President Bill Clinton said it best when he said “I feel your pain.”

Cheer up , Bill.

The thought of achieving your goals, whether it be fitness & fat loss (or whatever life your goal you might have) can seem insurmountable. 

Well it is surmountable.  Way surmountable.  But the path can be long, uphill and not well marked.  Plus there might be pain involved. But no one expects you to do it alone.

Find a guide.

Don’t look down…

I have in my life a few mentors for various aspects of business and personal life.  People who have “been there” before and know what I am facing. 

I was on a conference call with one of my mentors, master fitness business marketing genius and all around guru dude Bedros Keuilian today. A fellow trainer was having an issue with their business and needed Bedros’ guidance. His words were simple yet profound.

“You might not see the next step, but trust that it is there.”

Somewhere a thousand Zen masters all bowed in unison as the depth of his statement sank in.

And that is what I need to pass along to you.  The next step is right in front of you, even if you cannot see it.  The foot holds and hand holds on the infinite wall of death life are there and with guidance and a heaping helping of faith in yourself you can find them.

I am offering myself as your Sherpa.   I can help and guide you on your path, one foot at a time.

Read this again and believe it:

“You might not see the next step, but trust that it is there.”

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

I am  going to say something that is going to piss a lot of people off. And I’ll probably get tons of emails, but I don’t care.  I am passionate about this.

Here it is:  Gastric bypass is a tool of the weak.

Ok, maybe not all the time, but *WAY* too much of the time.  I will concede that there are people out there that have two options; either go under the knife or under the ground. Those people are not as plentiful as some would have you believe.

But it has become all too common for ethically challenged doctors and so called weight loss centers to perform variations of the gastric bypass surgery on those who are only 40-60 pounds overweight.  There are even billboards all over LA (probably elsewhere too) saying that if you are only 50 lbs overweight you should get it.  Oh yeah, and it is covered by insurance. 

 
Mmmm, doughnuts.

Good news lard butt, your problems are solved!  A couple nips and tucks and you’ll be wafer thin! 

You don’t even have to change your shitty eating habits:

 
I agree – with the first part.

While 40-60 lbs of extra weight is significant, even considering taking the surgical route still makes me ill.

Here’s a thought:  How about being accountable? 

How about getting off the couch a few times a week and performing some form of exercise other than a fork curl.

How about actually changing what goes down your pie hole?

Nah, F that.  Just get the surgery, that’ll fix everything!

And last week there was even better news:  Now being unaccountable for your actions is even easier!   A new version of the lap band surgery (a procedure where a band is placed around the stomach, shrinking the amount of food it can hold) is now done without scars.  They just have to stick a hose down your throat.

Open Wide.

You can read all about it here.  I’m sure those docs are patting themselves on the back.  Yeah, great work.

The woman they feature in the piece is proudly saying she lost 40 lbs in the last 10 months.  That’s 4 pounds a month or 1 pound per week.

You can compare that to 3 clients I am currently working with who have lost 9, 13 and 16 pound in the past 2 weeks. 

And all it took was hard work and dedication and as an added bonus no anesthesia was required.  I’m not saying this to brag, but to point out what is possible with intelligent program design.

Here’s my biggest issue with the lap band flabalanche :   It is a giant cheat. And truthfully I am usually not against cheating.  Under normal circumstances I’m all for it.  If there is a short cut out there I’m going to find it. But in this case cheating can lead to an early grave.

All the lap band (and similar procedures) do is force weight loss by decreasing the amount of food that can be consumed.  But unless the eating habits change eventually the stomach will expand and the weight will come back on. Not to mention the other health issues that come along with eating like crap.

I have seen too many lap band refugees and heard too many horror stories.  And while I do not specialize in the super obese, I have personally helped 3 people drop over 100 lbs and dozens upon dozens drop 50 to 80 lbs. (this does not count those who have worked with trainers I supervise)

So while I am not qualified to say no one should ever get these types of procedures, I am qualified to say exercise and good nutrition works. 

Not sometimes – EVERY TIME.

A view to a kill or motivation for change?

So if you are temped by the billboards and recent media blitz let me say this: Don’t be an idiot.

And to those who say “I have tried every diet and they didn’t work” I’ll say this:  Bullshit.  I’ll say it again- eating right and exercise works every time.

Success is guaranteed.  All it takes is consistency, accountability and determination.

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

PS- Side Note: 
Here is who will email me: Those who have done the surgery, had great success and it changed their lives. They’ll be pissed I am slamming gastric bypass.  Hey there Sparky I ain’t talking to you. Congrats on fixing your life.

Here’s who won’t email me:  Those who have had the surgery and they still failed.  They still eat like crap and the weight came back on and they are just as miserable and heavy as they were before.  And the dead ones, they won’t be emailing me either.

Let me Cliff Note it here for you:

For the historically impaired,  before President George W. Bush, his daddy was our president – George H. W. Bush.  And our first lady was his wife, Barbara Bush.

Well the the powers that be behind the powers that be believed the first lady had an image issue.  For one thing she looked significantly older than the president, appearing more like his mother than his wife.  And as we all know, image is all that any cares about right?

So the handlers or image people, or whatever the hell they are called, begged and pleaded with Mrs. Bush to update and improve her image.  She repeatedly refused but eventually relented.  But there were  three conditions:  she would not lose weight, she would not change her hair color and she would not change how she dressed.

See the problem?

Well you  can certainly understand her reluctance. She probably did not want  to jeopardize her lucrative contract endorsing Quaker Oats.

So when Bowden pointed out this “syndrome” I had to laugh.  I see this syndrome all too often and quite frequently I have to give clients a slap of reality.

When they sit in front of me for their nutritional consult I tell them flat out whatever it is they are doing now - it ain’t working.  If it was working they would not be coming to me.

A common response I get is “No, I eat well…”.  Yeah, my ass.  My definition of “well” and theirs is usually quite different.

Here’s the thing (and Bowden’s whole point):  you can’t expect to see a change unless you are willing to make a change.

Plus it usually involves changing more than just one thing.  More often than not to see a significant change you need to redefine not only the way you eat,  but the way you move and ultimately the way you live.

But I’ve got good news-  your new life is *WAY* better.  More energy, more strength and a more pure life.

Whether Mrs. Bush needed an image makeover or not is debatable.  But for her or anyone to expect a change without making a change is comical.  But I do feel bad for those poor handlers.

And my advice is when you are ready to make improvements in your life, be focused and relentless in the pursuit of your goal.  Never let up. Believe that change is possible.

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

Thanks, I’ll pass.

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

Wait, don’t answer.

Actually it was really meant to be more of a rhetorical question.  Plus it was rhetorically aimed at some news and research dorks. So don’t answer.

So why did I even ask the question?  Well you see this past week a study came out the said exercise does not boost metabolism.  Yes, they claimed exercise  DOES NOT boost metabolism.

So that is why I posed the question: “Do I look stupid?” Because despite the above photographic evidence to the contrary, I am not. (So stop laughing.)

And that is why I knew there was something hinky afoot. (That and 20 years of getting people in shape of course.)

Now we all know that one of the best ways to get headlines is to have a story involving blood, carnage and mayhem. As the saying goes “If it bleeds it leads.” Thankfully this story involved none of that. (I would not want to know what kind of workout involves blood and carnage. Yuck.)

Arguably the second best way to get headlines is to state something as fact that is completely contrary to public belief or perception. For instance I guarantee something like “George W. Bush confirmed to have genius IQ” would definitely be the leading story on the nightly news.

 
Einstein, is that you?  No, wait- it’s just George.

In this case the headline read :

Exercise not likely to rev up your metabolism
Studies bust myth that working out gives you a fat-burning boost

(You can read the full story on MSNBC here.)

Blasphemy!

But hidden in that headline was also a clue to why these people had their head up their collective a**es.  The key phrase was “working out”.

So let’s ask what is working out?  I have people come into my training center that tell me they “work out” several times per week by going for what amounts to a leisurely stroll. 

Buddy, that ain’t working out.

And it turns out what the researchers did was not what I would call working out either.

So what was their version of working out?  Turns out it was riding an excer-cylce.  Granted it was at various levels of intensity but what it boils down to is they tested steady state cardio. These people were doing a single activity for a given length of time.  What they ended up showing is that you burn calories while you do it, but not after.

News Flash: That Ain’t a News Flash.

I rest my case: Is he working out or playing Wii?

So all they proved is what I and other advanced trainers have been saying for years:  cardio does nothing to increase metabolism.  Maybe that should have been the headline.

So to those who wrote the headline (and even those claiming that this is some definitive study on the matter): Nice try.

None shall pass…

They did not test any form of weight training,  resistance training or interval training.  All of which DO in fact increase metabolism.

Now I am not saying that cardio is useless, it is not.  It just should not be your primary weapon in your war on fat.  You need to choose an activity that is consistent with your goals and your time availability. You need to do what will give you the biggest metabolic bang for your buck.  It literally should depend on how much time you have to dedicate.

Got 30 minutes? Do resistance training exclusively.

Got 45 minutes?  Through in some intervals.

Got 60 or more minutes?  Do some “cardio”.

Literally in that order.

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

PS: None of this means s^*t if your diet sucks so get that taken care of too.

I ate all that crap. I cheated big time. And I’ll do it again.

 
Actually that’s pretty close…

All that junk food found its way down my pie hole and yet somehow I still lost 5 lbs this week.

How? Easy.  It’s all in the timing.

I have a single cheat day: Saturday.  I  eat whatever I want, however much I want.  When Sunday rolls around I am done with the binge buffet (kidding) and I’m back on the plan. It is really that simple.

I am not stupid, I do not eat like a *complete* pig, so I have what  I want but do not stuff myself to the point of explosion.

The cheat actually up-regulates specific hormones making fat loss easier during the week. 

Plus it is damn fun.

This doesn’t work at all if the diet during the week looks even remotely similar to the above crap fest.  But when you intelligently use a low carb, high protein, high smart-fat diet it is extremely effective.

Want specifics?  Email me.

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

Here is another example:

Looks like an Oreo right? 

Well it ain’t.  It’s a Hydrox – close but no cigar.

Oh yeah, the real deal.  Got milk?

So what do you think the fine folks at Oreo thought when the strikingly similar Hydrox came out?   According to the old adage they should be flattered right?  Thrilled even.

F that.  You know they were pissed.

And now I know just how Oreos feel:  dark and filled with creamy, yummy goodness.  Wait – that’s not it.

Flattered.

Wait, pissed.

Wait, hell I’m just not sure.

Here’s the deal. For 3 years I have been driving my blue FJ Cruiser with my logo on it – awesome marketing idea right?

Then just the other day one of my clients said they saw me at the corner of such and such-  But I knew I wasn’t there.

Then another client told me something similar, and I realized it wasn’t me- it was a knock off.

Yeah, put a round, white fitness logo on a blue FJ – that will look cool!  Where did they ever come up with such a brilliant idea?

Maybe it was 3 years of seeing my blue awesomeness ride around town.

Now I will admit that I have had a Hydrox or 2 in my day.  And they weren’t bad – but they weren’t Oreos.

Let’s face it – Ain’t nothing like the real thing baby.

To be truthful I’m not sure if I am more pissed or flattered by the guys at Imitation Fitness.  I am mostly just annoyed.  It shows a lack of class. (Plus I looked at their website, they even copied the color scheme of my workout benches, and their tank tops are remarkably similar to mine).

I guess when you have the #1 Fitness & Fat Loss studio in the Valley people will try to do whatever they can to take a slice of the pie.

I guess I can live with being an Oreo.  (Ok, maybe even a Double Stuff.)  And I can take comfort in knowing no one in their right mind would choose a Hydrox when there are Oreos around.

Now that’s an Oreo

What do you think?  Leave comments below.

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

Live long, and prosper.

Well wherever you remember her from, you probably know the story by now:  She got fat.

Twice.

I know as well as anyone that bodyweight can fluctuate throughout the year.  Life gets in the way and s^*t just happens.  My weight goes up and down and I do this crap for a living.  No one is perfect.

 
Before, After and After again.

The first time around she got signed on with weight loss center Jenny Craig to pimp out their diet plan.  You might already be aware I think the Jenny Craig diet plan is a crappy one.  It centers around pre-packaged foods and is really nothing more than caloric restriction with a pretty (and expensive) box.  It has its painfully obvious flaws. (see above photos)

Don’t get me wrong, if Jenny offered me a the kind of money they offered Alley I would tattoo their logo on my forehead.

Endorsement induced seizure

Ok, maybe not.

Well, after Jenny’s minions finished with Kirstie Alley she looked great. She dropped piles of weight and fulfilled her contract. Good job, Kirstie.

Then the lights went down and they parted ways. I’m not sure who said adios to whom, but the end result is the same – Kirstie Alley gained 83 pounds back.

At this point let me say day Kudos to Alley, who at the very least had the stones to say she F’d up.  That takes guts.

If you want to read the whole story go get People magazine, but it boils down to a few simple things.

First, once her contract ended, so did her accountability.  Every week
she had to weigh in with direct supervision, and when Jenny moved on to
plumper pastures that stopped.  When you have no one to report to, and
the scale is now in the back of the closet,  those dress sizes and
waist bands can slowly (and not so slowly) creep upward..

Second is she started cutting herself some slack.   A bite here, and nibble there.  She looked great so just a taste here or there can’t hurt.  Uh, think again.

It all counts.

This brings me to the big one: fitness is not a destination, it is a journey.  You don’t get to reach your goal, then say “woohoo!” and go back to eating like crap without consequences. 

Sometimes 83 pounds of consequences.

For most of us to get and stay lean is a constant struggle.  An ongoing battle. Does it get easier?  Yes.  Do you ever get to cheat?  Hell yes – I highly recommend it.   But it does not end – ever.

Think of it like brushing your teeth.  Just because you brushed today and your teeth are sparkling and white does not mean you can just stop brushing. Sure you might forget every once in a while – but you don’t just throw your hands in the air and say “Screw it – I ain’t brushing anymore!”  You have more sense than that.

And I hope Ms. Alley does as well.

“…and don’t eat so damn much!”

You can learn from Kirstie’s mistakes as they are common ones. 

Keep yourself accountable.  Write down what you eat, track what you weigh (or measurements are even better). 

Don’t F’ing nibble – it still counts even if it came off your kid’s plate.

Lastly, try to enjoy the ride. Getting in shape is hard damn work, but that does not mean it has to suck all the time.  Be consistent and dedicated and the results will come.

And to Kirstie Alley, I wish you the best of luck in the days to come.  I don’t know if you are heading back to the Jenny camp or what but no matter what you have a tough road ahead – but I know you can do it (permanently this time).

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

I don’t know who’s workout equipment this is – but this dude is serious.

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

To the mothers of sons and to the mothers of daughters. To the mothers of canines, felines, equines and all kinds – this day is for you as well. And let us not forget the mothers to be for your mothering has already begun.

A special thank you for all that you do – and yes we notice even if we don’t say. And though we can never say it enough – from your children everywhere to you, mom – we love you.

I of course have two special mothers to thank. The first is my mother, Linda.

You have taught me so much and have truly made me the man I am today – a giant Mama’s Boy The father I am now is due in no small part to the wonderful mother you have always been. 

 
Linda & Josh – circa 1972

And of course to the mother of my two children, my loving wife Denyse.  With unending  patience and love you care and nurture our boys like no other.   So I’ll speak for our boys, Nate & Gabe, and say thank you, and we all love you very, very  much.

Denyse, Gabe & Nate

To all mothers everywhere- Happy Mother’s Day.

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