Finishing the year strong, lighting things on fire, and training vs. the alternative.
A couple of weeks ago, my Mom and now-stepdad Bob got married (the reason we look put together for a moment above). Congrats, you two lovebirds!
Related to the topic of wedded bliss are my thoughts on why we're here:
Stop 'Working Out'. Start Training.
Last week the team sat down to talk about one question: how do we get more people motivated?
So I asked them, "Why do you work out?" Almost every answer came back the same: I'm training for something.
It didn't matter what the something was. It just had to exist.
That's the difference between working out and training. Working out is what you do when you feel like it (rarely for me). Training has a reason and a date attached, so skipping a session actually costs you something. And it's always easier to keep up than to catch up, as I continually remind the boys.
So here's the question I want you to sit with: what are you training for?
I'll go first. I have three reasons, because I've learned the hard way that one isn't enough.
- Vanity. Let's be honest. When you look good, you feel good, and nobody should be ashamed of that.
- My boys. I have three young boys who will tear me apart if I don't stay in shape. And it would wreck me emotionally if I couldn't do the physical things they want and expect from me every day.
- Something on the calendar. Brit thinks I'm weird for this one, but I need a challenge with a date on it. A race, a misogi, an adventure. It doesn't matter what. If it's on the calendar, I stay focused.
One for me, one for them, and one to compete. With all three, I have almost enough guardrails to stay on track. When I'm down to two, I fall off the wagon. Every time.
Your three won't look like mine. But if you can't name at least one, that's the problem to solve first. Hit reply and tell me what you're training for. It would make my day!
Have a great fall!!!
Jon
Fall Bonfire at the Farm
The gym may be my happy place, but the farm is heaven. And I'd love for you and your family to come out for our fall bonfire on November 14th.
If you have kids and you love them, please RSVP and bring them out to the farm on the 14th so they can have the best night of their lives. :)
HYROX Simulation — This Saturday
This Saturday's classes are a bit different in that they start every 10 minutes, starting at 10am. The movements above should look familiar, and this will be a great way to test going a bit longer in a workout.
We're making it a full simulation of a HYROX event, which you've likely heard about by now. You can go solo or with a partner (split the reps).
You're welcome to invite friends who can register here, and members simply register under "events" in the app.
If you're not a runner — no worries. You can sub running for the bike, same as any other day.
Hope to sweat it out with you Saturday! Holler with questions!
Finish the Year Strong
I had this thought: everyone tries to start the New Year strong, as if we receive new energy post-holidays and everything will fall into place.
Instead — how about finishing the year strong!?
We're going to do a little challenge for those interested. Muscle gained, fat lost, highest net score overall. Runs November 1st through December 31st. Scan by 11/1 and before the end of the year.
Gain 1 lb of muscle, lose two pounds of fat = score = 3 lbs. Muscle gained + fat lost = total score.
It costs nothing to sign up, but it could be life-changing — why not? We're not posting any of this publicly; we'll just rank based on performance and NOT show anyone's data out of respect.
If you want to sign up (aka participate), register here. I'll share my thoughts on how to help you with your gains, and we'll work on it together. The grand prize is a body that you'll roll into the New Year with dialed!
Some Things I'm Stoked About
- Watch — Nick Saban Documentary. 10 years ago, Jim Sheridan (Unforked) convinced me that the process is greater than the end result. Reluctantly, I bought in, and it's awesome to hear this drum continually beaten by the best college coach of all time (not my opinion, just what I've heard others say :).
- Get off caffeine? I know I offend people when I say I don't drink caffeine (and I don't 99% of the time). But if you're looking to cut caffeine, I love Dandelion Root in the morning.
- Mouth tape for sleeping. I can't tell you how many times I've recommended this, and I still get crazy looks 12+ years later. It's the cheapest, easiest thing you can do to improve your health (and your relationship).
- Gimmick / Fun — the most fun way (legally) to start a fire (in city limits). They're like sparklers made for adults, sometimes used by kids :).
- Book — Nothing Like It in the World (thanks, Eric). I love reading about history, and the story of how the transcontinental railroad was built is bananas. It makes me incredibly grateful for the tough people who came before us, and inspired to do better given all the comforts we have.
Bring a Friend on Saturday
Do you have a friend you've been trying to get in here with you? Saturday is your day to have them for a free class. Just fill out this form, and we'll get them set up!
Bring Your Kiddo to the Gym
Do you have a kiddo who is 10 and over? Do they want to come to the gym with you? We can now make this happen, and it's my biggest regret not starting this sooner.
Parents — thank you for leading from the front! You can sign them up for a punch card here, or holler at me if you want an unlimited plan and I'll help you!