them so buy a shirt and mug to help a worthy cause at: http://www.cafepress.com/army_kettlebell

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2. Are You A Fitness Professional Looking to ramp up your income? Attend The 2008 Fitness Business Summit

If you are in the fitness business you owe it to yourself to attend the 2008 Fitness Business Summit in Los Angeles. I spoke at the 2007 one earlier this year and had a great time teaching others about how I built a six figure income without doing any personal training and for the most part working from home. I will be speaking at the 2008 summit as well with an all star line up of successful business men and women that have all achieved incredible incomes in the fitness world using a wide variety of methods. There is something for every fitness professional so make sure you start 2008 right and sign up right away: Click here for more info

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3. Affordable High Quality Kettlebells Are Here! Time To Join The Fun

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 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

"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.

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4. 2008 Aggressive Strength Kettlebell Workshops 

March 8, 2008: 

Mike Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV.
»  Click Now For More Information

April 12, 2008: 

Mike Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY. (only three spots left!) 
»  Click Now For More Information

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5. Aggressive Strength Training Article

Nutrition and Supplementation for Optimizing Hormones

By Mike Mahler

Edited by Teresa Blazey: teresa.blazey@gmail.com

Disclaimer

The advice contained within this program may be problematic  for some people, and the user(s) should consult a physician before engaging in them. The author Mike Mahler is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for the injury which may occur through reading and following the instructions here. 

Nutrition is a critical factor in optimizing hormone levels.  Low-calorie diets are frequently low-nutrition diets, and low-nutrition diets always negatively impact healthy hormone levels and health, period.  On the other hand, a high-calorie, low-nutrition diet will increase fat cells, which will increase estrogen levels, which, in turn, will have a negative effect on good-feeling hormones, such as testosterone.  Digestion expends a lot of energy; we want to reserve it for high-quality, healthy food that provides the most bang for our buck.

• Consume mostly-to-all carbohydrate from low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.  Examples are oranges, apples, pears, berries, watermelon, tomatoes, salads, green beans, mushroom and bell peppers.
• Consume broccoli and cauliflower several times a week to help clear out harmful estrogens from your system.
• Make sure at least 20-30% of calories come from healthy fat, such as pecans, almonds, pistachios, hemp seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almond butter, and walnuts.  Healthy fat is critical for optimal hormone production.
• Get 1 gram of protein for every two pounds of lean bodyweight.  In other words, if you weigh 200 lbs. and have 10% body fat, consume 90 grams of high-quality protein.  You may need more protein, but start with the 1 gram per two-pound formula and go from there.  High-quality sources of protein include:  organic meats, organic free-range eggs, organic goats milk in a bottle, beans, nuts, and seeds.
• If you're trying to lose weight, follow a low-calorie diet during the week and have a big cheat day on the weekend.  According to Joel Marion, author of The Cheater’s Diet, low-calorie diets lower the body's level of leptin, the primary fat-loss hormone.  However, one day of overeating can not only tremendously jack up leptin, but keep it elevated for several days.  Thus, not only is cheating once a week fun, it's essential for fat loss.  Otherwise, leptin levels drop and fat loss comes to a screeching halt.
• Avoid over-consumption of stimulants, such as coffee and diet pills.  Two-to-three cups of coffee per day is fine, and can provide many health benefits, including increased dopamine production (a good-feeling neurotransmitter) and a good dose of antioxidants, but too much caffeine taxes the adrenals causing dehydration.  Make sure to drink more water when consuming coffee or any other stimulant.
• Drink water out of glass bottles; avoid plastic as much as possible.

For more info on optimal diet, get The Anti-Estrogenic Diet by Ori Hofmekler at:  

Bonus Article

Nutritional Supplementation for Optimizing Hormones and Promoting Well-Being

People make either of two mistakes:  believing that all nutritional supplements are garbage or, worse, taking everything under the sun with the illusion that some benefit is derived.  A more pragmatic and personal approach should be applied:  Whenever you take a nutritional supplement you need to know--exactly--why you're taking it and have some standardized measurement system to track its potential benefits.  When it comes to optimizing hormones, you need to know where you're at before starting any supplement strategy.

Subjective feedback, such as increased sex drive, faster recovery and improved sleep are all useful, but they can easily result from a placebo effect or even from addressing psychological and emotional issues.  Thus, if you don't plan on getting a baseline panel, either blood work or by urinalysis, and then further testing to measure progress, don't bother taking supplements to optimize your hormone levels.

Testosterone

Testosterone is the male man-maker hormone.  Men with low testosterone levels suffer from low libido, reduced zeal for life, low energy, poor training progress, poor recovery, and mild-to-moderate depression.  While testosterone levels are naturally lower in women, testosterone provides the same benefits and needs to be optimized and balanced.

Ideal Testosterone Levels

Men:

Total:  500 ng/dl to 1200 ng/dl

Free:  100 ng/dl to 250 ng/dl

Women:

Total:  80 ng/dl to 120 ng/dl 

Free:  .9 to 3.9 ng/dl

Of the two measurements, the free levels are more important.  The total level is the amount of testosterone your body is producing while the free level is the amount to which your system has access.  One trainee might have a low total level and a high free level--and feel great--while another trainee with a high total level and a low free level could feel terrible.

Supplement Options

Option 1:  The Thomas Incledon Stack

Ergopharm 6 OXO:  2-5 caps twice daily on an empty stomach (men only).

Aceytl-L-Carnitine:  1 gram twice daily on an empty stomach (men and women).

Diindolylmethane (DIM):  200 mg twice daily with food (men and women).

Thomas Incledon is a sports scientist--and one of the leading formulator's of nutritional supplements.  He doesn't recommend anything that isn't lab-tested and backed up with studies.  You can rest assured the above stack works.

Here is how it breaks down:  6 OXO is essentially a hormone that metabolizes into testosterone. According to Incledon It doesn't shut down endogenous production like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Therefore, if you stop taking 6 OXO, T-levels will decrease to where they were before you started taking it, but no shutdown will occur.

While 6 OXO converts to testosterone, it can also convert to DHT and estrone, a form of estrogen.  This can be problematic for men with already-high DHT levels, enlarged prostate, or  issues with estrogen dominance.  To clear out harmful estrogens, Incledon recommends DIM as part of the stack.  DIM clears harmful estrogens through the urine without negatively affecting beneficial estrogen or testosterone levels--it's helpful for men and women.  To protect the prostate, I recommend men take Pygeum with the above stack at a dose of 10 mg, twice daily.   Incledon doesn't recommend Saw Palmetto to control DHT levels, since it deactivates testosterone receptors as well making testosterone inaccessible.

The final component of the stack is Aceytl-L-Carnitine, which is an amino acid that benefits the brain.  It acts as a back-up reserve for testosterone as well as assists the pituitary gland in the brain in producing testosterone.

According to Incledon, the above stack doesn't need to be cycled.  Incledon also recommends 50-100 mg of Zinc, the most important mineral for testosterone production.

You can get all of the above supplements at reputable online retailers such as www.bodybuilding.com

and www.dpsnutrition.com

For more info on Thomas Incledon, go to:  www.thomasincledon.com

Option #2:  The Anthony Roberts Stack

Anthony Roberts is a steroid guru and his methods and advice are brutally honest and mostly controversial.  All that aside, he's created two natural products that work well to increase total and free levels of testosterone as well as reducing estrogens.

MyoGenX:  a natural testosterone enhancer,  2-3 caps, three times daily with meals

CyoGenX:  a natural estrogen controller, 2-3 caps three times daily with meals

MyogenX contains three ingredients that work synergistically to improve testosterone levels:

Fadogia Agrestis

Vitamin E

Zinc

Fadogia Agrestis is a plant sterol used in Nigeria to treat erectile dysfunction and low libido.  A study in Asian journal of medicine determined it worked by ramping up testosterone levels.  It doesn't compete with the body's own hormone production but by elevating luteinizing hormone (LH), which signals the release of testosterone.

Vitamin E benefits sexual health by increasing circulation and also has a strong anti-oxidant role.  Also supports hormonal function.

Zinc is the most important mineral for testosterone production as well as crucial for immunity.  When zinc levels are low, LH levels decline, with a resulting plummet in testosterone levels.

You can get MyoGenX at:  www.bodybuilding.com and/or read more about it at:  www.proteinfactory.com

CyoGenX contains three ingredients that produce all of estrogen's positive effects yet at the same time reduce overall estrogen levels. Those three ingredients are:

Procyanidin

Resveratrol

Urtica Dioica

Procyanidin helps in blocking the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.  It's also been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, improve cognitive function, and has strong anti-oxidant properties.

Resesveratrol helps lover estrogen levels while increasing LH levels.  It's protective of the heart, liver, prostate, is an anti-inflammatory, and promotes healthy joints.

Utica Dioica is another potent aromatase-inhibitor and binds to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which frees up testosterone.

Apparently Robert’s stack doesn't need to be cycled and may even be useful combined with the Incledon stack.  However, I'd pick one stack and test drive it for at least two months before doing any combination protocols.

Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH) is essential for muscle gain and retention; fat loss; mental well-being; joint health; workout recovery; healthy skin; energy and ideal body composition.  It's also important for immunity and longevity.

When people think of human growth hormone, they think of celebrities and athletes taking HGH injections as the fountain of youth.  While, HGH replacement therapy is effective at increasing IGF-1 levels (a more stable measurement for HGH) it's not free of side effects and should only be taken under medical supervision.  Consider it a final resort, not a first choice.  It's best left to seniors and people with pituitary deficiency i.e.,  those with inherently low HGH levels.  Most people can bump up their HGH levels with eight hours of deep sleep nightly, avoiding over training, taking post-workout naps, engaging in intense forms of cardio and taking certain amino acids and herbs.

Ideal IGF-1 Levels

Men and women:

Over 200 ng/dl good

Over 250 ng/dl excellent

Over 300 ng/dl exceptional

Supplement Options

Option #1

ZMA:  a combination of magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B-6.  In some studies, ZMA has been shown to increase testosterone and GH levels.  However, the beneficial effects were generally observed in athletes with zinc deficiencies and/or who suffered from poor sleep.

One thing about ZMA:  it definitely helps with deep, REM sleep.  Users report deep sleep and vivid dreams.  I myself could write several novels retelling the crazy dreams that I have had with ZMA.  Bottom line:  if you're zinc deficient or sleep poorly, you can benefit from adding ZMA to your supplement program.

Men:  take 3 caps on an empty stomach at bedtime

Women:  2 caps on an empty stomach at bedtime.

An additional serving can be taken after workouts; ZMA isn't a sleep aid and won't make you drowsy.

You can get ZMA at most health food stores and online at:  www.bodybuilding.com

Option #2

Ageless Growth:  ingredients in six capsules (recommended serving): 3600 mg of Ageless Synergy Blend (a blend of Glycerophosphocholine, L-Arginine and St. John's Wort) Niacin 100 mg; Vitamin B 300 mg

Take five days a week and then take two days off.  Take six caps in the morning or before bedtime.

Sports Nutrition Scientist Thomas Incledon found that Ageless Growth increased HGH by 21.7 times after 30 minutes, 12.6 times after 60 minutes and 7.1 times after 90 minutes.  The same study also showed decreased cortisol levels.  Unhealthy cortisol levels were lowered by 21.6% in 30 minutes, 42.1% in 60 minutes and 43.3% in 90 minutes after ingesting Ageless Growth.  

As compelling as these results are, the real question is whether levels remained high enough to offer any real benefit.  While having a GH boost is great before and after training, are the increases levels from Ageless Growth high enough to result in increased muscle growth and improved body composition?

For more information on Ageless Growth, go to:  www.davedraper.com

Option #3

NOW brand IGF-1 Spray

This product is a concentrated form of deer antler velvet.  The deer antlers are collected humanely in New Zealand and apparently contain a good amount of IGF-1.  Most doctors will tell you this product, along with any other HGH-boosting supplement, is garbage and a waste of money.  While this may be true for most HGH-boosting supplements, many of my online clients using NOW IGF-1 spray have experienced substantial increases in IGF-1 levels.  One client went from 190ng/dl to 284ng/dl.  How much of this increase is attributed to the spray is difficult to determine since I encourage my clients to increase quantity and quality of sleep and place them on programs which fit their lifestyles and recovery abilities.  Regardless, NOW brand IGF-1 spray may be a viable option for HGH support and a one-month supply is less than $20.00.

You can get it online at:  http://www.bodybuilding.com

DHEA

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.  People with higher DHEA levels generally have a higher tolerance for stress and greater adrenal health than those with low DHEA levels since DHEA has an inverse relationship with cortisol, meaning when DHEA levels are high, cortisol levels are low and when cortisol levels are high, DHEA levels are low.  DHEA enhances the immune system and improves mental well-being and cognitive function.

Ideal DHEA Levels:

Men:  250-550 ng/dl

Women:  100-500 ng/dl

While taking supplemental DHEA via tablets or creams seems beneficial, it's not devoid of side effects.  DHEA is only a few metabolic steps away from testosterone and estrogen, thus, it can be converted into testosterone or, unfortunately, estrogen (estradiol and estrone).  In fact, in men, DHEA is usually converted into estrogen without any increase in DHEA levels.

If you choose to give DHEA supplementation a shot, pre-determine your DHEA levels, as well as your estradiol and estrone levels, before commencing.  To stay on the safe side, take an estrogen-lowering product, such as CyoGenX, or at least DIM.  Start with a conservative dose as follows:

Men:  25-50 mg once daily

Women: 2-5 mg once daily

The cream has a higher absorption rate and, I'd guess, less is converted into estrogen since it bypasses the liver, so doesn't require much metabolic effort.  Another advantage of DHEA cream is that you can take it before going to sleep, more closely mimicking natural DHEA production (remember, hormones are produced while you sleep).

Again, I don't recommend DHEA supplementation without expert supervision.  Just because it's cheap and available at every grocery store doesn't mean it's safe.  It's a hormone and needs to be taken with caution.

Progesterone

According to my friend--and one of the most knowledgeable health and fitness guys around--Dr. William Wong, “...all the good things attributed to estrogen are actually the functions of progesterone."  

Progesterone is important to every woman’s well being as well as for men.  Progesterone acts as an aromatase-inhibitor, interrupting the conversion of testosterone into estrogen and DHT.

Optimal Progesterone Levels

Men:  0.8-1.2 ng/dl

Women:  8-10 ng/dl (non pregnant woman)

Supplements for Optimizing Progesterone

Maca Powder

Maca is a Peruvian herb containing precursors to testosterone and progesterone.  In men it can help increase free testosterone and in women it can increase progesterone.  The more stress you live with, the more maca you'll need.  For periods of moderate stress, 1-2 tablespoons daily suffice for men.  For higher periods of stress 3-5 tablespoons may be necessary.  For women, half that dosage is a good place to start.

Make sure you get maca powder and not maca capsules.  One tablespoon of powder is equal to a bottle of capsules.  Further, it's food, so you need to consume a lot to get the desired effect.

You can get it here:  www.docsprefer.com

Stabilized Rice Bran and Germ

My friend, and health expert, Ori Hofmekler introduced me to this product and I think it works just as well as maca--it certainly tastes a million times better.

Stabilized rice bran and germ is an exceptional nutrient-rich functional food with a naturally occurring broad nutrient profile of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, antioxidants and phytosterols.  By virtue of its nutritional composition, stabilized rice bran and germ has proven to possess blood sugar-lowering and blood cholesterol-lowering properties.  It's also a great natural source for hormonal support nutrients.  Its main phytosterol, beta sitosterol, converts in the body to the steroid hormones progesterone in women and testosterone in men, thereby balancing the body’s hormonal integrity.

The recommended dosage is 1-2 tablespoons for men and women.  I think the same rules apply as with maca.  The more stressed-out you are, the more you need, so if you don't feel a difference after a few weeks of 1-2 tablespoons, double the dose.

Movies and Testosterone Levels

The following movies, screened by Mahler’s Aggressive Strength Institute ;-), have been shown to increase testosterone levels--make sure you rent them often:

• Gladiator  
• Last of the Mohicans 
• 300 
• Conan The Barbarian
• Fight Club 
• Scarface
• Braveheart
• The Untouchables
• Heat
• Highlander
• Young Guns 
• Unforgiven
• Eastern Promises
• A History Of Violence
• The Crow
• Man On Fire
• Training Day
• Godfather 1 and 2
• The Terminator
• Aliens 

Television

• 24
• The Shield
• Prison Break
• Rome
• Battlestar Galactica (the new series)

The following movies were observed to dramatically increase estrogen levels, leading to depression, low sex drive, and general feelings of unworthiness:

• Dirty Dancing
• Love, Actually (the ultimate sex drive obliterator)
• Bridget Jones' Diary
• Any movie with Hugh Grant
• Any movie Julia Roberts (possibly excepting The Mexican)

Estrogenic Television

Ally McBeal (no, it's not on anymore but society may never recover from the resulting estrogen surge from this terrible show)

• Grey’s Anatomy
• 99% of reality TV shows
• 99% of shows on the WB
• Any shows on the Lifetime channel

Thought-provoking movies  (Contrary to popular opinion, thinking is a good thing!)

• The Deer Hunter 
• Gone, Baby, Gone
• 12 Monkeys
• Antwone Fisher
• The Butterfly Effect
• Man On Fire
• Pulp Fiction (No man can forget this one! Aghhh)

Recommended Websites For More Research 

• Thomas Incledon:  www.thomasincledon.com
• Dr. Wong:  www.totalityofbeing.com
• Ori Hofmekler:  www.defensenutrition.com
• Nick Delgado:  www.ultimatemedicalnutrition.com

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Get The Most Out Of Training With My Personalized Program Design Service 

"I have to say this program really kicks ass. Everyone I know has noticed a difference in how much leaner I look already, and it has just been two and a half weeks (out of a 6-month program!) I am noticeably stronger (the girlfriend loves it;) Needless to say, I can tell you that I look forward to every work out, and I will be purchasing another six month program when this one is done. Thank you." 

And five months later.......

"I want to say THANK YOU in a huge way.  This past weekend was the RKC, and thanks to your program I am officially Mike Provost, RKC!!!  Not only did I ace it, I took third place (majority of the audience thought it should have been first, but it was fun so it’s cool;) in the technique competition, but I blasted through the snatch test and every workout they threw at me.  The heavy Kettlebell work translated to the light bell work perfectly, and the workouts, while certainly challenging, never made me tired for more than 30 seconds to a minute afterward.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
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Click here for more info: http://www.mikemahler.com/services.html

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6. Aggressive Strength Equipment Recommendations 

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7. Benefit From The Kettlebell Solution For Fat Loss And Mental Toughness

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 8. Aggressive Strength Product Recommendations 

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.

Only $39.95 ($44.95 for International Orders)

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No Nonsense Nutrition

By: Dr. John M. Berardi, PhD

John Berardi's ultimate nutrition package for getting you in incredible shape. This is a must have for all athletes and frankly anyone that is tired of wondering how to eat properly to achieve their fitness goals. You cannot go wrong with this one. Get it today for yourself or anyone you know that needs a nutrition intervention. Hmm, sounds like just about everyone!

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Elite Rings To Ramp Up Bodyweight Training Programs 

The advanced design of the Elite Rings makes them unique in the gymnastics world. These are the first rings designed from the ground up as a strength training tool. Because of their light weight, you can take them with you wherever you go. And the quick and easy mounting system allows you to hang them nearly anywhere. The selection of possible exercises is limited only by your imagination: pullups, dips, pushups, muscle-ups, body rows, the iron cross and much more is possible. The unique nature of the rings gives all of the exercises a fun, athletic feel. Check out this article to see it in action: 

100 Pushups Workout By Tyler Hass

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9. Kettlebell Training Information  

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

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10. Aggressive Strength Magazine Archives 

http://www.mikemahler.com/newsletter

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Until next time.

Live Life Aggressively!

Feel free to email me with your comments and feedback at mahler25@yahoo.com

Mike Mahler

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