Video

The Importance of Time, by Tom Peters /  by Stephen Cooper

 

I know, it may seem a little odd to have a video from business guru Tom Peters here on my boot camp site, but what he has to say is critical.

Our time is finite, and for those of you who are working on getting into shape and losing fat, how you spend your time will make or break you.

I was just talking to a boot camper last night and mentioned to her that I only workout for 15 minutes, about 3 times a week.  I also do jiu jitsu twice a week for sixty minutes each session.

These workouts are put in to my daily schedule and it is very rare that I miss them.

In order for you to be in the shape you desire you must pay critical attention to your time.  I always say, "make time for you".

Don't put this off...or wait till some other day.  Do it today!

Are You Ready for This? TRX Kettlebell Iron Circuit Conditioning /  by Stephen Cooper

Fitness Anywhere Video

Hi boot campers,

Look what I just bought...a new training DVD.  Kettlebells and TRX combined.

We've been doing combo's like this since boot camp began and I'm excited to see and learn some new routines.

We were the first boot camp in the Pasadena area to use the TRX suspension trainer, and it just gets better with time.

As I'm sure you've seen in class everyone from the novice and out of shape, up to the very strong can get a great workout from the TRX.

I'm excited.  Aren't you?

 

8 suggestions for succeeding from john wooden /  by Stephen Cooper

Winning wisdom from the great John Wooden, as sent to me from my coach and mentor, Todd Durkin...
8 Suggestions for Succeeding
1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.
2. Remember, it's the perfection of the smallest details that make BIG things happen (ATTENTION TO DETAIL)
3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.
4. Be more interested in character than reputation.
5. Be quick, but don't hurry.
6. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement.
8. Remember there is not substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
9 Promises That Can Bring Happiness
1. Promise yourself that you will talk about health, happiness and prosperity as often as possible.
2. Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something special in them and that you value it immensely.
3. Promise to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best in yourself and others.
4. Promise to be enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
5. Promise to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
6. Promise to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.
7. Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile.
8. Promise to give so much time to improving yourself that you do not have time to criticize others.
9. Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.
 

 

congratulations to David who has now lost 40 pounds... /  by Stephen Cooper

This makes my day.

David from our morning class notified me today that he has now lost 40 pounds...and this is since January. Incredible!

Just like I say in the video below, there is no magic to losing fat.  

It takes:

Hard work, tenacity, persistence, a no excuse attitude, a smart and frequent training program, strategic eating, and rest and recovery.

David is doing all of these.

What have you done since Jan. 2010? 

a don't quit attitude /  by Stephen Cooper

Each morning when I teach my boot campers I am always focusing on their faces.  Faces don't lie when it comes to showing me how hard they are working.

What I see are both the body and the mind struggling.  These are physical as well as mental struggles.

There is a huge desire in the client to ease back.  Their body is telling them, "whoa I haven't done this in a long time and this is scaring me."  Of course our bodies try to warn us of overheating and over exerting which is helpful and often life saving, but for the most part there is a grey area in which we need to push ourselves.

To those who are overweight, this is a particualary hard area to push through.  I've never been overweight so I cannot pretend to understand what it's really like.

What I can tell you though is that as you push forward and fight through the discomfort your body will respond in positive ways.

Little by little with consistent effort, smart eating, and enough rest and recuperation your body will thank you by becoming lighter, leaner and it will respond better to your commands.

Right now being overweight maybe you cannot count on your body to do one more push up, do squat jumps for a minute,or run a little further...but don't give up.  Just as you body has responded to poor food choices and lack of exercise, it will respond to training.  Just stick with it and don't give up.  

Be the best you can be today.

Don't compare yourself to others.

Train hard today.

Eat smart today.

Get enough rest and recovery today.

Take care of you today.

2010 Winter Olympics /  by Stephen Cooper

 

I'm not much of a team sport type of guy.  I much more appreciate the one to one battle.

I do love the Olympics though, and I'll probably watch quite a bit of it.

I just found a video of some of the Swiss skiers and what they call their "Torture Chamber".

I love the quote from their coach...

"Well, there are no secrets. It is hard work. It is lifting weights."