This may be one of those rare days when I have more than one post. Haven’t decided yet! At any rate, just thought I’d share information about a contest.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Kathie Lee and Hoda of The Today Show are holding a Being Thankful Contest. To participate, like Kathie Lee and Hoda’s Facebook Page, follow the instructions and proceed to tell them, in 100 words or less, why you’re thankful. Winners will receive an all expenses paid trip to NYC to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The contest ends 11/16/2011.
Even though their contest ends 11/16, you can submit what you’re thankful for here, everyday! I intend to have a special Thanksgiving Day post. So, for the next little while I will include a submission form at the end of every entry. I welcome any and all participation!
This has been circulating around the internet. I’m not sure who composited it, otherwise I would give them credit, but this is a great quote! I hope everyone enjoys their Tuesday~
Have you been keeping up with Muscle and Fitness Magazine? To be honest, I haven’t. That’s not to say that I shouldn’t have; my backside has gotten a tad less firm since I left UC Berkeley. Well, if you’d caught a glance of M&F, while you waited at the checkout to purchase a Twix, you may have read about Juggernaut Training Systems. JTS Strength is a relatively new gym founded by Chad Smith. They opened in 2009 and have been on a tear helping athletes produce stellar marks in (get ready for the list): Football, Track and Field, Jiu Jitsu, Water Polo, Swimming, Soccer, Baseball… okay there’s more, but as you can see JTS has become a massive resource for strength and conditioning training. Chad has built an excellent team that’s producing great results.
Chad Smith of JTS Strength
As for Chad, he and I competed together at the University of California, Berkeley. He received All-American honors as a thrower and continues to compete as a weightlifter! Most recently, he set the American Record for the squat in his weight class. 905 lbs! BOOM! There’s a video of his record setting lift below.
Aside from the gym and his own athletic pursuits, Chad recently completed two books, The Juggernaut Physical Preparation Manual and The Juggernaut Method: Strength, Power and Speed for the Lifter and Athlete. To top it all off, he serves as a Strength & Conditioning consultant for some of the top DI Universities in the NCAA.
I tracked Chad down to uncover info on how he did it, JTS’s mission, and just how much more I have to lift to catch up to him in the gym…
Q&A
What’s the Story? How did you start this massive endeavor?
Juggernaut began when I decided to pass on an Assistant Coaching position at Cal. Strength and conditioning had long been a passion of mine and when I decided to stay in Southern CA, I was approached by my physical therapist about the idea of opening my own facility. We had never formally discussed my interest in S&C, but I’d mentioned in passing while I was lying on the table getting treatment. From these conversations though, she knew I had a vision and trusted me to execute it.
Juggernaut prides itself on working against convention. What’s the problem with traditional S&C’s approach?
There are numerous issues I have with many different strength and conditioning protocols, ranging from the use of gimmicks for novelty’s sake, inappropriate loading protocols, bad technique, lack of a comprehensive plan, and the list goes on. Too many coaches are only thinking within the context of the weight room, not understanding that everything an athlete does in the course of a practice (sprinting, jumping, hitting an opponent, etc) impose a stress to the body in the same way that lifting a barbell does. This lack of foresight leads them to overload the athlete in the weight room because they are not crediting the stimulus they receive in practice as something that can enhance their abilities. For example, we train lots of volleyball players who are jumping for dozens or hundreds of times in practice each day, so why then would I continue to have them perform more jump training in their physical preparation? Instead they need to strengthen the musculature that is responsible for jumping, correct muscular imbalances and train for explosive triple extension without adding further stress to the knees in landings (i.e. Medicine ball throws, jumps onto soft surfaces). I think where Juggernaut sets itself apart is in our examination of how the athlete actually moves within the context of their sporting contest and that we think about the long-term development, as opposed to just short-term results.
You work with the most dedicate athletes. In fact, you are one. What advice would you give those who want to get in shape but can’t dedicate the same amount of time to getting “Jacked.”
If someone is pressed for time, they need to focus on movements that will provide them with the most ‘bang for their buck,’ which are going to be compound barbell lifts, sprints and jumps. If someone only had an hour 3x/week to train, they could perform a dynamic warm-up, sprints or jumps and a squatting, pushing and pulling exercise. That, in addition abs each session will provide great results.
I read a couple of recipes in your “Jacked Cookbook-Breakfast,” one included 8 slices of Turkey Bacon! I love Turkey Bacon as much as the next person but wonder, do these meals get less intimidating as you continue to workout?
(Laughs) well those recipes are actually what I eat and since I’m 6-1 315 pounds, they could probably be scaled to other people’s size. Like anything though, it takes time to work up to. I train lots of high school guys who are trying to gain weight and if I told them in 1 day to go from their regular diet, to the way that I eat, they might last a day or two and then give up on it. You need to increase (or decrease as the case may be) your intake steadily. The same thing goes for training, to tell someone to put 500 pounds on the bar, when they’ve never even done 300, is foolish, you need to progress steadily over a period of weeks, months and years. Training is a marathon, not a sprint and needs to be part of your lifestyle.
Any nutrition advice for those looking to lean out?
The most important thing that people can do when trying to lean out, is to avoid eating carbs in the morning hours. A great breakfast for fat burn will consist of proteins, veggies and FATS, because the body’s hormone levels in the morning don’t react well with carbs. Fats need to be a key part of your diet too, obviously though they need to be the right type. Oils like Olive and Coconut oil, as well as natural peanut butter, avocados, and almonds are great sources of good dietary fats. Keep yourself no/low carb prior to your training for the day, just focusing on proteins, veggies and fats and then after training eat proteins and carbs from good sources like sweet potatoes, oatmeal and brown rice.
Do you have criteria for those looking to train with you?
I’m happy to work with anyone who is serious about working towards his or her physical goal, whatever that may be. Certainly the overwhelming majority of our clients are competitive athletes, ranging from high school to the professional level.
I deadlifted 308lbs a couple of months ago. Tell me, what’s your max? Just checking to see how I compare…
You’re a stud, Brook. I have deadlifted 785* pounds in a meet and am looking to go over 800 at my meet in December.
*Noted
What are you thankful for?
I’m thankful for my family and their unwavering support of my goals. I was adopted at birth and couldn’t imagine being raised by a more perfect family. My dad and brothers are all great role models for me as I try to grow into a man of God and eventually a husband and father.
Thank you for the inspiration, Chad! If anyone would like more information about JTS, visit their website or check out their Facebook Page.
I’ll have a video of my challenge deadlift later…I only have 477lbs to go to catch up!
First off, I’m a little late, but in the spirit of Halloween and Justice, I’ve included a picture of my favorite godson(dog). He’s a super hero!
Second: Shame on you if you only clicked this link because Beyonce’s name was in the title. If that’s why, Karma has certainly gotten you because the connection to Beyonce won’t come until later in the post. Surprise!
I spoke with someone yesterday (let’s call them “X”) about their college hunt. We talked about their top schools. X quickly educated me on their subcategories: top school close to home, top school academically, top school athletically etc. Then I asked my next question, “What’s your top school overall? Where do you really want to go?” X’s response, “Oh, I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. So I’m acting as though they will all reject me. That way the blow won’t be as hard.”
HOLD THE PHONE
I immediately insisted that X improve their outlook or else they’d certainly reap the results of the negative energy they projected. Then I had to take a moment and think back to when I was in high school. I realized that I thought in a similar way, which brings me to Beyonce. It’s amazing how comments, even those from strangers, can influence your outlook. When I was 13, I remember turning on an interview with Beyonce. Back then she was much younger, was still a member of Destiny’s Child and had yet to drop the “eyonce” from her name. Nonetheless I loved her! I sang “No, No, No” and “Bills” all day long (and still do…). In her interview on MTV she mentioned something to the effect of- she never expects success. Because the moment you expect it, it will be taken away. Now I can look back and surmise she was actually implying that she always stays humble and hungry. However, at the time, I was 13 and took everything too literally. So from the moment Beyonce spoke it, I believed her words to be true. I expected the worst for fear that I’d be disappointed.
Well, this actually worked out for a while, but then, slowly, the things I expected started to happen! I studied but prepared, just in case I didn’t do well on an exam. And then, as if by magic, I didn’t do well. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized, this wasn’t magic at all, my mindset was directly effecting my success.
By no means am I discounting B. I was too young to truly understand what she meant. Plus she’s taught growing kids (and adults) a number of important things in her career like, girls run the world and if you like it, then you should put a ring on it- both very true.
So, after a long conversation with X, we concluded that they should be a little bit more positive on all of their future endeavors. Of course I’m always reminding myself to do the same!
I hope everyone enjoyed Halloween! I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving!
I’ll be honest. In my opinion, there is NO reason to be awake at 2am. Call me old if you wish, but I like to get to bed at a reasonable time (unless there’s no other option). Yesterday evening, friend and founder of WHEW, Sarah Scott, posted a link to the trailer for Miss Representation. The film, written, directed and produced by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, addresses the powerful and, more often that not, negative effect that media has on the development of women’s selves. Miss Representation premiered at Sundance in 2011 and has since been picked up by OWN.
After watching the trailer, I headed to the organization’s website, http://missrepresentation.org, where I was prompted to make a pledge. I did so and received a really interesting confirmation email in which they gave suggestions of ways to take immediate action. The suggestions were as follows:
1. Tell 5 people about the film and share one thing you learned from watching it.
2. Parents- watch TV and films with your children. Raise questions like “What if that character had been a girl instead?”
3. Remember your actions influence others. Mothers, aunts and loved ones- don’t downgrade or judge yourself by your looks. Fathers, uncles and loved ones—treat women around you with respect. Remember children in your life are watching and learning from you.
4. Use your consumer power. Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women. Go see movies that are written and directed by women (especially on opening weekend to boost the box office ratings). Avoid products that resort to sexism in their advertising.
5. Mentor others! It’s as easy as taking a young woman to lunch. Start by having open and honest conversations with a young person in your life.
I thought this was pretty cool because they provided ways to contribute without ever asking for money. Anyone interested in making a pledge can follow these suggestions.
Needless to say, the trailer got me thinking. And, given that they allow individuals, businesses, schools and organizations to have screenings, I’m going to look into holding one.
Check out the trailer below, but be careful, it may have you up at 2am thinking as well. Thanks for sharing, Scottie!
It’s great to see filmmakers interested in making a change!
It’s one thing to praise someone for their arrival. It’s another thing to be along for the journey. In a previous post, the original A Little Daily Inspiration, I shared a story about Halle Richardson, an up and coming jewelry designer. Well, as fate and hard work would have it, she’s finally made some of her pieces available for purchase at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HARJewelry. Just another step on Halle’s path to success! Good Luck HAR!
A ring by HAR! Thank you for the gift!
I hope that whatever your journey is you are moving forward in the same fashion! I’m trying my best to do the same.
Happy Monday! I’m off to enjoy the start of a new week.
~Thankful
Get updates on her new pieces by following @HARJewelry on Twitter. And follow @Thankful_Fam on twitter if your feeling fancy.
I’ve been talking to a few friends lately who have huge life decisions to make. They’re in transition and it seems like a difficult place to be. Many of them feel a tad unsure and are feeling the “burden of choice.” Although, as frustrating as indecision is, we should all remember that it is a luxury only afforded to the fortunate. On top of this inability to decide things like, which job to take, when to move in with their significant other, when to get engaged, when to change one’s career path, when to purchase a home etc, everyone is also taking in to consideration expectation. That is, what society, family or friends actually expect you to do and how they expect you to act. A friend, who I’ll refer to as “X”, told me yesterday that they are interested in shifting gears. However, changing career paths will mean starting over. X is excited about the prospect, but not sure if their parents will approve. I was exhausted just listening to them, but also realized that I’m not immune to similar thinking.
I started reading a new book (well new to me), “All Things Shining: Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age”, by Hubert Dreyfus and Sean Dorrance Kelly. Hubert Dreyfus is actually a Berkeley Professor (Go Bears!). All Things Shining uses Western Literature to examine what it means to live a meaningful life, in a time when there is no one religion determining how anyone should behave or make decisions. In one section, they make reference to the work of David Foster Wallace, stating that the structure of his work is often a reflection of modern indecisiveness:
“Many of these (his) sentences are complemented by lengthy endnotes that continue the process, as if to say that this is the way we are aware of ourselves in the modern age: we say something, wonder about what we’ve said, unsay it, ask about it again, circle back to it from a different perspective, qualify it, unqualify it and on, footnoting our endnotes and end noting our footnotes to infinity. We conclude, it at all, without resolution.”
Whether or not Wallace intended his structure to imply this, I believe Dreyfus and Kelly have touched on a real challenge. One which I see playing out everyday. Then I have to imagine how exhausting it is, to not just face narrowing down options on one’s own, but to consider everyone else’s opinion as well.
Now I’ve just started this book and while the writers address some heavy issues, it’s not all negative. Even when addressing David Foster Wallace’s sadness and the “lostness” inherent in his writing, they take care to illustrate the positive intent of his work. They’ve quoted Wallace as saying,
” In dark times, the definition of good art would seem to be art that locates and applies CPR to the elements of what’s human and magical that still live and glow despite the times’ darkness.”
While transition seems daunting, it also provides an instance of endless possibilities. One has the chance to explore something NEW, change their life or improve their circumstance. Saying yes to moving in with your significant other, or no to a job offer should never induce fear. Standing at the edge of possibility in fear isn’t the most productive option. Either way you must jump and make a decision. I recently received some advice from someone, they said, “The beginning of a new pursuit always seems dark but you must step in and see for yourself. There’s probably more light than you think.”
WHEW! I’ve said this many times before, but it hasn’t held the same meaning since Women’s Health Empowerment Worldwide was formed in 2010. The non-profit organization was co-founded by Sarah Scott (A good friend of mine!) and Ashley Gardiner in partnership with The Fistula Foundation’s Circle of Friends program. WHEW’s primary goals are to promote women’s health worldwide and address the growing need for obstetric care in developing countries, specifically in relation to fistula’s. Pardon my ignorance, but I actually wasn’t aware of what a fistula was until Sarah educated me a year ago. So, just in case you’re wondering:
C/O The Fistula Foundation and WHEW
Fistula: A fistula is a hole. An obstetric fistula, the kind that occurs in many developing countries, is a hole between a woman’s birth passage and one or more of her internal organs. This hole develops over many days of obstructed labor, when the pressure of the baby’s head against the mother’s pelvis cuts off blood supply to delicate tissues in the region. This hole results in permanent incontinence of urine and/or feces. (C/O The Fistula Foundation)
In the U.S., our obstetric care has advanced to the point where fistula’s aren’t a concern and surgery is immediately available. However in developing countries this isn’t the case. Women faced with this problem are often abandoned by their husbands and ostracized by their communities.
Sarah Scott took a few moments to answer questions about WHEW and their cause:
How did you and Ashley become aware of The Fistula Foundation and what drove you to start WHEW?
Ashley and I both read Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book, Half the Sky, and are also fans of Kristof’s NYT Op-Ed column. Another great read on the topic of women’s health, and specifically fistulas, is Cutting for Stone. While we were working together at an educational policy organization in DC, we became friends and realized that we were both passionate about women’s health and empowerment around the world, and had both been very moved by Kristof’s writings/stories (especially after both traveling in Africa and falling in love with it!) So, we decided to do something about it! While I was living in Bolivia, (June- December 2010) we agreed that fistulas were a specifically terrible and understated medical condition affecting mothers around the world. We contacted The Fistula Foundation (located in San Jose, CA), and they warmly welcomed us as a new Circle of Friends chapter, a fundraising and awareness raising group.
Can you give us a comparison, what are the risks for women in developing countries v.s. the U.S.?
Think about your daily life as a woman in the US. If you are lucky, from the moment you wake up, you are surrounded by choices: what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, how to get to work, (what you want to do with your career, education,) who you have lunch with, if you go out or to the gym after work. Now, imagine you are a poor, 20 year old girl living in the Congo with 4 children and a husband who works all day. You had to leave school in 3rd grade to help your mother around the house. You wake up every morning and have no choice. You must take care of your children and provide the best life possible for them. Or imagine that you are a teenage girl living in Afghanistan and you have been betrothed to a man whom you have never met, and as soon as you get your period, you are forced to leave your beloved family for a life unknown. Basically, I think that it comes down to options and education. Options with your body, your life, your education. Without having a say in these issues, you are left very vulnerable.
You held your first fundraiser on August 12th, when will your next event be?
Since I returned to DC in February, we have had two wine and cheese parties where we showed friends a documentary from Despair to Dignity, a moving and educational documentary produced by The Fistula Foundation (another amazing documentary on fistulas is A Walk to Beautiful). We’ve also had one very successful fundraiser happy hour event where we raised over $1000 that went directly to The Fistula Foundation. We are planning our next event, a dinner/fundraiser for the end of October, and this potluck dinner group will meet every month, and then we are planning to have another happy hour fundraiser in November/early December in DC.
How can people interested in donating and/or getting involved with your foundation in a larger capacity do so?
The Fistula Foundation’s website has great ways to get involved, check it out! We would love for you to follow the WHEW blog (http://wheworldwide.tumblr.com/) , and like us on Facebook, where we post recent news stories on maternal health, events and articles. A great way to start becoming involved in women’s health and empowerment is to read, read, read and start conversations with friends and co-workers, raise awareness, and if you can, money too to support the doctors and hospitals working to repair fistulas.
If you had one piece of advice for young women (or anyone) interested in forming a non-profit, what would it be?
Give it a try! Nothing bad can come out of giving something like this a chance. Educate yourself on the issue, become an expert on what you are passionate about (I’m working on it!) and reach out to your community. I need to be better about it, but take chances! Reach out to professionals in your field to ask for advice and connections. Every bit can help, don’t think that you can’t make a difference, because each of us can.
What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for my AWESOME supportive friends and family, and to be living a life full of options. Choices are the key to a successful, healthy and healthy life especially as a young woman. Think about all of the choices you make every day; what to wear, how to get to work, what to eat, who to meet up with for happy hour, when to go to bed, who to spend your time with and who you love. This isn’t the case in some countries, especially if you are a woman. In some countries, women have no options, they are told at a young age who they will marry, when they will drop out of school (if they get the chance to attend), what to wear, who to speak to, how many children to have; a large part of their life is dictated by others. Be grateful for your daily life, for the little things, and for the people who help make that possible, your parents, your siblings, your co workers and loved ones.
I have some really amazing friends doing amazing things! Thank you, Sarah and the rest of WHEW for sharing! Maybe this has inspired you to donate, maybe this has inspired to to create your own non-profit, but I hope in the least it’s inspired you to pass this knowledge around and make an effort to understand issues outside of your daily life. It certainly has for me.
Thankful For a Million 