Math was never my strongest subject (although I was ok).  Actually from about 8th grade on I copied all much some of the homework from a guy in my class who went on to be a math teacher.

That goes to shows I can really spot talent

The funny thing was I always scored higher than him on the tests (on which I DID NOT cheat.)

But I digest…

Fish oil is a wonderful thing.  But most of you are not taking near enough. 

What if I told you you could ditch your high blood pressure / high cholesterol / heart / diabetes medication if you took an adequate dose of fish oil?  What if you could actually CURE the underlying issue instead of just cover it up with prescription meds.

Well maybe, just maybe you can.

Don’t ditch your prescriptions just yet – but let’s start with a little lesson in Fish Math.  Check out the video below, a very simple primer on fish oil…

Post below with any questions.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS:  Notice the dark circles under my eyes in the video?  Well for that I would like to thank the recent Daylight Savings switch, and more specifically my 2 children who are completely unclear on the concept.

Venus & Mars in happier times

While men and women are *mostly* the same physiologically (certain exceptions immediately come to mind)  turns out there are some important differences below the surface.  I just read an interesting article in MSNBC about the current research and  findings regarding gender differences in training effects.

There is obvious stuff like men are stronger and women look better in sports bras, but the really fascinating stuff is what is happening hormonally.  Men and women have the same hormones battling it out internally, but at very different levels.  A key difference is men have much more testosterone and women have much more estrogen. This stacks the deck in men’s favor. From MSNBC:

"Exercise is similar to short-term starvation," says Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. From an evolutionary perspective, he says, women need to withstand starvation to survive and have babies.

Yikes. That means that a woman has to work that much harder to trick her body into losing body fat.  This confirms what many trainers have seen for years.  (Research often lags far behind what we see in real world situations, but it cool when we find out WHY we are seeing what we are seeing.)

The research is now coming out to back up what we have been experiencing in the gym- women just get the short end of the stick (again.)

For men it is much easier (not easy, just easiER).  The high testosterone levels in men help build and maintain muscle.  Muscle increases metabolism, a higher metabolism means more calories burned per day which leads to more fat loss.  Women just have less testosterone. That throws a wrench into things.

…females have a harder time losing weight through exercise than men, says Day. Men’s bodies respond more favorably to exercise, whereas women’s bodies go into survival mode, slowing metabolism and hanging onto fat.

That is just not fair. So why not just give women testosterone?  This is why:

Thanks, I’ll pass

Yes that is a woman. In all seriousness testosterone treatments in much lower dosages have been tried, but there’s just no way to avoid the negative effects (bearded lady anyone?) completely.  It is simply not a feasible fat-loss solution.

Fear not.  The above is only part of the bigger picture. There is a lot more to fat loss and fitness than just estrogen and testosterone.  Sets, reps, rest periods, exercise selection, intensity, workout duration are just some of the training parameters that can be tweaked for individualized and even gender specific fat loss programs.

Science geeks in action

Science geeks continue their quest to research all conceivable aspects of training.  Exercise geeks like me can take that information and create drastic changes in body composition while taking into account the hormonal differences in the genders.

As the research continues the training programs used by forward thinking trainers  will only get better and the results will only improve.  It is always refreshing when research actually has a real-world application.

If you want a personalized fitness program let me know, I can help.  Free Body Diagnostics Evaluations ($227 value) are available.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

One of my good friends is a marketing guru, and at some point had a meeting with a high level marketing person with Calvin Klein. They got to talking and she went on to tell how today’s size 2 is actually a size 4 from the 80’s. And as the sizes get bigger the gap gets larger. Example: today’s size 12 is a size 16 from the 80’s and the same applies for men.

That actually makes perfect sense.  For example let’s say a woman went to go buy some jeans and was choosing between 2 pairs. One said it was a size 12 while the other said size 8- otherwise the jeans are identical (they were in reality exactly the same size). Which one would she choose? The size 8 of course. She would probably be willing to pay more.

Another client emailed me and told me that based on her experience the more expensive the brand, the bigger the lie. That goes back to what I said above: A person would be willing to pay more for a label that has a smaller number.

So what the  F? .  It’s just another lie perpetrated  on the good people of this country. Add it to the list I guess.

What it comes down to is that you should not base your worth as a person on numbers. 

Any numbers.

Whether it is the number you have in the bank or the number around your waist or even the number on the scale.

No number defines you.

Remember that.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS:   3 people chickened out at the last minute for the C-Diet 2.5 Beta challenge (the 28 day rapid fat loss diet and training program for local and ONLINE clients).  I have 2 open spots for the ladies and one for the guys.  We start Monday and it is only open for the first 3 to email me so DO NOT WAIT!

Someone should have clued Hammer in,
his pants were lying to him for years…

No long ago when I started my one of my 6 Week Body Transformation programs, I asked all of the participants to take measurements.  For they guys, it was the waist I was interested in, for the women it was waist and hips.  So after one guy didn’t email me with his measurements I asked him during the session.

"So what is your current waist measurement"  I asked as I set up the workout.

"36" he replied quickly.

Uh, what? That answer didn’t seem right.  I have been at this game a while, so I know I know a 36 when I see one (or don’t).

"You used a measuring tape?" I asked.

"No, but my pants are a 36."

There it was.

As someone had absconded with my measuring tape that day I instructed him to go home and use a measuring tape ASAP.

I got an email later that evening. He measured and his waist was in fact 42 inches – not 36.

Big difference.

I’m sure he thought what I thought: How can that be?  The pants said 36!

That’s when it really hit me: Pants are liars.  Big – F’ing  – Liars.

I asked my other transformation guys what size pants they usually wore, and they all answered 36 (popular size I guess).  But each of them had actual waist measurements of 40-42 inches.

So I decided to do a little experiment.  I will say that I (thankfully) do not wear long pants all that often.  You see I have big legs, and have always had big legs so it is hard to find pants that fit right.  But it’s usually pretty warm here, and even when it isn’t I can get away with shorts 90% of the time.

It just so happens that I wear a size 36 pants (apparently just like everyone else), so I took my 36 inch jeans (the finest jeans Old Navy has to offer) out of my closet and measured them. Here is the actual tag.

These jeans are freshly washed, and not stretched from wearing.  I put the tape measure up to them and this is what I got:

I know that is a little hard to see so let me zoom it in for you.

Now I think I was being generous as I did not full stretch them out as if one was to wear them, and even then it measured at 19 inches.

Now do a little math and multiply that by two and you have the circumference.  The result is 38 inches. I think I could have probably squeezed out another inch or two if I was to yank on them a bit and I’d get a 39 or 40. 

The only good news for me is that these pants are loose on me, so that is something.

So what does this mean?  Congrats – you are fatter than you think.

Well, that might not be exactly true. But what it means is that clothing manufacturers are trying to make us feel better by giving us smaller numbers on our clothes.

I expect politicians to lie to me, my kids and even on occasion my clients, but not my attire.

I feel I have been let down.  Damn you Old Navy.

The Bottom Line:

Pants lie.

Dresses lie.

Tape measures do not.

Take home lesson: Do not believe everything you wear.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS: If you want to make your real numbers smaller, shoot me an email.

It’s time.  Are you ready?

I have updated my original 28 day fat incinerating “C-Diet" to version 2.0 and I need some testers.

And I shouldn’t say “some” – I need SERIOUS testers. Real ACTION TAKERS.

Let me make something perfectly clear:

THIS DIET IS NOT FOR WUSSES

It will involve utilizing old school fat loss methods combined with cutting edge nutritional protocols to deliver superior results. It is a low calorie, low carb full on body fat attack diet.  Serious shiz.

Think you can’t have abs in 28 days – think again.

Here’s the deal – I need 18 people to lose as many inches of their midsection as possible in 28 days.

9 Men

9 Women

I am looking for 18 (and only 18) highly motivated people willing to commit to a brand new 28 day rapid fat loss program.

Yes 28 days.

The goal is to jump start your fat loss and create an unmatched program that is so mind blowing in the first 28 days that you will be motivated to continue at an accelerated rate.

This program is for anyone who:

• Is Short on time but high on desire
• Wants Rapid fat loss with minimal time investment
• Is stuck on their current routine
• Needs a jumpstart to get back in shape
• Needs to augment their current routine with fat burning
• Needs a Stepping stone to an on-going fitness plan

This is for people who live locally or across the country.  You will receive a training program that can be done at home or at a gym as well as the full C-Diet 2.0 nutritional program.

And yes, you will get coaching from me personally.

Is there a catch?  Well duh.

The catch is you are required to comply with the fitness program 100% (consequences apply). And that you provide a before and after picture so I can use it in my marketing once I release this system to the public at a ‘regular’ price

I have created similar programs to this in the past that have yielded 15-25 lbs or more pounds lost in one month, I expect nothing less with this one.

Because these fat loss methods are so unique  you will be sworn to secrecy.

So… You want in? Here’s your chance.

***MANDATORY***
Send an email that includes:

• Current “before” photo
• Body stats (age, height, weight, waist measurement & bodyfat percentage if you know)
• The city where you live and work
• WHY I SHOULD CHOOOSE YOU

DO NOT EMAIL WITHOUT THE ABOVE INFO!!!

Again, for the first time this beta test is open for both local residents and online clients.

I will be making final decisions of who is accepted and who is not within the next few days (I have some restrictions) so get me that email fast.

C-DIET 2.0 starts next week.

That’s it come and get it. ==>> EMAIL ME NOW <<==

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS:  Tell  your friends to email me too, this program works even better when you use the “buddy” system.

PPS:  Email me at cdiet@carterfitness.com now as I will close up shop when I get my 18 action takers.

You’d think with that title I’d come back with something like  “That’s what she said”, but no, not today.  (although it does make me snicker a bit)

I am taking these post directly from my friend Turbulence Training guru Craig Ballantyne, who recently posted these questions that really got me thinking. Maybe they will get you thinking too…

• Why do you continue to make short term decisions that ruin your chances of long-term success?
• Why do you continue to eat junk when you want to lose fat?
• Why do you watch so much TV when you know you should be exercising?
• Why do you hide your goals when you know that support will help you succeed?

You have to accept that a little short-term pain will allow you long-term success.

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the above questions.  Please leave some love below (that’s what she said).

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS:  Later today or tomorrow I will be sending out an email asking for suckers beta testers to try out my new “C-Diet 2.0”.  Be on the lookout for it.

Then a week ago I had a 4 day business trip to Miami planned.  I had a great time, learned a ton but for some reason had a real hard time sleeping.  No real reason I could figure out, just one of those things I guess. 

Add the physical stress from lack of sleep and a nagging hip injury then enclose me in a flying steel tube with recirculation air from 400 random strangers (twice in 4 days)  and boom – Josh gets sick.

That is my M.O. When I overtrain, or just get too stressed for any reason I get sick.  The same thing happened all through college.  Almost every time I finished finals I got sick and then missed spring break. My spring break never looked anything like they did on MTV.

You’d think I’d learn.  But like most dumb ass guys I always rationalize everything and say “nope – I’m fine.”  Sometimes I’m right, but this time I was definitely wrong.

So for the second time in 3 weeks I was down for the count.

Now, as my wife is fond of pointing out I am the world’s biggest wuss when it comes to getting sick.  I sequester myself in my room and am good for next to nothing.  On second thought make that nothing. Emphasis on the NO.

I don’t check emails, voicemails or anything else – and I sure as hell don’t want to  talk to anyone.  Just keep food in the fridge, the remote on the night stand and leave me alone.

This time around the hibernation phase of my recuperation took 6 days- that is until my loving wife told me she was tired of me being sick and to get my ass out of bed and “suck it up.”

She called me bad names too.

So because on many levels I fear her I complied.  I was still grumpy but at least I was out of bed.

And that was probably a good thing, I needed a change of scenery.  I am still not running at peak efficiency yet but I am feeling much better. 

There are a few benefits to being sick in bed for a week. Like…

1) My illness coincided with the 2010 Winter Games so now I know with 100% certainty that watching televised cross country skiing sucks as much as I thought it would. I no longer have to wonder.  (Short track skating on the other hand rocks.)

2) I nnow know exactly what I look like with a full beard. Not pretty.  So again, I no longer have to wonder.

I thought there were more, but I guess not.  Yup, being sick just sucks no matter how many episodes of Law & Order TNT puts on.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick and lessen its effects when you are.  Of course there are going to be times when you do everything right and you still get screwed and that’s just how it goes.

1) Wash your hands.

2) Don’t touch your eyes or face until your have successfully completed suggestion #1.

3) Take zinc.  Try Zicam or Cod-Eze at the first sign of a cold.  This extra zinc has been clinically proven to shorten the duration and intensity of colds.

4) Echinacea is a herb that many swear helps to fight colds.  Give it a shot.

5) Fish Oils, take em. Lots.  These amazing oils (among other things) help boost immunity and can get you better faster.

6) Don’t get stressed (good luck).

7) Probably most importantly – Get some sleep.

So to those whose call or emails I have not returned yet please forgive me as I am still catching up.

I also have some great content coming your way the next week or so like:

• Fishy Math Video
• My new C-Diet 2.0 (needs beta testers)
• Prep & Landing (how to prepare for a trip)
• Free workout videos
• The 6 Week Transformation SUPER program (HUGE bonuses)

I’m back checking emails, so if you have any questions please let me know.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

As an added bonus I love it when they are portable (I can do it anywhere).

The other day I saw one of the trainers at my facility doing something kinda interesting with his clients.  So like any good boss I am stealing it and calling it my own (thanks Casey).

I call it:
“100 Rep Workout: The Game”

What I did was take his idea and convert it to a 100 Rep Workout style.  I tested it on myself first, then punished my bootcampers with it.

It was so popular (they hated it during and thanked me afterwards) that I thought I would share it with you.

This is actually a 300 rep workout, thus it is a semi-advanced workout, but can be modified easily by cutting the reps in half.  It only uses bodyweight so you do not need any equipment.

Here is the workout:

A1) Bodyweight Squats x 100
A2) Push Ups x 50 (on your knees if you have to)
A3) Alternating Lunges x 50 (each leg)
A4) Mountain Climbers x 50
A5)  Full Sit Up x 50

I guess when you are 100, you can do whatever you want.

But that’s not the game- it’s just the sequence.  The game is that if you have to stop for more than  1 second (a count of 1 Mississippi) or your form breaks in the slightest during any exercise you have to jump rope for 30 seconds. No jump rope?  Jumping jacks with 3-5lb weights in each hand. No hand weights? Burpees for 30 seconds. Then resume the count where you left off.

You can rest 30 seconds between moves but that’s it.

The best part about this entire workout is that if you do it right you’ll be done with it in under 15 minutes.

That’s the game – ready to play?

It’s time to get your game on.

Check out my ebook for more “time friendly” workouts designed to get you into shape in record time: http://www.100Rep.com

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

P.S. This eBook has really started to take off http://www.100Rep.com

Most of the time, when I get quoted it comes back and bites me in the ass.

Things like:  “I’ll have the house clean by the time you get back”

or

“Sure, I’ll keep an eye on the boys boys – no problem.”

Yeah, sometimes being quoted sucks.

But there are others much more profound than myself who are actually worth quoting.

Quotes can serve to inspire and motivate.  To make you move out of your comfort zone and into a personal success zone.

I’m not sure I have a favorite quote “of all time” but right now one I keep turning to is by Ayn Rand:

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me”

Another I use with my clients is by Woody Allen:

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.”

So now it’s your turn -  it is time to sit down in your thinking chair and think…

1. What’s your favorite quote of all time?

and while we’re at it…

2. What’s your favorite self-help, or motivational book of all time?

I really want your input on this.  This is the time of year when I am geared up to not only inspire – but to BE inspired.

I, like you, have goals and dreams – and maybe one of you has a quote that will push me forward – or maybe help to push someone else forward.

So please leave some comments below.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS:  Comments are like little hugs…

Seriously, whoever came up with this rig is super dedicated. (I highly doubt it is the young lady in the pic).  2 coffee cans filled with cement, a pole between them and a bench made of 2×4’s and some crates – NICE.