Tag Archives: fitness

80% And Closing (Not Good)

28 Wednesday Dec 2016

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The Daily Mail reports that now 80% of middle-aged Britons are either overweight or obese. I am confident this reflects on my side of the pond as well.

Britons are so inactive that they do not need nearly as many calories as their parents’ generation, researchers claim. Guidelines suggest an average man requires 2,500 calories a day while an average woman should aim for 2,000.

But these were drawn up around the First World War when adults walked to work and visited friends in person rather than phoning or texting.

Britons are so inactive that they do not need nearly as many calories as their parents¿ generation, researchers claim

Researchers from the London School of Economics who analysed 30 years of data say the modern-day calorie requirements should be slashed.

Dr Joan Costa-Font, whose study is published in the journal Food Policy, said: ‘Typically, life in the 21st century might mean a commute into a desk-based occupation, and three or four meals a day, leading to many people consuming more calories than their lifestyles require.

‘We still eat like our parents did, or worse, but we don’t move around nearly as much as they did. People no longer have to visit each other to hold a face-to-face conversation, they can simply Skype. We jump in the car or the bus or the Tube rather than walking.
‘As lifestyles have slowed down and become more sedate, people haven’t amended their calorie intake accordingly. We should all eat less.

‘The amount of food we eat compared with energy expenditure is simply too much. If people were as active as they were 30 years ago then recommended daily allowances of calories would be fine. It’s very hard to change how you eat from how your parents told you to eat, but we should all eat less today.

I occasionally track various obesity numbers across various demographics. The U.S. in general is north of 70% overweight. 80% is the next natural measure. I once predicted that we are moving towards a virtual 100% score. Four-fifths of the way there, baby.

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And I do not want that prediction to become accurate. Let’s us, the U.S., the U.K. and everyone else, use 2017 to reverse the curse. It can be done! Starting very soon I’m going to tell you how. It ain’t easy but it is also not that hard. You’ll thank me.

Top Ten Disadvantages Of Fitness

20 Sunday Nov 2016

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Another of my favorite sub-topics here is fitness. The site first really came into being on the heels of my great weight loss of 2012-2013. I frequently tout the advantages of getting in shape and staying in shape. However there are drawbacks.

Here I have tried my best to explain some of those healthy health-related problems. The following are both comical and serious. They are based on my own observations over the past four years. Here goes:

One. Fatophobia.

Once upon a time I was the epitome of the jolly overweight American. I thought to myself, then, that I wore it well. I didn’t. Others don’t either. When you’ve been there and come back, these things are very noticeable.

Two. Reverse fatigue.

Millions of Americans report chronic fatigue syndrome. This illness is real. And it’s curable. It’s caused by inactivity. Strangely, working out – over doing it – leads to some of the same symptoms. However, these are largely self-curing. It is something to beware of. Listen to your body.

Three. Rotating injuries.

This is part age-related and part over doing things. Curls on Monday lead to sore biceps on Tuesday, just in time for benching. That means a sore chest on Wednesday (with lingering arm issues too), just in time for breaking the back. The really sad thing is that one comes to enjoy it all.

Four. Beat up hands.

I lift and box. Both sides of my hands are constantly smashed up. At least there’s symmetry.

Five. Constant advice seeking.

Over a year or two you go from “Wow, You’re losing weight!” to “Hey, are you sick?” to “Can you give me some pointers?” I’m always happy to help. This is only irritating when I realize I really need to get my fitness book out. Demand is obviously there.

Six. No eating out.

Most restaurant food is garbage. Thus I almost never eat out anymore. And I don’t miss it. Until I do. Something about a double bacon cheeseburger. Gnome-sayin?

Seven. Getting hit on.

Yes, sweetie, I have guns.

You don’t have to touch them. (But it’s okay if you do.) I’m a crazy magnet so this gets complicated. If you shape up, get a stick.

Eight. Clothes don’t fit.

Now we come to the serious problems. I lost and rearranged 80 pounds. I lost about a foot off of my waist. I now have three outfits that fit properly and I hate shopping. This is a plus if you learn to embrace minimalism.

Nine. Can’t handle the booze.

Gone forever are the days of killing a bottle of Bowmore to warm up for a night of drinking. I have nothing at all against alcohol yet I find myself going weeks and even months without it. Two beers and done these days. And I really don’t miss it at all. Scotch and beer snobbery greatly contributed to the former girth. Maybe it’s not really a drawback.

Ten. Intolerance to cold.

This is by far the worst. Like a blubber-coated walrus, I used to happily go out in the snow in shorts. I have skied in a t-shirt. Now, when it drops into the sixties I feel compelled to sweater up. My hands hurt. This makes winter outdoor blogging problematic. On the plus side, the 100 degree days aren’t quiet as bad.

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Chris Bray.

Yet and still, all of these issues beat sluggishness, breathlessness, and diabetes. It’s like a Nick Kershaw song come true – the grass really is (a little) greener over here. Join us. Bring gloves…

1,102 Reasons To Live Fit

16 Wednesday Nov 2016

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Crawling is taking off (slowly) as the new fitness craze. I can see this being big with trend-conscious soccer moms, tired of yoga. It seems a bit regressive and un-intense – literally crawling the floor like a toddler or an animal – for me. But, hey, if it works and you like it, do it.

I’m likely to stick with weights, boxing, and cigars. Others will surely run or walk on. For those looking for something new, crawl away. Whatever it is, do something. Anything. With 70% of the population overweight, obese, grossly obese, or about to expire obese, any little helps.

The 1,102 reasons? Where’d I get that number? That’s the weight of the world’s fattest man – 1,102 pounds. He’s Juan Pedro, a 32 year-old man from Mexico (which is almost as obese as America). Fortunately for him, he’s about to undergo some serious, life-saving treatment:

“He is probably only still alive due to his youth,” added the doctor who estimates that Mr Pedro will need at least six months of treatment to stabilise his body before gastric bypass surgery can be undertaken.

“It’s impossible for the human body to cope with the pathologies Juan Pedro suffers from over a prolonged period, but I think we are just in time,” Dr Castañeda said.

“This is no life; the worst sentence you can give a human being is to make a prison of his own body,” said Mr Pedro.

I say, good for Juan. I wish him nothing but the best. From the story it sounds like he suffers from serious medical issues. I really hope they are just in time to help him regain his life.

Most people, even the American obesity brigade, are not in that kind of bad shape. There is, however, room and need for improvement. If that means crawling, then so be it. Get yer crawl on!

Next Mirage 5 Miles

Cartoon Stock.

Fitness Friday

21 Friday Oct 2016

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Americans, by and large, are by and LARGE. 70% or so are overweight or obese. That’s a problem. And it even extends into the military. Military Times reported yesterday that the number of overweight troops (all branches) is up fourfold from 2001.

Recent military health data shows that about 7.8 percent of the force — or about one in every 13 troops — is clinically overweight, defined by a body mass index greater than 25.

That figure has roughly doubled during the past five years and is up fourfold since 2001, when about 1.6 percent of troops were diagnosed as clinically overweight.

Top Pentagon officials are rewriting the forcewide guidelines for body composition standards and the methods for officially evaluating it. For individual troops, a diagnosis of obesity can stall a career or lead to involuntary separation, making these policies are central to military life.

Some Pentagon officials worry that overweight troops pose a threat to combat readiness because they may not be able to move as quickly in ground combat and if they are wounded, it is more difficult for their buddies to pull them to safety.

In the military some of the overweight, maybe most, are individuals who are muscle-heavy. BMI is a dumb number that does not differentiate between fat and muscle. Still, many soldiers, sailors, and airmen are tubby. Jarheads are safe. The trend is growing like that in the general population.

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Not going to beat the Russians … or the mortality odds. Web Ecoist.

I sat down with a segment of that broader population yesterday afternoon. I was at one of America’s better cigar shops (what’s new?). There, I pounded through my review of The Nine Laws. As I did so I listened to and vaguely participated in three or four conversations.

A crazed Scottish biker raved about drunkenly dodging his armed and angry wife the night before. (Stereotypes exist for a reason, folks…). The rest of the topics concerned personal health. The lack thereof, rather. These men are my friends or at least pleasant acquaintances. They’re middle-aged to older and better off financially and socially than most. They’re also, as a group, a bit on the round side.

Some talked about their recent visits to the doctor. Others were headed to the doctor. One was recently released from the hospital. Blood pressure up. Weight up. Cholesterol up. Medication doses up. Insurance rates up. Etc. Good meals were a frequent side topic. Good Scotch and Bourbon was consumed generously right then and there.

I generally ignored the mildly depressing announcements of ailment and woe.

Then Big Brian walked in. Something was immediately and noticeably different. Big Brian ain’t so big as he used to be. Once somewhere in the 330-350 lb. neighborhood he’s now down to around 270.

His doctor told him to lose weight or die. It scared him into action. And action he took. Drastic action. He adjusted his diet and lifestyle and the pounds began to flee.

He sat down and immediately directed questions at me, the house fitness nut. At 270 he’s ready to start phase two: working out.

This conversation I actively participated in. I recommended one of the best gyms in the Southeast. Work permitting, he’ll sign up next week. I estimate, with steady work, he’ll be down to 220 in 6 months. That’s over 100 pounds dropped in less than a year. That’s amazing.

I say “Big Brian” because that’s his name and because he’s a large man. Probably 6’3″ or 6’4″. He can carry 220 or so in healthy fashion.

Of course, he has choices to make. Given his age, intelligence, and size, he could easily and rapidly convert into a powerlifter or a bodybuilder. It’s possible that in 6 months he might still weigh 270, though of a totally different composition.

I think he’ll opt to go slim and lean. However, it’s nice to have options.

If he can do it, you can do it. The soldiers can do it. 70% of America can too. Become a loser and be a winner.

As for yours truly, I’m doing fine this week. Nothing serious to report. My back has fully recovered from the dead-lifting fiasco last week. I even did a light test set the other day. Things are great, except…

I’m supposed to take a murder of middle school preteen / teen girls to a large amusement park next week. It’s Howl-o-Scream or run Daddy into the ground night or something. I’m sure they’ll have a blast. I ‘d prefer to throw my back again. Prayers, please…

No Pain, No Gain – Chewing The Fat

13 Thursday Oct 2016

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I read this morning that American school children are among the least fit on the planet – ranking 47th out of 50 scored nations. Such was the conclusion of the British Journal of Sports Medicine in a recent study.

The study measured aerobic capacity using a simple 20 meter run test. Children from Tanzania, Iceland and Estonia took the top placements. Mexico was dead last. Our kids weren’t too far from the Mexicans. Britain’s children placed alongside the Canadians in the middle of the pack.

The British Journal has released similar findings for years as have numerous other organizations. This particular study places, as have others, some of the blame on income inequality. Nations with a wider gap between the truly rich and the poor see an increase in childhood (and adult) obesity. Oddly, the obesity is generally concentrated among the poor.

This trend runs counter to the bulk of the 10,000 year history of settled or civilized human history. Usually the poor are rather thin, being unable to afford adequate foodstuff. This was a universal condition until about 100 years ago and still holds for most of the world. The American poor are among the wealthiest and heaviest poor in the world. The indigent in developing nations are rarely overweight.

I think there are three answers to this riddle. The first two have to do with societal evolution, particularly in the first world. One: our modern lives are more sedentary than they used to be. Consumed calories are not burned efficiently. Two: science and capitalism have given us an abundance of easy, fast, relatively cheap, but less-than-healthy quantity of food. Three: our government subsidizes the consumption of the junk food, especially among the poor.

The first factor is something individuals will need to address as time progresses. As the robots take over the workforce people will need to adopt other means of exercise. This may be a golden opportunity for some fun.

The second will likely work itself out. Humanity has never experienced food production and distribution such as we see now. Invariably, quality should overtake quantity as the new systems mature.

The last factor is perhaps the most troubling. Governments supply people with food not out of kindness but, rather, from a desire to control the population. Handouts breed dependency and docile conditioning – and obesity. This has to be part of the grand scheme of the elite.

The problems for Americans have grown considerably over the past 30-40 years. Our children mirror our adults. Today 70% of all Americans are either overweight or obese. This is a hefty and growing problem. The solutions, in and of themselves, are very simple: eat less, move more. The application, bound by conditioning and psychology, are more difficult.

Even if one breaks away from the expectations of sloth and fast food corpulence, one may still have problems. Overzealous attention to fitness can lead to problems. As I noted yesterday, my attention to extreme anaerobic strength has left me nearly crippled today. My daily venture from the bed to the coffee pot took about 20 minutes this morning. I have the sensation that a shovel is lodged in the small of my back.

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Standing, sitting, moving, and resting are painful. Instant relief is afforded only by elevating my knees while lying down and,simultaneously placing my lower back in traction. This is difficult and unsustainable. Fortunately the body and mind become accustomed to pain. And the pain never lasts long. And from it comes new strength.

For now, Advil is a dear friend. I also consider alternative pain relief.

One good thing about an acute injury is that it immediately takes away other, minor pains. I had a strain in my bicep and a catch in my neck. Both were aggravating. Now? Ha! Can’t even notice them. There’s always something to be grateful for.

So it is with our slow, weak, and bloated society. 70% in bad health means that 70% can enjoy marked improvements. I hope they do, I think they can.

Now, where’s my walker?

Recuperative Exercise: What To Do When When You’re Black And Blue

04 Tuesday Oct 2016

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Nothing. The safe answer is “nothing.”

Yesterday I was at a cross-roads. My gym schedule was disrupted to the point of a reset. I had a choice to make. Was it a legs day, a chest day, arms, or something else? I narrowed it down to legs or back/shoulders. My problem then was that I wasn’t digging any of it. My cardio (dirty boxing and violence) has been going swimmingly. But between that and the lifting of generous quantities of iron, I had kicked my own butt.

So, I skipped the gym entirely, smoked a cigar and went for a walk. Best routine in weeks, that was. I slept better for it.

Lately I’ve been sluggish. I think I’ve even mentioned it here. Weak, irritable and unproductive even beyond my usual laziness. Why?

I spent most of the year getting rid of excess flab – shedding 24 pounds in the process. My intent, once trimmed, was to beef up a little. “Cut” and “bulk” they call it. The bulking is followed as needed by another cutting.

Anyway, I was starting on a half hearted power program. No results yet to speak of. I gained 3 pounds but that could be water or a little fall cushioning (gotta watch that). Where was I…

Yes. A summer I spent cutting and conditioning and suddenly I ramped up the weights, rather carelessly. I’m a small time believer in “no pain, no gain” but I seemed to have reached the point where the pains aren’t so small time. I have a couple of nagging injuries that keep getting aggravated. And it’s aggravating me.

Today I did – or started – what I thought would be a light workout. It was going to be a general upper-body tune up. Three sets of bench-presses and I had a sharp pain. One sharp one in addition to the naggers. For once I actually listened to my body and backed off. Another cigar and another stroll in the woods. I also made use of one of my several compression cast things. It seems to be working.

For the short interim I’m going to monitor the diet, ease off the heavy stuff and recover. Sometimes that’s the best course of action.

And that’s the point of this admittedly rambling post – take it easy:

  • Don’t shift programs until you’re sure you know what you’re doing;
  • Don’t beat yourself into oblivion;
  • When in doubt, take a break;
  • In the scheme of health and weight control, diet is maybe 2% more important than exercise – use that 2% when you need to;
  • Wear an air compression cast thingy in public – the ladies love it..;
  • Eat your greens, get sleep, drink water and just say “no” – all that good stuff;
  • Skip VP debates on TV;
  • Mostly importantly, listen to your body. It will tell you what to do if you listen.

I hope this resonates with at least one of you. I’m always here (physically at least) to help.

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Dr. Perrin says, “Take two breaks, skip the debates, and don’t ever call me again.”

By the way, you can help me too! If you happen to be an extraordinarily attractive woman with stronger hands, questionable morals, and a massage license (or not), I could use your (free) help. The cast thingy needs help… I’d like a free, deep tissue massage…for free… If you fit these exacting requirements and operate anywhere between Columbia, SC and Tampa, FL, please let me know. The world will thank you.

And, thank you, good people, for enduring this one…

Night!

Fitness Update, 9/14/2016

14 Wednesday Sep 2016

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Today I hit my low target weight – 175 lbs. That means I’m 80 pounds lighter than I was eight or nine years ago. I’ve been under 200 for almost four years now straight and uninterrupted. This is the second least I’ve weighed in that time period; two years ago I was about 2 pounds thinner than now.

I got here by cheating a little. My exercising has been a little erratic lately; I suppose it mirrors my mentality. I don’t eat much in the summer anyway and lately I have cut way back to compensate for the sluggish gym routine. To be blunt I feel weak, at least when working out.

This I mentioned is my low target weight. I got here by losing some excess fat. In aeronautical terms I’m at the low-end of my cruising speed range. About 192 is maximum speed and 199 is my “do not exceed” speed. Some of you get that.

Now I intend to embark on a strict power program. I’m still making some calculations. The diet and the motivation are the tricky things. That and not getting hurt (too badly). Today was a wimpy leg day followed by a decent secession in the ring (mostly hand work). Tomorrow I’m going to hit legs again kind of hard.

I may throw out some stats from time to time. Like today’s:

Weight: 175, you got that;

Waist: 32 inches (in the a.m.);

Chest: 40-something;

Biceps: ? but kind of small;

Legs: ?? and weak.

…this is kind of discouraging…

Bench: ? but at least 365 (still got that);

Squats: ???we will find out tomorrow;

Deadlift: weak, weak, weak….

Punching: fastish, still powerful, and rather accurate;

Kicks: needs work but can still hit face level;

Hip-throw/body slam: at last check I could still slam my body weight but I hurt the heck out of my shoulder….

Mile run: I can do it…

**Note: I’m over 40 so I reserve the right to substitute: Hammer Strength bench for flat bench; Hammer Strength deadlift rack for bar, and; leg press for the squat rack. I will do this at will and without further announcement. If you don’t like that, buy some books and then F off.

I hope a few of you find this inspirational. The rest of you may find it mildly entertaining.

Oops. It’s 8:30; old man must go to bed now…

Here’s a picture of some weights:

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Get In The Zone: Peak Power

12 Friday Aug 2016

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Here follows a rare, non-cigar, product review and recommendation.

The other day I told you about Peak Performance and Lean Green protein. Lean Green is a meal supplement and something one takes after a hard workout to burn fat and build muscle. Today I tried another great Peak product: Zone 20.

Zone is a pre-workout energy booster. Think of it as several cups of coffee and some vitamins with the taste of Tang. Something like that. It helps you retain water, stay focused and stay energized during your gym session. Lord knows I needed it today.

I workout best in the morning. I workout best when I’m consistent, rested and full of life. One thing led to another this week and today, in the afternoon, I found myself dragging into the gym with all the pep and determination of a salted slug. I mixed up some Zone 20 and went to work. It was amazing.

When I say I was beat, I really mean wore out – like a Clinton lie wore out. The Zone gave me just enough power to get through the day’s lifting and stretching without a crash. Under normal circumstances I’m sure I would have hit 120% efficiency. This stuff is incredible.

I’ve used similar drink mixes before. Most work but many leave me with the jitters. One causes me to break out in a full-body hive. All the gym-bunnies just loooove that… Another works great (really great) but leaves my heart racing for the next 18 hours. That’s a little too much power.

Zone 20 is the happy balance. It provides the zip with none of the aggravating and maybe life-threatening side effects. If you’re wore out and need a pick-me-up, or if you’re looking to take your next workout to a new level, try some 20.

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Zone 20 Orange.

To order your Lean Green or Zone 20, please contact Peak through their website. I am a friend of the company but NOT a paid spokesman (though I’m sure Craig will probably want to give me more free samples now….).

Something like Zone could help make the difference between this pathetic blob:

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and this deadly machine:

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*All photos herein property of Perrin Lovett. The ad above this line is endorsed by Mr. Lovett, any below are not (especially if they are hack political ads).

Peak Performance, a Fitness Field Trip

09 Tuesday Aug 2016

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Yesterday morning I had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of Peak Performance Fitness International. There and online, under the tutelage of my friend Craig Bryan, ordinary people becomes athletes and athletes become superstars.

The process starts with clients receiving an assessment of their overall health and physical state. With a clear picture of where they are at present, they forge individual plans for transformative fitness. These plans vary depending on individual goals. Those goals will invariably include both cardio-vascular work and anaerobic exercises (weight training). Peak places a special emphasis on stretching in order to achieve optimal results.

Diet plays just as large a role, if not larger, in personal fitness than physical exercise. Thus, Peak assists clients with tailored meal planning to ensure proper weight loss or gain as dictated by the clients’ goals.

Peak specializes in athletic performance. “Here at Peak Performance WE BUILD ATHLETES by building functional strength which translates to better performance on the playing field making the athlete GAME READY. Providing sports specific training, speed, mobility and agility training, core and rotational strength, proper lifting techniques and progressions, injury prevention and quicker recovery as well as pre and post rehab strengthening.” That means they help the athlete perform better, regardless of the game.

It’s an impressive system and a bit more comprehensive than what most might associate with getting in shape.

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Heavy things.

The gym itself is smaller than most. Then again, most fitness clubs are designed for use by dozens or hundreds of people at any given time. Peak’s emphasis is on individuals. Smaller is better in this sense. They have everything one needs without clutter, all of it state-of-the-art. It’s like a cross between an iron gym and a sports medicine clinic.

Of course, this being the 21st century, one need not actually visit the location for benefits. Craig offers on-line training and consulting. I hear he works with people as far away as Australia.

Craig has also blended his own line of meal supplements under the Performance Zone brand. These are available for purchase by telephone and will be offered online (the website is brand new with an operational store “coming soon”).

I tried a Lean Green protein shake for lunch and was impressed. It packs 42 grams of protein with only 200 calories and a low carbohydrate count (low sugar). It easily mixed up in water without a blender and, as promised, it did taste great. I would describe the taste as vanilla spiked with broccoli – tasty and healthy together. It was filling and provided a good deal of energy for several hours.

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As seen with my bag gloves so you know I’m serious. Lean Green, so mean, it’s keen; not obscene but good for the spleen.. I may have found a product to endorse.

 

My visit for part tour, part friendly get-together, and part idea swap. I love to hear and see what other people are up to, to see friends excel. Craig’s been doing this a long time. In his office, there’s a picture of him and Arnold Schwarzenegger, circa the Pumping Iron days. Still, he’s finding new ways to bring fitness to the digital age, faster, better, with more efficiency and accuracy than ever.

Idea trading is more than just shooting the breeze, although that can be fun in its own right. Cross-business exploration provides inspiration on all levels. One can always learn something new and apply it to one’s life – even if the observed subject is outside one’s core field. The there’s the rubbing-off aspect; I left Peak wanting to play football.

 

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*The ads above this line are endorsed by Perrin Lovett; those below are not.

Crisis is Opportunity: The Fattening

04 Thursday Aug 2016

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So say the Chinese. I agree. That’s why I am happy to report that Americans are fatter than ever – and getting fatter year by year. Since the late 1980s the average American has gained 15 pounds – and not muscle.

There’s no doubt about it: Americans are getting heavier and heavier. But new U.S. estimates may still come as a shock — since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more additional pounds without getting any taller.

Even 11-year-old kids aren’t immune from this weight plague, the study found. Girls are more than seven pounds heavier even though their height is the same. Boys gained an inch in height, but also packed on an additional 13.5 pounds compared to two decades ago.

…

“We are not doing nearly enough to control and reverse the obesity epidemic and doing far too much to propagate it. This is another notice of that sad fact,” said Dr. David Katz. He directs the Yale University Prevention Research Center and is president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

The new statistics were released Aug. 3 in a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. The statistics for 2011-2014 are based on an analysis of a sample of 19,151 people who underwent medical examinations and were interviewed at home.

These are averages too. The ordinary people. More than two-thirds of all Americans are overweight and over one-third are obese (severely overweight and at risk of serious problems or death). Of the obese many are grossly obese. These are the behemoths one sees waddling around almost everywhere. They’re getting bigger too. 300 and 400-pounders are now very common and there is a growing class of hyper-heavyweights who flirt with four digit weights (some of them have TV shows).

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America: big-time pig-time. Nutritionreview.org.

How, one might wonder, is this good news, an opportunity? One, there is tremendous potential for a huge number of (huge) people to change their lives for the better. There’s a chance for happier and longer living. People literally have the ability to save their lives. For me, this means financial publication potential.

Several years ago I started a book about how I got back into shape. I posted several articles about my journey. Then I let it drop. I noticed there was already a plethora of books on losing weight and living healthy. I figured mine would be white noise. Now I’m not so sure. All those diet books, some of them really good, don’t seem to be working. More diet books than ever and yet people keep getting fatter.

I also noticed that weight-loss is one of the most popular and lucrative book categories out there. It’s right up there with romance novels, get rick quick schemes, and adult coloring books.

Part of my forth-coming anti-terrorism book calls for people to get in shape; it’s hard to fight or flee while obese. Since I have so much of it already typed out and as if I don’t already have enough going on, I’m going to finish Perrin’s Guide to Fitness (title subject to change).

Look for it a little later in this year in Kindle, paperback and maybe even audio format. Enjoy your cheeseburgers and shakes while you can.

PS: my way is easy, fun, and self-rewarding!