Elliott’s Sick, Sad Addiction
Is there a method of training that ADDS energy and life force as opposed to detracting in the fashion that I’ve experienced?
Are there exercises that induces an ANABOLIC response while you are performing it?
Is anyone familiar with the “Autonomic Nervous System” and balancing it’s Sympathetic and Para-Sympathetic responses with exercise?
Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated?
Related posts:
While there really isn’t enough room for me here to explain everything about the Law of Attraction and the Teachings of Abraham, and I know it’s out there but I’m a very spiritual person and I’ve researched metaphysics so it’s not so out there to me, but I digress: here’s the website listed below, I’ve found many answers to my questions that resonate with me here. If it doesn’t resonate with you, find something that does. But this does for me, so I thought you might want to take a look. Good luck, Elliott. I sincerely hope you find the Well-Being you seek.
Regards, Riley McKenna
Website:
http://www.abraham-hicks.com/lawofattractionsource/index.php
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Thanks Riley! Great link. I’m familiar with Esther Hicks, looks like I’ll be adding her books to my amazon wishlist
Thank you.
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I go in seasons or modes. It’s hard to keep 110% intensity on anything for too long so finding the balance is key and then focusing on big thing at a time wihtout letting the rest fall apart. Example. I like to do 2 powerlifting meets a year. But doing that all year long would leave me low on energy for business, work and other passions.
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Ferreeel Westy! We’ve talked about this many of times… jacked, strong motherf*ckers who suck at life, and how we never want to become one.
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Hey Elliott,
As a disciple of hardcore training such as yourself, I thought these words whould never come out of my mouth but Crossfit decimates me more than the super-hardcore lifting. I still lift heavy and I still do my strongman training but I’ve mixed ALL aspects of fitness into my training. My training takes half the time too. My competitive edge is still fed through local and regional comps.
Give it a try.
Chris
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Thanks Chris! I’m with you…
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Big “E” –
If it’s a matter of dire immmediacy; by all means go (…’balls to the wall). If it’s a matter of juggling physical, emotional, financial, social, mental,… et al STRESSES — what grandma said — “Everything in moderation!”
Proper nutrition (building blocks) and adequate rest(recovery) are paramount when it comes to turning little you into big you — (both physically and psychologically).
I’m not saying to slow down and smell the roses but I am suggesting that you re-evaluate the methods you use and the tools you utilize when addressing your desires and aspirations. Realize that you are more than just meat —
less can mean more in the long run.
… hope you work it out!
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
“you are more than just meat” – very true words, thank you Ken!
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Ken P
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June 25th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
“E”:
Frankly, I don’t know if you heed (or for that matter; pay attention to any advice I throw your way, but I will none-the-less continue to do so as long as it appears that you are in a quandry over ‘issues’.
As a follow up to my last post: — I have been lifting weights for the better part of 50 years / sometimes I’ve done it right and, more often, done it wrong. Over the past few years, following one BS program after another, I frankly haven’t made any advances (until recently) when I actually tried out a regimen I had bought a couple of years ago but never got around to using.
Although the creator’s suggestion was to follow the program to the “T”, I admit that I did modify mine a bit. Even with the (dis-allowed) modification, I made some good gains in size,strength and fat loss through my 1st 42 day cycle. I’m going through the recovery portion now and can’t wait to go through the cycle a 2nd time.
The program is fairly involved, nutrition based and chaotic. It is titled “Metabolic Surge” and put out by Nick Nilsson. I found it to be just the ticket to get me on the Anabolic road again.
You might want to check it out and maybe put your own spin on it!
Best,
KP
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Elliott
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June 25th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Thank you Ken, I appreciate your insight!
Funny thing, I am currently following Nick’s program
I’m on day 12, lol. Nick is brilliant and I like his program.
Hey Elliot, man the thing that works best for me is just breaking my training into blocks, meaning I will do 2 -3 weeks hard, followed by 1 week light. I will do this for 2-3 months then take time off like 2 weeks to totally rejuvenate. I find this helps me, give it a shot and let me know if it helps.
Charles Gardner
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
That sounds like a great program Charles. Thanks!
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Elliott,
Check out the Gym Movement. I’ve been training in this fashion for some time now and I love it. I feel really good every time, and I’ve been able to make PRs each and every workout. And it’s not draining me the least bit.
http://www.grip-rip.com
http://www.adamtglass.com
Watch what this guy is doing. You’ll love it.
I don’t even make a penny telling you about this. Just thought you’d like to check it out
Mat
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
DAMN! That is a bad-ass headline. haha!
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I can’t tell if you are joking, serious, or only slightly serious (lol). Anyhow … I used to be that guy who did P90X and was content, until I did some youtube searches and found a you and Zack E. (and Smitty and Joe H. and many other like minded people). I totally change the way I workout and my approach to fitness. Instead of just owning dumbbells I now own a tire, sledgehammer, prowler, barbell, plates, bulllup bar, etc. and have a gym membership (mostly for the squat rack and to avoid CNY winters haha) and I still plan on adding more. I work my butt off when I workout but I also heal slow and when I injure myself, even a minor one, it can hinder me for months. Also it was interfering with my family (wife, daughter 9, son 2) and my 2 jobs (among other things). My point is I gave up on the dream of being this big strong impressive dude and settled for being a guy who is in really good shape and has a great family life and is God honoring. Many times I have been siked about working out and them my child comes along and wants to play or my wife wants to cuddle and so I skip that workout (OH NO!!! lol). Sometimes I just know the responsible thing to do is to go to bed and get some sleep because I know I have a full day of work the next day. I may never have a 400lb bench or 600lb deadlift or 500lb squat but I am in better shape then most and I am happy. Balancing things is still tough but I get along fine. I will never quit working out but I had to shift around my priorities. So Elliott who cares if you are not a competing in strongman or making ground breaking PRs, you have the knowledge and know how to help others achieve there fitness goals. I am a proud owner of LHM. So brother workout to have fun from now on and make sure it does not interfere with your lovely family or relationship with God. Sorry for the long winded answer.
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Mike,
Seems you know me well
Yes, I am serious!
THanks for your feedback (and being a proud owner of LHM)!
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Yo Elliot,
First of all I don’t really think that there is any one right way to train, and you definitely have wayyy more experience on me. However I still struggle with the same issues with it that you do. Everytime I step into the gym I just want to go crazy and absolutely wreck myself. Sometimes ill be cruising on the internet and read an article about motivation and be like “wow this is crazy i find it difficult to not hit the gym 5 times a week and give it 110%.” There are so many articles around about motivation, but there ARENT enough articles around about demotivation for people like me and you. Constantly going crazy and pushing it to the limit just leads to burn out, powerlifters and athletes have learned this the hard way in the last century.
Let me tell you my story. I started lifting at the beginning of my junior year of high school, i did the typical bodybuilding split with a day for chest, arms, shoulders, back, and legs. And of course it worked very well and i made great gains (as all beginners do). However by senior year I was beginning to burn out. My gains stalled and I started feeling constantly tired and achey all the time for no reason.
Luckily i came across a couple great books, those being The Naked Warrior, Power to the People, and Beyond Bodybuilding by Pavel Tsatsouline (the kettlebell guy). I learned to cycle loads and not lift to failure. I can honestly say doing those to things alone has helped me more than anything else. I switched from my bodybuilding-magazine trash routine to an ultra abbreviated routine of deadlifts and shoulder presses. What happened? My gains started coming again, but more importantly my energy went through the roof. I felt stronger and invigorated after every workout. I’m not doing a Delorme cycle of deadlifts and bench with a hard, easy, and medium day. I play squash, basketball, and football with my friends all the time so thats my main cardio but on rare occasion i’ll do 15/15 kb snatches or go on a run if i feel like it. Also i do an average of 20 hours of manual labor a week.
Here are my gains for senior year of highschool: deadlift 205 to 325 bench 165 to 230 squat: 145×5 to 235×5 (i never have actually maxed out on a squat). Cardio wise i went from a 6 30 mile to a 5 min mile. What would surprise most people is this whole year i have NEVER been more than ever so slightly sore.
All exercises are catabolic by definition dude. Anabolism is the reaction to which the body uses to balance out the exercise induced catabolism. I don’t think any particular exercise alone can support the ANS balance, but the loading parameters of what exercises you do definitely can. Abreviated not-to-failure but still heavy workouts will make your CNS buzz like you just took a hit of crack pipe dude! (Not that i’ve ever done that lol). I definitley think meditation/yoga type stuff helps as well. I try to meditate or do qui-hong at least once a day for 20 min. For some reason post work-out super cold showers make me feel amazing as well.
To me it sounds like your just overworking yourself (something i struggle with daily not to do!). I would advise you simplify your routine and attempt to be better at less. I think your idea of hybrid muscle fibers is ligit. However, your system seems to me like it calls for wayyy to much variety. I think you should train cardio, strength, and strength-endurance in different sessions but with the same exercises!
I’ve been making crazy gains in all three with just the ultra-basics (deadlift, basic presses). I’m sure it could work great with strongman stuff too.
I think you’re just going to hard to often. Cycle your shit and don’t lift to failure and ill think you’ll start feeling anabolic asap! And read Pavel’s book if you haven’t].
Good luck to you dude, let me know how it turns out
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Hunt,
We’re from the same tribe man!! I appreciate your feedback. I’m doing a TON of research (and learning from my brother) about Chi Gung and energy balancing exercise.
Your on the right path! And Pavel is awesome too.
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Unfortunately when we are good at something it is easy to become obsessed with / fanatical about / addicted to it, all the while projecting into the future { ie the expected results which will never be enough because we will never be satisfied }and missing the present time, look up the word devotion, non religious definition..
We need to not be owned by it, we and the people around us will end up suffering because of it otherwise..
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Lee, Am 56 yrs old and growing up in the 50′s in NYC the Lower East Side we played all sports, all day long.till your father asked you did you eat yet and we say NO he will order you to go eat dinner and then come back to play. I got my nick named from my peeres ( Herc. ) because I was intense in every sport I played,they knew I loved watching Steeve Reeves Hercules movies and they would say am just as strong.But today retired with grown children and a grandfather watching two boys growing up I still find the time to stay healthy, without taking time away from family. I don’t compete but I compete with myself and that’s how you should try and find balance in your desire to do the things you want. Just becuse your not training as often, you can still give it 110% when you do. You are getting to a point in your life when the things you did before with no problem are now getting in your way of a growing family and or buisness. You don’t have to fight it just adapt and find peace in yourself that you are still training just not in the high intensity that you have become accustomed to… Strength Endures from Within… Herc.
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Elliot,
I’m hesitant to say this because it seems as the video is sincere but it also feels like it may be the setup to a new course coming out-lol. I’ve had my share of injuries the worst being a complete achilles rupture following close behind with a 70% pec tear. I have made my best gains and stayed injury free being very careful to avoid overlap from wokout to workout, never training more than 2 heavy workouts and one endurance (sled drags/carpush type stuff) a week. After literally 30 years of training I am 42 and the strongest I have ever been (except bench as I elected not to have my pec re-attached)I’m sorry to hear you are feeling this way bro! I hope what ever you decide it makes you happy. I am not saying I am anywhere near your level of strength but I have been training people for almost 25 years now and could probably help you out a bit. Feel free to email me anytime if you want to talk.
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Elliott
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June 24th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Mike,
I’m serious.
Sounds like you’ve been following me for a bit – lol. No new courses, but if I find something helpful pertaining to this topic I will share it with you
You’re a bad-ass, training with a torn pec!
Thanks for your support and feedback brother.
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Ken P
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June 25th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Mike:
Sorry for your PAIN! Will you be sharing what happened and how you are going about the healing process?
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I think I read that at one time you studied Bahaism. Do you recall the three natures of man? There was the physical, the soul and the spirit. The physical is the body, particles of matter held together by “the law of attraction”. The soul was the mind of man. The spirit is the divine quality of man. The physical self is limited, not only in mass and energy, but also it duration. The divine is infinite and is the best part of you and the only part of you that will continue when the physical has expired. God is infinite and we are potentially infinite. While it is good to train physically it is also a hinderance in your full development if you become obsessed and inbalanced. The Bahai writings I have read state that if your soul (mind) stays fixed on the physical that you risk becoming less than human.
The same writings say that if your soul focuses on the spirit that you approach the divine. Which is logically of higher priority? To quote thphysical that you risk becoming less than human.e bible, stating the same thing: physical that you risk becoming less than human.
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I needed a little more room to include the same wisdom, from the bible:
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
If you send me a snail mail address I will copy the Bahai writing I refer to above and send it to you.
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Elliott
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July 21st, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Doc, I haven’t visited this post in a while… but someone just asked me about the Bahai writing that you mentioned in your comment.
If you can send it to my gym, that would be great:
Elliott Hulse
3221 39th Ave South
St. Petersburg FL 33712
Thanks again, I really appreciate your contribution and support
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Doc
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July 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
The writing was mailed this morning. Hope you and your reader find it useful.
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Elliott
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July 22nd, 2010 at 11:22 am
Very cool, thank you!
elliott,
you said it in the clip BALANCE !! sometimes you need to push more, sometimes less, sometimes you need off and just REST. you are a smart man and you should do what you always do and that is LISTEN to your body !!! nobody knows elliott hulse like you make him happy brother.
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Hi Elliott. Strength Training has become a huge part of who you are…it is a large part of your identity. I too have been training for a long time (1975-) and discovered something. In 1993 I became awakened and nolonger wanted my days to become like the movie “Groundhog Day”…where days seemed to be repetative-day in and day out without total satisfactory purpose. I needed God in my life but didn’t know Him. The journey began and soon He changed my life…He saved it.
Elliott, I encourage you to read the Book of Acts. Pray and ask God to show you His path that He has for you. BTW: Pussies need not apply.
Love you Brother Iron…let me know how you’re doing.
–Bill Ogden
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Train hard, please . . .
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Hello Elliott,
I think the point is that most activities (physical or not) will end up draining you if you put a lot of yourself into it. “Did it worth ir?”
I just turned 23 y.o and i’m currently taking care of my dad, in Brazil. He had a stroke in 2007 that left his whole left side numb to this day, he’s blind and is recovering from a femural prosthesis operation. I had to learn how to cook, clean, shop and all that when i was barely out of high school! It’s just the two of us and that is draining, physically, emotionally, mentally but we get by… I still manage to train 5 days a week and eat every three hours but there are times when i ask myself “Is this all worth it?”. To my plans and goals, yes. Is it still worth it to you?
I hope so, because your videos are awesome hahaha. Cheers.
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G’Day Elliott,
This is more of a personal experience story, i’ll try and keep it short. Growing up i was 6’3″ and about 70kg (about 154lb) and if you get a pen and paper and draw a stick figure that was me. I got upset by the skinny calls all the time, so i started going to the gym (without guidance). Got no where except injury, went to uni kept trying, no results other than some improvements in some exercises.
Finished my degree started working in a gym, tried a more structured program, with stacks of intensity. STILL NO RESULTS. I ran myself into the ground – late nights, early mornings, work all day, trained til i couldn’t walk out of the gym. Basically it was stress, stress and more stress. I was strong and fit as all hell, but looked like Christian Bale in “The Machinist” i looked the complete opposite to what i wanted and was getting run down big time.
This went on until THIS YEAR. I woke up one day with little to no energy, looked in the mirror wasn’t happy, went to work and someone made a unintentional hurtful comment about how sick i looked, and that broke the camels back.
I cut my hours back at work, started meditating, took full days of from training (this hurt to do), performed yoga daily, shortened my training duration/volume/intensity, and tried to take a more relaxed take on life. And what do you know I started developing muscle, my fitness and strength began to increase, i was happy at work and at home, and someone came up to me today and commented about how healthy i was looking.
I was stoked, my journey finally brought me to the path i wanted to take since i was 12 years old. Now i have developed an understanding to what should be going on physically and mentally. Because of this i am going to teach and educate people (especially those who are in a similar position to what i was) who want to listen that we don’t need to kill ourselves all the time, that recovery and restoration has its place and should be taken seriously.
And I also now understand why Saxon and Hackenschmidt (plus the others) were so well rounded it really was the Golden Age.
Thanx for the great videos, articles and insights. Appreciate it all.
Cheers,
PK
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I may go to a place that you just laugh at, but it has worked for me and literally brought life back into balance for me in a single class. I love training heavy and training intensely, but it does take a definite toll on the mind and body. After a while of doing this or even when I just feel drained in other areas of my life, I do yoga. I know this is totally what you may call a “water” work out, but its more to realign your total being. I walk out of my first yoga class and already feel different, better and more aware of what really troubles me. A blend of this and weight training has really done wonders for my being. And if its not enough, try some Bikram Yoga, that shit will make you really question what you are capable of.
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Hi Elliot. If this is any consolation to you. There are far worse addictions than bodybuilding and exercising. If you’re careful weight lifting and cardio exercising can take over your life. I had to cut down from 7 days of BB to 4. From 4 hours a day to 1 hour or less. I hear that less is more and I believe it. I didn’t look any better training 28 hours a week than I do training 6 to 8 hours a week. BB is a hobby and an addiction for many I’m sure. As they say there is life outside the gym. Sometimes we have to eliminate or cut back on things that are too time consuming. For me body enhancement is a life-long commitment and process as well. But there are times that we need to take a break. That’s why after 4 or 5 weeks of BB, I take at least one full week off from the rat race. Hope this helps. .
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Hey Elliott,
I have been following you since Zach put out an e-mail about you, and your philosophy for everything you stand for clicked with me. I agree that every once in a while something happens that makes us reevaluate how we train, or how we live our lives. I know first hand after taking on the responsibility of getting married for the first time, and becoming a stepfather to my wife’s 2 1/2 yr old son. My training and how I balance my new life has taken a dramatic change; for the BEST I might add. I agree with Hunt about Pavel, his methods our sound and he is a really awesome guy to put. I have had the honor to have been trained by him personally and in a group setting. Also I agree with the movement style training, but I also know that it is not a one stop shop style training. If you are really interested in checking out that style I would suggest that you contact a good friend of mine, his name is Chuck Halbakken. You can get a hold of him through his website http://www.themovementmodesto.com. Or if you send me a personal e-mail I would be more than happy to give you his cell number and I know that you two would enjoy conversing. Quick note, he is the number four ranked RKC on dragondoor.com and he was certified in the beginning with the originals; Steve Maxwell, Mike Mahler, Steve Cotter, etc. And one last thing, being a martial artist and strength coach I am glad that you are looking into qigong training. It has really helped me balance out my energy system since its focus is predominantly on the parasympathetic nervous systom. Good luck!
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I am SO incredibly impressed and blessed by each and every one of you!
You have clearly demonstrated that you understand how balance is created via exercise by cultivating our “Yin” constitution with meditative type movements and “water” exercises such as Chi Gung, Tai Chi and Yoga!
I wasn’t sure what type of reaction I would receive by blatantly approaching the topic of “Water Training” but I am SUPER excited by your positive responses!
You’ve given me permission to begin speaking about The Principle of Strong Hands (training of the body) in the way my heart has guided me.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be discussing these types of exercise modalities and learning new ways of including them in order to balance the catabolic effects of our “Fire” training with more Parasympathic stimulation that affords a greater anabolic effect.
(if you have no clue what I am talking about, don’t worry… we’ll cover everything!)
Thank you again and I am happy to be living my life as a leader and servant for YOU.
Elliott
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Kindered spirits brother!!
I burnt my ass out about a month ago with weights, BJJ, Yoga. Dropped the weights adopted back the “play” mentality without expectation and what do you know, I’m able to have more fun, learn more, exceed my perceptions and still be creative!
It took a month of me being a dick and being in “kill mode” for a while where I was out to “win”!
This may not stay this way for ever but it’s working for us now even though my immature ego and mature ego are having daily conversations about weights!!
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Elliott
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June 30th, 2010 at 6:47 am
“the “play” mentality without expectation” — I really like that Spida! Thanks.
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What should you do about it? Work even harder.
Do the extra work that no one
asked you to do.
Be the last man standing.
Work harder, Get stronger.
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excel in a few areas of ur life and suck in the rest.
or be average in all?
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My wife tells me that I over think about what I do, and shouldn’t feel bad if I can’t find the time to do everything that I would I want to. I am sure that you, like me do the very best for your family. They know, and except you the way you are. Don’t change everything, and still do what you love to do. If that is training your ass off, then thats who you are. I have a wife and 4 kids, and work 6pm – 6am. I workout to failure, eat, read the bible, spent some time talking to my wife and kids, few mins on internet, and sleep 8hrs, not much time for anything else. My wife is a stay at home mother, and takes care of everything else, and me. May sound like a simple life, not for most people in todays world, but I am very happy with it. Do what you love to do, and follow your own path. You don’t have to do everything, to be everything.
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Elliott
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June 26th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Wow Shane, Our lives sounds so similar its creepy!
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Hey Elliot:
Balance is the key brother! Learned that the hard way, when I developed type 2 diabetes a couple of years ago. It’s all a balancing act between workouts and rest, between business and family. You’ve go to give each area of your life it’s due or you create imbalance, and everything that comes with that.
Peace.
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Elliot,
I have just recently realized that strength comes in many shapes forms. It may even seem disguised as weakness as you let onto. It seems that you are feeling this same experience.
Building the body through training is one method we are both familiar with. But when that becomes the sole focus it upsets balance between the mind, spirit/energy. I believe the mind, body, soul are inherently connected and cannot be separated. Thus balance is of utmost importance if building up oneself is the goal, regardless the methodology or approach.
What has helped me was balancing out different training modalities such as gymnastics (I love still rings – in my opinion ultimate upperbody developer), weights (barbell, KB, sandbag), conditioning (metabolic, LHM, tacfit commando) plyometrics, joint mobility (prsara yoga), meditation (kuji-in), recreational sports I enjoy (football, bowling, frisbee, swimming, golf, basketball) and recovery (time w/ loved ones, entertainment, nutrition, reading, relaxing, traveling). Not only that but the intensity is balanced or waved. Just like in your LHM low intensity – med – high – recovery. And when feeling overstressed I take a week or two off. Not only does the body need recovery but so does the mind and soul. The body is smarter than we are, it will tell you what it needs if one is listening.
Addiction is an opportunity to improve and gain strength by overcoming it. Think of it as just a strongman challenge in a different format.
* I also second the teachings of Pavel, coach Sonnon, Gym-movements/grip-rip, coach Sommer, coach Maxwell
Ultimately, I believe it is using what is learned from training to build character. To be the best man I can be.
“Character is destiny” – the late Coach Wooden
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Elliott
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June 30th, 2010 at 6:48 am
Great comment Jon! Thanks!
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the only weigh is to train like a b*tch. it hurts to train man, it sucks. ive been comtemplating wether or not to keep lifting and im only 19. when i train i do 5 sets all to failure with max weight per bodypart, usually once a week. my strength is always going up, atleast every 2 weeks i can add 5lbs to most lifts. but after a day of squats, i feel like dying and calling out of work. its difficult to walk around constentyl for 9 hours a day after that. but i bitch and bitch and feel depressed and think ohh should i stop, until they finally stop hurting. then im like i cant wait to go to the gym. you just feel stonger i guesss. recovery days hurt and i know where your coming from. try taking a break but never forgot what made you want to be the way you are.
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Train until your fucked is the best way, it makes u feel good, it gives me energy
i cant train the regular way as my body doesnt really feel the burn the next day
i recommend your style of training but not everyone has the heart to go the distance that you do or even i do
your bad ass dude
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Hey Elliott,
I know this was up almost a month ago, but I just read it and was curious about the Baha’i writings that doc mentioned. I’ve been studying the Baha’i faith for the last 8 months after a 7 year period of basically praying to God but not feeling that Catholicism and me were on the same page. I went to Catholic grade school, high school, and college but really felt a disconnect.
In the interim I studied much Buddhism and Taoism along with some Kabbalah. I feel that the Baha’i faith fits well with my ideas that all the religions (that I’ve studied) have it right to a good extent (God’s will is what matters not man’s)and that love, kindness, unity, and progress are all that really matter. Thanks for putting together something that goes beyond the body!
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Elliott
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July 21st, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Rich,
I just asked Doc to send it to me. Once I get it I’ll scan it and forward you a copy.
Thanks!
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Elliott
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July 27th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Rich,
First, I think the Bahai Faith is amazing and since digging through my Bahai Library of (over 60 books!)you’ve inspired me to begin reading these writings again! Absolutely some of the most powerful stuff ever written!
Next, Here is a resource that provides a desktop search engine for practically every religious text ever written: http://www.bahai-education.org/ocean/
Finally, below is a copy of the text by Abul Baha that “Doc” sent me this week. Its from a book called “Paris Talks” by Abdul Baha — ENJOY!
CONCERNING BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT
4 Avenue de Camoens, Paris,
Friday morning, November 17th
There are in the world of humanity three degrees; those of the body, the soul, and spirit.
The body is the physical or animal degree of man. From the bodily point of view man is a sharer of the animal kingdom. The bodies alike of men and animals are composed of elements held together by the law of attraction.
Like the animal, man possesses the faculties of the senses, is subject to heat, cold, hunger, thirst, etc.; unlike the animal, man has a rational soul, the human intelligence.
This intelligence of man is the intermediary between his body and his spirit.
When man allows the spirit, through his soul, to enlighten his understanding, then does he contain all Creation; because man, being the culmination of all that went before and thus superior to all previous 97 evolutions, contains all the lower world within himself. Illumined by the spirit through the instrumentality of the soul, man’s radiant intelligence makes him the crowning-point of Creation.
But on the other hand, when man does not open his mind and heart to the blessing of the spirit, but turns his soul towards the material side, towards the bodily part of his nature, then is he fallen from his high place and he becomes inferior to the inhabitants of the lower animal kingdom. In this case the man is in a sorry plight! For if the spiritual qualities of the soul, open to the breath of the Divine Spirit, are never used, they become atrophied, enfeebled, and at last incapable; whilst the soul’s material qualities alone being exercised, they become terribly powerful — and the unhappy, misguided man, becomes more savage, more unjust, more vile, more cruel, more malevolent than the lower animals themselves. All his aspirations and desires being strengthened by the lower side of the soul’s nature, he becomes more and more brutal, until his whole being is in no way superior to that of the beasts that perish. Men such as this, plan to work evil, to hurt and to destroy; they are entirely without the spirit of Divine compassion, for the celestial quality of the soul has been dominated by that of the material. If, on the contrary, the spiritual nature of the soul has been so strengthened that it holds the material side in subjection, then does the man approach the Divine; his humanity becomes so glorified that the virtues of the Celestial Assembly are manifested in him; he radiates the Mercy of God, he stimulates the 98 spiritual progress of mankind, for he becomes a lamp to show light on their path.
You perceive how the soul is the intermediary between the body and the spirit. In like manner is this tree [1] the intermediary between the seed and the fruit. When the fruit of the tree appears and becomes ripe, then we know that the tree is perfect; if the tree bore no fruit it would be merely a useless growth, serving no purpose!
[1 A small orange-tree on the table nearby.]
When a soul has in it the life of the spirit, then does it bring forth good fruit and become a Divine tree. I wish you to try to understand this example. I hope that the unspeakable goodness of God will so strengthen you that the celestial quality of your soul, which relates it to the spirit, will for ever dominate the material side, so entirely ruling the senses that your soul will approach the perfections of the Heavenly Kingdom. May your faces, being steadfastly set towards the Divine Light, become so luminous that all your thoughts, words and actions will shine with the Spiritual Radiance dominating your souls, so that in the gatherings of the world you will show perfection in your life.
Some men’s lives are solely occupied with the things of this world; their minds are so circumscribed by exterior manners and traditional interests that they are blind to any other realm of existence, to the spiritual significance of all things! They think and dream of earthly fame, of material progress. Sensuous delights and comfortable surroundings bound their horizon, 99 their highest ambitions centre in successes of worldly conditions and circumstances! They curb not their lower propensities; they eat, drink, and sleep! Like the animal, they have no thought beyond their own physical well-being. It is true that these necessities must be despatched. Life is a load which must be carried on while we are on earth, but the cares of the lower things of life should not be allowed to monopolize all the thoughts and aspirations of a human being. The heart’s ambitions should ascend to a more glorious goal, mental activity should rise to higher levels! Men should hold in their souls the vision of celestial perfection, and there prepare a dwelling-place for the inexhaustible bounty of the Divine Spirit.
Let your ambition be the achievement on earth of a Heavenly civilization! I ask for you the supreme blessing, that you may be so filled with the vitality of the Heavenly Spirit that you may be the cause of life to the world.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 96)
[Reply]
Elliot, your video of sick, sad addiction really hit home with me. I’ve been in the same boat for the last 3 months. I’m getting knee surgery tomorrow (just a scope) and as much as I love strongman and know I could persevere and make a comeback, I just don’t see the value in it.
Goodluck with your physical, mental, spiritual transformation and journey to a new you.
Scott Porter
LW Pro Strongman
Desert Strength
[Reply]
Elliott
Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Damn Scott! I didn’t know you got injured man… that sucks!
Good luck with the surgery, and you are correct… a come back is possible.
But how big is the benefit, really?
Keep us posted man, thanks!
[Reply]
Scott Porter
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 12:39 am
Thanks Elliot. Surgery went well today but I think mostly likely my competitive days are over. I actually did my last two contests with the knee issue and finally decided to get it checked.
Even if I don’t ever compete again, I will always train with the mindset of a warrior and do the best I can to be athletic and conditioned.
Thanks for your inspiring videos.
[Reply]
Elliott
Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Awesome! I’m glad to hear that you are well.
Hell yea! Warrior training till we die… haha!
Thanks for contributing man.
Hey Elliot,
I think i have a good answer for you. In Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 manual he trains at 90% of his max. Why don’t you follow a similar program and just train to 90% Just hit the prescribed reps he details in the book? I think that would give you what your looking for in regards of not regressing physically while not regressing in your life.
[Reply]
hey i feel what you are saying. sometimes you just have to crash and that is not a good feeling especial when it means you are detracting from other areas of your life.
[Reply]