“12 Reasons to Fire Your Personal Trainer” by Steve Maxwell

It appears that Coach Maxwell is causing a stir on his blog again, and his most recent post could not have come at a better time. Last week, I was at my favorite park enjoying the sunshine, green grass, trees, abusing my sandbag, and trying to break my pushup board when I see a woman being trained (Boot Camp style) by this trainer who looked to be in his mid-20s.

Every now and then I would see the trainer and the woman glance my way while I was training. This really didn’t bother me since I’m use to folks staring at me when I train because nobody else is out there bare-footed in the grass, with shades on, and an mp3 player attached to his ears. I’m not even going to tell you how the parents, who are taking their kiddies to the community pool, look at me when I’m doing my hip mobility exercises. Man, I think I need to get a t-shirt that says, “I’m not a pedophile, I’m a physical culturist!” … (more…)

MLBF’s Blog Recognized by Alltop.com!

I just received an email from Neenz and the good folks at Alltop.com. They informed me that my blog was added to the fitness section of their site. I’m excited about this because I’ll be in the company of other great fitness/nutrition related blogs out there such as Steve Maxwell’s Blog, my buddy Israel over at Fat Man Unleashed, Diet Detective, and Strong Lifts to name a few.

The timing couldn’t be better since I’ll be launching the new look and location of my blog on the 2nd of August! I have been working day and night to get it ready, so stay tuned for more information about my new blog next week.

Have a great weekend and thanks for your continued support fellas …

Mike Boyd (440lbs – 187lbs)

I’ve decided to change the name of not only this series, but to my blog’s tag-line too. I think there has been too much of an emphasis on weight loss fellas and it really needs to stop. When you say that you need to lose weight, what you are really wanting to lose is not simply weight but stored body fat! I know that this may sound like I’m splitting hairs, but I’m not.

Focusing primarily on the weight loss on a scale opens you up for a host of problems. First, you can be easily suckered into programs or weight loss aids that promise fast weight loss, but they never tell you whether you will be losing more fat than lean tissue. Second, when you focus on losing weight, instead of fat, you’re more than likely going to look saggy and soft as you slim down, which is something that I’m sure you and your significant other don’t want! (more…)

“Are You an Exerciser or an Athlete? Part II” by Charles Staley

OK Fellas, here’s part II of this great article by strength coach and the developer of the EDT System for building muscle and strength, Charles Staley. There are so many nuggets of gold, to borrow a term from my buddies over at bodyweight culture, in this article that I hope you guys print this one out and really study and think about these five brief, yet packed, habits that athletes possess. (more…)

“Are You an Exerciser or an Athlete? Part I” by Charles Staley

When I tell people that I don’t workout or exercise but that I train, they usually think that I’m trying to be some macho-type guy, but that’s not the case at all. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s just a matter of perspective and how you approach being fit and healthy.

Well, once I came across this two-part article written by Charles Staley, the developer of the EDT (Escalating Density Training) System, which is something that I first heard of from strength coach Mike Mahler, I felt that I finally found someone to sum up exactly what I’ve been trying to explain.

Basically, EDT allows you to do a large volume of work over a specified time. The key to this system is that you try and beat the number of reps you did for a particular lift the very next workout. Now, this increase the next workout can be as little as one extra rep, which is fine because they name of the game is gradual and progressive resistance. (more…)

Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration: Series Introduction

When I started blogging close to a year ago, I wanted to create an image for not only me to aspire to, but for other obese and overweight guys to aspire to also. Let’s be upfront and honest about something. Having low body fat makes your body work and operate much more efficiently.

Sure, most guys want washboard abs and that’s their man motivation. However, there’s just no getting around the fact that once you’re carrying around less stored fuel, your body can do many more things effectively. You become more flexible and feeling light on your feet beats the hell out of having pains in your knee joints and hips. (more…)