AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 54 - 1/24/2005

1. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you prepare yourself for the worst, the best always happens.”
- Tito Ortiz

Success often falls back on to preparation and training. You could have the best attitude in the world, but if you do not have the necessary training, you will most likely fail. On the other hand, you could be the most negative and cynical person in the world and achieve your goal if you have the necessary training.

Preparing for the worst possible scenario is important when going after goals such as starting a business or even asking someone out on a date. The main reason why many people never approach someone that they are interested in dating is due to the possible rejection that may result. However, what if you mentally prepare yourself for the worst outcome. For example, you could imagine asking a lady out and she stands up slaps you in the face and states that you are the biggest loser that she has ever met. Pretty harsh outcome, especially if you do not see it coming. However, if you accept it as a possible outcome, it will not be that bad when it happens. Moreover, chances are pretty slim that it will happen.

When I started my training business, I went though some of the possible outcomes. One that was highly likely was not making any money and having to go back to the Business Development world that I left. Big deal! Another possible outcome was having my work such as my articles ridiculed. Again, big deal! In reality, my business almost failed soon after I started it. However, I was prepared for it and pushed forward. Another reality is that many people do not like my work or me. Once again, no big deal, as I could care less what people think and I did not start this business to win a popularity contest. Hell, when I was in high school, I had dreadlocks and listened to NYC Hardcore music. The dreadlocks are gone, but I still listen to the music and even had Harley Flannagan (founder of the NYC Hardcore band, the Cro-mags) do the theme and credit music on my latest DVD.

Bottom line is that many negative things will happen when you start any goal. Preparing for them, but not dwelling on them allows you to develop a defense when they knock on your door.

Live Life Aggressively!

Mike Mahler

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2. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING ARTICLE

The Importance Of Training Vacations

No I am not talking about going to Hawaii and kicking back on the beach drinking martinis. Although that is a good thing to do from time to time as well. No, I am talking about taking vacations from your training by switching gears from time to time and trying something else. For example, if you are really into kettlebell training and reach the inevitable point in which you get burned out. Try doing clubbell or barbell work for two weeks. When you get back to kettlebell training you will most likely find that you are stronger. Why? You gave your CNS a break from doing the same motor patterns over and over again and no your CNS is recharged and ready to go.

Of course, the changes do not have to be really dramatic. You could just do similar exercises with other training implements. For example, if your standard workout consists of barbell bench presses, barbell deadlifts, and weighted pull-ups, try switching to One-arm dumbbell bench presses, towel pull-ups, and Hip Pull throughs for two to three weeks. Lets go over each of these unique exercises.

One-arm dumbbell bench press: I heard about this exercise from top strength coach Ethan Reeve of Wake forest University. Here is how Coach Reeve has is athletes do the exercise. Lie on a bench with a dumbbell in one hand. For the point of illustration lets say that it is your right hand. Rest your left hand lightly on your stomach. Now press the dumbbell in your right hand for five reps and switch hands. Do not use your free hand to help you stay in place. This is what makes the exercise highly beneficial. Your core kicks in big time to keep your in place. This core strength is targeted and will carry over well to barbell bench presses.

Towel Pull-ups: This is a killer variation of the pull-up that I learned from my friend Steve Maxwell. Place a towel over a pull-up bar, grab the ends and knock off some pull-ups. This exercise will build tremendous grip strength and you will be shocked at how much harder it is compared to standard pull-ups. For more on Steve, go to Maxercise.com.

Hip Pull Throughs: This is an exercise that top powerlifting coach Louie Simmons uses with his athletes. I learned about it from Pavel Tsatsouline in his latest book “Beyond Bodybuilding.” Here is how Pavel describes the exercise: “Facing away from a cable machine, stick your arms between your legs and grab a triceps pushdown rope attached to the low cable. Keeping your arms straight, take a step forward to load your muscles. Now squeeze your glutes and drive forward while locking out your knees.” In addition to giving you a solid butt (attention ladies and metrosexuals;-) Pavel states that this exercise will improve the start and lockout on deadlifts. Translation, you will be stronger when you go back to deadlifting.

As effective as using a cable machine is, I think that this exercise will be even more beneficial with a TNT cable. With a TNT cable you just attach the rubber resistance to any door and you can do this exercise without having to go to the gym. The rubber resistance is also much harder than using machine weights. Click here for more info on the TNT cable.

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3. GET THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH DVD COMBO PACK TODAY

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5. NEW AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

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6. THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH SOLUTION FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR

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7. KETTLEBELL TRAINING INFORMATION PAGE (NEW)

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

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8. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES

http://www.mikemahler.com/newsletter

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9. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH ARTICLES

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

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10. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING JOURNAL

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

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11. RECOMMENDED READING LIST

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

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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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