Muscle for Life

In this episode, I want to address some common myths and misconceptions about body fat levels. Obviously being “shredded” is the thing these days--if you want to be cool on social media, you’d better have abs--but how lean can you get before you start compromising your health? And how lean can you stay over the long term before it becomes a problem? Well, you’re going to get that question fully answered in this podcast, and I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised because I have good news: it’s harder to hurt your health than you might think. You can do it, but you have to work very hard at it and probably throw some drugs into the mix as well. Fortunately, for most of us, our body composition goals are not only very achievable, but they’re very sustainable, too. I’m also going to touch on various other things, including what body fat percentage is and how it changes when you gain and lose fat and muscle, whether it affects menstruation (something that many women worry about when they set out to get le

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. So, if you like what you hear, then make sure to check back every Monday morning for the latest and greatest installment. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

In this book, Covey takes you by the hand and says… “Look, if you want to live a good life, you can’t be an irresponsible, self-absorbed, insolent, small-minded, unenlightened, judgmental, delusional little child.” “You might be able to bullshit your friends, family, and even yourself, but you can’t bullshit the universe.” “For whatever reason, there are some basic rules to this game of living and if you work with them, you can win. Flout them and you’ll lose.” He then lays out…in way too many words…his ideas about what makes people effective and ineffective in life, and I wholeheartedly agree with many of his assessments. There’s a reason why it’s on just about every “books you have to read list”–it’s full of powerful insights that, if internalized, can truly change your life. I have to warn you though: you’re probably not going to like reading it, mainly because Covey isn’t much of a writer. It’s twice as long as it should be and a lot of the prose is purple, but it’s well worth the slog. Want to get my bes

In this episode, we’re going to have some fun but also address a very real problem: assholes in the gym. You know what I’m talking about. The assholes that smell like shit, that sweat on everything that gawk at women, that superset half of the gym and leave their weights everywhere, and so on. You might be laughing, and yes, these people can be pretty amusing, but they also make for a significantly worse gym experience for us and everyone else, and, in some cases, even drive people away from gyms altogether. And so I wanted to have a few laughs at the expense of these assholes by breaking down the 9 most annoying things that they do, and also share some commonsense advice on how we can all make our gyms a bit more pleasant for all of our fellow gymgoers. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: https://www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. So, if you like what you hear, then make sure to check back every Monday morning for the latest and greatest installment. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

If you like to read biographies to find ideas, models, systems, habits, etc. that extraordinary people have used to improve their lives and achieve great things, then you want to read this book. In case you’ve just arrived to Earth and spend most of your time in orbit, Elon Musk is one of the most fearless entrepreneurs around these parts. He was one of the founders of Paypal, and he used the money he made there to create SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and Solar City, which are space exploration, electric car, and solar energy companies, respectively. Elon’s genius, vision, work ethic, courage, and integrity has earned him billions of dollars and a cult of personality, and rightfully so, if you ask me. His story is a master lesson in the power of big think, hard work, and iron will, and we’re lucky to have people like him working for the betterment of humankind and not selling more knicknacks or creating new ways for us to waste time on our smartphones. Want to be notified when my next book recommendation goes live?Ho

In this episode, I’m going to briefly address a question I’m asked about a lot, and that’s what to do about loose skin after weight loss. Many people think that surgery is their only hope, and I’m happy to say that this isn’t the case. There are several things you can and should do before going under the knife, even if you think the damage is done and it’s too late. These things are equally important if you’re about to embark on a significant weight loss journey because they will help prevent you from having to deal with post-diet saggy skin syndrome. Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’re going to learn in this episode: How to determine whether you’re dealing with loose skin or body fat. What body fat percentage to cut down to really know if you have a legit problem with loose skin or not. 4 simple ways to improve the look and health of your skin. Two supplements that can help improve skin elasticity (not to mention your overall health and well-being!). And more... 3:17 - How can I tell if I hav

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

This is one of the books that I have recommended most to people that want to be more successful in business and life. It’s short, has very little filler content (much appreciated), and delivers a powerful and practical message, which can be summarized in a question: What’s the ONE THING I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary? In other words, how can we go beyond merely “being busy” in any area of our lives and develop a sense of the essential? Napoleon once said that a military commander should be slow in deliberation and swift in execution, and the authors of this book think we should apply that advice to all areas of life. That we should, before acting, pause long enough to decide what really matters, and then allow that to drive our days. One of the reasons I find this concept so compelling is I think that modern living is, in many ways, an embarrassment of riches. We have more freedom and options in every aspect of our lives than ever before, and that’s why I think a

Those of you that follow me on Instagram know that I was in San Jose last week visiting with the Mind Pump Media team to appear on their hugely popular podcast. We had a great time chatting about all kinds of things ranging from the trials and tribulations of being a supplement seller on Amazon, my “origin story” and initial reluctance to work in the fitness space, why many supplement companies “pixie dust” their products, what kind of music I like to listen to for working out, and much, much more. Here are some of the main things we discussed: Shenanigans of product reviews on Amazon (0:00) Company acquisition vs. customer experience (15:27) How hard is it to have integrity in supplement industry? (17:02) What drives me? (18:12) How do I get inspired to write? (20:22) Guys talk the power of the human brain How did I decide to get into fitness industry and why was I hesitant initially? (28:25) Did things go as planned with creating Legion Athletics? (52:57) How much sun exposure do you need? (1:02:55) How h

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: https://www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

If you’d like to know how to get more done every day with less worry, confusion, and stress, then you need to read this book. Unlike other productivity books that focus mostly on changing specific behaviors, adopting certain attitudes, or cultivating various habits, Getting Things Done is all about getting organized. Ironically, I think the book itself was rather poorly organized (and too dry and long-winded), but it’s worth the slog. Its premise is simple: the more organized your mind, work, and life is, the easier it’ll be for you to do the things that you need to do to get the results that you want. It doesn’t just talk about these things, either — it provides you with a system that you can immediately implement to see how the principles work for you. Want to be notified when my latest book recommendations go live? Hop on my email list and you’ll get each new installment delivered directly to your inbox. Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

In this episode, we’re going to have a meandering discussion about willpower and self-discipline, and specifically, some of the reasons why so many people have so much trouble doing the things they know they should and not doing the things they know they shouldn’t, and a handful of simple, science-based strategies to make it easier for you to do the things you want to do and, ultimately, become the person you want to be. Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’re going to learn in this episode: Why failures of willpower and self-control can feel so good in the moment, even when they’re blatantly against your best interests or at odds with your plans and intentions. How you can use the “precommitment strategy” to easily increase your stick-to-itiveness and reduce the likelihood of falling off the wagon. How to prevent “decision fatigue” from sapping your mental energy and willpower. Why creating a structured personal routine is one of the most powerful ways to enhance not only your willpower, but your ab

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. So, if you like what you hear, then make sure to check back every Monday morning for the latest and greatest installment. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/

If you like war memoirs — and WWII memoirs in particular — then you have to read Band of Brothers. Hell, even if you don’t like war memoirs (or don’t know if you like them) but do like to read about how ordinary people find the courage and capability to do extraordinary things, then you should read it, because Band of Brothers is so much more than a clinical recounting of battles or analysis of soldiering. It’s an inspiring story of how a motley crew of freewheeling young bucks became one of the most elite and effective light infantry units to fight in the European theater, and it follows them from beginning to end, from their grueling basic training to jumping into Normandy on D-Day, holding the line in the Battle of the Bulge, and, in the end, drinking Hitler’s champagne in the Bavarian Alps. Band of Brothers also made me #thankful365 that Hitler had to fight the GI Generation and not our current crop of spineless, self-absorbed, “safe space” Peter Pans and Pams that can’t even stomach the basic realities a

If you want to know what testosterone is, how it affects your body, what will and won’t increase your body’s natural testosterone production, and what you can expect in terms of bottom-line results, then you want to listen to this podcast. Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’re going to learn in this episode: What normal testosterone levels look like in men and women, and how to know if you’re low. How much testosterone levels actually affect muscle and strength gain and fat loss (this might surprise you!). Why high-fat dieting is overrated for boosting natural testosterone production, and what you should do instead. The best and worst types of exercise to do if you want to maximize your testosterone levels. And more…   Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: www.muscleforlife.com/signup/  

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. So, if you like what you hear, then make sure to check back every Monday morning for the latest and greatest installment. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: https://www.muscleforlife.com/signup

If you like biographies and outstanding research and writing, and if you want to read one of the greatest rags-to-riches stories of all time, then you want to read this book. It is, hands down, one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. What struck me first about Rockefeller was his relentless work ethic, indomitable spirit, and unwavering self-assurance. Much like history’s great military conquerors, he was ferociously competitive, hated losing, and not only thought big but did big. I love reading about these types of people because it makes you reflect on what you’re truly capable of and willing to do and endure to realize those ambitions. I wholeheartedly believe that every one of us can be, do, and have so much more than we presently believe, and that half of the battle is just learning to get out of our own ways. If you’d like to walk in the shoes of one of history’s most brilliant, powerful, and ruthless businesspeople and see what you can learn, then you want to read this book. Want to be notifie

This time I’m going to make a bit of a case for “clean eating” because I think it doesn’t deserve all the ridicule that it gets online, and especially among the “cool crowd” that love to showcase not only how good their bodies look but also how heinous their diets are. I don’t know about you, but if I had to choose between the diet of your average clean eater that thinks sugar makes you fat and gluten causes leaky gut and the diet of your average IIFYMer that doesn’t like to waste calories on nutritious foods like fruit and vegetables, I’ll take the former every time, and I’ll explain why in this episode. I’m also going to talk about a style of dieting that gives us the best of both worlds -- the quality of clean eating and the adaptability of flexible dieting -- something that I’ve dubbed “flexible clean eating.” I know, very creative of me. This style of dieting is perfect for improving not just your body composition but your health and vitality, as well. It also makes you a better intuitive eater and h

This episode is part of a weekly series that I have dubbed “Motivation Monday.” (Yes, I know, very creative of me. What can I say, I’m a genius…) Seriously though, the idea here is simple: Every Monday morning, I’m going to post a short and punchy episode that I hope gets you fired up to tackle the workouts, work, and everything else that you have planned for the week ahead. As we all know, it’s one thing to know what you want to do, but it’s something else altogether to actually make yourself do it, and I hope that this series gives you a jolt of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to get at it. So, if you like what you hear, then make sure to check back every Monday morning for the latest and greatest installment. Want to get my best advice on how to gain muscle and strength and lose fat faster? Sign up for my free newsletter! Click here: https://www.muscleforlife.com/signup/