What has the training industry turned into?

Sunday, June 29, 2008.

First off, how did we get to July so fast.  I’m not even remotely recovered from last years competitions and Christmas and we are about to get full throttle back in it agin.  If only that damn lotto would quit eluding me.  One can always dream.  Anyways, my apologies again for the delay in keeping up with the blog.  Have had some ridiculous hours at the new job, sometimes 15 hour days, and can’t even turn on the computer, much less write a blog.  Well, things will finally get back to some normalcy any day or week now.  Going back to the hardcore gym for business and away from Equinox, so my schedule will once again be up to my discretion.  Looking to once again write every week.

Let me first clarify about the current job.  Been working at Equinox, a brand new gym that opened up in Aventura.  Incredible facility.  Showers cleaner than my home, beautiful spa, tons of cardio, and a round-a-clock cleaning crew that has that place in constant perfection.  The Equinox in South Beach has members such as Queen Latifah, Louie Aquirie (whatever, the dude from Deco Drive) and Mickey Rourke (I have no idea if I’m spelling these names correct).  And they’ve had Madonna and Barack Obama work out there.  With all that you might wonder why would I leave such a place.  It is a fitness center and my passion is in a GYM.  I love the energy and intensity you feel when you walk into the likes of a Gold’s or the other gym I’ve been training at for the past 8 years, Workout Warehouse in Hialeah Gardens.  You ever want to stop by and say HI, it’s at 7802 N.W. 103rs Street, Hialeah Gardens 33016.  These gyms always have plenty of equipment and iron to push around.  And everyone there gets it, meaning they know the REAL way to get in shape.  Finally about to get to the title and point of this post.  Plain and simple, hard work and disciplined eating get you the body you want.  Not all this crap out there.

OK, here we go.  My boy Bill and I were talking the other day and he made a valid point.  Weights have always, still do and will continue to produce results.  The other crap out there is simply gimmicks and fads.  They will eventually fade when another “fabulous” one comes around.  These ab rocker chairs and pilates this and the Gazelle.  Now this style of training has seemed to creep into the gyms.  Except now, they are combining multiple exercises and calling it “Functional Training”.  Not exactly sure what that means because when I see it, I feel like I’m watching a circus try-out.  Please someone explain to me how a one-legged squat while standing on a half-foam roller, coupled with a dumbbell curl, finished off with a overhead dumbbell shoulder press all the while still standing on only that one leg will do anything to help me develop my physique.  With all the balancing going on, I would figure most of the tension would be in either the hip or knee joint, just to try and maintain balance on the half-foam roller.  Some of them say, don’t knock it until you try it…..NOT!!!  Look I don’t need bang my head against a brick wall to figure out that it’s going to hurt.  I’m going to trust my judgement on that one.  Well, the same applies to that style of training.  I don’t need to try it to realize that I would be wasting my time. 

OK, here’s a question from that show “Who’s Smarter than a 5th Grader”.  What’s the quickest distance between two points?  Answer, A straight line.  DUH.  If I’m trying to develop my biceps, I’m doing a basic dumbbell or barbbell curl.  PERIOD.  I’m not adding a overhead shoulder press while staning on a half-foam roller, mind you….on one leg too.  The same holds true for legs.  How about we try just a standard squat with a barbbell strapped to our traps.  Maybe, just maybe, we can develop some legs in the process.  They just need to call it what it is.  Entertainment.  It’s a way of trying out funky things while in the gym.  Look, I understand that hitting the weights isn’t for everyone.  And I’m completely cool with that, but don’t come to me and ask me to help you get results and bitch out when I put you under some weights and keep you away from cable rear delts while maintaining a half squat on a Bosu ball.  I’m trying to get you the results as fast as possible.  When you get there, then we can have our play time.  Yikes, if that wasn’t a piece of my mother coming out there.  “You can have your fun after you finish your homework”.  Well, if that’s the type of training your looking for, please don’t call me.  I’m definitely not your man. 

So that is basically why I’m heading back to my roots.  I can’t take “Functional Training” any more.  I’m sure it’s great for a lot of people, I’m just not one of them.  I need my GYMS.  I swear, they are like a drug to me.  I can feel the energy rush through me and my stress leaving as soon as I walk through the doors of those places.  Going to continue working at the Workout Warehouse and now starting at Gold’s in Miami Lakes in the next two weeks.  Perfect timing too.  Down to 21 weeks for the Nationals.  Things are starting to get ramped up now.  Weight is holding steady at 235lbs and leaning up ever so slightly (hell, it is still the offseason….gotta have some fun).  Spoke with Hany last week and he is pleased with the progress.  From what I hear about him, he is hard to pull compliments out of, so when he gives them out, he really means it.  My plan/goal is winning the light-heavyweight class this year.  Enough of this amateur stuff.  I want to get to the next level and test the waters.  I’m working my ass off to bring that goal to life.  With speaking with Hany, it looks like the true dieting won’t start to 12 weeks out, so still have a little freedom, so better get those margaritas out of my system.  Looking forward to getting back on track with writing again.  Anyone and everyone, give me a shout and let me know how are things on your end and any suggestions you might have.  Some days, the creative juices take a while to get kicking.

All for now and all the best my friends.  Speak to you soon.