Friday, August 31, 2012

This weekend

Take time this weekend to rest, recharge, and regenerate. Spend time with great people in good conversation. Help them if possible, because helping others helps you just as much. And spend some time alone in introspection as well, figuring out yourself and your goals. Then come back strong next week and make the last 4 months of 2012 the best of the year. Be good, be safe, and we'll see you next week.

Some great resources for you.
First, my daily documents video (all my secret teachers revealed)
- http://www.earlytorise.com/my-daily-secrets-exposed/

And part 1 of 3 with Dr. John Berardi (yes, that rhymes...rap it like Q-Tip)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/john-berardi-update/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." -Booker T. Washington...We always become better people when we help others...make a difference in someone else's life today.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Diet vs Exercise

19 dislikes? Must be pizza-haters (or Pilon-haters), because the "Diet vs Exercise" video rules.

Never forget this lesson in your fat loss journey
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQbuzsY_34Q

30-minute (300 calorie) workouts superior to 60-minute (600-calorie) workouts
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/30-minute-workouts/

Congratulations to Corey Arsenault of Prince Edward Island, Canada. He is the newest Certified Turbulence Trainer
- www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com.

Welcome to the 1 Million Transformation Mission, Corey.

And now for some politically incorrect political opinion:

Mark Ford on why Obama-vs-Romney is irrelevant for your financial future
- http://www.markford.net/obama-versus-romney-who-will-win-and-does-it-matter

"However much and for whatever reasons you might prefer one presidential candidate over the other, don't be so foolish as to think that the solution to your financial future will depend on him...Don't fret about what you can't control. Focus on building your wealth and protecting it. There is nothing else you can do." – Mark Ford

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
You are the one that got yourself into this (whatever 'this' may be), and you are the only one that can get you out of it. Rely on no one else. It is up to you and you alone....this might be a tough mindset to accept, but when you do, it will give you more freedom and control over your life.

My cure for a bad day
- http://www.earlytorise.com/cure-for-a-bad-day/

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Back to benching

My Meathead training today: Pullups, Bench, DB Row, DB press, Seated row.

It wasn't bad, but I have a lot of work to do to hit my goals before the end of the year.

A shoulder injury (from a pushup contest last December) and training for the two Tough Mudders really slowed my strength gains down. Time to get back on track with those goals.

BTW, if you want to do more pullups and pushups, use this
- www.TurbulenceTraining.com/challenge

14th TT Transformation Contest Finalists have been announced...vote for them here (the over 40 men's and women's categories have some amazing stories)
- http://transformationcontest.com/vote_0812.shtml

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Don't wait. The time will never be just right". ~ Napoleon Hill...

..."You must do the things you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt

And something to think about...how many emails do you send a day? How many of those are really necessary? How many lead to wasted time? Remember, if you have kids, every useless email you send - and read - that keeps you working longer steals time you could spend with them.

How to be what you want to be
- http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-become-what-you-want-to-be-2/

How to beat procrastination
- http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-beat-procrastination/

"Pick one thing and become the best at it, and you'll never be short of income." – Thomas Plummer

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Keep On Doing Great Things

Off to film some videos for www.EarlytoRise.com today, so no training today. Tomorrow I'm back in the gym with a Meathead Upper Body workout. You'll also hear more about the new TT Thermogenic-30 program.

Until then...

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Keep on doing great things and being a good person. Today, 5 people will notice. Tomorrow, 7. Next week, 11. Next month, 55. Six months from now, 1571. And so on and so on. The good things you are doing ARE being noticed. The world is noting your commitment to excellence. Stay strong. Persevere through the dips with passion. Celebrate the small successes and commit to overcoming the obstacles. Because what else could we do, quit? No, not an option.

You can't do anything about the past. You can't do anything about the behavior of others. You don't control them. But you do control your own thoughts and actions. Stay true to your vision no matter what goes on around you.

And finally, from Mark Ford...

"Most rich people get that way by consistently doing five things:
1) They understand and manage their debt. They don't let debt manage them.
2) They spend their money wisely, getting maximum value for every dollar.
3) They continuously work to increase both their active and their passive incomes.
4) They are aggressive savers, far outpacing their peers.
5) They are disciplined investors. When they find a good strategy, they stick with it."

Read all of Mark's advice here:
http://www.earlytorise.com/do-this-instead-of-investing-your-money/

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Monday, August 27, 2012

Back to Training and Motivation Monday

On Sunday morning it was back on the weights after a week of Tough Mudder recovery. My Sunday Meathead workout included Squats, Box Jumps, Pistols, and Good Mornings.

I also did my old man warmup, updated, and consisting of:
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/old-man-warm-up-updated/

Monday Motivation:
It doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter how great the odds stacked against you, because if you have an indomitable will to succeed, a positive attitude, a never-quit disposition, and the ability to work hard at implementing proven systems, you can lose 100 pounds or build a $100K per year income.

Just do it. It's less painful to do it than it is to sit around and think about it or feel guilty that you haven't started yet. Once you get started, things will get done.

Challenge - Are you doing the best you can do?
- http://www.earlytorise.com/is-this-the-best-you-can-do/

You are not alone. There are good people out there, even great people that want to help and support you. Never give up on looking for social support. It's there. Online and offline. You will find. Never give up looking. After all, there is no acceptable alternative.

The next time you're having a bad day, cure your thoughts with gratitude. Write down what you are grateful for in your life. You'll find that it's often the little things that we take for granted and the relationships with others in our lives that bring the biggest smiles to our faces. As the old saying goes, "Always be thankful for what you do have, even if it's not ALL that you want to have."

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS – Here's the…

Truth About Not Caring – http://internetindependence.com/action-decision

Saturday, August 25, 2012

If you are struggling

If you are struggling, make sure you are spending your time on the most important activities.

If you want to lose fat, are you doing 20 minutes of biceps curls? That's not a great use of your time. You should spend that on intervals or even on better meal preparation.

If you are struggling with your nutrition here's a 6-week meal plan to the rescue.

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

Earlier this week on MSN, one of the bodyweight workouts I gave Men's Health (they only let me use 2 exercises) -
http://fitbie.ca.msn.com/slideshow/3-gym-free-workout-plans/slide/4

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
If you are struggling...

You must ask yourself, "Why do I want to succeed? And what am I doing NOT to achieve the success I desire? Why am I acting incongruent with my goals,
rather than in congruence with my dreams?"

Really great article on getting what you want in life...143 people have voted it 4.4/5. Take some time this weekend and do this for yourself
- http://www.earlytorise.com/you-must-declare-this/

"Have a vision. If you see yourself doing certain things, it's easier to work your way up that ladder because you know which ladder to climb. Once you know what you want to do, the how-to material is out there. I was lucky to be born as a person who always had a clear vision." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Consider making this one change to your day
- http://www.earlytorise.com/make-this-one-change-to-your-day/

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Amazing Way to Finish Any Workout

Certified Turbulence Trainer Mike Whitfield has a great approach to eliminating cardio (including intervals) after your workout.

Here's one of his finishers from his "Xtreme Fat Loss Finishers" manual (but be warned, this is tough). In fact, make sure this is done AFTER your favorite workout:

The "Xtreme Tres" Finisher (found in the bonus)

Complete the following superset 8 times, resting for 10 seconds between supersets:

1A) Burpees (3)
1B) Prisoner Squat (3)

That's one of the finishers from his client's programs that helped him drop 34 lbs in just 12 weeks AND win $1,000 in the Turbulence Training Transformation Contest.

Of course, it's no wonder... even if your diet isn't perfect, you're bound to drop fat doing crazy, but effective finishers like that.
Get more finisher workouts from www.AbFinishers.com

Now I want to share with you how to approach his density finishers (finishers in which you do as many rounds as possible in a certain amount of time... usually 3-5 minutes):

DON'T train to failure... if you leave about 3-5 reps in the tank during a metabolic finisher, you'll find that you can put in more reps and sets overall.

And that means more calories being burned...

... which means YOU smash a plateau

That's one of the secrets he has learned with his clients, and that's how they approach their finishers with their programs.

Mike hasn't "prescribed" cardio to any of his online or offline clients in years. He keeps creating these finishers for them to do.

And they love them...

... because they lose even stubborn fat (yes, men AND women).

So, try that finisher after your next workout and let me know how it goes.

And check out Mike's finishers to not only burn more calories, but get your core stronger, too, at www.AbFinishers.com.

Finished abs means flat abs,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Worst Part of a Tough Mudder

Friday morning, tomorrow, will be my first heavy lifting session since the Tough Mudder. Looking forward to it. I've stayed active this week, but had a few sore spots that needed extra recovery.

That's the worst part about doing a Tough Mudder. It ruins your heavy lifting for 2 weeks. Now of course, once in a while a break is good. But I just had a break with my 10-day trip to Europe. Time to get back to lifting.

I posted a nice photo of my dog over at www.TurbulenceTrainingFanpage.com. It shows the dog is wise.

He knows that training in the morning is the best way to avoid missed workouts. It's not easy, but that which is worth it rarely is. If you struggle to maintain training consistency later in the day, make a move to morning workouts.

Today's Training Resource:
Awesome ab finisher from Mike Whitfield (just 2 reps, I can do 2 reps...over and over)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/abs-finisher-workout/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Only by getting started will you know if you are going in the right direction. Don't hesitate. Fail forward. Take massive action. Learn from your experiences and improve everything as you go.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "Always give without remembering. Always receive without forgetting." – William Barclay

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tough Ab Workout

One thing about doing a Tough Mudder is that you
sleep like a champ...and so to give me a little extra 
recovery time, we're getting a guest ab workout today 
from Certified Turbulence Trainer, Mike Whitfield...
 
3-Exercise Addictive Ab Finisher - By Mike Whitfield, CTT
 
What is this hot new method that all the fitness
experts are calling, "Metabolic Finishers"?

In a nutshell, metabolic finishers are high-intensity
"grand finales" that you can add on to ANY workout.
They are a hybrid of interval training and metabolic
conditioning using a variety of exercises instead of
the boring treadmill or elliptical.

Intervals work, don't get me wrong. But if you could
get even BETTER results in LESS time, that would give
you more free time.

And if you want stronger and leaner abs, the next step
would be to incorporate what I call "Ab Finishers".

These are a blend of the best ab exercises (that means
NO crunches or sit-ups) mixed in with the high-intensity
fat-burning metabolic finishers. For example...

Ab Finisher # 10 (from the 33 Ab Finishers program at www.abfinishers.com)

The "Chop and Climb" Countdown

Do the following circuit resting only when needed. In the first
circuit, you will perform 8 reps of each exercise. In the next
circuit, you will perform 7 reps of each. Continue in this fashion
until you complete 1 rep of each exercise.

Spiderman Climb (8/side, 7/side... 1/side)
Chops (8/side, 7/side... 1/side)
X-Body Mountain Climbers (8/side, 7/side...1/side)

And don't worry, photos and descriptions are in the manual,
including the crazier ones like the Spiderman Pullups and
Burpee/X-Body Mountain Climber Combo.

My Ab Finishers program includes 33 unique ab-shredding
finishers. Heck, you can use a new finisher after every single
workout so you never get bored, all while shrinking belly fat
and getting addicted to working out.

There are a variety of circuits, supersets, countdowns and more.

The finishers are different than anything you've tried before,
especially beating old school cardio. And they are even more
fun than intervals.

These Ab Finishers are fun, fast, effective, and even give you a
unique challenge. You'll be spent after these very short, but
intense finishers you can tag onto your workouts to smash a plateau.

Not to mention... you'll look amazing when you use these
finishers with your workouts. Your abs will show AND get
harder.

So get ready to achieve more with your workouts - and get
faster fat burning results and stronger and sexier abs than you
have gotten with any other program.

33 Done-for-You Ab Finishers
 
*****
Thanks Mike, sounds good for a post-Tough Mudder recovery
week of training. I'll give that a try today.
 
Time to be a Tough Abber,
 
Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

P.S. If you think you enjoyed that ab finisher...
 
...and want something even more intense, you should try the
"3-Minute Doozy" Ab Finisher. It's the most intense 3 minutes
you'll have TODAY.

Get the 3-Minute Doozy Ab Finisher & 31 more finishers here

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Get up early

Each morning, no matter where my travels have taken me throughout the world, I rise at 4am to protect my magic writing time – a period in which I am most creative and productive.

The scene of me sitting at laptop, water and notepad by my side, word document opened on screen, had been replicated this year in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Vilnius, Bergen, Stockholm, Las Vegas, New York, Denver, Austin, San Diego, and of course, Toronto. That's my modus operandi. Early to rise, early to write.

Learn how Neil Strauss, a guy that has hung out with Motley Crue and dominated the Pick-Up Artist scene agrees with me that you'll get more work done in the morning.

=> http://www.earlytorise.com/make-this-one-change-to-your-day/

Not everyone likes my "get up early" advice. As one reader wrote:

"Waking at 5am is brillaint but sleeping at 9pm doesnt even sound practical or profitable. There are going to be times when clients want to take you to dinner or time spent with the kids, loved ones right? I have been wanting to wake early but have trouble reconciling the sleep bit hence i like to know how successful that makes people." - J

My answer:
Hi J, Please remember that my rules aren't your rules. Your rules can and should be completely different and personal to YOUR life.I don't run a business that requires me to attend client dinners so I can pick my own schedule a little better.

The bottom line is that my rules work for me. And the point was that everyone needs their own rules, not that they need my rules. Thanks!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

And be careful of...

The biggest lie we all tell ourselves
- http://www.earlytorise.com/the-biggest-lie-you-tell-yourself/

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - I'll be back with more exercise tips soon...

In the meantime, check out my bodyweight videos at:

- www.youtube.com/cbathletics

Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday's Kickbutt Mindset Tips

Taking a few days off after the Tough Mudder, but only physically, not mentally.

Here's the mindset that got me through the toughest hill climbs on Saturday morning:

Just remember…you can do it. Strong and steady. Embrace the pain. It will all be over soon. You must never, ever, ever give up.

Full Toronto Tough Mudder review - including the highlight of my day and the nemesis I beat
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/tough-mudder/

And don't forget, it's the last day to get your gifts. Grab some free fitness gifts here (awesome FREE content)
- http://www.freemusclegifts.com/

Today's KickButt Mindset Tips:
The more you implement positive actions, the more they become habits. It's just like when you get up at 6am every day for 30 days straight and then try to sleep to 8am. It's actually hard to do. So focus on sticking to a couple of BIG habits at first. Get those 'cemented' over the next 21 days.

Take consistent action and follow proven success blueprints. Those who BELIEVE they will succeed, come heck or high water, are the ones who do succeed. Do you believe?

"Many of us are fortunate to be blessed with the ability to succeed – not for our sole benefit, but so that we may apply the result of our success to assist others." – Frank McKinney

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Toronto Tough Mudder Review

Full Toronto Tough Mudder review is done.

It includes  the highlight of my day and the nemesis I beat:

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/tough-mudder/

Let me tell you all the gory details. You're about to discover…

•    The best way to do a Tough Mudder
•    3 of the coolest adventure race obstacles you'll do anywhere
•    How I beat my nemesis
•    The failures that I still need to overcome
•    My most embarrassing moments of the day – caught on camera
•    How you can be fit enough for Tough Mudders at 40
•    How to prepare for adventure races of any kind

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Failure isn't bad. Failure isn't final. If there is one thing I know after having observed this crazy world for 36 years, it's that you can SURVIVE almost anything and come back better and stronger than ever before. Don't let the fear of failure stop you from achieving the success you deserve.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, August 18, 2012

free fitness gifts for you


Just finished the Tough Mudder race...but before I go
and recover, you needed to get this email.

Today's you're lucky day.

You're getting 5 awesome free gifts too.

You're getting cool stuff from my friends Adam, Yuri,
Mike, Jon, and Andrea. Go here and make it Christmas
in August for you:

http://www.freemusclegifts.com/

There's something for everyone...

- bodyweight workouts
- ab exercises
- muscle building secrets
- tips to burn belly fat
- and my trademarked MRT workouts

All free.

You're getting these as a big THANK YOU!

Because you rock.

Here's where you can grab your free gifts:

- http://www.freemusclegifts.com/

Keep rocking.

Oh, and rock quickly, because those gifts are
gonna rock off soon. Then Big Mike is taking
the page down.

Enjoy,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Those gifts are loaded with incredible videos,
audios, and workouts you can get immediately.


http://www.freemusclegifts.com/

Let me know which gift you thought was best.

Revenge of CB on the Tough Mudder

Powered by TT MRT I finished my 2nd Tough Mudder race today in just over 2 hours. Funner course than Denver. Or more fun. Or more funner. Whatever. Got another headband either way.

The course was shorter than the one I did in Colorado, but some events were different. We started in the first group at 8am and were in the top 10 of all people finishing...so even though it's not a race, we did really well in the race. And I conquered the monkey bars. So quite pleased with myself.

Someone feel free to knock me off my high horse or throw a tomato at me. Good times. More details soon.

And if you're not into running at all, here's a real workout
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/tough-workout/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips (that powered me through the hill climbs):
"To get something you've never had, you have to do things you've never done."

You must truly believe in yourself. You must end the "I'll give this a try" mindset, and switch to an, "I'm going to succeed" belief.

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Congratulations to Dee Tidwell from...

- http://www.golfdrivesecrets.com/golf

Dee is the latest Certified Turbulence Trainer. Welcome to the 1 Million Transformation Mission, Dee. Glad to have you aboard and helping change the lives of others.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Never quit

Alright, tomorrow's the big race day. Tough Mudder II. So today is just rest and recovery.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips - and one's I'll use tomorrow, as well:
Never quit. If you stumble, get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today's another day, so get back on track on move closer to your dreams and goals. You can do it.

You can't change your genetics, but you can change your attitude, your persistence, your environment, the people you listen to and hang around with, and the things you do. You can change, so if you want to, just get started.

Admit to – and learn from – your mistakes. Mistakes must be viewed positively…because with the knowledge you gain from them, you are able to do better in the future. 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 to your mistakes, you will succeed.

Advice for troubled times
- http://internetindependence.com/advice

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, August 16, 2012

New Certified Turbulence Training Catherine Gordon

Congratulations to Catherine Gordon, the newest Certified Turbulence Trainer. Congratulations Catherine, you've been an inspiration to over 100,000 people already.

Years ago Catherine won the 2nd ever Turbulence Training Transformation Contest, and she remains my favorite before and after success story of all time.

Learn more about the TT Certification and 1 Million Transformation Mission here:
- www.TurbulenceTrainingCertification.com

As for my training, I'm in the final "rest up" stage for this weekend's Tough Mudder run. It's my 2nd go around with the race, and this time my best friend of over 31 years is joining me. It should be interesting to compare the relatively flat Toronto course against the 4000 change in elevation at the Beaver Creek, Colorado course that I did in June.

Now while the Tough Mudder is "tough", here's a real series of hardcore workouts, including barbell complexes, "muscle MRT", and even a few surprise bodybuilding techniques
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/gethardcore

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
It's not that we can't change our lives, it's just that it's easier for us to say that we can't... ...and to use that as the excuse, rather than to put ourselves to the test outside of our comfort zones. Make a decision today – are you going to change or not. Create your vision for what you want to achieve. Then start acting in congruence with your vision. That is how you will accomplish great things.

Life is more positive than it is negative. Of course, you can choose to look at it the other way, but that won't get you very far at all. Look on the bright side, even when faced with challenges. You have to overcome them anyway, so you might as well get started, tackle them, and learn from these experiences. Stay positive. It's a better way to live.

The truth about making progress in life
- http://www.earlytorise.com/progress-comes-in-spurts/

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Arnold, 1977

"Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner." - Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1977

I found that quote in the fantastic book, "Muscle, Smoke, and Mirrors: Volume II" by Randy Roach.

If you liked Pumping Iron, you'll love that book.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
I don't know you. Never met you. But the fact that you're here means a lot. It means you care enough about yourself and about others that you are willing to take action, to risk stumbling (but never truly failing), and to get out of your comfort zone in order to create a better world for those around you, and for yourself. You will earn it. You deserve it. And I respect that. Proud of you for what you are doing. Stay strong.

Life - and business - are never smooth-sailing journeys. There are tough times, as Seth Godin explains in his book, "The Dip", that you'll have to work through. And in my opinion, it's often only your passion and your vision that will get you through them...but also that will drive the breakthroughs - don't forget about those. They WILL happen for you. Stay strong. Keep that passion and stick to that vision.

"How do you find time to do all that stuff you get done in a day?" - I don't, I make time. Big difference. Be PRO-active.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Secret of Usain's Success

Two weeks of amazing Olympic bodies is enough to get anyone motivated to train right and eat better.

So let's take a look at what REALLY works…

First up, Usain Bolt's recipe for success?

For breakfast: Hash browns, fruit, apple juice and a chicken wrap from McDonalds. "It had vegetables so it was healthy," he noted in an article in the Globe and Mail.

Then there's Michael Phelps…

Well, we've all read about his 12,000 calorie per day diet.

And yet these guys have ripped abs that are clearly NOT made in the kitchen.

So how do they get their Olympic hard bodies?

Hard core training, of course.

When you are ready to take your fat burning workouts to the next level, it's time for these classics
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/gethardcore

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Even if the "worst" does happen in your life, remember this does not change who you are, what you believe in, and what you stand for. It does NOT change you. Only YOU change you. You can let tough times change you, or you can change the tough times. Stay strong. Never give in.

It is tempting for us – myself included – to remain in our comfort zones. But that is not where we grow, improve, and make the changes necessary to dramatically move ahead. So my challenge to you to do the opposite. Look at what you are doing to stay in your comfort zone and think, "What is the opposite action of my instinct? And would this opposite action be the better solution?"

Life is more positive than it is negative. Of course, you can choose to look at it the other way, but that won't get you very far at all.

Oh, and one more thing...
Made a little loan yesterday on www.kiva.org helping these ladies in Nicaragua with their clothing business. Kiva is a great way to help those that are helping themselves. They pay back your loan and then you get to loan to other people. That was my 15th loan.
- www.Kiva.org

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Monday, August 13, 2012

Meathead Monday and Success QnA

A great Monday for a #meathead workout. It truly was.

My workout: Pullup, bench press, db row, db press, t-bar row, triceps extensions, curls.

Interval Q: Is there a difference in effectiveness running intervals at 30 second run/walk vs 1 minute intervals? I really feel 1 minute ones but breeze through the 30/30 despite running the same track and finishing at the same time.

Answer:

There's no study comparing the two, sorry. Most bike interval studies use 8s intervals and 12s of recovery repeated for 20 minutes or use 30 second bike intervals.

www.SuccessQnA.com

Q: Once you know what you want to outsource in your business what are the best places to find quality help?

Answer:

Elance.com, odesk.com, craigslist, Also fiverr.com for cheap stuff, and guru.com, and your own customer list.

Q:I got the newsletter in the end and everything will be going live in the next couple of weeks. In order to spread the word far and wide about my online presence within the local community, how would you go about that? Make a poster/flyer and go business to business, door to door introducing myself and my site, giving some information regarding the site and what it's aims are. Basically, how would you get as many local people onto your email list and to your website?

Answer:

We cover all of those strategies in Financial Independence Monthly at www.makemoremoneyonline.com. Do NOT try to use OFF-line marketing to drive people to a website. Try to write in a local newspaper, as well as on local popular websites.

Q: Craig, I'm going to walk into a meeting with my boss today where I may lose my job. I started my own business recently, but there is no income yet. I have a wife and a new puppy, and enough savings to last a month. What would you do in this situation? - Lukas

Answer:

I lost a job once. I immediately contacted everyone i knew and let them know. Since you attended underground, you have a decent network, so let people know if it actually happens...you know good people, and good people want to help other good people like you. And if the worst does happen, remember this does not change who you are, what you believe in, and what you stand for. That was the biggest mistake I made...putting too much personal identity into my job...it affected the way I thought others viewed me, even though it didn't change anything in their eyes.

Be a realist, but an optimistic realist. Don't get down. You're young, you're smart, and you're full of energy...and despite what the media says, there is a LOT of opportunity out there in the world and in America for folks of your age...especially good kids like you that are willing to show up on time and do a hard day's work.

Stay strong, and communicate openly with your wife about whatever happens...even if the worst doesn't happen, it's worth having an open conversation with her about what you would have done IF it did happen.

And don't worry about the dog, they will always, always, always love you. I know everything will turn out alright for you.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"If you're going through hell, keep going...Never give in." - Churchill

"Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human." — Anthony Robbins

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "Figure out what you want. Focus on it. Find people who've achieved what you want and find out how they think and act, and then follow their lead." - Bill Harris

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sunday Hardcore

Hard body Olympians didn't get that way by eating chicken and broccoli. In fact, many of them consume more than 6000 calories per day. So what's their secret?

Hardcore training.

Here are some of my forgotten hardcore workouts.

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/forgotten-hardcore-workouts/

These include barbell complexes. like to go from top to bottom: Squat, press, front squat, row, RDL.

In addition to complexes, they almost all do interval training.

And new Australian research shows 17% decrease in belly fat after 12 weeks of interval training (J. Obesity, Heydari, M., 2012). Find out the best way to do intervals here

www.TurbulenceTraining.com/intervalreport

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
It is tempting for us – myself included – to remain in our comfort zones. But that is not where we grow, improve, and make the changes necessary to dramatically move ahead. So my challenge to you to do the opposite. Look at what you are doing to stay in your comfort zone and think, "What is the opposite action of my instinct? And would this opposite action be the better solution?"

You must look at what can be, not what is. You must also look at what is going to be if you don't change. You can change and things can be different. It's up to you.

If it is to be it is up to me,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Saturday Morning Squat Workout

Seven days until the Toronto Tough Mudder. Still time for a heavy squat session before next Saturday, and that's what I did today.

Squats, box jumps, pistol squats, leg curls, and abs.

Pushup addiction challenge for this weekend - give it a try?
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/push-up-addiction-challenge/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"You are responsible for exactly who, what, and where you are in life. That will be just as true this time next year." - Kekich Credo #58

There will be days when you wake up, roll out of bed, and think, "Oh no, not again. Not another day of banging my head against the wall all in the name of trying to make progress in transforming my body." But then you'll get out of bed, go to work on it, and then suddenly, one day, it will all change. For the better. Whoosh. Just like that. Stay strong. Never give up.

And a nice dose of ol' CB for you to watch in a comfy beanbag chair like these kids:
- http://www.mindvalleyinsights.com/craig-ballantyne-structure/

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, August 10, 2012

Pushup Workout Challenge

Here's a pushup workout challenge that I've been doing for years. I even had the kids do it at the bootcamps I was teaching in Lithuania the other week, and they loved it.

It's Martin Rooney's Push-up Addiction Test.

He's a world-famous strength coach Martin Rooney, and this was in the April 2010 issue of Men's Health.

The Rules

1) After a warm-up, you are going to do push-ups for 3 minutes.

2) You can rest whenever you want - but the clock keeps running.

3) You must do every repetition with perfect form.

4) Pace yourself however you'd like...Rooney says to take a 15-second break once you start to slow down after your first burst. Then take longer breaks is you get more tired. Do NOT go to total fatigue.

5) Rooney even provides these "standards" for men.

Add up the total number of reps you perform in 3 minutes:

< 55 reps = below average
55-74 reps = Average
75-99 reps = Good
100-110 reps = Excellent
>111 reps = Extraordinary

The first time I did the challenge I got just over 100 reps.

Alas, I don't have similar numbers for women.

HOWEVER...I do know a woman who can help you improve your score...and she'd probably be able to do 150 reps in 3-minutes. After all, she can do 100 pushups STRAIGHT.

Find out how she does it here
- www.ChallengeWorkouts.com

I know you can do more pushups and pullups.

Now for DIET.

I know you can get closer to your goal of getting ripped. Here's how. I've been getting ripped with the gluten free diet (my daily meal plan this week)

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/gluten-free-diet-2/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Yesterday was a bad day. Everything went wrong. But then I was reminded by my friend Bedros Keuilian to be grateful for all the little things, and I realized that we all have it better than the Kings and Queens of even just 100 years ago. Life is much easier than most of us make it out to be. So stay positive, be grateful, and take advantage of all the opportunities and gifts we have been given.

Don't get upset by things you can't control. Just work on improving everything else. Keep moving ahead. Do the best you can do with what you have right now.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Lots of Turbulence Training content today

Someone asked for my favorite TT workouts to strip fast fat. Well, here they are.

1) Turbulence Training 2K3 from www.TurbulenceTraining.com

2) TT 2K4 from www.turbulencetraining.com

3) TT Buff Dudes and Hot Chicks (feb 2009) from www.turbulencetraining.com/workouts

What's your favorite single-session TT workout? Mine is Workout A from TT2K4. Bomb workout. You can try that here

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

And here are a few TT workout videos:

Buff Body Backyard Metabolic Workout (cool video)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp8eSAvtaGE

Better than the Olympic Games, because you get a Gold Medal for fat loss
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3396eSHhTEQ

TT Power Fat Loss Workout A (exclusive workout video)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZvYQyB5fsc&feature=youtu.be

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
It will all be over soon. The tough times WILL end. If you are going through divorce, one day you will love again. If you are going through bankruptcy, one day soon you will have control of your financial future again. Never give up. Never quit. If you stumble, get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today's another day, so get back on track on move closer to your dreams and goals. You can do it. I believe in you.

Look at the bright side of everyone and everything. For most people, the world has never had it so good. Look on the bright side of your struggles. Stay positive through everything. Change your perspective, change your life.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

All Mindset Today

Just got home from filming two new videos for FIM Virtual Mastermind members. One was on "Big Ideas" and the other on "Creating Copy that Converts". Plus, a little special extra video for all FIM members.

Oh, and I also sang some the content to the tune of the old Big Mac McDonald's jingle.

No training today, just mindset stuff for you.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Short term pain from discipline equals long-term gain from progress. Long-term pain comes from lacking short-term discipline. Stay strong and do what is right.

Don't think you have to wait until the 'time is right'. It will never be. Start now. As the old saying goes, "The best time to plant an oak tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is now." Get started. Take action today.

"Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Roberta Brenick

BTW...We have a new article "5-Star" article rating system at ETR – make sure to rate your favorite articles so you can get more of them.
- http://www.earlytorise.com/the-true-definition-of-success/

See you there,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - And remember...

It's not what you can do that counts; it's what you actually do. – Robert Ringer

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

free advanced nutrition info (to TRIPLE fat loss)

No lifting today, but Old Pooches (Bally the Dog) is back in town, so there will be lots of dog walks.

And speaking of old, Dr. John Berardi and I go way back (that photo of me, Dr. JB, and JB is from 2006 or '07 – but we've known each other since 2000 or 2001)...and now Dr. JB has some FREE advanced nutrition info for you
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/berardi-nutrition/

He originally told me that this was for personal trainers, but frankly, I think you're smart enough to learn from it too, because after all, you're a TT reader. And that makes you extra special.

Now for something goofy…

http://www.turbulencetraining.com/Images/bally-doo.jpg

I had that funny cartoon created where you'll see Craiggy and his canine buddy, Bally-Doo, tracking down monsters like Were-Roman, FrankenJoel, Zombie-Adam, Count Vinceula and Flavia, Isabel the Sorceress, and Mike "the Truth About Mummies" Geary...and they would have gotten away with it too, if weren't for that meddling kid and his dog.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Avoid the 3 C's: "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain." - Dale Carnegie

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

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Monday, August 06, 2012

12 Rules

Today's a holiday here in Ontario, but the gym was open early and that meant it was empty. Literally empty. Just me and my own private gym. Good workout.

My workout - Bench, Pullups, Db press, DB row, high rep T-bar rows, triceps extensions, and bb curls.

No matter if you are working or not today, I want to you to read something. Just over twelve months ago I wrote the most important article of my life...I hope this can help you
- http://www.earlytorise.com/12-rules/

And I traveled over 9100 miles to film this for you:

[Video] The one thing you need in your life if you want more freedom
- http://www.mindvalleyinsights.com/craig-ballantyne-structure/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Never quit. If you stumble, get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today's another day, so get back on track on move closer to your dreams and goals. You can do it.

"The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become." - Jim Rohn

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS I agree with this:

#truth -
http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2012/08/05/revenge-of-the-zeros-the-battle-between-ayn-rand-and-collectivism-reaches-a-climax/

Sunday, August 05, 2012

Squat Workout Amid the Olympics

Returned home today after a smooth 8 hour flight from Copenhagen. Combined with the flight from Stockholm and long layover in Denmark, it added up to an 18 hour travel day. Fortunately, I slept a lot on the flight home and was ready to hit the gym within an hour of landing.

Today's training: box jumps, squat, pistols, glute-ham raise, power wheel rollouts.

While I was between sets, I watched the 100 meter final. Amazing.

But now I'm starting to crash...but still trying to put some travel photos up on Facebook.

Anyone ever been to the Boston-themed sports bars in Sweden? I was at the one in Old Town watching the 100m yesterday...snapped this photo for Bealer that I posted at www.TurbulenceTrainingFanpage.com.

Would be interesting to watch the Superbowl there...it would start at midnight. And yes, they stay open late for it. I asked.

BTW, in my opinion, if you put Paris and Amsterdam in a blender, you'd get Stockholm. As I see it, that's a compliment for Swedes, and a reference point for others that have not been here. Just don't put the Swedish girls in a blender.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
You have to stand up for what is right for you at this time.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "If you bring value to the table, other people who add value will be attracted to you. If you remove value from the table, people who add value  will shy away from you." - Simon Black

Stand up

Please stand up and proudly share your story of overcoming the obstacles in your life. Why? Because someone else probably inspired you to change. And now there's someone else sitting at home in pain just waiting for somebody – like you – to come along and be the inspiration to him or her that someone else once was to you. The more you help others, the more you will benefit too.

Avoid this Toxic Food

We have dessert for breakfast.
 
It's in our yogurt.
 
You'll find it in almost every drink at the store.
 
 
But we can't stop...
 
...because scientific research suggests it is as 
addictive as cocaine.
 
Could be killing you too...
 
...and making it next to impossible to lose belly fat.
 
My father also consumed a lot of this food, and it 
probably made his cancer worse.
 
 
Please share this email with your friends and family
so that they can take control of their health.

Eat well and be healthy,
 
Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer
 
PS - Never forget...
 
...diet is more important than exercise.
 
 
Removing - or even just limiting - this one food
can make a big difference in your fat loss and
your health.

Saturday, August 04, 2012

Running in Stockholm

Today's training: Big run around the Djurgarden in Stockholm. Great views, perfect weather. Last long training run before Toronto Tough Mudder.

Afterwards, I was bewildered to find the nearby Stockholm 7-11 was not open at 7:45am. Seems to be a failure to communicate. Like yesterday's cooking class I attended here in Stockholm with that chef guy from the Muppets. Couldn't understand a word he was saying.

Punisher-X + Pushup-Row Addiction - add these to your workouts (full instructions here)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/bootcamp-games/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Be positive. Focus on what you have, not what you lack.

As the old saying goes, Life is not a dress rehearsal. Get out there and live today. Time to take my own advice...last day of holiday in Stockholm. Time to tour the old town. Great city. Highly recommended.

Craig Ballantyne

PS - We have a new video for you.

[Video] The one thing you need in your life if you want more freedom
- http://www.mindvalleyinsights.com/craig-ballantyne-structure/

Friday, August 03, 2012

Cable Upper Body Workout and Off to Stockholm

Sitting in the Bergen, Norway airport right now, getting ready to fly to Stockholm. Fortunately, I'm taking an airplane because my arms are tired from my morning workout.

Down in the dingy little hotel gym, armed only with a Techno-Gym cable stack (and my bodyweight), I did pullups, pushups, presses, rows, pulldowns, lateral raises and some meathead arms. Good times.

Followed that with another big breakfast of eggs, vegetables, fruit and nuts. That should provide adequate sustenance for my journey. We'll be doing lots of walking in Stockholm.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Success = Adding Value + Hard Work + Personal Responsibility + Living Life on Your Own Terms

Do MORE than what is expected of you, not LESS than what you are capable of. You have been given great gifts. Earn the rewards that those gifts make possible.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Crazy Day in Norway

Went off for some fjord sightseeing today on a tour. It started by boat, and then returned by bus through a mountain pass. At one point, halfway up a steep climb, the bus stopped and we all disembarked for photos. But when we returned to the bus, the driver couldn't get it moving.

Who saved the day?

Me, kind of.

I was the only one with a phone that was able to get a signal in the area. (A small victory for the humbled Blackberry.) As a result, the driver was able to call the mechanic back at the shop and troubleshoot the issue. Thirty minutes later we were back on the road. Good times.

New photos of this adventure will be up soon, but in the meantime, here's my current Euro 2012 photo album (and we're off to Stockholm tomorrow)

- https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151068465629679.453113.104855019678&type=1

My pre-tour workout in a tiny hotel gym stocked only with a cable stack:

1-leg squats
Cable Pull-thru
Bulgarian Split Squat
Cable abs
Lunges
Ball curls

And don't miss out on TT Bootcamp Games. We used some of these in our workouts last weekend - Have more fun and get more results here
- www.TTBootcampGames.com

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Find the trend whose premise is false, and bet against it." – George Soros

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." – Mark Twain

Glad I went on the tour and even more glad that I brought my phone,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

TT Bootcamp Games

Here are 31 more done-for-you bootcamp games that will help
you get more results with your bootcamps.

=> www.TTBootcampGames.com

These are fun, fast, and effective.

Plus, these workouts will differentiate you from ALL other
bootcamps in your area.

These will set you apart and make it easy for your current
clients to refer NEW bootcamp members to you.

And it will make the ones that you already have stay with
you longer.

The games are like a license to print money in your business
while helping more people get MASSIVE results.

Print these workouts for easy reference:

=> www.TTBootcampGames.com

Helping you get more out of life,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

How bad do you want it?

How bad do you want it?

This is where you answer with actions that speak louder than words.

Looking to try some harder workouts? Let me give you an incentive to give TT a chance (oh, sing that, sounds catchy). All I am saying, is give TT a chance
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/threeMRTworkouts

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Forget the past - except the lessons you learned from it. There's nothing you can do about it. It is the FUTURE where you must FOCUS. Stay positive. No one really likes a woe-is-me attitude. You don't attract good people into your life that way. Instead, stay strong. Get stronger. You can - and will - do it.

Here's a great quote on the #truth on the link betwee success and hard work.

"What I find most attractive is the direct link between how hard you work and the outcome you get," said Nick LaCava, a member of the USA Olympic Rowing team that just also happens to be a serial entrepreneur. "You own the results."

Own it,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer