Motivational YouTube Rants

I’ve been banging out these short “in your face” motivational rants on my YouTube Channel (by the way, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube if you’d like to stay up to date with all of the new strength training, personal development and motivation videos I’ll be making over the next few months — CLICK HERE to join) and just wanted to make sure that you got a chance to see them, so I’m posting a few here.

WARNING! — some of my language in these videos is harsh, so if you have children in the room or are easily offended you might want to skip these.  Also, I share some “not so PC” ideas and experiences with you… I don’t expect everyone to agree with me and my position on some things, but I do expect everyone to be respectful when commenting.  Thanks and enjoy

Scientific Construction of a Strong Character

In this highly motivating video I teach you my system for Scientific Construction of a Strong Character.  These are the exact steps that anyone looking to leave an enduring positive LEGACY must follow.

I’ve very interested to learn more about your challenges and successes with regard to the development of a STRONG CHARACTER.  I invite you to add your thoughts below.

Strength & Wisdom Journal part 10

What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

Earlier this week I created a highly inspirational video titled “Doing Whatever It Takes” for all Strength & Wisdom Tribe members.  (by the way, I am considering opening Tribe enrollment for a day or two before I increase the membership cost by 50% in a few weeks.  If you are interested please let me know by posting a comment below or sending me an e mail at support[at]hulsestrength.com and I will take it into consideration… thanks!)

In the video I tell a very personal story about my challenges as a up-start business owner and how I came very close to living in my van in order to continue pursuing my passion and goals.  The reason why I revealed this personal and sensitive story is because I wanted to show you the POWER OF COMMITMENT in real life… and inspire you to take action towards your goals, especially when it is NOT “the right time”!!

I also wanted to teach you about a very powerful tool that I use in order to “assess the risks” inherent in any new venture that I begin.  If you are thinking about “taking a plunge”… either in your career, your business, your family, or any passion that you hold dear to your heart then this technique is really going to support you and your efforts.

What is the absolute WORST thing that can happen?  & Can you handle it?

5 years ago when I quit an oppressive job, that was stifling my passion and creativity, in order to venture out on my own as an entrepreneur I had ALL the chips stacked against me.

First of all, 3 months prior to my departure from slavery Colleen and I had purchased our very first home.  Our oldest child was only 10 months old, and Colleen and I agreed that we would never put our children in daycare… so, I would be the sole “bread winner” and she would stay at home to raise our children.

So here is a snapshot of the situation:

#1. I had a family including 1 young child and a second one that would make her way into the world a few months later.

#2. Colleen was supporting the family with the absolute BEST of her resources as a stay-at-home-mom and homemaker.  While I was to provide the income to support our COMMITMENT of raising our children ourselves (the way nature intended).

#3. I quit a job I hated.

#4. I started a business with ZERO capital, ZERO experience, ZERO assets, (except my willingness to sacrifice and work hard) and only one client (paying me about $700 per month for training).  I didn’t even have a location to train potential clients!

Now… here is where I discovered the powerful mental exercise that allowed me to pull myself and my family out of this seemingly impossible situation.

I sat alone in a park one evening where I was to meet a potential client (that never showed up), with my elbows resting on my thighs and my head hung down between my legs as I watched a tear-filled puddle form between my feet.

Then I asked myself out loud, “Elliott, what is the worst thing that could happen RIGHT now?”

When I came up with an answer for the absolute worst thing that could happen to me, I then asked myself “Can you handle that?”

I quickly knew the answer was ‘Yes‘!

At the time I devised a worst case scenario being that I would have to give our new home over to the banks; send my young family to go live with my parents, 40 minutes north of our new home; I would go and work as a day laborer seeking menial jobs on a daily basis, such as picking fruit or digging ditches in order to feed myself and fund my failing business venture, all the while living in my van.

As a means to avoid falling back on the trap of employment, I decided that I could handle living in my car and digging ditches as a day laborer while separated from my family for days at a time.

I became very comfortable with this idea.  So much so, that whenever things began looking grim I would simply remind myself that “the worst that could happen” was something that I already decided I could handle.

Doing Whatever It Takes!

The truth is that most of our fears are completely irrelevant… and from a recent study I read, only 1% of our fears ever come to fruition.  Basically, we are scared of NOTHING.

That is why this technique works so well.

I have used this time and again with even more devastating imaginings such as possibly losing a limb, becoming paralyzed, and in the worse case scenario ever devised in my mind… I lost everyone that I love.

And when I asked myself, “Elliott, can you handle this situation?  Are you strong enough?” The answer is always — Yes.

I have conditioned myself to become fearless and to take action… no matter what the pending doom.

Now if the risk that I am about to embark upon requires that I may lose all my money and be late with paying my bills and endure the scourge of “bad credit”, so what? — I’m still willing to “Do Whatever It Takes.”

Stop for a moment right now and think…. What type of life would I choose to live if I knew with 100% certainty that it WILL come true?

Now ask yourself…. What is the very first step that I can take toady that will place me on the path of my vision?

It may mean ending a useless relationship; It may mean committing to a rigorous exercise program; It may mean going back to school; It may mean quitting a job that you hate; It may mean a 180 degree shift in your paradigm that literally changes WHO you are… and chances are that the thing  you would have to do in order to fulfill your passion, is going to be something SCARY!

Next, ask yourself what is the ABSOLUTE worst thing that can happen if you take that action?

You need to literally create, in your mind, the most atrocious and terrifying outcome of  taking action towards your dream… and when you have finally painted that picture, look at it and seriously and consider, “Am I tough enough to handle this?”

Here is one more, very resourceful, paradigm or mindset that will ease your fears and give you the confidence to live out the life of your dreams.

God created you to fulfill a unique role amongst mankind, for the short duration of your life.  He planted this seed in everyone.  We each have a unique calling.  Some callings are grand and some are mundane… but each is VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!

God NEEDS you to do your work.  He needs people who love music to play it.  He needs mothers who love their children to remain in the home where they can raise them.  He needs YOU to do what is in your heart… otherwise He would not have placed it there.

The passion screaming in your heart is your purpose, it’s God’s purpose for you.  As our Creator and Father… do you think He would plant a seed in your heart only to set you up for failure?

No!  But what He does expect is that you abide in His will.  When he asks you to create delicious meals for friends, family and clients… yet, you continue to deliver mail for a living.  You are living in disobedience.

Many times we whine and believe that it would be “nice” if we were to follow and fulfill our dreams.

But I say, that not only would it be nice… not only is it your RIGHT to pursue your passion, it is your RESPONSIBILITY.

Get over your fears, get over yourself, stop whining and do YOUR work!

What is the worst that could happen?

You Must Have The Wrong Guy

Guest Post by Jason Ferruggia – Author Triple Threat Muscle

Not surprisingly, a lot of people get offended by the fact that I am not in the business of promoting fitness. When I post something to this effect on FaceBook or Twitter some people get very upset and even call me mean names. (I have feelings, ya know)

Now I know this may come as an odd statement, considering what I do for a living and the fact that I am a part of the fitness industry. But I really don’t care to “give the gift of fitness” to people. I’m not going to be showing up at your front door dressed as Richard Simmons and telling you to pull your fanny of the couch because “it’s time to get fit!”

I don’t give a shit.

Before I go any further I should point out that I am not talking to most of my regular readers because, obviously you wouldn’t be here if you fit the description. Rather, I am pointing out the fact that people have often mistaken me for the wrong guy and I am trying to clear that up.

If you want to sit around and eat donuts all day why would that possibly bother me? And why would I want to motivate you? I’m not Jenny Craig or Matt Foley the motivational speaker who lives in a van down by the river. What you do is your choice. Sure I will make fun of you, laugh at you and encourage others to do the same; but it’s your life, not mine.

If you are too stupid to realize that regular exercise and a healthy diet is a necessary part of life I’m not going to waste my time telling you. Get on some prescription drugs, order a sausage pizza and watch another episode of Friends.

People ask me all kinds of questions when they find out what I do for a living.

“How do I lose this?” (grabbing a handful of a 48 inch waist)

“I don’t know.”

“How long should I do the stair climber for?”

“I don’t know.”

“I can’t give up carbs but I want to get lean. What should I do?”

“I don’t know.”

“I only have twenty minutes to train, twice a week. What should I do?”

“I don’t know.”

“I know you’re into all that heavy lifting but I can’t do that. What can I do instead?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’m a girl and I don’t want to get too bulky so how should I lift?”

“I don’t know.”

“How do I get motivated to go to the gym?”

“I don’t know.”

You either want to do something or you don’t. I’m not in the business of motivating people. Sure, I’ll shout some words of encouragement to serious trainees before they attempt a new squat max, and may even question their manhood in an attempt to get them even angrier. And I’ll cheer a guy on during a grueling conditioning finisher, but if you are not internally motivated already, you’re looking toward the wrong guy for help. I just don’t care enough to waste my time on those types of people.

Often times people will tell me that they want to train with me and that I if they hire me or come to my gym I really need to push them. No, I don’t. You need to push yourself. You’re hiring me for my program design skills which are based on 16 years of experience. I am not a cheerleader. Any nitwit can yell at someone like a drill sergeant. Just because a workout is hard doesn’t mean it’s effective. Just because a coach yells loudly it doesn’t mean he’s smart.

If you can’t find it within yourself and are not driven to excel, there is nothing I can do for you.

I’ll give hard working, motivated, intelligent people everything I have. But for everyone else I have no time or patience. I know this offends many people. But it’s just me being honest.

If someone needs to lose 15 pounds of fat in order to compete at a higher level in a weight class sport I’m all for helping them. If someone needs to lose 150 pounds I don’t have a clue what they should do. All I know is they shouldn’t have gotten into that situation in the first place. And allowing themselves to do so shows me they are undisciplined and lazy. I have little tolerance for these types of people.

Guest Post by Jason Ferruggia – Author Triple Threat Muscle

There’s nothing I like more than helping guys get bigger, stronger and faster. Taking a new guys squat from 225 to 455 is a lot of fun for me. I know how to do that. But I don’t know what fat people should do. I don’t know what lazy people should do. And it doesn’t interest me to find out.

I told some fat people recently that they couldn’t out train a bad diet. Some were offended. They thought that as long as they trained hard on some high intensity circuit type workout a few days a week they would get lean.

They won’t. Nobody gets lean from doing kettlebell swings and burpees. If you’re eating clean, these will help, but unless your diet is spot on you aint losing an ounce. All the exercise in the world will do you no good without eating properly. These are the cold, hard facts, my friends.

So before you send me another email telling me that I am discouraging fat, lazy people from even trying to get fit in the first place, please realize that I don’t care. These are not my kind of people and that is not my market.

You must have the wrong guy.

Jason Ferruggia is the owner of Renegade Gym in New Jersey and the author Triple Threat Muscle

Strongman Training Journal part 2

Beyond God and politics… no other conversation makes people as uncomfortable as of that about MONEY!

Last week I revealed one of my most pressing goals, which is to spend less time working and more time with my family.  Also, I have to make it clear that time spent with my family doesn’t simply mean “hanging around” or doing “fun things”… in my definition it means Teaching Values, Modeling Behavior, Cultivating Discipline and Encouraging Harmony within my “Tribe”.

Colleen and I have 3 daughters and another child on the way… so, we’ve got quite a relational dynamic as well an opportunity for personal growth and evolution for all “Tribe Members” with our 4 walls.

So, in order to fulfill my ideal of spending more time with my family, as well as exercising my position as “Spiritual Leader” in the home…  I not only need extra time to be with my loved ones, but I need time to learn and grow myself.  For I am only as good to others as I am to myself.

If you are anything like me, you’ve come to realize that TIME is our most limited and valuable resource.  Why then, do we waste so much time doing things we’d rather not do?  Why don’t we sit down and consider what we’d REALLY like to do with our time and then formulate a lifestyle to support it?

Second to the fact that most people either a) have no idea what they want, or  b) are to afraid to approach it… is that we understand that without adequate resources (MONEY) it becomes very difficult to enjoy time fulfilling our hearts desire.  Also, as ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ illustrates, a man’s perceived safety and security must be established prior to become fully self actualized and worthy of expressing unconditional love.

In the mind of modern, industrialized men… money creates safety and security.  Although many, including myself, would argue that true security is internalized through harmony with our Creator… it is difficult to argue that “all is well” when your bank statement contains several penalties labeled “NSF” (that’s for Non Sufficient Funds, for those of you who have never seen this).

The goal of capturing more free time to pursue my “heart’s calling” is a noble one, and one that most would agree is ideal.  We ALL want more time.  And we ALL want more money, safety and security in order to make constructive use of our time.

So, how can it be done?

Simple, Spend less time working and make more money!

Sure, this sounds like a late-night infomercial that most would simply ignore as the navigate towards ‘TV Land’ for old Cosby Show reruns.  But, I am crazy (and some might say naive) enough to believe that I can do it.

Before I proceed, let me remind you of my current situation:

1. We are currently in the process of repaying over $87,000 in credit card debt.

2. We are “upside-down” on our mortgage and are about to have the banks foreclose on our home.

3. My wife drives a used mini van that we purchased on Craigslist.com after Simone (or 3rd child) was born.  Prior to this she drove the 2 older girls around in a Ford Escort that my grandmother gave us.

4. Of course, I still drive the 1988 van that my dad gave me 5 years ago.

5. Colleen and I do not spend money on new clothes, jewelry, electronics (our children watch the 26″ TV that I bought in college) although we do go on 2 date-nights per month where we spend about $100 for dinner.  I love good food

The point is that I am not, by standard definitions, rich.  I have created MANY financial challenges for our family that we are still overcoming.

Also, I have tried and failed at several business models that have cost me lots of time and resources.  But, it has been those “failures” that have given me the insight to create a model that is now working on several levels.  It is giving me more time to fulfill my God-given purposes and hearts desires (like sharing this journal with you) as well as the money to fulfill my fiscal responsibilities as a business owner, father, husband and leader of my tribe.

**A Note To Employees** – I realize that most people reading this are probably not entrepreneurs or business owners (heck, I don’t even know if I’d consider myself a REAL business owner) and may be thinking, “yea, this all sounds good to you lucky business owners who create your own schedules… but my boss will never consider letting me leave the office early!”

If you love your job and are happy with the way you spend your time, then my hat goes off to you.  But, if you are miserable and feel that your time would be better spend doing something else… then I invite you to a) re-evaluate and re-state your TRUE VALUES; and b) get moving NOW towards creating an ideal life that facilitates the execution of your values.  If this means getting a different job or (as I often suggest) begin a LEVERAGE ABLE side project that has the potential to create enough revenue so as to allow time for self-actualization… then get crackin’.

The “Restored Power” Principles For Working Less & Earning More Money:

Before I tell you about the tools I’ve been using (more like practicing) to create more money in less time, lets make a few things clear.

First, I am not in pursuit of “riches”… in fact, I hate stuff!  I tend to be a minimalist of sorts and would rather spend my life in a criminal’s jail cell than to be made the prisoner of expensive consumer items that need protection and maintenance.   More TIME for Thinking, Learning and Serving — this is my desire.

Next, it is essential to decide upon the exact amount of money you’ll need in order to feel safe and secure enough to pursue higher level activities. Any income created beyond this is to be thought of as a bonus.  I aim to resist the tendency to become overly excited with the results, and then to endlessly reset the horizon… this will surely lead to discontent and is counter productive to Peace Of Mind.

My calculations bring me to a monthly income goal (I always think in terms of monthly cash flow) that will allow me to continue to pay off our debt in the rapid fashion that we have been for the past 16 months; pay all of our living expenses; pay all of my business expenses; save a percentage and give a percentage to our church (these 2 actually come first)… and of course a portion allocated to fun

1. The 80 / 20 Rule: Like most business owners I have become addicted to work.  Also, conditioning set in by my father has created in me a paradigm of “you’ve got to work, work, work, work!” I still harbor this sentiment but aim to break it this year.

The 80 /20 rule states that “80% of all results come from 20% of the performed activities.” This is an accepted idea by most high performing individuals… I didn’t make it up.  The 80/20 Rule is also called The Pareto Principle named after the scientist who first propounded it (for those of who would like to “Google it”)

After a careful 80/20 analysis of my business activities and results, I had come to the conclusion that there are only 3 activities that really create income for me.  My objective now it to focus mainly on those things while working… to the exclusion of all, less important, activities.

The essential point here is to be completely honest with yourself by choosing to do ONLY what you know will actively bring you closer to your goal.  AND then to focus on it with super intensity!

2. Parkinson’s Law: Parkinson’s Law dictates that a task will swell in perceived importance and complexity in relation to the time allotted for its completion. Basically, if you don’t set hard deadlines you’ll have a tendency to procrastinate and as you procrastinate the goal begins to look harder and harder to accomplish.

This is how I managed to begin spending extra time at home in the morning helping Colleen get the girls off to school and am able to train for strongman 3-4 times per week, can get home early to help bathe the girls and get them to bed, spend alone-time with my wife, read, meditate and pray… while running 2 “businesses”.

Because I have boiled my crucial actives down to only 3 things and FORCE myself to focus on them alone from 9am to 1pm, 5 days per week I am able to fulfill my other obligation and heart’s desires without anxiety.

3. A Leverage able  Business Model:

The last thing that has to be considered, is that when building a model that will create income, I had to consider it’s leverage-ability… it’s capacity to run without me sitting at the wheel.  There are 2 elements that allow my model to run without constant supervision.

1. I sell information.

2. I use the internet.

In the interest of not making this post any longer than it already is, I will spare you the details of my model.  But I have placed an image of its mind map for you to see below.  (Most people are visual learners and fare well using pictures to illustrate their goals and intentions)

In following posts I am going to tell you about my Mental Training Plan, Strongman Training Plan, Family Leadership Plans, Nutrition and Lifestyle Plans, Learning Goals, Spiritual Evolution Goals and much much more!

Suggested Reading ==> The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris , although it has a hokey name the content and ideas in this book are based on time tested truths.  Tim’s approach is very pragmatic and practical.

This is one of the few books that has shifted my thinking and life paradigm in a dramatic and positive manner and I HIGHLY suggest anyone interested in the topics discussed above read it.

==> Click here to get a new or used copy of The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris <==

Strongman Training Journal part 1

Every so often the evolving man will reach a season of reflection, assessment and course correction.  This is often a time to restate and adjust VALUES, then recommit to the course that leads to self actualization.

I have always been transparent and honest with you.  You have experienced my success as well as my failures; you have met my wife and children and you’ve partaken of my innermost convictions.

The only way that I know how to SERVE you is through my experiences.  Although I possess advanced degrees, certifications and accreditation… none of this gives me the type of power to inspire and motivate in the manner that making my life “an open book” to you does.

Far from being gifted, I was labeled very early in my life as “a child of below average intelligence”.  Teachers warned my parents about my inability to focus and concentrate.  Medication was given to temper my “Attention Deficit  / Hyperactivity Disorder”.

Today my gifted ADHD is manifest in a rebellious posture towards fraudulent authority and social norms.  I refuse to “get a job”; I abhor the “American Ideal” of overextending finances in an attempt to pacify the conditioned desire to appear consistent with the homogeneous masses; there is but ONE television in my home that ceases operation 5 out of the 7 days per week… my children will be saved from early commercial brainwashing.

I invite you to join me in CHOOSING OUR OWN VALUES.  Not that which your neighbor adheres or the television insidiously demands.

What do you love?  What is TRULY of the utmost importance to you?  What type of life would bring you piece of mind?

Service is the highest station of mankind.  When asked, “What is the purpose of life?”, Albert Einstein answered, “To serve one another, what other purpose could there be?”

As I have been called to serve mankind through my words, information, encouragement, and coaching… I will now share with you my current personal vision, goals and action steps, with 2 purposes in mind… one to aid you and one to motivate me.

1. First, you may be experiencing or have experienced similar challenges or aspirations as the ones I am about to share with you.  If this is the case then perhaps you can glean some insight as to how someone else is navigating the same terrain.

One of my favorite hobbies is to read the Biographies and Autobiographies of men who lived extraordinary lives.  This provides encouragement as well as insight that may support me on my journey.  I, by no means intend to bind my name with that of Abe Lincoln, Ralph Waldo Emerson or Jesus… but as an ordinary 30 year old American Man that yearns to enjoy all that is good in life and expire in due time with confidence and zero regrets, my assumption is that many may be able to relate.

2. As a means to motivate myself through accountability.  If I share my values, goals and intentions with others… I am essentially being put “on the spot”.  The type accountability that is associated with full public divulgence  creates a haunting sense that “I am always being watched.” And with that type of supervision it becomes more difficult to backslide.

Share your goals with those you love most.

Amongst the first steps towards My Ideal Life in 2010 was:

1. To Spend More Time At Home With Colleen & Children: Accomplished! — I go to Strength Camp at 5:45 am to train my Men’s Strength Class and then immediately head home to help Colleen cook breakfast and get the girls off to school.  In the past I would get started with my internet business immediately following the morning class… Now I begin no earlier than 9am.

2. To Take More Time Off And Vacations: Accomplished! — I am a self proclaimed workaholic.  When I moved to Florida from New York I spent the first 9 months working at a gym from 6 am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5pm on the weekends.  I never thought twice about spending more time working.  When I opened Strength Camp, I continued with the same pattern.  Now that Colleen and I are going on our 4th child… things have to change.

When I bought my new PlannerPad for 2010, I marked off 8 weeks that I will FORCE myself not to work… at all.  That’s 2 weeks every quarter.  This definitely is “stepping out of my comfort zone”… but wait, I have already decided that I will cut my working hours back even more in 2011 (we’ll talk about it then)!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, my most valued asset is TIME! Not more money, or a newer car (I still drive the 1988 Ford family van my dad gave me 5 years ago), fame, or even to save the world…. I just want more TIME!

The 2 goals above have pretty much been accomplished already or are being fulfilled as we speak… but I am NO WHERE near to coming close to the REAL transformation that I am embarking on for 2010.

As I mentioned in an email earlier this week, there are many holes in my character that need patching.  Truthfully, most of these holes have been created over the past 5 years as I embarked on the responsibilities of manhood.

Many of the positive traits I had begun to express via awareness and practice prior to getting married, having children, creating debt, starting businesses and becoming a Pro Strongman… have been abandoned.  They are now long lost attributes of a once mindful, peaceful and courageous 25 year old boy.

Although I comfort myself with the *excuse* of “battle wounds acquired in my fight for accomplishment”… the truth is that many of these traits were desirable and can be retrained.  It IS possible to regain lost virtues in the same manner that you can regain lost strength or muscle… through exercise!

In future segments of my Strongman Training Journal, I will expose you to my “Restored Power Plan” where you will gain insight into:

1. My Daily Mental Training Regiment For Accelerated Success!

2. The Techniques That I’ll Use To Regain The ‘Dominant, Confidant, Alpha Male‘ Command.

3. How I Will Force My Environment (and the people in it) To Comply With My New Demeanor.

4. The Extremely Demanding Meal Plan That Will Force My Body To Comply With Physical Vision.

5. My Exact Strongman Training Plan That I Will Follow To Bring Me Success In My First Pro Strongman Show.

Plus many more disciplines that will be practiced.

In the meantime, if you are compelled to share Your VALUES or GOALS For 2010 please feel free to comment below.

If you are a man of wisdom and feel moved to share your insights with me or any of our readers please feel free to comment below.

Sports Psychology (Mental Muscle Training)

By far, it is the training and development of mental fortitude, focus, concentration and the ‘strength of character’ that will determine an athletes (or any individual)  success in sports and life.

All physical preparation, the manipulation of training variables, adoption of dietary regimens are bound to failure if the mental and emotional constitution of a man is weak.  There is no superficial tactic that will trump flawed mental strategies.

This is why I always fall back and refer to one’s character; their clarity of vision and expression of commitment / discipline when confronted with questions about training mechanics and specifics.

You can only GET what you ARE!  The results you see in the mirror or on the playing field are in direct response to the type of character and inner strength you’ve developed.  And every superficial effort put forth is only as strong as the soil from which it sprouts.

To quote Emerson (as always), “Every action is measure by the depth of the sentiment from which is proceeds.” In other words if you think you are going to lose, if you think you are too small, too short, too fat or too slow… you are probably right.  This is your deeply held ‘sentiment’ and every action you take henceforth will be measured by it.

This is why you have tried “ALL THE TRICKS IN THE BOOK”… and are still not seeing the results you aim for.  It’s not that the tricks are bad, it’s that your thinking is!

Last night I had to honor of speaking with a man that trains the Mental Muscle of professional and Olympic athletes in a similar fashion to that which I do with their physical muscle.

Todd is the author and creator of the Champions Challenge , a system that encourages athletes to change their performance for the better by practicing mental training exercises.  This, in my opinion, is the ABSOLUTE foundation for the realization of full athletic and life potential.

Very rare is it that I am this excited and convinced that a product, if used properly, has the potential to change it’s users life in the way that the Champions Challenge does.

Well, I invited a few people to listen in on my call with Todd last
night and I also recorded it for you to listen to (below).

Just a quick heads up before you listen to the call… as it turned out, some 14 year old chuckle head snook onto the call when his mommy and daddy were in the shower and decided to interrupt Todd and myself on several occasions.

So, try your best to focus on what Todd is teaching us, but be prepared for me to grow a bit restless with our intruder.  If you can’t tell by my tone, I was ready to give the little lad a few lashings with my belt… but tried my best to stay cool

[podcast]http://www.hulsestrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Todd Herman.mp3[/podcast]

If you feel like the stuff that Todd is teaching us on this call may be of support to you or your atheltes, I would invite you to check out his Champions Challenge <=  Click Here

Elliott Hulse Interviewed By Vince Delmonte

Elliott Hulse Interviewed By Vince Delmonte

About Lean Hybrid Muscle

1) Tell us a little about yourself and how you hooked up with Mike Westerdal on this project.

I am a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, gym owner and professional strongman. I train athletes and fitness clients get stronger, leaner and reach their full physical potentials. Long story short… I’ve spent my entire life; since I was in high school, studying, coaching, training and motivating people I care about to become the best that their capacity would allow.

Mike and I played college football against each other and without ever formally meeting each other traversed similar paths post-college. Mike is a power lifter and motivates athletes with his website criticalbench.com. I am a strength coach and motivate clients at my gym. When we finally met it was like a perfect union. Besides, we both have similar values and He and I are both passionate about training and helping people.

2) Is the lean hybrid muscle building program just about strength training and getting stronger?

No. In fact, we started manipulating our training variables with the sole purpose of burning fat since Mike and I had put on so much weight getting stronger.

What makes this different than most typical fat burning programs though is that we also wanted to maintain as much muscle and strength as possible while getting leaner.

Yes, Mike and I are both strength athletes but we are also ex-college football players, family men and regular guys that want to look and feel good just like everyone else.

3) What if you don’t have access to strongman training equipment, can you still do these hybrid workouts?

A lot of people get this confused. Hybrid Muscle training is NOT about the equipment being used… these are just tools. The essence of Hybrid Muscle training is found in the manipulation of training variables, basically how you structure your reps, sets, rest intervals, intensity and frequency.

You can do this with ANY training tools. Barbells, dumbbells, cables, medicine balls, and machines… whatever you like.

I just happen to be a strongman and like using strongman equipment for myself and my clients. But it is by no means a necessary. What is necessary is a willingness to train hard, get uncomfortable and strive towards your fitness goals like your life depends on it.

4) We haven’t heard much about the type III muscle fiber. What is it and how did you first hear about it?

It’s funny, there are many things that have the capacity to change our lives but we rarely if ever hear about them. Then all of a sudden someone re-discovers one of these lost gems and brings them to the market like it’s brand new. Kettle bells are not new, but now everyone is jumping on the kettle bell bandwagon like its best thing since sliced bread.

This Acai berry is another example… it’s not like someone really discovered it. The freaking berry was sitting in trees for thousands of years and them some dude comes along and puts it in a bottle and now he’s a hero.

I had been using a similar type of training to increase my strength while simultaneously improving endurance for my strongman competitions. I was first introduced to the idea of lifting heavy for a lot of reps by my friend Tom Mitchell.

I did some research and found that a similar model to this was being used by a guy named Charles Staley; he called it Escalating Density Training. Then after some further research Mike stumbled upon a book titled The Purposeful Primitive by Marty Gallagher. In this book Marty introduces us to a few guys who had been doing decades of research on Type 3 muscle… guys like Ori Hoffmeckler and

5) You’re a pro strongman and a strength coach. I read that you once said, “Strength has been stigmatized in our society.” Could you elaborate on that?

Haha! I have a tendency to be over inflammatory at times… but the truth is that this DOES piss me off. It’s just amazing to me how many people still buy into the lie of getting “something for nothing”. This is why “get rich quick” schemes still exist and why infomercials selling stupid ab-buster gadgets are still around.

I don’t care what anyone tells you… getting fit, building muscle, burning fat or any worthy goal that you set is going to take work. You are going to have to work hard, cultivate discipline, become focused, relentless and obsessed. This is a law of nature, it’s the law of the farm… you can only REAP what you SOW.

To build muscle, you are going to have to get stronger… there is no other way. You can “feel the burn” all you want, but until you start adding some challenging intensities to your workouts you are just playing with yourself.

Yes. I do think “strength has been stigmatized” in our society… also honesty, honor, integrity and discipline. These are all foundational VIRTUES that are the cornerstone to living a fully self-actualized life. But they ALL require hard work and awareness to develop. Most people are too blind and lazy to accept and pursue this… so instead, they simply bash it.

6) Why is hybrid cardio a better use of time than traditional cardio machines?

Research has shown that interval training is better for fat loss than long, low intensity stints of “cardio”. This has already been accepted, I don’t need to prove it.

But “Hybrid Cardio” or what I like to call “resistance cardio” is a bit different in that we can use weights or other resistance training tools to enhance our cardio training. Things like sled dragging, prowler pushing, sand bag carries, kettle bell swings and even wearing a weighted vest all add a moderate muscle building response to your typical cardio routine. Besides, in my opinion this stuff is just much more fun than jogging on a treadmill anyway.

7) Name your top five favorite “hybrid exercises” that someone can do in a commercial gym.

This is a great question because most people are going to be trying these workouts in a commercial gym. But keep in mind that ANY exercise can be classified as “hybrid” by simply manipulating the training variables according to your goals.

The following exercises are cool because they tax the muscular and cardiovascular system together.

#1. Barbell Squat Push-Press

#2. Reverse Cable Wood Chops

#3. Barbell Hang Cleans

#4. Dumbbell Farmers Carry

#5. Barbell / Dumbbell Overhead Lunges

Why is it called the Lean Hybrid Muscle program?

Like I mentioned before… Mike and I started experimenting with these workouts with the main goal of getting leaner without losing muscle or strength. We both realized after a short while that we are not only getting leaner with these workouts but we were gaining muscle mass at the same time!

So the word “Lean” is of course because we wanted to get leaner. The “Hybrid Muscle” part describes two things: first the Type 3 Muscle fibers we spoke about earlier as well as the hybrid nature of these workouts. Combining all of the training modalities (strength, muscle building, conditioning, functional) into one workout is hybrid.

9) Why do you want to burn fat and build muscle at the same time instead of doing one at a time?

Speed and sanity. Let me explain… first, I am impatient. I like to get what I want as fast as possible and I’m willing to work as hard as possible to get it. I don’t read into astrology too much, but I am an Aries… the Aries is a “fire sign”. I’m not too sure what this means but it sort of dictates my personality. I get super hot and create destruction with speed… but then I’m done. Haha!

So speed first and then sanity… I would just lose my mind if I had to “bulk” and “cut” like most bodybuilders do. I was sick of being fat but didn’t want to lose any strength.

10) Is there a different program for men and women?

A common myth is that men and women need to train differently. I am no scientist but I can tell you from experience that women do very well training with Hybrid Muscle Variables. In fact, the results that women get at my gym are often better than the men.

This is simply because this is the first time they have been exposed to strength training. So, all types of cool things start happening like their posture improves and this means that the boobs stand up a little higher. Also, since we include so many squats in the programs there is a significant tightening and firming up of the gluts.

We may design a program specifically for women in the future but the foundation will still be exactly the same. Work hard, get stronger and train like you life depends on it!

Hard Core Training For Guys Over 50

Here is a great question about strength training for guys over 50 that was sent to me yesterday from HulseStrength.com reader, Gene Burke.

Gene writes…

Hey Elliott,

Great site and information. You seem like a pretty straight shooter so I would like to ask for your opinion about which training path to take. I just turned 50 last week. In the 80′s I competed in some bodybuiling & powerlifting meets, then became invloved in the martial arts for many years and got away from lifting.

Here is my question, I am now 50. I will never be a strongman competitor (besides my age I am only 5’11″ and run about 225. As I get older I am worrying more about my long term fitness and health. I run from time to time and to be honest it is a chore, but I think it may be better for my health than lifting.

I see all these ex strongman and bodybuilder guys who after they compete shrink down to normal size (ahola, yates, columbo and so on), so I wonder if trying to get down in weight to say 185 – 190 is better for a man as he gets older than trying to build muscle and try to stay at like 220-225 solid.

This issue is driving me nuts…. which way do you feel is the better way to satay healthy in the long run,  lots of aerobics or lots of weight training?

by the way I love to lift…i will just never be in the league of even local strongman shows level strength….

any insight would be great…

Gene

My Answer….

Gene, it’s funny that you ask this question today as I had a lengthy conversation with one of my “over 50″ Strength Camp members this morning after class about the same topic.

The question arises as to whether or not it makes sense for a man over 50 to be concerned with building more muscle mass and decreasing body fat to the point of being “shredded”.

As is typical, I answered from a holistic paradigm… basically, looking at things in our lives with a broader scope and considering that all elements of life are linked.

So, here is the situation… It is common for men over 50 to notice a decrease in testosterone along with a decrease in the ability to build muscle, burn fat and an over-all drop in male virility.  This is normal and natural.

Yes, we do live in a time and in a country where most of our food and water is polluted by Estrogen inducing substances… such as petroleum based / plastic food containers (Xenoestrogens) and a high amount of pesticides designed to incapacitate the reproductive ability of pests (and subsequently HUMANS too).

BUT, as a natural process of individual human evolution… ie. getting old , men begin to produce an increased amount of Aromatase, an enzyme that converts or “aromatizes” testosterone into estrogen.

So you may be asking, “Shit! That sucks… why the hell would that happen?”

Here is my humble (that’s up for debate) opinion…

In traditional tribal societies young men would spend much or their time hunting, fishing, climbing, fighting and foraging for food — testosterone driven stuff.  Women typically were the creators and caretakers of the tribe.  In fact, in many Native American societies the women were the real leaders and decision makers.  Being biologically more in tuned with nature, women were often the tribal counselors as well.

Men viewed women as being more “worthy” then them due to their life-giving capacity. As such men designed rights of passive rituals that would emulate the burden of women in order to show God or Nature that we too would like to become “worthy”.  An example of this type of ritual is the Sun Dance Festival that is performed by Lacota men where they would shed blood, as women do, to honor God.  (My little brother Ellis has done this grueling ritual 4 times and has some SICK scars to show for it)

Men and women are MUCH different than many people today would have you believe.  We are mental, emotional and biological opposites.  BUT traditionally, we compliment each other perfectly (although today this no longer the case, as the line between masculinity and femininity is becoming more and more blurred).

Imagine the Ying-Yang symbol for a moment… the opposing images are of contrasting colors (black and white) but within each there is a single spot which holds the color of the opposite side…. the black side has a spot of white and the white side has a spot of black.  — this means that each side contains the potential of the other.  Black has the potential for being white and white has the potential for becoming black.

The same is true for men and women… although we ARE opposites, we each contain the potential for displaying the characteristics of the other.

In nature there are NO extremes, everything is balanced out perfectly.  There is no day without night, there is no cold without hot, there is no winter without summer.  Also, nature has a tendency to correct severe imbalances by swinging the pendulum heavily in the opposite direction.  For example, most people would agree that the sun produces life on earth… getting some sunshine is a good thing.  But there becomes a point where too much sun can COOK everything on the earth and there fore produce the opposite of life… death!

Well, the same happens with our sex hormones.

When a man lives past a certain age, all of his full masculinity becomes feminine, and a women of this particular age become more masculine… thus balancing the equation.

This is SO obvious, all you have to do it look with a discerning eye!

Women’s bodies become harder, their ambitions shift from life-giving to life-protecting.  And men, our bodies become softer and our ambitions shift from life-protecting (hunting and fighting) to life-nurturing (telling stories and sharing wisdom).

God creates this shift in Man and Woman just like He created the shift from day to night…  in order that balance may ensue.

The problem is the WE as human beings are often not satisfied with what natures decree.  We think that things should stay the same…. a women of 50 wants to look and act like she is 20, this is ugly — it is against nature!  Also men, as our testosterone naturally drops so does out ability to build muscle, burn fat and get a “hard-on”.

Peace is achieved ONLY through SUBMISSION.  If we are to evolve peacefully and happily we have to accept and LOVE our personal shifts…  Men as becoming more woman-like and women the opposite.

Gene, the men who you describe above who have SHIFTED from being 300 pounds of muscle to 185 recognized and submitted to natures demand for them to become less testosterone driven and thus smaller, leaner, and I’d bet — much wiser.

So, you’re probably still saying… “Elliott, you dork!  This is not what I wanted to know, can you just tell me if I should do more cardio or weight training?”

You should continue to do what you love to do (lift weights)… BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, recognize that the parameters by which you once got results will change.  You will probably need to use lighter weights (and perhaps stretch more)… but this does not mean that your training intensity should change.

Keep training hard and allow your body and mind to evolve as you age.

Submit.  Accept.  Embrace.  And be GRATEFUL for the changes that you are experiencing!

By the way, here is a great workout program for guys over 5o.  It contains a combination of resistance training and cardio.  ==> http://hulsestrength.com/recommends/EDTTraining – It contains a template of one of the EXACT training routines that I use with my Men’s Fitness Strength Camp members.

Although the site may be down (it was hacked and currently being migrated to a new server), you may be interested in trying out my Strength Camp Workout Free DVD ==> http://www.StrengthCampDVD.com

Meet Roger one of the “old dudes” that uses these types of workouts at my gym…

I have fallen so much in love with this idea of “Hybrid Muscle Training”, combining resistance and cardio in the same exercise, that a friend of mine and I are working on a HUGE project that will expose this type of training and its incredible results… stay tuned!

My Success Mentors

Whenever starting out in any new endeavour of which I have little or no experience, the first thing I do, is as Brian Tracy says, “Find one who has achieved what you will, and imitate their every move.”

Basically, find someone (a mentor) who you can “Copy Cat”.

Throughout my life I have entered into and out of several developmental stages, each of which required a new mentor for me to “Copy Cat”.

Since most of my interest lies in the realms of Personal Development, Spirituality, Relationships, Health And Business as I described in a previous post => Elliott Hulse’s Personal Development Secrets , my mentors have been consistent with these ideals.

Below are a few short clips of a few the men who have helped shape my mind, manners, life and aspirations.  Often, it was just a simple statement or a “tip” from one of these gentlemen that drastically altered the direction of my life.

Today, I seek to “Pay It Forward” by serving others with my experiences through this blog and with my in-depth personal development or business courses like the  “How To Start Your Own Warehouse Gym” course.

Brian Tracy

Paul Chek

Edmund Hulse (My Father)

Earl Nightingale

OSHO

Ralph Waldo Emerson

PS – Oh, have you gotten my FREE CD yet? ==> “How To Start Your Own Warehouse Gym”

PSS — I’d love to hear about your mentors or any book, movie or song that has been supportive to you in achieveing goals and becoming a STRONGER man!!

Just comment below!

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