November 6, 2012 By

5 Exercises, Focus, and Follow-Through: Advice for the Lifter Who Hasn’t Made Much Progress

I got an email a few weeks back from a reader who wanted some quick advice on what he should do in terms of his training and diet, in particular on how to go from skinny-fat and weak, to lean and jakt.

At one point or another, this is what we all long for, after all.

Now, I say specifically on my contact page that I’m not available to look over programs or design one as a result of talking shop.

However, this reader’s request was pretty simple in that he even said I could respond with a one-word answer, so I was a little more open to see where we could take this for edification of everyone else who may have a similar inquiry.

Here’s his opening email to me, and an image of his current condition.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: beginners
September 28, 2012 By

This Is How You Get Big + New FitSmart Podcast + T-Shirts + A Free Book on Amazon

Please read this before you get started. There are 4 things I want to address in this post.

  1. The image below, the response it got, and how everything all circles back to simplicity.
  2. New Fitsmart Podcast from Roger Lawson and I
  3. Limited Edition JCDFitness Underarmour t-shirts will be available in October to celebrate the 4th birthday of JCDFitness
  4. Free Book on Amazon from my friend and colleague, Derek Doepker.

A few days ago on Facebook, Sunday in fact, I was going through some photos on a friend’s wall, and I came across the image above. I know nothing about Dragon Ball Z, or becoming a Super Saiyan, but I do know that the pic is a good depiction of what needs to happen.

In fact, the only reason I’m writing this today is because when I shared it on Facebook, 35 people ‘Liked’ it, 30 shared it, and there were 39 comments. While I’ve seen bigger interactions with articles, I’ve not seen this with some random image I shared – especially one as elementary as the one above.

So apparently, most seem to be in agreement that in order to get big and strong, you must eat, train hard, and sleep well. Easy enough, right?

Well, no. It’s really not that easy.

Okay, it is that easy, but people make it much harder than it needs to be.

But why is that? [Read more...]

Filed Under: beginners, Build Muscle
June 28, 2012 By

How A Dating Coach Can Help You Build Muscle, Strength and Gain Confidence

Today’s article is specifically for a group of guys I’ve been conversing with over the last few years through email, internet forums, and in passing at the gym. Today I plan to address some problems many beginners face when it comes to getting big and strong.

Strangely, none of these problems are physical. These guys are all fully capable, and in good health. The issue seems to lie deep within their psyche.

I’ve touched on some of this before in my Former Fat Boy Syndrome article, so if you found that one of value, you’ll surely resonate with today’s message.

WARNING: Some of the material I’m referencing (mainly the RSD video by Owen Cook) may be offensive to some of you. Just because I’m referencing this video doesn’t mean I agree with everything in it.

In saying that, if you’re easily offended, you probably want to refrain from watching the video and just pay attention to my article. I didn’t have to include the video, but the concepts Owen discusses about success and human nature need to be communicated and he does a very good job of that. [Read more...]

Filed Under: beginners, Build Muscle
June 19, 2012 By

How to Build Muscle and Clean Eating Wrap-Up

Today is only a short update because I want to point you to a few videos I’ve created over the last few weeks. The first video is a response to some of the questions and concerns I got from Jordan and I’s beginners guide on how to build muscle. We had a nice response to the infographic, along with some criticisms from the Reddit community (they can be harsh, but it was well-received).

How To Build Muscle Infographic

In the video, I cover the following topics:

  • Why I used the images I did for exercise recommendations
  • How we arrived at the calorie recommendations
  • Pre and post-workout meal suggestions – why they’re necessary for the budding beginner
  • Why Jordan and I do not recommend HIIT training when the ultimate goal is to build muscle.
  • General questions/concerns such as not including cardio on the muscle building plan
  • [Read more...]
Filed Under: beginners, Questions
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