Home → Aggressive Strength Magazine → Issue 162 - 2-3-09 

Aggressive Strength Magazine

1. Aggressive Strength Living Article Of The Week

I Never Saved Anything for the Swim Back

by Mike Mahler

You want to know how I did it? This is how I did it, Anton: I never saved anything for the swim back. -- Vincent, from Gattaca (1997)

One of my all time favorite movies is the classic, Gattaca, a thought-provoking story if you take the time to digest the multiple messages within. Unfortunately, most people watch it and return to their quiet and miserable live.  I'm forever amazed by the lack of inspiration people display with all the powerful examples and sources of inspiration out there and available to all.  But, save that rant for a later date...

Gattaca depicts a world of the future ruled by genetically superior humans.  It's no longer about race or wealth, but about who has the best genes. If you're not born with the right genes for a desired occupation, then you've zero chance of acquiring that occupation.  Neither how hard you work, nor any other effort you might put in matters--you're shut out entirely and must accept your lot.  Ironically, in our society, people suffer from self-limitations more than any limitation the collective puts upon them.

Vincent Freeman (a masterful Ethan Hawke) decides he's unwilling to accept these oppressive societal limitations and figures out a way to achieve his dreams. Vincent's lifelong dream is space travel and he refuses to concede defeat.  He assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), who has the necessary genetic profile and is willing to sell it.  Jerome is in a wheel chair, has lost his zeal for life and thus no longer cares about benefiting from his superior genetics.

While Gattaca has many powerful scenes, fans know the most powerful of all is the swim scene:  Vincent has a brother, Anton, genetically superior both mentally and physically; however, being born with his gifts, Anton never develops either Vincent's mental toughness or tactical thinking skills.  Growing up, Vincent and Anton competed with each other in ocean swimming to see who could swim out the farthest out from the shore.  With his superior physical genetics, Anton always won; however, as Vincent matures he develops human spirit, a quality which no one is born with but is instead realized through suffering and perseverance--something about which the genetically gifted Anton knows nothing.  As adults, they once again engage in the swimming contest and this time--to Anton’s surprise--Vincent wins.  Anton, flabbergasted, asks Vincent how he did it. Vincent replies:  I won because I never saved anything for the swim back.  Though genetically superior, Anton is a slave to his genetics; Vincent wins by transcending genetics.  Anton’s genetic assets thus become liabilities, causing him to lose the swim contest.  Vincent, who's spent his lifetime working within enforced limitations, never lets institutionalized societal rules hold him back.  Born with weakness, Vincent spends his life overcoming weakness and never gives up.  Space travel becomes his obsession--as your goals must obsess you in order to excel.

Swimming out without concern for how you will get back to shore is a metaphor for pursuing your dreams without any back-up plans.  Too many people opt out before truly getting started by telling themselves they can do something else when and if their dream career fails to thrive.  Is this your mentality?  If so, don't bother with your dream career because you've already missed.  As the sage warfare strategist Sun Tzu wrote:  the winner and loser of a fight is already determined before the fight starts.  If you've already got your fall back job lined up in case your dream career fizzles, your fight is already determined...and you've lost!  Instead, you must be so single-mindedly focused on what you want that even the idea of doing anything else is never conceived.  When something isn't an option, it will never obstruct you.  Excuses are unacceptable:  This is do or die time and those  unprepared to handle such hardcore mentality must fall back and prepare instead to accept a self-created, mediocre experience of life.

There are infinite excuses and rationalizations why now is the imperfect time.  There are countless people to call you unrealistic.  There are eternities in which, with no one to motivate you in pushing forward, you must be self-reliant.  And so what?  What else is new?  No matter if they're big or small, excuses are excuses.  You can thank me for the truth:  You--and only you--are in charge of your life.  Failure is always entirely your own fault.  With an honest self-assessment comes freedom and you have the freedom to change your life...if you're willing to pay the price.  Are you willing pay the price?

I can already hear people arguing that wanting a thing badly--and even working hard to achieve it--doesn't mean you will get it.  While that may be true, they're missing the point.  Genuine victory comes not from achieving a given goal but in refining yourself in the process.  This is something that can never be taken away from you.  Vincent's victory wasn't in beating Anton in a swim contest, no, it was the person he became in the process of doing so.

Are you willing to swim out so far without worrying how you'll get back?

Live Life Aggressively!

Mike Mahler

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

2. Upcoming Aggressive Strength Recommended Workshops

February 7: Steve Maxwell Bodyweight Training Certification In Sacramento, CA Click here for more info

March 7-8: Steve Maxwell 2-day Kettlebell and bodyweight training course In Wichita, KS Click here for more info

March 14-15: Steve Maxwell 2-day Kettlebell and bodyweight training course At Gym Jones In Salt Lake, Utah Click here for more info

NEW: April 18: Dylan Thomas Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in NYC Click here for more info

Attention: Mike Mahler will longer be doing KB workshop for the public in 2009. (only law enforcement and military: both can contact me at mahler25@yahoo.com to schedule workshops)  

3. Kettlbell Training In the Age Of Quarrel: Advanced Kettlbell Training And Beyond 

Time to cut through all of the confusion and show the numerous applications and benefits of kettlebell training! 

The line-up is complete for the three 3-day kettle bell focused seminars I will be promoting in the fall. The title of the workshop will be "Kettlebell training in the age of quarrel" and the line up is:

Ken Blackburn

Steve Cotter

 Jason Dolby

 Andrew Durniat

 Mike Mahler

The workshops will take place in Los Angeles, NYC, and Panama (yes that is not a typo)

Dates: 

October 9-11: Los Angeles

October 23-25: NYC

November 13-15: Panama

Each day will consist of eight hours of detailed information and yes this workshop will be filmed to make another DVD set. Once again anyone who pays to attend the course will get a copy of the DVD set of the actual course. Unlike other courses where at best you retain 20% of what you are exposed to the combination of the course and DVD set of the course makes 100% retention up to you.

Not sure what location will be filmed but likely LA and Panama. It will be the same content at each course.

Detailed course information will be on my site in the middle of March. Make sure you mark your calendar's with the dates above and plan on being at one or more of the courses. These will be the only workshops that I am teaching at this year and these are advanced level KB courses and not appropriate for beginners at all. 

NOTE: To receive registration info in March, shoot me an email at mahler25@yahoo.com and put "Fall KB workshops VIP" in the subject line. You will be added to a VIP list to get first dibs on the early-bird registration price. 

In the meantime, here are some of the topics that we are going to cover 

Also check out these incredible you tube clips and you will see clearly why I picked these guys for the course: 

 

Ken Blackburn Doing Seated Mil Presses with 2 70lb kettlebells For Over Fifty Reps! 

Steve Cotter's Incredible Bodyweight Training For Serious Power 


Jason Dolby Man Handling Four 35lb Kettlebells! 

 

Strongman Competitor Andrew Durniat's Feat's Of Kettlebell Strength 

 

 

Yours Truly Doing One-arm KB Snatches with a 124lb bell 


 

4. Free E-book Seven Advanced Strategies for Packing On Serious Muscle 

My fiend Joel Marion author of "The Cheater's Diet" has generously offered to give away his excellent e-book and building muscle to you. 

Now, for those of you who may not be familiar with Joel, I can tell you that the guy knows a thing or two about gaining size. Not only has he personally gained more than 70 lbs of muscle himself, he's also helped thousands of others literally all over the world gain mass with many of the same strategies he reveals in this mini eBook.

Here's just a taste of some of the things you'll learn when you download 7 Advanced Strategies for Packing on Serious Muscle today at no cost to you:

Click here to get Joel's free e-book right now before it expires

5. The Benefits Of Literal Human Weight Training

By John Wild Buckley 

I first started picking people up in college. It was a spontaneous thing, a fun thing, and most often a drunk thing. I would grab a guy around his waist flip him heels over-head up to my shoulder and press him crucifix style. Every single time I did it the purpose was to make people laugh. It was my trick, people liked it, people liked me. I am a giant after all and certain things are expected of you when you are the biggest guy in the room.

When I was growing up I had a real misunderstanding of what made someone strong.  Ken Patera was strong, Billy Jack Hayes was strong, the Road Warriors were strong and Andre, well he was the strongest. I would read about him flipping over cars and ripping trees out of the ground. All of these guys were strong and all of them picked people up in fantastically impressive ways.

When I first committed to being strong I read about all the real strong men. I would read things like 600lb bench press and it put my 455 to shame. I was embarrassed. I wanted to be strong and I didn't know how to get there. Deadlifting 6 plates would impress the guys in my gym, but I always felt like they were not the real guys, the strong guys, they were mortal and so was I.  My numbers were ok but I still needed something, something other people couldn't do. I found it in the kettlebell. 

Kettlebells are weird and a little scary. They stay off to the side, often in a corner, and only the real freaks would mess around with them. Even fewer of those people would look cool. Most of the time the bell dominates the person holding it. Only the precious few could wield the bell in any kind of masterful way. They could tame the bell, they were the strong and I needed to be strong.

So I guess you could say that my endless pursuit of Kettlebell mastery sprung from my constant state of insecurity. I'm comfortable with that. I chase the beast every day.  I try to get closer, try to get better.  I put a lot of pressure on myself to be original. That might sound weird but if I am asked to perform a special lift or feat of strength it really bothers me to do something everybody else can do.  When I see someone lifting a big Kettlebell I know a thousand people do that. It is not enough. I needed something unique.

Last February a friend of mine showed me a clip of Mr. Jeff Martone doing a TGU with his wife substituting for a Kettlebell. "Can you do that" my friend asked? That was it! Lifting people just like those strong guys from my youth! I knew if I could start lifting people, just like those guys, I would look strong, I would BE strong like them! That clip is where I got/stole the idea. I tried it during the "feats of strength" segment of the first US IKFF certification. I missed the lift. I was not strong enough. It crushed me.

I basically went insane. I started doing getups every day, 32kg, 40kg, 48kg, I needed the lift. I would even do getups with a full size heavy-bag on top of me. The next time I tried the lift it was easy. There I was, standing in front of a room of people holding a person over my head! It is shameful to say, but it was the coolest thing ever! I didn't feel like the strongest guy in the world.  I did however for a moment look like one of those guys from my youth, like Macho Man, or Ken Patera, or (seriously though) Andre. It's an awkward admission but that moment really filled something in me that had been empty my whole life.

Once I accomplished my first lift it just went on from there. I train by lifting several Kettlebells in one hand. Military press, Bent Press, Side Press, Windmill, and TGU, all of that is pretty obvious but the real trick for me was the GS. Learning to generate force sequentially in an efficient and relaxed way is what got Steve Cotter over my head. If you watch any of my lifts I am pretty relaxed. Sometimes I find myself "binding down" during a tough pass bust most of the time I am just trying to be relaxed. I pass through the small muscle groups to get from power group to stable group. I use my largest most powerful muscles to launch the heavy weight from structure to structure. I find this takes more explosiveness then tension. The GS helps develop that kind of power and alignment.  If your body isn't lined up right and your bones aren't stacked you've got no shot of holding that weight.

One other point on lifting people is if you "crush grip" a person you will probably hurt them. If you are strong enough to hold people overhead, you are strong enough to hurt them with your grip. Try explaining that at the ER! So for all of you who think this may be your thing,,,Good Luck and lift well!

Make sure you check out John's next level 1 KB workshop in San Francisco, CA on February 28, 2009. For more info go to: www.orangekettlebellclub.com

 

6. A Reflection On Progression 

By Steven Khuong CSCS  

The new year’s “body change challenge” has sparked great excitement around the IC. As a result, people are naturally curious about timelines and expectations. I can sense both the motivation and the urgency in many of our members. To address the anxieties often associated with challenges and deadlines, I want to share my personal story with you.

People often assume that because I can do a few parlor tricks, I’ve been athletically gifted my entire life. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I was active as a child, but probably no more than any other kid growing up in Oakland: playing four square during recess, some basketball after school, and roaming the neighborhood on the weekends. Like most of my friends, I was not involved in formalized athletics. As fate would have it, the year that I decided to tryout for the school baseball team, I was struck with an auto-immune disease that paralyzed my entire body.

parlor tricks

One morning during my seventh grade year, I awoke to discover that I couldn’t contract the muscles of my legs. As the day progressed, my condition worsened. I was hospitalized the following morning as the paralysis spread to my arms and face. The neurologists were unable to diagnose the cause. I still recall the look on my mother’s face when the respirator was brought into my room. The doctors were concerned with the possibility of severe pulmonary complications, which of course is life threatening. It wasn’t until the fourth day of hospitalization that the medical team decided to perform a spinal tap to test protein levels in my cerebrospinal fluid. They suspected a case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. There was no cure or treatment for the disease at the time.

Miraculously, after a week in the hospital, my body began to recover at the same rate it began to deteriorate. However, the damage to my neuromuscular system prevented me from walking for twelve months. I spent the next four years of my life trying to regain a basic level of balance, strength, and coordination. It didn’t take long for me to discover that I had lost more than just physical ability. This episode had also pushed me into a despondent state, opting out of exercise at every possible turn. Truth be told, no teenage boy wants to appear weak and feeble amongst his peers. My plan was to hide my body behind an ROTC uniform for the rest of my teenage years - that is until a chance happening in high school changed the course of my life.

My brother joined a weight training class taught by an ex-bodybuilder / powerlifter. Impressed by her knowledge, ethics, and leadership, he convinced me to drop ROTC and enlist her help.  (To this day, I credit her for giving me the necessary rehabilitation I needed in order to not only overcome the effects of Guillain-Barre, but also to gain strength during a critical stage in my adolescent development.) I am very fortunate that my brother has a natural gift of persuasion because I probably wouldn’t be here writing this if it weren’t for the lessons forged in this unassuming “gym class.” Lifting weights next to seemingly invincible football players, and seeing my stats on the bottom of the public records board day after day, helped me develop the humility and patience necessary to progress physically. I was also blessed to work out with a group of supportive training partners. As time went on, I began to notice that I was getting better. By the last semester of my senior year, I found myself edging towards the top of the records board. Though I never became the strongest or the “best,” I was certainly better than I had ever been in my life.

This is perhaps the reason why I have always taken a strong interest in helping beginners at the IC. Like Maya, I have empathy for folks that have little or no athletic history due to my own experience. Some ex- IC members have told me that I cater too much to “newbies” and this sentiment made me reflect on my own journey. It has only reinforced my efforts to focus on those that need the most help. After all, it has taken me almost twenty years to get where I am today (I’m still not there). So, before we start to worry about how fast we need to go, I suggest we all take some time to reflect on our own fitness experiences and develop some patience for self and others - but more importantly, be thankful for how far we have already come.

Best,
Steven

Steve and his wife Maya have an incredible training facility in the San Francisco, CA area. Make sure you check it out at www.icechamber.com 

7. Building Economic Strength In Our Chaotic Times 

By Rohit Kalra, CPA 

"Aggressive strength is more than just how physically, spiritually, and mentally fit you are. Financial strength is a critical component of being strong as all too many people are realizing in our current economic crisis. When I decided to bring in an expert to handle my accounting I knew that my good friend Rohit Kalra was the man to go with. In addition to being a man with the utmost integrity he is willing to do the research and hard work to ensure your finances are handled with the utmost care. You are in great hands with him and I cannot recommend him highly enough"

--Mike Mahler of Mahler's Aggressive Strength LLC 

Complete strength is not possible without consistently making prudent business, tax, and financial decisions.  The 13 tips below will enable individuals to strengthen their economic prospects and avoid potential traps for the unwary, both short-term and long-term.  As you read this article, recognize that the tips below are items within your control.  You may not be able to control or influence how the markets perform in the next week, month, or year.  You can, however, control or influence the items described below.  Also, please be aware that these are summaries of important points and they are not meant to be comprehensive coverage of each topic.  Regardless, building a basic awareness of these points will be beneficial to readers.

Never underestimate the importance of cash reserves

Some say “cash is king.”  In my mind, this phrase underscores the importance of liquidity and access to immediate reserves.  Many people never build an adequate cash reserve.  Others invest their “emergency fund” in the capital markets.  Both are mistakes which should be avoided.  Cash reserves should be kept in safe and highly liquid accounts such as high interest savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposits.  In doing so, you limit the upside growth potential of this money however you also protect the downside risk as well.  This preserves the fundamental purpose of cash reserves and emergency funds—to be a source of cash you can readily rely and depend upon to be there should you need to draw upon it.

Live below your means

Building cash reserves and investing in the capital markets is not possible if you have nothing to save or invest.  Professionals often call this your “net cash flow.”  “Net cash flow” is nothing more than all your income and cash inflows less your expenses and debt service payments.  In order to maximize your “net cash flow,” you must find ways to live below your means, maximize your income, and minimize your expenses.  This can be very difficult for many and often goes against the social norm.  Living below your means conjures up thoughts of thrift and frugality.  It can be challenging—especially in a society where immediate consumption and gratification are common—to break the mold and give up your current material desires in exchange for short-term and long-term economic security.  But delaying gratification is what you must do if you aspire to build cash reserves and a balanced financial portfolio for your long-term economic security.

Balance financial risk during periods of economic contractions and expansions

The process of balancing financial risk is often referred to as asset allocation.  Once people complete the process of building cash reserves, many turn to the capital markets to invest their “net cash flow” for long-term growth and inflation protection.  It can be tempting to put all your money in stocks or “equities.”  Don't do it.  Risk is prudently managed by allocating capital between equities, high-quality bonds, and cash.  As a very general rule, even the most aggressive investor should have 20-30% of his portfolio in high-quality bonds.  This applies during periods of economic contractions and expansions.  It is futile to chase market performance and respond emotionally to day-to-day fluctuations in the capital markets.  If you have intelligently established a prudent asset allocation from the onset, you can maintain it during all economic cycles.  Remember, your decision around how you allocate your personal capital will have the most impact on your future results.  Many make the mistake of not taking a balanced approach and instead introduce too much risk into their portfolios.  Do not overestimate your risk tolerance.  Instead, pursue a balanced approach you can stick with over time. 

Pay attention to the costs of playing the game

Investing in the capital markets costs you money.  When you purchase and sell stocks and ETFs, you  pay commissions.  When you buy mutual funds, you are exposed to expense ratios, sales charges, and possible 12b-1 fees.  Paying a professional also increases your costs (although it can be beneficial for many to do so assuming the fees are reasonable).  Minimizing expenses should be a top priority.  You may not have control over how a specific mutual fund performs, but you do have control over how much you “pay to play.”  The most prudent way to pay the least amount of money to participate in the capital markets is through passively managed index funds.   In contrast to actively manged mutual funds, index funds often have the lowest expense ratios, no sales charges, and no 12b-1 fees.  As a simple example for the sake of illustration, let's assume you received a sudden windfall of $100,000 when you were 30.  Assume you invested it in a passively managed domestic equity fund with the hopes of earning a 10% nominal return over the next 35 years.  Without considering the impact of taxes and inflation, on a nominal basis, you would have $2,636,829 after expenses when you were 65.  This  is computed by taking the 10% return and subtracting the approximate 20 basis points you would pay in investment expenses every year (or a net nominal return of 9.8% per year).  If instead, you invested in an actively managed fund which also provided the same 10% nominal return (other things being equal), you would have $1,914,306 after 35 years on a nominal basis—almost $700,000 dollars less.  This is because you are likely to pay more for an actively managed fund and in this particular example, I have assumed you are paying approximately 1.2% per year in expenses and you achieved the same nominal returns (without considering taxes and inflation).  Effectively, you earned a net return of 8.8% using an actively manged fund.  Other things being equal, higher investment expenses can create significant disparities in terminal wealth over long periods of time—especially when the amounts considered become larger.

Optimize your tax position

Managing your tax strategy is a critical component of building a successful portfolio.  Essentially, individuals have three avenues to invest for the long-term.  You can either open a taxable account, participate in a tax-deferred vehicle (like a SEP or 401k), or choose a tax-free medium (like a Roth IRA if you qualify).  The nuances of optimizing an individual's tax position are too complex and beyond the scope of this article.  But I can offer some some general thoughts.  In taxable accounts, where you will pay taxes on distributed dividends and capital gains just by holding the funds, try to choose tax-efficient funds which minimize these distributions.  Any taxes you pay on these distributions will lower your returns.  Also, try to place your tax-inefficient assets in tax-deferred or tax-free accounts.  In other words, purposely locate your tax-inefficient assets where they will be “sheltered” from current taxation.  As an example, REITS are inherently tax-inefficient.  It would be prudent to invest in REITS in a sheltered account as opposed to taxable account.  Similarly, it would be imprudent to invest in tax-free municipal bonds in a tax sheltered or tax free account.

Recognize the differences between actively managed and passively managed mutual funds

If you choose to participate in the capital markets, there are three basic ways to participate.  Either you can choose individual securities yourself, buy an actively managed mutual fund where a professional attempts to select securities for you, or purchase a fund which mimics a particular index for that respective asset class.  Choosing individual securities yourself can be a losing proposition.  While it is possible to purchase an actively managed mutual fund that may perform better than its associated index, the likelihood of this happening is low.  Over longer periods of time, the chances are even less.  For most individuals, they would be well-served by simply buying the market instead of trying to beat the market.  In doing so, you will find that you will pay less in investment costs and virtually guarantee that you earn the market rate of return associated with that asset class. 

Ensure you have a fixed-income strategy

Talking about your bond strategy over beers with friends hardly makes for interesting conversation.  Still, everyone should have a fixed-income element in their portfolio.  As I mentioned above, even the most aggressive investor with the highest risk tolerance should have at least 20-30% of his portfolio in high-quality bonds.  This can actually help maximize returns while reducing risk.  One of the primary roles of bonds is to reduce portfolio risk and dampen the volatility associated with equity investing.  To accomplish this, you should choose high-quality bonds with a short maturity.  The shorter the maturity, the less interest rate risk you will be exposed to.  The quality of the bond refers to its credit quality.  To this end, tread carefully with high-yield or junk bonds.  To start, consider treasury bonds and inflation protected securities for deflation and inflation protection, respectively.  High-quality, short-term corporate and municipal bonds can also be considered. 

Control your emotions and behaviors

Volatility in the capital markets can trigger powerful emotional responses.  Rest assured, if you have set aside adequate cash reserves, chosen a prudent asset allocation and selected good low-cost investment vehicles, there is little reason to respond emotionally to the daily ups and downs of the markets.  It may be advisable to turn off your television if you are prone to doing so.  Making sudden changes to a prudent plan can be detrimental to your long-term results.  Try to resist the temptation to engage in “market timing” and chasing the latest trend.  The capital markets should not be an outlet to indulge desires to gamble like you would at a casino.

Stay consistent and take the long view

If one examines financial history, you will see that financial markets tell a very powerful, positive story over long periods of time.  In the past, financial markets have provided an extraordinary opportunity to build wealth over long time horizons.  In the short-run, however, volatility in the markets can be stomach-churning.  The lesson is to be consistent with a prudent, balanced approach and to take the long view.  Don't take money you may need in the next few years and invest it in the capital markets.  You may not be rewarded over short time horizons.   History tells us a very different story over very long time horizons.   No one has a crystal ball with the ability to predict the future, but if the future is similar to the past, the markets provide inflation protection and the opportunity to create real wealth (beyond inflation) over long periods of time.

Make infrequent changes

Frequent changes can actually be detrimental to your results.  Particularly for individuals, selecting high turnover actively managed mutual funds, engaging in market timing, and attempting security selection, can be a losing proposition.  Once you have chosen an asset allocation and deployed your funds into the markets, there is little reason to change course suddenly.  Occasional rebalancing may be necessary, but daily, weekly, or monthly changes are often unnecessary.  Once you have chartered a prudent course, stay the course and don't waiver.

Begin with the end in mind

To plan to hit a target in the future, it is beneficial to begin with the end in mind.  Try to determine, in advance, how much you desire to accumulate and by when.  Then work backwards to determine, using reasonable and/or conservative assumptions, how much you will need to save or invest each month in order to reach your target.  Saving too much robs you of current enjoyment.  Saving too little robs you of your long-term economic security.  Lofty financial goals are not like items on your “todo” list which you can quickly accomplish and check-off your list.  Setting reasonable, attainable goals and taking a balanced long-term approach to achieving them is the key.

Avoid holding concentrated equity positions

For one reason or another, people often times find themselves holding concentrated equity positions. Sometimes this happens because of stock option grants, restricted stock grants, the nuances of 401k employer matches, employee stock option plans, and other executive compensation.  Sometimes people have an affinity for a particular stock.  Others sell their businesses to publicly traded companies in exchange for the firm's stock.  Regardless of how you find yourself holding a concentrated position, if you are one of these people, it is worthwhile to pause and reflect on your current position to determine if that is a risk you are willing to assume.  The allure of holding a concentrated position is the tremendous upside potential that can be associated with having all your “eggs in one basket.”  The upside potential may often exist but it comes with significant downside risk as well.  This risk is often referred to as single-stock risk.  Generally speaking, is is advisable to eliminate or reduce this risk if possible and hold a properly diversified portfolio.

Stick to the basics, practice the basics, and master the basics

Finally, it is helpful and comforting to know that successful financial/investment planning does not need to be complicated.  In contrast, sometimes the most effective results come from sticking to the basics, practicing the basics, and mastering the basics.  Individuals can certainly benefit tremendously from working with a professional, especially when the amounts of money involved become significant.  Still, if they desire, many people can implement very effective investment programs on their own.  Vanguard, as one example, provides numerous high-quality low-cost index funds which everyone can utilize to implement their personal investment policies.  If you would like to learn more about this topic, I suggest reading some of the books I've listed in the “Recommended Books” section of my website (within the “Resources” section).  The education you will receive will benefit you for a lifetime.

About Rohit Kalra, CPA

As the founder and managing partner of Agora Growth Advisors, CPAs, P.C., Rohit concentrates on highly personalized accounting, tax, and financial planning services for businesses and individuals. Rohit's prior experience includes serving private companies and ultra high-net worth individuals at PricewaterhouseCoopers, corporate accounting/finance at a privately-held government contracting firm, and strategy consulting at a boutique management consulting firm.  Some of his previous clients include the nation's premier private companies and U.S. billionaires.  Rohit's diverse background affords him the unique opportunity to leverage his knowledge of accounting, business, tax and investment strategies when working with clients.  For more information, please visit his website at www.agoraadvisors.com

8. Kettlebell Jerks And A Whole Lot More: Kettlebell Training Benefits For Busy Moms 

By Maya Garcia 


I recently had an opportunity to interview my dear friend and U.S. Master of Sport, Bonnie Mullaney. In this video, she performs 153 jerks with the purple (20kg) in ten minutes. She is not only one of the most amazing female competitors to grace the bell, but also a dedicated full-time mom! Below, Bonnie shares her personal experience and insights on integrating Kettlebell lifting into her life. Enjoy.

Maya
_______________________________________________
Why do you think moms in particular would benefit from kettlebell lifting?

Kettlebell is a good sport for anyone to do, but I think it is ideal for any mom. Moms usually have a little extra, unwanted weight to get rid of, and a whole lot (of self) to gain back. I think the mental benefit from kettlebell lifting is almost more important than the physical benefit. You get a humble dose of self confidence and a mental strength that carries over into your every day life.

Most moms need all of the benefits that kettlebells have to offer: weight loss, mental strength, physical strength, social exposure, and more. It’s common for moms to feel guilty about doing anything for themselves too. It’s a strange feeling to all of a sudden one day have your whole existence be based on the wellbeing of your tiny baby. I felt extremely guilty leaving my baby one to two hours a day to do kettlebells. Colby was only 6 weeks old when I started. It was a weird feeling leaving him that young even for just a couple hours. He was always with his grandma or father and always had a pumped bottle. I knew he was safe and healthy, but I still felt like I should be home taking care of my baby, not “playing” at the gym. I didn’t realize how much kettlebells would influence my life as a mother. It made me a happier, a more confident person, which made me a happy, better mother. My main goal in life is to be a good mom. Every other goal I have is secondary to that. I believe anything that makes you a better mother, you should try.

What has been your solution to balancing mommy time with training time?

Preparation… As long as I have all my daily responsibilities taken care of, then I don’t stress or feel guilty about doing things for myself such as kettlebell lifting. I’m not extremely organized or neurotic about my house being clean, but as long as there is food on the table and in the fridge, there are clothes to wear, and the bills are paid, then I can justify taking some time out of the day for myself. Guilt has been a huge, unexpected factor of being a mom. Since day one I felt guilty about doing or buying anything for myself because suddenly you have somebody else to think about 24-7. One of the most important things I have learned is that you must make some time for yourself to do something you love because if you are not happy, it will directly impact your family. A happy family starts with happy parents!

Does your son watch you train/compete? What does he know about kettlebells?

He doesn’t watch me train because I wouldn’t get anything done, but he has gone to all my events. Everything we do is as a family. We go to Jason’s [her husband] softball and motocross races and my kettlebell events together. Jason has supported me like I have supported him. I would never want to leave either one of them at home. They both give me so much motivation. It is so important to me to have them there. At the national event in Vegas last May, Jason took care of Colby all day and made sure to have Colby in the room with me when I did all my events. He also had flowers delivered to our hotel room. Colby had fun and got to play with the kettlebells on the stage. I have a couple pictures where his tongue is hanging out because he’s concentrating so hard on picking up the giant bell. Having them there brings a whole other element to the trip; another level of emotions. I still would have been happy even if I didn’t win because I had my family there. The best part of having them there was right after each event they would give me a giant hug that made me feel so special and loved.

Maya and her husband Steve have an incredible training facility in the San Francisco, CA area. Make sure you check it out at www.icechamber.com 

 

9. Aggressive Strength Equipment Recommendations

Lifeline USA Kettlebells

Lifeline USA Kettlebells

Lifeline Kettlebell FAQ

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 two years and love them. I know you will as well.

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Power Wheel

 

Lifeline USA Power Wheel (The Best Ab Training Tool Period!)

Tired of boring ab workouts that are getting you nowhere? Get a Power Wheel and take your core strength through the roof! This is the ultimate ab wheel and a great device for building a strong mid section. Far more than just another ab wheel, with the Power Wheel, you can do a variety of killer core and upper body exercises.

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The Ultimate Sandbag

The Ultimate Sandbag

This Sandbag is by far the best one on the market. No other model even comes close. No more sand showers with this baby! In addition it has handles on it which come in handy for cleans, presses, and tons of other great exercises. Sandbag training rocks for variety or as a stand alone training system. It hits your body in ways that no other training system can duplicate. If you love kettlebell training, you will love Sandbag training.

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Jungle Gym

Jungle Gym

Do you workout at home? Travel a great deal for work? Do you enjoy bodyweight training? If yes to any of the above you will love the Jungle Gym. Great way to blast the upper body (both pushing and pulling muscles) and work your stabilizer muscles like crazy. Be prepared to shake all over the place when you do pushups with this killer training tool. In addition to being very portable it is inexpensive and like all other Lifeline USA products it is built to last. Get one today.

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TNT Cable

TNT Cable

Lifeline USA's TNT Cable is the ultimate strength enhancement tool for learning forced acceleration. Once you learn forced acceleration you will be able to blast through sticking points and learn what powerlifters call one gear strength. This means slamming a weight up from start to finish in one smooth manner. This is a great product for increasing Military Press strength and allows you to do a ton of exercises that you cannot do with any other implement. Incredible tool for building stabilizer strength and for rehab. Finally, It is a must have for busy travelers and is the ultimate home gym for those on a budget.

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Power Pushup 2

Power Pushup 2

This is the ultimate tool for adding resistance to pushups. It is perfect for people that travel.

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Portable Monkey Bar Gym

 

Portable Monkey Bar Gym

Are you a road warrior that is sick of lame hotel gyms. If you travel a lot you know first hand how hard it is to stay in great shape on the road. In addition to the problem of trying to have a healthy diet on the road, keeping workouts consistent can be as hard as getting something to eat on any airline. Instead of complaining about getting out of shape on the road, attack it first hand and get your strength and conditioning back on track. This must have package comes with a:

  • TNT Cable for pressing and pulling motions
  • A weighted Jump Rope for building cardio and stamina
  • The incredible "Jungle Gym" for hardcore pushups and pull-ups
  • Power Up Chin-Up door attachment which turns any door into a pull-up bar

This package will provide everything you need to stay in great shape on the road, at home, or even at the office. A great training tool for busy executives, athletes, and house wives a like. get it now.

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10. Aggressive Strength Product Recommendations

SUN WARRIOR RICE PROTEIN

Sun Warrior Rice Protein

Finally a protein powder that is organic, tastes great,  and will not cause nausea and have you running to the bathroom with the runs!

“Over the last couple years, Mike has always passed along sound nutritional advice that has positively affected my performance.  Recently, I mentioned that I was having trouble finding a protein powder I was happy with.  Mike recommended Sun Warrior Protein and I have been very satisfied with the results.  It’s a high quality supplement with a good amino acid profile that doesn’t produce many of the negative side effects (ex. bloating) associated with most protein powders.”--Ken Blackburn Director of Operations for the IKFF www.ikff.net 

Click here for more info

Holosync Meditation CDs

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:

» Meditation CD's That Actually Work

11. Kettlebell Training Information  

One-Arm Kettlebell Snatch

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

12. Aggressive Strength Magazine Archives 

http://www.mikemahler.com/newsletter

Until next time.

Live Life Aggressively!

Mike Mahler

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

Mike Mahler