Saturday, December 31, 2011

Special New Year's Message

"Where you grew up has no bearing on where YOU DECIDE you are going to be today." – Dan Kennedy

You control everything. Your success is your responsibility.

Happy New Year to You...let's make 2012 your best year ever...but remember, it starts with you.

My workout today: Deadlifts, box jumps, front squats, good mornings.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
The harsh reality is: not everyone will support your dreams, even when they say they do. So find the people that do. They ARE out there.

Happy New Year,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, December 30, 2011

Off Day Advice

No training for me today, just a big dog walk and old-man warm-up. Be careful not to overdo your training in 2012. A lot of people do "off-day" workouts that would qualify as regular workouts, but that's an overuse injury waiting to happen if you are training hard on regular days. You probably don't need to train as much as you are. Be safe. Be conservative.

Today's Training Resources:

My best workout advice and top *odd* nutrition tip in this week's QnA
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/bodyweight-exercise/best-workout-advice/

Don't let these 3 things stop you from 6-pack abs
-
http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/3-things-stopping-you-from-getting-six-pack-abs/

Heavy duty info - 6 pack abs anatomy
- http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/anatomy-six-pack-abs/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." – Zig Ziglar

Who you associate with is more important than most people know...Do not accept anything less than the best - otherwise you are cheating yourself.

Do this if necessary:
http://www.earlytorise.com/2011/12/30/keep-an-open-mind/

The harsh reality is: not everyone will support your dreams, even when they say they do. So find the people that do. They ARE out there.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Get Strong

Today's training for me hit a lot of upper back exercises, including face pulls, wide-grip rows, db chest supported rows, wide pulldowns, and then some meathead arms.

Here's a great quote that will encourage you to get strong.

"Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general." - Mark Rippetoe.....#truth

Also did a great www.turbulencetrainingfanpage.com QnA session today. Here are some of the best Q's.

Q: Trained a "fatloss" client today. Did mobility wk, interval treadmill work for 20minutes then supersetted with weights. My question is: Does it really matter if I do weights first then intervals? I normally do weights first but just wanted to switch it up with her..Thanks..

Answer:
Doug - If strength gains are not a goal, then no, probably doesn't matter. It's a good way to trick clients into thinking they are working harder than they are, too.

Q: Is it ok to strength-train my lower body one day then do intense cardio like spin for an hour or run 6k the next day?

Answer:
Bernadette - depends on what you mean by ok. just be careful of overuse injuries. that is your biggest risk. muscles, achilles tendon, knees, hips, low back, etc. make sure you are doing a thorough warm-up. and get some
complete rest days in there somewhere.

Q: I hate long boring cardio! how can I build cardiovascular endurance without it?

Answer:
Unless you want to run a marathon, interval training will do the job
- http://www.TurbulenceTraining.com/intervalreport

Today's Training Resource:

Jason Ferruggia talks sprint training while on a strength program:

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/sprinting-tips/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Write down your personal beliefs/philosophies and allow those to guide your decisions. If a request does not fit your belief system, it is ruled out. You don't have to agonize about it. It just isn't even considered. Establishing your beliefs = less stress. Stand up for what is right for YOU. Here are the rules for my life:

http://www.earlytorise.com/2011/07/20/12-rules/

Success loves speed...take action. Don't wait for the time to be right. NOW is the only right time.

And now a little prediction: One day Google & Facebook will publicly release data on everyone's Internet behavior...so do you want it to be known that you check FB 117 times per day? (Of course, even if they don't release this data...it probably wouldn't hurt to act as if they were going to...respect the Internet and how you use it.)

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

14 day fat loss guide

In one of my most popular articles ever I give you a complete 14-day guide for rapid fat loss to kick off 2012. Read it here and print it out:

=> http://www.ttfatloss.com/turbulence-training/14-days/

It's the exact plan I gave to my ol' college buddy who had gained 25 pounds since the birth of baby boy.

It's your complete 14-day FAST-TRACK guide to fat loss (if you like it, please forward it to a friend or print them off a copy too):

=> http://www.ttfatloss.com/turbulence-training/14-days/

It's the perfect way to kick-off the New Year,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - I also have a free text message goal setting program...

...for you (if you live in North America).

Get 60 days of inspiration and three goal setting videos here:

=> http://www.earlytorise.com/sms/sign-up.php

Helping make 2012 your best year ever.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

60-Day Goal Setting Text Message Program

Overnight success is something that I'll never promise anyone. However, action taken every day is a habit that I'll guarantee will bring you success in time.

Here's how to get started

http://www.ttfatloss.com/turbulence-training/14-days/

My workout today:
Squats, box jumps, M-MRT style lunges, glute ham raise. Quadz iz tiredz.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Don't let apprehension or anxiety stop you from taking action. Some things might not work out in life, but if you keep taking action, past failures often end up contributing to future successes.

And I just set up a 60-day goal setting text message program for you (free, of course) here

- http://www.earlytorise.com/sms/sign-up.php

Today's www.internetindependence.com tip:
I hate watching video and yet I watched this entire Gary V. speech. He says the F-word 3600 times, so be warned. Otherwise, great insights...particularly
on weddings/marriage and the Reebok TV-FB campaign
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbHy7yESiyg&feature=youtu.be

Final Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." -- Conrad Hilton…

It doesn't matter if your goal is building wealth, internationalizing your assets, or simply creating a second income online with an Internet business, all components of life reward action.

http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/guest-post-the-last-lemming/

Take action today,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer


Monday, December 26, 2011

13th TT Transformation Contest Starts Today

Action causes momentum. Momentum leads to more action. And action combined with momentum ultimately lead to success.

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." – Henry Ford.

This is a key mindset to a successful transformation - start yours today - www.transformationcontest.com

My #MeatheadMonday workout was: Pulldowns, Face Pulls, Cable Lateral Raises, DB Rows, Shrugs, DB Triceps.

My right shoulder just wasn't interested in overhead presses today, therefore I did a modified workout. I will squat tomorrow, rest on Wednesday, and shoulder should be good for bench presses on Thursday or Friday.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"All unhappiness is caused by attachment" - Buddha.....Let the attachment go and get on with your life.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Winners of the 12th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest

Had a good deadlift workout this AM.

Box Jumps, Deadlifts, Good Mornings, Front Squat (light), hammer curls. Tomorrow off, of course.

I'm also pleased to announce the winners of the 12th TT Transformation Contest announced (13th contest starts on Monday)
- http://transformationcontest.com/


Action causes momentum… momentum breeds more action… and action combined with momentum ultimately lead to success. "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." – Henry Ford...This is a key mindset to a successful transformation - start yours on Monday
- www.transformationcontest.com/rules


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." – Twain.....So make the most of your days, especially this time of year.

We cannot control what others say or do, but we have total control over our response. We don't have to be angry or jealous. We have a choice.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, December 23, 2011

How I Workout While Traveling

Someone asked me, "If you had the choice of taking a kettlebell or TRX straps on Christmas holiday, which would you choose?"

To me, that's a trick question. You may as well have asked me, would you like to kiss a pig or a donkey.

The answer is neither. There's no way i'd ever put myself in that position. I'd buy a day pass at a gym instead.

That's how I workout while traveling, and I've done this from Dubai to Australia to Lithuania to Poland to Austria to America to Mexico.

Never too early to start prepping for the 13th TT & 24-7 Fat Loss Transformation Contest. It starts on Monday, Dec 26th. Win up to $1000 just for losing your belly fat. All of the rules are here
- http://www.TransformationContest.com/rules

We also did a quick Facebook QnA today.

Q: How can you modify Turbulance training for bodybuilding? Muscle growth etc. I find your programs are great for losing fat.

Answer:
Get TT for Meatheads here
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/workouts/muscle-building-workouts.shtml

Q: Any tips for getting leaner besides a caloric deficit?

Answer:
Use TT for Buff Dudes (feb 2009) from here - MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.cbathletics.com" claiming to be www.turbulencetraining.com/workouts

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
We cannot control what others say or do, but we have total control over our response. We don't have to be angry or jealous. We have a choice.

Don't let apprehension or anxiety stop you from taking action. Some things might not work out in life, but if you keep taking action, past failures often end up contributing to future successes.

Finally, my guest article on taking action - on a weird website
- http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/guest-post-the-last-lemming/

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, December 22, 2011

MRT workouts on the way

Just putting the finishing touches on the TT 2k12 program for January. It features what I call, M-MRT (Muscle Metabolic Resistance Training) which switches today's training mindset of "movements not muscles" back to "movements and muscles" for intense muscular contraction goodness.

My legs haven't felt like this in years...workouts coming soon...

In the meantime, here are some nice bodyweight bootcamp workouts for trainers and clients - great for the holidays or January get-back-in-shape

- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/freebootcampworkouts/

Also, just started re-reading Jim Wendler's 5-3-1 for Powerlifting. Every time i read his books i want to train even more. Awesome book series. Treat yourself.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Be awesome. Take action. Attract others. Remember, other people want to be associated with positive people...people who are doing good things and allowing them to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Lead by example. Take charge. Live the life you want to live.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Excellent new workout

Started a new 4-week program today and legs felt fresh. Everything is going according to plan today.

Today's workout: Box jumps, Squats, Lunges, glute-ham raises.

Now a dog walk and then over to Dr. Michael Sommers for some ART. And then it's pretty much holiday time.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Everything you do takes you closer to OR farther away from your goals. Think about that before each and every decision you make.

Remember this over the holiday season: If you fall "off the wagon", cut your losses, don't worry about it, and get right back on track. Immediately. It's minor damage that can be dealt with.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - All I want for Christmas is for you to start eating more fresh, green, leafy vegetables every day. Starting today.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Fitness Business Summit 2012

The most important 3 days in 2012 for the fitness industry are March 9-11.

This is the weekend of the 2012 Fitness Business Summit, where trends will be set and trainers will be given the secrets they need to dramatically increase the number of clients they serve.

I will be there and hope to see you there, too.

Reserve your spot here.

But there is an early bird deadline today.

At FBS 2012, you'll discover...

- How to slash your working hours by over 33%
- How to get more clients every time you do a consult
- How to work less and make more

It's that simple.

Here are all of the trainers you'll get to meet that weekend:

- Certified TT Trainer, Mike Whitfield (author, WorkoutFinishers.com)
- Joel Marion, my co-author for 24-7 Fat Loss
- Shawna Kaminski, author of the Pull-up and Push-up Programs
- Cara Eckerman, Fit Body Bootcamp Superstar
- Rick Kaselj, the Canadian Crusader for Injury Rehab
- lil' ol' me, and many, many more (I might even be able to convince Alwyn Cosgrove to stop by)
 
There's also a women's only business building session, plus tons of great speakers on bootcamps, one-on-one personal training, and much more.
 
Get your spot and early bird bonuses

See you there,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Fitness is one of the few industries that continues
to grow during a recession.

And you'll find out how to grow your fitness business
during even the toughest times when you join me and
Bedros and his crew at Fitness Business Summit 2012.

MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.cbathletics.com" claiming to be www.FitnessBusinessSummit.com

These will be the 3 mo 

12th Transformation Contest Voting

Another easy day off for me. Back to a new program, full-on, tomorrow with a squat workout.

Please vote for the finalists in the 12th TT Transformation Contest here:
- http://transformationcontest.com/vote_1211.shtml

Another Christmas workout gift - The Hot Zone workout
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/hotzone/

Bam. The old relentless forearm to the face from Ferruggia. Here's part 1 of an interview with ol' Larue, @jasonferruggia
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/renegade-strength/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
Look at every new day as an opportunity to do better than yesterday. And a chance to learn something new that will make you better and get you more results. Don't look back with regret about mistakes that were made yesterday, there's nothing you can do about yesterday's decisions. Just focus on what you can do today.

Don't be satisfied with the norm if you want more. It's okay to want to achieve special results. The world needs folks who dream and achieve big things.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Monday, December 19, 2011

Exercise Form QnA

Easy training for me today. Having a bit of an off-week before I start a new program on Wednesday. Did ball leg curls, ab wheel, depth jumps, deadlifts (3x5 at 50%), front squats (3x10 at 50%) and good mornings (3x10 with empty bar). Lots of stretching and a long warm-up.

Then we had a good form QnA on www.turbulencetrainingfanpage.com

Q: Which is better for hamstrings, straight leg deadlifts or RDL?

Answer:
They are equal, but most often the RDL technique is safer...then again there are many form interpretations of each...so I'd have to watch each to be able to say.

Q: how can i substitute inclined press in the TT for Buff Dudes and Hot Chicks?

Answer:
Decline pushup or db flat press

Q: What's the difference between split squats and reverse lunges? I feel like its targeting the same muscles.

Answer:
Generally the same movement, but the split squat is stationary and has a lesser degree of difficulty on the co-ordination scale.

Today's Training Resource:
Split squats vs Lunges - Find out why lunges might not be best for you
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_hoiumFkgE

Another fat loss resource:
If you're traveling over Christmas holidays, take a look at my free Fat Loss Travel Report (top 10 tips and interesting travel stories included):
- http://www.TurbulenceTraining.com/travelreport

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Make this your deadline week. Attack that problem at work or at home that has been lagging...get it done before Christmas so that it no longer sticks in your mind during the holidays. Attack the problem. Get it done. You can do it. Start making changes and progress today.

Success is simple once you accept how difficult it is, and how much effort, honesty, responsibility, long-range planning, creativity, intensity, discipline, thought and control the process is going to take. I'm not saying it is easy. And it is not going to happen overnight. But once you accept how difficult it is then will you have the right mindset to succeed.

And a special gift for you:

Please share today's vision video with anyone who you think would benefit
- http://www.anewamericandream.com/fe/19251-the-vision

To your success and your best year ever in 2012,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Some nice feedback to finish off the Facebook QnA:

"Oh yeah, b4 I forget, have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year! Thanks to your 24/7 program, I'm entering the new year with more strength, better health and slimmer toned physique!! And nope, no more questions for now. Just wanna wish u n thank u." - Opalyn Mok

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Fat loss is simple

Fat loss is simple once you accept how difficult it is, and how much effort, honesty, responsibility, long-range planning, creativity, intensity, discipline, thought and control the process is going to take. I'm not saying it is easy. And it is not going to happen from a magic pill. But once you accept how difficult it is then will you succeed.

Today's workout (taking the week off heavy lifts): Pulldowns, Pushups, DB press, DB Chest-supported row, db triceps, db hammer curls, and some cable exercises for arms for fun. Now for Family Christmas, big dog walk in the snow, and some NFL football to finish it off. Prettttty prettttty good day.

If you want to improve your pushups and pullups, this is a complete resource from a trainer who can crank out over 25 pullups and 100 pushups - oh, sorry, a female trainer who can do that - impressive stuff - www.challengeworkouts.com

Today's kickbutt mindset tip:
Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price. - Vince Lombardi

Get stronger,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, December 16, 2011

My article on Tim Tebow

No workout for me today, but I did write an article about Tim Tebow.

It's really about your critics and avoiding 'criticism paralysis'
- http://www.earlytorise.com/2011/12/16/if-you-are-struggling/

Today's training resources:
Here's a new qna on how to do a great workout in a busy gym or in small spaces
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/gyms-and-small-spaces/

Deadlift article - must read
- http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/are_you_ignorant_when_it_comes_to_the_deadlift

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Your ability to set goals and to make plans for their accomplishment is the master skill of success." Brian Tracy

"It is not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Meathead Muscle Pump

The last two weeks of training have left me pretty beat up, so I'm taking a few days off, but today I did one last meathead muscle pump workout to finish out my four week training phase - although I skipped the Military Presses.

After my old-man warm-up, I did some additional external rotations with tubing, and then pulldowns, seated rows, triceps pressdowns, and cable biceps curls. Four sets of 10-15 for each. It was kind of fun.

Crazy dog walk time. The dog or the walk? Both. Hopefully we won't encounter any angry honeybadgers along the way. Maybe some sleepy ones though.

Today's Training Resources:

Santa Vince, Craiggy Claus, Dave the Elf, and Roman Grinch (haha) are giving you some sweet Christmas fitness gifts here:
- http://www.yourfreefitnessgifts.com/

Video version of workout A from one of my Christmas gifts to you (thanks to Certified TT Trainer, Chris Lopez, for filming this)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCAqameoyE

And a resource from Bedros Keuilian for all trainers out there...Here's your new year promotion for your training and boot camp business:
- http://ptpower.com/new-year-revolution/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Seek out positive people, environments, and experiences. Life is too short for negativity and hurt. Cut the cord quickly and move on to a better life.

And today's www.internetindependence.com announcement:
It's official...Early to Rise has partnered up with Yanik Silver's Underground Seminar to bring you a special post-Underground 1-day event on Sunday, March 4th, called, "From Your 1st Sale to Your 1000th Sale". We have an awesome line-up including myself, Yanik, Matt Smith, Rick Porter, and a few other underground online experts...of course. More details coming soon...

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Not the best workout

Just not the best workout today, unfortunately.

Today's Workout:

1A) Deadlift
1B) Depth Jumps

2A) Good Mornings
2B) Planks and Side Planks

New MRT article by ol' CB
- http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/rap-star-metabolic-resistance-training-workout/

A true 30-minute ab workout by International Man of Ab-ery, Certified TT Trainer, Mike Whitfield
- http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/30-minute-six-pack-abs-workout/

I sound like John Cena in this video, if John Cena was a radio announcer
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNDhi9M5hbE

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
"Figure out what you want. Focus on it. Find people who have achieved what you want and find out how they think and act, and then follow their lead." – Bill
Harris

No matter how much you might feel like you are struggling, never give up. Never ever ever give in. Keep moving towards your vision. Never stand still. Believe in yourself.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Fitness Gifts for you

No workout for ol' CB today, but a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Certified Turbulence Trainer, Daniel Woodrum

He got certified here:
- http://www.turbulencetrainingcertification.com

Now about those FITNESS GIFTS for you...

Oh yayz! Fitness elves!

Choose from four free fitness giftingz here:
- http://www.yourfreefitnessgifts.com/

And today's Kick-butt Mindset Tips:
"Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit." – M. Scott Peck

So much can be accomplished with a long term vision and resilience to short term setbacks. Not every problem is conquered overnight, but if you persist and never give in, you will succeed.

And today's www.internetindependence.com tip:
‎"The numero uno, overwhelming reason more salespeople don't close more sales, more merchants don't sell at higher prices, more people stop short of doing all they can to prosper is the accumulated BS inside their psyche, about money, about selling, about themselves. - Dan Kennedy

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Monday, December 12, 2011

#MeatheadMonday Workout

Back with another edition of #Meathead Monday. After the weekend off, I was ready to go. Going to take tomorrow off and then come back on Wednesday with deadlifts and then a deload week of moderate volume, lower intensity workouts.

The exact workout for today was:

1A) V-grip pulldowns
1B) Bench press (worked up to 230x5)

2A) db rows (100lbs 3x8)
2B) Rack lockouts

3A) db incline curls
3B) db triceps extensions
3C) face pulls

Plus old-man meathead warmup, of course.

Today's Training Resource:
Christmas giftingz for you!1!

- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/bw400giftforyou/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"I never knew an early-rising, hard-working, prudent man, careful of his earnings, and strictly honest who complained of bad luck." – Henry Ward Beecher

‎"Criticism: It has only the power that you, the target, give it. It has none of its own." - Dan Kennedy

‎"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me. Or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose; only I hold the key to my destiny." - Og Mandino

One more week till the next #meatheadmonday,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Weekend Off

Taking another day off from training. Big bench press workout tomorrow on Meathead Monday.

Today's Fat Loss Resource:
10 fat loss diet tips from Isabel De Los Rios on my site
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/nutrition/fat-loss-tips/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life." - Steve Jobs

Don't take the easy way out. Do the work. Earn your results. Deserve success.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Saturday Off Day and Miami Hotel Comparison

No workout today, just stretching and a 3-mile walk from the Fontainebleau Hotel to the Setai Hotel - and back - here in Miami Beach. I've been to Miami Beach four times, and twice I stayed at the Setai, once at a friend's house, and then once at the Fontainebleau.

The Setai has a better location because it's closer to Lincoln Road, the touristy area with shops and restaurants. It also has a nicer beach and is much quieter (no nightclub or party atmosphere).

However, the Fontainebleau is like a Vegas hotel minus the casino. Lots of partying, one of the coolest lobby bars in the world, better - and more - restaurants, a much better pool scene, and unfortunately/fortunately, everything that goes with all of these.

For example, there was a large vomit stain outside the elevators on the 4th floor this morning when I went to go for my walk. On the bright side, I slept through the vomiting, as my room was right beside the elevators.

So...where will I stay in the future? Tough call...the gym is better at the FB as well...and there really isn't a big reason to go down to Lincoln...so I'll probably be back to the Fontainebleau in the future - IF my work brings me down here again. I don't have any plans to be in Miami again in 2012, but you never know with all the crazy stuff I do.

Just wait until you hear about this trip I have planned for Vegas in April...

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Do more - and do better - because you can.

Today's Mental Training Resource:
This is really cool that 561 people have recommended this article - goal is to hit 1000 recommendations before Jan 1st…my favorite rule is #8:

- http://www.earlytorise.com/2011/07/20/12-rules/

And don't forget your Success Plan:
Proven principles for success: 1) Show up. 2) Get outside comfort zone 3) Take the necessary actions to move forward 4) Get the social support you need 5) Never give up

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, December 09, 2011

Finisher Friday at the Fontainebleau Hotel

Another 6am workout at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Today's workout included split squats, rdl's, some other stuff and ended with this bodyweight finisher madness of the 20-10 bodyweight squats.

Watch the video here:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhEowpbetjM

Last night had dinner at their sushi restaurant, Vida. Really good. Try their Vida roll. I can't remember what's in it, but it was good. So was the tuna and Japanese snapper sashimi. The salmon sashimi was a little disappointing.

Today's Training Resource:
A rare "TT chest development discussion" and Quick Workout QnA here
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/bodyweight-exercise/chest-development/

Thanks Shape magazine
- http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-best-workout-videos-youtube?page=9

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Everyone has an excuse that is stopping them from taking action. You must find it and destroy it.

If you are discouraged, let me encourage. If you continue to show up, take action, and follow proven success steps, things will get better and they will get easier. The path will come with dips and obstacles, but if you accept that, you'll be mentally prepared to deal with them. If you focus on your long-term vision, you'll have the passion to overcome them and continue working.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "Sacrifice today for a better tomorrow." - Frank McKinney

PPS - You probably missed this article I wrote for my friend Simon's newsletter
- http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/finding-prosperity-through-the-great-equalizer/

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Miami Meathead Workout

Today I did a workout in the gym at the Fontainebleau hotel in Miami. There are 10 walls in it. It was like a circus funhouse in there. I felt like I was lost in a maze sometimes.

However, it's a great hotel gym and I had a good workout. Started with pushups (hit a maximum of 55 reps in first set), supersetted with pullups, and followed by db press, db row (had 85lbs db's), face pulls, and bw triceps extensions.

Down in Miami at Yanik Silver's "Maverick Business Adventures" annual meeting. Hanging out with business owners from all over the world dedicated to improving the lives of others. High energy. Valuable connections. And while I'd rather be at home writing, SHOWING UP to these events is extremely important. Outside comfort zone = Dramatic steps forward. Big news coming after this weekend regarding an ETR event...

And the Universe answers...I've been looking for someone to create some content for a new project...couldn't find them on Elance...and so I went to Maverick Business Adventures get-together last night in Miami...and the first person Yanik Silver introduces me to SOLVED the problem. Proven principles FTW: 1) Show up. 2) Get outside comfort zone 3) Take the necessary actions to move forward 4) Get the social support you need 5) Never give up.

Today's Training Resources:
MRT, MCT, and MFF QNA - with words longer than 3 letters
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/metabolic-workouts-qna/

Benefits of MRT
- http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/metabolic-workouts/

Top weapons for your 6-pack abs mission, from Certified Turbulence Trainer and International Man of Mystery - Mike Whitfield
- http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/6-pack-ab-weapons/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Imagine, in some strange Dr. Evil/Austin Powers scenario, that your life depended on you being as HAPPY as possible tomorrow. What would you need to do to accomplish pure happiness? And what resources would you really need to accomplish this? I'm betting it wouldn't take a lot of money…but it would take the right people. Remember this in your daily chase of "more".

And today's Independence Invitation from my friend Bedros Keuilian:
Who's interested in launching a fitness info product? You might want to join me and Craig Ballantyne in Las Vegas for a six person private mastermind (only two seats lefts). DETAILS: http://ptpower.com/you-me-cb-las-vegas/

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

9 Fitness Predictions for 2012

No workout today. Catching a flight to Miami for a couple of days of meetings.

But I did write you this most excellent article about my top 9 fitness predictions for 2012:

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/turbulence-training/2012-fitness-predictions/

And yesterday I finished a Certified TT Trainers interview with Jason Ferruggia on his Renegade training philosophy...will get this to TT Trainers in early 2012. It was another awesome call with Jay.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"You cannot brighten another's path without lighting your own." – Frank McKinney...When you teach, you learn. When you help, you are helped. Do some good today.

"An average person with average talents and ambition and average education, can outstrip the most brilliant genius in our society, if that person has clear, focused goals." - Mary Kay Ash

Today's Independence Article:

The internet is what has allowed me to write my own ticket, and it's why I'm going to Miami this weekend. You probably missed this article I wrote for my
friend Simon's newsletter where I explain how the Internet is still the great equalizer.

- http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/finding-prosperity-through-the-great-equalizer/

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS, CTT
www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Old-Man Meathead Workout

That's me, old man meathead. Jolly old' man Meathead.

I had a bit of a training conundrum this week. I have a flight to Miami tomorrow at 9am and yet that was my squat workout day. And because this was the final week of my current 4-week program, it had to be a good one. But I didn't want to be training at 5am tomorrow. And I didn't want to be trying to fit it during my trip to Miami in a strange gym.

So yesterday, with my legs feeling great, despite deadlifting on Sunday, I decided I'd give my squat workout a go today. And it turned out great.

I know it has a lot to do with all the time and effort I've been putting into my old man warmups, including rolling on the PVC pipe (more intense than a foam roller). It paid off with a great workout today.

1) Squats

2A) Lunges
2B) Glute Ham Raises

And that was it. I was still in the gym for 60 minutes because the old-man warmup takes a long time. But again, it is definitely worth it.

Tomorrow I'll have the full day off and then on Thursday I'll be hitting a meathead bench press workout in Miami.

Today's Training Resource:
Unique but effective ab exercises from Certified TT Trainer, Mike Whitfield
- http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/unique-but-effective-ab-exercises/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:

"The harsh truth is that YOU need to take responsibility for your failures, successes, and lack of action. That is the number one reason people never get what they want – No personal responsibility. Most people don't take action and 12 months go by and at best they're in the same place in life that they were last year…only older. But I know you're different. I know that you want more from your life. You want more time with your friends and family, more money and more freedom. All you gotta do now is get out of your own way and get it." – Bedros Keuilian

"Gently yet often exercise your risk threshold like a muscle. Eventually it will become stronger and able to withstand greater pressure." – Frank McKinney
 
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Enjoy my interview from the "Your Money Matters" radio show here
- http://yourmoneymattersradio.com/?p=1617



Monday, December 05, 2011

5 quick workouts for the holidays

Picture yourself at a holiday party...an old friend walks up to you, one hand holding a drink, the other hand holding a delicious dessert, and they say to you...

"WHAT have you been doing? You look amazing! How do you look so good at this time of the year with all this food and drink? But you look hot!"

Wouldn't that be a wonderful feeling?

EXACTLY.

Well, the truth is, this can become a reality with the right short, burst at-home fat burning workout plan.

These 5 workouts right here, in fact:

=> http://www.turbulencetraining.com/burnfatathomeplusMRT <== Save 75% today

I put together that holiday fat burning solution just for you.

Here's why...

Since the year 2000, Men's Health has been publishing my at home workouts in their magazines and online, and you're now going to get the ultimate package of no-equipment bodyweight workouts that you can do to burn fat at the busiest time of the year, including:

- The TT Bodyweight Cardio 3 Program (featuring the legendary 5x5 program)
- The TT Bodyweight Cardio 1000 Challenge (work up to the 1000 reps!)
- The TT 31 Interval Training Workouts (research proven to burn belly fat)

PLUS...

- TT Metabolic Resistance Training (the hottest TT workout of 2011)
- TT 15-Minute MRT Workouts for the holidays

You'll get all 5 of those programs at an enormous savings this week.

Just visit this website to take advantage of this one time sale on the complete At-Home Fat Burning Holiday Kit:

=> http://www.turbulencetraining.com/burnfatathomeplusMRT <== Save 75% today

Helping you lose fat over the holidays (no matter what you eat),

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS

PS - With these workouts you'll have...

...the exact prescription for fast fat loss from intervals and bodyweight training.

This is the REAL DEAL. And an enormous savings of a deal, too, but only until Thursday at midnight.

=> http://www.turbulencetraining.com/burnfatathomeplusMRT <== Save 75% today

You'll soon be boosting your metabolism with proven, powerful fat burning workouts that you can do at home from one of the first trainers to introduce fat loss intervals to the world.

I've been using and preaching intervals and bodyweight exercises for over 13 years now, and having trained thousand of clients - in person and online - I know exactly what works.

You're going to love these workouts to keep you lean - and even help you lose fat over the holidays.

Meathead Monday

From now on, every Monday is Meathead Monday. I won't let a Monday go by without being a complete Meathead, from sun up to sun down.

Todays workout: pullups, overhead press, pulldown, overhead squat, wide row, dips, shrugs.

Today's Training Resources:
Intervals training explained
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/intervalreport

And

Bodyweight exercise & fat loss
- http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/category/bodyweight-exercise-programs/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Commit to getting one big thing done first thing in the morning…it could be the biggest lever in moving you closer to your goals.

Forget the mistakes of the past. Learn from them. Do better today. You will succeed.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Whatever is in your way

Whatever is in your way, you're stronger than it, you're tougher than it, and you're better than it. You're going to beat it.

You can't have a physical transformation without a mental transformation…the same habits that drive success in fitness work for making all areas of your life better…time management, discipline, goal setting, social support, etc. It's never a bad time to start a physical transformation, to set goals, or to hang around positive people.

Today's workout - hang clean, squat jumps, sumo deadlift, ball leg curls, lunges, side planks. Big Christmas party later today which Bally the Dog is sure to ruin...not like the dog in Christmas Story, but about 50% of that level.

Today's Training Resource:
Walking someone through interval training if they are new to it
- http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/interval-training/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
The most successful people I know are persistent. They refuse to give up. They look at a failure in a positive light because of the lessons learned that can then be applied to future success.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, December 03, 2011

No workout for old men

I'm out in the country where it's no workout for old men day. Although I did some stretching, foam rolling, etc., and will be doing a long dog walk this afternoon.

Here's a good workout plan for old men from my friend Jim Wendler (and good news, this does not include cattle stun-gun to forehead like the old man received in that movie...)

- http://www.jimwendler.com/2011/11/training-for-veteran-lifters/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Whatever is in your way, you're stronger than it, you're tougher than it, and you're better than it. You're going to beat it.
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/fat-loss/weight-loss-motivation/

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. - John Quincy Adams

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - You get what you deserve in life…make sure you deserve success.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Super Macho Man Pec Workout

Today's meathead-of-all-meatheads workout was awesome. It was bench press, pullups, rack lockout, db row, db press with supermachoman pec action squeezing, db incline curls, face pulls. And yes, I get extra points for a Mike Tyson's Punch-Out reference in describing my db presses.

Today's training resources:

M-MRT and how to do more chin-ups explained
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/workouts/do-more-chin-ups/

Unique ab exercises
- http://turbulencetrainingforabs.com/unique-but-effective-ab-exercises/

What to do with fat loss workout info overload
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/fat-loss/fat-loss-workout-overload/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
You will get more done if you follow fewer people on Twitter, unsubscribe from most email newsletters, and friend fewer people on FB. You might even start with me…I won't be offended…what matters most are your results and that your time is well spent.

Take action. Work hard. Never give up. Maintain your integrity. Deliver on what you promise. Now, more than ever, we need good business people.

"A goal is a dream with a deadline." – Napoleon Hill...And even better than just a deadline
- http://www.earlytorise.com/2011/12/01/one-word-solution/

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Tons of training tips today

Today's Training: Box Jumps, Squats, Lunges, Glute Ham Raises, Leg Raises. Trying out some tips for a new Meatheads program. That unfortunately won't be out until Feb 2012. But still, worth the wait.

What you don't have to wait for is an article I wrote this morning...literally as soon as I woke up from a dream about how you can lose fat and gain muscle over the holidays. It was 4:43am and I had a dream that a client was struggling to keep the fat off over the holidays. So, I got up, petted the dog, and wrote you this article

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/build-muscle/lose-fat-gain-muscle/

Actually, I gave him a belly rub too, then I wrote the article. A pet just won't do at 5am.

Funny thing, he sleeps out in the living room, but walks in every 15 minutes after 4am to see if you're awake. Today he got lucky, because I was up early. Usually he has to wait until 5am.

Today's Training Resources:
This program, from Certified TT Trainer, Mike Whitfield, is quickly on its way to becoming legendary in the TT world

- http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/the-"braveheart"-bodyweight-program/ 

New article from Certified TT Trainer, Scott Rawcliffe
-
http://www.fuelingyourfitness.com/metabolic-resistance-training-workouts-exposed/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
‎"Incalculable effort and hardship over countless generations evolved into the life, values, and happiness we take for granted today. Every day should be a
celebration of existence. Aspire to create, achieve and build onto the great value momentum taking place all around you." - Kekich Credo #23

And finally, I like this message about the 1%:
- http://www.rootforamerica.com/webroot/blog/2011/11/28/i-am-the-1/

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - The world does not reward average people well, so I will be extraordinary. – Ted Nicholas