Thursday, January 31, 2013

Just Do It

You know that thing you've been setting aside? The one gnawing at your brain?

Well...

Stop putting it off. Attack that obstacle, task, conversation, or project that is in your way. No more procrastinating. Take action today.


Just do it! It's still the best advice.

How bad do you want it? This is where you answer with ACTION that speaks louder than words

Taking my own advice, I've started meditating...this is something I've tried to incorporate as a daily habit many times before...but this time I'm going to make it stick. Matt Smith, ETR's Publisher, is giving me guidance, and so far, I've come a long way in just 4 days. Just finished a great 13-minute session. The key is to schedule it in my day and not let anything get in my way. Just like all of my other important habits. Stay strong!

Today's Workout for me:
Squats, Step-Ups, Leg Curls, Get Ups.

Now to the airport for a flight to Tampa and a Superbowl weekend with over 51 fitness experts and good friends, including Joel Marion, Jason Ferruggia, Adam Steer, Bedros Keuilian, Flavia and Vince Del Monte, Shaun Hadsall, Isabel De Los Rios, John Rowley, and many, many more.

Lots to see and do and learn from these folks. We'll be hitting a huge workout at Powerhouse Gym on Saturday morning.

And today's training resource for you...Alwyn Cosgrove is back with more metabolic-type training advice
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/metabolic-type-training/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify, simplify." - Henry David Thoreau

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - For entrepreneurs...


Is your business something that you will want to wake up every day and work on and talk about and obsess about for the next 10 years? If not, it's probably not the right thing for you. Find something else.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Bodyweight 101 Circuits and Deadlifting

The deadlift area was taken today, so I switched up the order of my lifts. Not surprisingly, I was a little stronger on the Military Press today compared to those days when I train it later in the routine.

Today's training for me: DB Clean & Press, Military Press, Deadlift, Rack Pull, Leg Curls, Ball Plank. Good times.

Here's something I had a client do yesterday...and I'm coming up with some great variations of this. Easy, quick, and simple bodyweight workouts:

The Bodyweight 101 Circuit

It's perfect for no equipment hotel room or park or living room quickie workout: Do 101 reps of each exercise before moving to the next: Narrow-Stance Bodyweight Squat, Jumping Jack, Pushup, Lunge, Bodysaw (or Rocking Plank). There are more ways to do this...stay tuned.

Then I did some www.turbulenceTrainingFanpage.com QnA:

Q: How should I prepare for a Tough Mudder? - Kristin

Answer:

Here's the official TT program:
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/toughdeal/

.....It's basically a long run with a few obstacles and some big hill climbs (depending on your location). Being able to tolerate running long distances is the most important aspect.

Q: What's your best chest workout? - David

Answer:

Here's an article on my blog:
http://www.ttfatloss.com/best-chest-workout-to-build-muscle/

Today's Nutrition Update:
Last night, after a dinner of chicken and vegetables, I mixed almond yogurt (made from raw almonds, no dairy) with chocolate whey protein powder. The almond yogurt was good. Nice experiment. Had a few macadamia nuts with it. Those little devils can be addictive.

Today's blender drink: 8oz water, 1/2 avocado, chocolate whey protein powder, handful of raw cacao nibs, two handfuls of frozen spinach. Pretty good. Had with almonds, a spoonful of natural peanut butter, and an apple.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
It's easier to deal with criticism & attacks when you see them for what they really are...they are ways for the attacker to protect themself from whatever it is that they are lacking...whether it is talent, courage to act, integrity, or confidence in themselves.

Criticism/attacks "on you" are not really an offensive tactic, but a defensive tactic by the criticizer to protect their own ego.

Once you understand that, you kind of feel sorry for the attacker, and you can laugh off/brush off the negativity & keep marching on strong. Stay strong and get stronger, my friend.

We are all here to support one another. You rock!

Don’t be satisfied with the norm if you want more. It’s okay to want to achieve special results. The world needs folks who dream and achieve big things.

Keep pushing,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hardest Workout in the World?

"Soul destroying"

"Toughest. Workout. Ever."

"The most challenging workout so far. Workout A almost put
me on the floor
."

Those are just a few of the comments about the NEW Extreme
Fat Loss workout from Turbulence Training.

Listen, you already know that it takes advanced measures to
get advanced results.

But you're not a beginner and you want advanced body-ripped
results, so you're will to do whatever it takes.


And with 2K13 you're going to find out exactly what that
feels like - both the grueling training methods, and even
better, the extreme fat burning results that come with it.

You see, you're getting a program that includes three totally
exhausting workouts - training sessions that were modeled
around the shocking results of an extreme 2012 workout study
and my odd "All Day Workout" training challenges.

In that extreme workout study, researchers found that short,
intense bodyweight workouts (just 4 minutes long) got better
fitness and muscle endurance results than slow cardio.

And here's the kicker...the crazy subjects in this experiment
actually ENJOYED the extreme workouts more than slow cardio.

So if that sounds like you, then you're going to LOVE the
new TT Extreme Fat Loss program. 

You're getting a proven way to burn fat in less time AND have
fun doing it.

Plus, you'll also get a NEW version of the most popular TT
workout of 2012 - The Thermogenic 30 fat loss workout.

In this 30 minute session you'll be sweating buckets and
burning fat fast...all thanks to the use of the Ultimate
Fat Loss Key training system.

Here's what you can expect in terms of results.

Since it's the most extreme fat loss program you've ever
done, it will also give you the most extreme fat loss
results you've ever achieved.

Now I have to WARN you ... these workouts are NOT for beginners.

On the other hand, if you've been training for a while now,
then there's no reason why you couldn't be using 2K13 to
shred fat and build lean, sexy muscle fast. It's that simple.

So get ready to torch your belly fat using the optimal
combination of Metabolic Resistance Training, Metabolic
Conditioning and Metabolic Finishers, including the Extreme
Metabolic Monster in Workout C
that might have you on your
knees after just one round.

I threw ALL my weapons of fat destruction into this program,
and it's the most extreme TT program to date.

Take the Extreme TT Fat Loss Challenge here

Let me know how you do,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Truth About Set Backs and Failure

Stay strong if you had a tough week.

And remember:

"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." -Napoleon Hill

And

"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome." – William James

Listen, I've been failing my way to success for years. And you can fail too if you try. Or you can hide, and not taste failure or success at all. Be willing to get punched in the face now to wear the Championship belt later.

“You have to fail a lot to learn. And the only way to do that is to start testing things.” – Will Bonner

Fail forward fast to get to success,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success." - Brian Adams

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Meathead Saturday Workout

It's a Meathead Saturday. The best kind.

My workout: Bench, DB Chest supported row, 8 minutes of pullups (50 reps), 4 minutes of decline pushups (80 reps), wide grip barbell row.

Today's training resource: Heart rate training for fat loss?
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/heart-rate-training/

And here's a nutrition question I had for Dr. Osborne; "Are Xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, and carageenan gluten-free? Also, should they just be avoided for health reasons? They are in so many things."

Answer from Dr. Peter Osborne:

Xanthan gum=corn==gluten
Guar gum is gluten free
Locust bean gum is gluten free
Carrageenan is gluten free

The problem with gums is that they are difficult to digest.  Someone with a gluten damaged GI tract will not tolerate them because their gut is not working at full capacity. 

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
No matter how dark the night, the sun always rises again. Stay strong now, lean on others for support where you can, stick to your vision and beliefs, and comeback stronger than ever.

Surround yourself with good, positive people in your training environment and at meals…and make sure to include some folks that are more successful than you (in all areas of life), as you define it. These people will bring out the best in you…helping you "play up a level". And always help others, the more they benefit, the more you will benefit in return.

"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?" - Jim Rohn

Be proud of the changes you are making and help others do the same. There are many people secretly looking for someone like you to take charge and to be a healthy role model for them. Stay strong. It might not happen overnight, but if you continue to lead by healthy example - without preaching or condescending - you will build an entourage of social support and people that want to be healthy just like you. This will build powerful relationships with others that will help you take your health, fitness, and success to the next level. Stay strong - get stronger.

To start changing your life, get the ETR Transformation Kit at
- www.TransformationContest.com/kit

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Focus on replacing your bad habits and thought patterns, one-by-one, over time, with good habits and thought patterns. One step at a time, done over time, leads to powerful changes in your life.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Trainer Lessons From Alwyn Cosgrove

"Investing in yourself always pays the best dividends".
 
That was the message from our guest speaker, Alwyn Cosgrove,
when he rocked the TT Summit last June.
 
His humorous yet touching story of how he built Results Fitness
while beating cancer - TWICE - had us all enthralled.
 
As Alwyn said about having Stage IV cancer, "There is no Stage V.
That means you're dead."
 
And yet despite fighting for his life in 2006, his gym had its best year
ever financially. Isn't that amazing?

Alwyn shared what he and his wife Rachel had done over the previous
five years to make that happen.

Learn how to build your business with Alwyn and Rachel here

And here's another one of my favorite lessons from Alwyn...
 
He once told me how the goal of his business is to be the high point
of his client's day.
 
As he explained, "You need to make the experience with you so
awesome that it's the best thing going in your client's life
."
 
Are you doing that? Are you even close to that? Imagine how
your personal training career would change if you made that
your mission. Powerful stuff.

The third big lesson that Alwyn shared was on becoming a category
killer. He's done extensive studies of what makes brands like
Starbucks and Zappos into "category killers", where they literally
have no other competition at the same level as them.
 
In Alwyn's business coaching program, they teach this concept to
gym owners.

What is that you can be doing to create your own category killer
business? How can you - or your gym - become known as the best
in town?


Dang powerful questions. There is so much to learn from him - a
two-decade icon of the fitness industry - when it comes to having
the best gym, creating a culture with amazing core values, and
emulating the integrity he brings to the fitness industry.

Truly a remarkable guy.


This will make your life a lot easier,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, January 24, 2013

My BIG New Workout

Great squat workout. Finally able to get 3 plates on each side again for a good set.

Workout was: Squats, box jumps, stepups, and leg curls.

And the BIG news yesterday was that we released the new Home Workout Revolution program. You'll get 51 follow along workout videos here:

- www.HomeWorkoutRevolution.com

Finally, I made a big bold claim today:

Getting Ripped is simple once you realize how hard it is.
Then you know how much effort, honesty, responsibility, long-range planning, creativity, intensity, discipline, thought and control the process is going to take. It is not easy. It is not going to happen from any magic pill. Only once you accept that will you succeed.

Do you understand what I mean?

Things can be simple, but hard.

For example, running a marathon is hard, but it's simple.

You just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you don't quit.

Same with getting ripped. You keep on taking action, exhibiting self-sacrifice and discipline.

It's not rocket science.

I know many below average intelligence individuals that are ripped.

And it's not "just genetics".

It's hard work.

Hard work that even a cave man can do.

So don't try to out-think yourself.

Just follow the proven blueprints to success that you can find - for any area of your life - and you will succeed IF you make the commitment to do the work.

That's the secret - doing the work and never giving up.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” – Bernice J. Reagon

Replace behavior rationalization with behavioral responsibility. Identify the obstacles in your way and create two solutions for each. Eliminate the rationalizations for not taking action towards your goal. Rationalizations “protect” you, but stop you from getting better.

Today's Resource: Politically incorrect time management tips
- http://www.earlytorise.com/time-management-tips/

"We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals." - Stephen Covey

Stay strong and do the work,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Take action and never settle

No training today, but plenty of important things to say.

First, don’t hang around negative people that would rather see you fail. Cut the cord quickly. That’s less painful than drawing things out. Search out more positive people and experiences. They are out there. They DO exist and want to help you. Start here and at the TransformationContest.com website.

We don't always win. But if we fight the good fight and we stay strong, we will keep moving towards our goals. Never, ever, ever give up.

Be proud of the changes you are making and help others do the same. There are many people secretly looking for someone like you to take charge and to be a healthy role model for them. Stay strong. It might not happen overnight, but if you continue to lead by healthy example - without preaching or condescending - you will build an entourage of social support and people that want to be healthy just like you. This will build powerful relationships with others that will help you take your health, fitness, and success to the next level. Stay strong - get stronger.

Action is the simplest way to avoid procrastination. Get up and throw yourself into the battle. You must know your #1 priority and attack it with great energy.

"Never settle. Never be conventional. Never listen to the naysayers. If you believe in yourself and your ideas then ignore the competition and haters and deliver the best program or product on the planet." - Bedros Keuilian

“Create more value than you capture.” – Tim O’Reilly

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - “We’re here to live, to love, to laugh, to learn, and to leave a legacy.” – Stephen Covey

According to Eric Barker, the single most important thing to do today if you want to live a long, happy life is to spend time with friends. That’s true value for our lives.

Make the right choices.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Back in Toronto after a relatively smooth trip home from San Francisco. There was a one-hour delay on the flight because the plane had frost on its wings. That's not typical for San Fran and they have no de-icing equipment, so the plane had to go "tan in the sun" for an hour so the ice would melt.

But soon after we were on our way and I arrived home at 5pm, grabbed a blender drink of Hemp Bliss, chocolate protein powder, spinach, and raspberries.

Today, it's back to the normal routine as I'll be hitting a deadlift workout in the gym, then a trip to the chiropractor for Active Release Therapy, followed by a drive out to the farm to pick up ol' Bally the Dog. He's been out there living the life for the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it's time for him to return to the boring old big city.

My training today: DB Clean & Press, Deadlift, Rack Pull, Military Press. Should be good times.

Today's training resource comes from Shawna Kaminski, the Pull-up Queen. It's "Step One for doing more pull-ups"
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/pull-up-step-one/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Action is the simplest way to avoid procrastination. Get up and throw yourself into the battle. You must know your #1 priority and attack it with great energy.

Every day brings challenges. Every week has its ups and downs. Every life is filled with dips and dark days. We will all go through times when it feels like nothing is working and nothing is going our way. But when this happens there is only thing to do no matter what. When all else fails, you must keep on pushing.

More details here
- http://www.earlytorise.com/one-thing-to-do-no-matter-what/

Keep on pushing,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Just a reminder for you to get out of your comfort zone this week. Try a new exercise, a new food, a new workout, a new way to work, talk to a new person, read a new book, and have that uncomfortable conversation with a work colleague or family member to clear the air.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Get out of the zone and into faster results

Just a reminder for you to get out of your comfort zone this week. Try a new exercise, a new food, a new workout, a new way to work, talk to a new person, read a new book, and have that uncomfortable conversation with a work colleague or family member to clear the air.

“People will do almost anything to stay in their comfort zones. If you want to accomplish anything, get out of your comfort zone. Strive to increase order and discipline in your life. The easy roads to discipline are setting deadlines, discovering & doing what you do best & what’s important & enjoyable to you, focusing on habits by replacing your bad habits and thought patterns, one-by-one, over time, with good habits and thought patterns.” – Kekich Credo #1

Do not give in to the comfort zone
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/do-not-give-in-to-this/

If cardio is your comfort zone, kick cardio to the curb and get faster results with intervals (FREE report)
- www.TurbulenceTraining.com/intervalreport

And don't forget to try this pushup test. How many pushups can you do in 4 minutes? Let me know. PS - Do NOT go to failure...if you do, your number will be low. Do about 60% of your max per set, then rest, and repeat.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
If you’re struggling…if you’ve lost your job or gone through recent stressful situations, please remember: People don’t love you for the job you have, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, or anything…but for you being you. I made this mistake many years ago…I made a situation worse by being really hard on myself because I had my self-identity wrapped up in a certain role that I lost. I was embarrassed and shut out a lot of my friends. That was the WRONG thing to do. I should have relied on my friends because they loved me…just as your friends love you. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. Never forget that everyone has problems, stress, etc. No one is perfect. We all fall down. But we must all get back up as well. Stay strong. Love those that love you. Be the person that you are meant to be.

Success comes in spurts. You’ll do all this work and feel like you’re getting nothing and nowhere…nothing, nothing, nothing…and then suddenly, WHOOOOOSH. Success. It comes in spurts. Never give up.

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Take a Chance on this Before Monday

It is tempting for all of us – myself included – to remain in our comfort zones.

But that is not where we grow, improve, and make the changes necessary to dramatically move forward.

My challenge to you is to do the opposite. Look at what you are doing to stay in your comfort zone and think, “What is the opposite action of my instinct? And would this opposite action be the better solution?” (And yes, for Seinfeld fans, this is the old “George Costanza” method.)

To take me up on this challenge, we've extended the deadline for the FREE Transformation Contest to Monday night at:

- www.TransformationContest.com

(Another reason, to be honest with you, is that I want to get more people in the contest. Right now we have 41,000 people, but I want to hit 50,000 with a deadline push. That's my goal. We can do it. You can help, and then win my money just like all of the good folks did at www.TurbulenceTrainingContest.com!)

Take a chance. Don't give up. Keep on pushing.

Failure isn't bad. Failure isn't final. If there is one thing I know after having observed this crazy world for 37 years, it's that you can SURVIVE almost anything and come back better and stronger than ever before. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from achieving the success you deserve.

There will be days when you struggle to exercise, and that is okay. Just never give up. Realize everyone else goes through this, and not quitting is what separates the successful from the frustrated. Don't give up. Keep on pushing!

Alright, off to the gym for a meathead upper body workout.

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Take me up on the FREE Transformation Contest before Monday night at:

- www.TransformationContest.com

Friday, January 18, 2013

Bench and Squat workouts

Two great workouts this week at LA Sports Club in San Francisco.

First, squats, box jumps, stepups, and leg curls. Oh, and power wheel rollouts.

Second, on Friday morning, bench, db csr, pullups (50 reps in 8 minutes), decline pushups (80 reps in 4 minutes), barbell row, overhead squat.

How many pushups can you do in 4 minutes? Let me know. PS - Do NOT go to failure...if you do, your number will be low. Do about 60% of your max per set, then rest, and repeat.

My research on training to failure
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/training-to-failure/

Now let's eat!

Yesterday's eating. Great food, better people.

Breakfast after workout - omelet with spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, and avocado (great replacement for cheese), side of fresh California strawberries (really fantastic), apple, Athletic Greens

lunch - 1/2 piece salmon, 1/2 piece chicken, brussel sprouts, and lots of other vegetables

snack - almonds

dinner at Morton's (this was a disaster...we had 19 people and waited over an hour just to get salads and appetizers, but my food choice was good) - sea bass with crab meat (next time I'll get heavy sauce on the side) and a giant side of broccoli. Some berries and cream for dessert (they gave the entire table free desserts because of the long wait)

Today, same breakfast, and then had "Jack LaLanne's Favorite Salad" for lunch at Jack's Grill in San Fran. Crab, shrimp, greens, mushrooms, avocado, and tomatoes. Really fantastic. Looking for more sea bass for dinner tonight.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
“Fat loss is simple once you accept how hard it is.” That means, once you understand and accept that it requires sacrifice, discipline, planning, support, accountability, goal-setting, and massive action taking, only then you will be psychologically prepared to make that sacrifice.

All of the setbacks in your life make you significantly stronger when you learn and grow from them. You must become “anti-fragile”, as Nicholas Taleb says. Your future will be bigger and better than ever if you take this approach to life. That's what happens when you keep on pushing.

Big weekend coming up. Plan ahead to stay strong. Identify the obstacles. Then prepare solutions to overcoming these obstacles. Stay strong. Get stronger!

Turn your life around in 5 minutes
- http://www.earlytorise.com/5-minute-task-to-turn-your-life-around/

When I am tempted, I think of you. I think of all of the people in the contest that I have made a promise to. I think of all of the people that read my emails. I think of all of the people that I can help by "Living by Example". That is one of our core values at EarlytoRise.com - to Live by Example. That is why we do what we do. For you. And when you help other people, it will make it easier for YOU to stick to your goals as well. Stay strong. Keep pushing. Keep learning. Keep Living by Example.

Time to transform,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Walking and Eating in San Francisco

Long day yesterday, literally.

I had 27 hours because of the time zone change from EST to PST.

So here's what I did...

5am - 15 minute kb-bw workout

6am - Athletic Greens drink

8am Breakfast on plane - omelet, apple, fruit, almonds

Made a time zone switch on plane

11am - almonds and cashews --- ALMOST ordered a coke zero. held off

12:30pm - tried a top secret sample of a BioTrust organic protein bar (great!) and more almonds

1pm - 3 hour walk around the city. what can I say about San Fran that hasn't already been said before. It's really fantastic. I hit Market Street, Nob Hill, Chinatown, Union street to The Presidio, Pier 39 and Union Square.

4pm - picked up some raw vegetables for an afternoon snack

7pm - Dinner at Bourbon Steak in San Fran. For those foodies, it's a Michael Mina restaurant. It was okay, nothing amazing. Rib eye with sauteed spinach and mushrooms. Bedros ordered the brussel sprouts but without all of the toppings, and they were great. Had a half glass of a Shiraz. It too was okay.

They bring you fries instead of bread to start the meal. That could be dangerous. I had 2-3 fries of each variety (they bring you 3 flavors).

10pm - Had been up for 22 hours. That's too long.

3:30am - Now. Lots of water. Squat workout (depending on the legs) in a couple of hours. Then a meeting with some personal trainers, including TT Trainer, Kate Vidulich, an Aussie living in Australia. You'll meet her - and she might even be speaking - at the 3rd TT Summit.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." ~ Zig Zigler

Be proud of yourself for taking action, getting out of your comfort zones, and getting closer to the business and life of your dreams. It’s your life and doing the right thing is more important than what other people think or say about you. Stay strong. Get stronger

Now is the time. This is your year. This will be your best year ever. You CAN change – dramatically. It all starts with harnessing the power of the four pillars of Support, Accountability, Incentives, and a Deadline in the ETR Transformation Contest at
- www.TransformationContest.com

"Most of our obstacles would melt away, if, instead of cowering before them, we would make up our minds to walk boldly through them." - Orison Mardin

Alright, enough talk, time to take action.
- http://www.earlytorise.com/stop-talking-and-take-this-instead/

Stay strong and get stronger,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS – "Before you are a leader, success is all about yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." – Jack Welch.

More on this mindset here:
http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-live-large-in-2013/

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Started the day with a quick kettlebell and bodyweight workout. It was only 12 minutes but non-stop, and legs are still tired a few hours later.

Today (in an hour) I'm flying to San Francisco. So I needed my arms to be fresh.

Once there, I'm taking the day to walk around, then a big meeting with trainers tomorrow, including soon-to-be-Certified-Turbulence-Trainer, Kate Vidulich of New York City.

Until then, guys, get started here
- www.turbulencetraining.com/freeworkoutformen

And for women
- http://www.turbulencetraining.com/freeworkoutforwomen/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
The best time for a 2nd chance is right now. Forgive yourself, forget the past (except the lessons learned), and start again toward your goals and dreams today.

The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.' - Captain Jack Sparrow

Keep on pushing,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

3 emotional triggers that stop fat loss

My good friend and fatloss hero Andréa Albright
sent me a shocking article today, and I just had
to share it with you:

Emotional "Triggers" proven to DESTROY fat loss <= must read article

Let me tease you a bit with the content:

You've probably heard about "emotional eating"?...

How when you eat when you're sad, or even when
you're celebrating, it can cause food addiction,
fatgain, and intense cravings the next day?

(If you haven't heard about that, then you REALLY
have to read Andréa's article!)

What you have NEVER heard of until today is this:

------->  Emotional Weight LOSS

Andréa lets you in what science is revealing to us re:
your emotional state -- and how you can "trick" your
body into releasing MORE bodyfat by tapping into
these emotional mindsets... HOWEVER:

You FIRST have to avoid the "3 Deadly Emotional
Triggers Of Fat Gain
" -- and if you're anything like
most people, you're eating in at least ONE of these
3 fat-making states...

Here's how to take control of it and drop more bodyfat,
if you're on a dietplan (best) or even if you're NOT:

Emotional "Triggers" proven to DESTROY fat loss <= read this article NOW

This info will help you finally lose fat,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer
 
P.S.  Listen, it would be a 'shame' if...
 
...you let something as simple as these 3 emotional
'triggers' destroy your success when it comes to fat loss...

Andréa shares her experience and her solutions with
you below. You owe this to yourself to read today:
 
 
This article will FIX all of your fat loss problems today.

101 ways to Transform your life

Are you tired of breaking promises to yourself?

Does it seem like your New Year's Resolutions NEVER work?

...Is there a better way?

YES.  I guarantee you there is.

Just follow this proven blueprint called, "101 Ways to
Transform Your Life" for FREE at the link below:

Not only that...you'll also get a special 90-day Transformation
Guide, prepared just for you.  
 
These are both free gifts for joining my new $100,000 Transformation Contest!

It's a set of simple, done-for-you, and easy to follow instructions on
keeping Resolutions in 2013.  

Both are FREE for you at the below link:

Use them both to make 2013 the best year of your life,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer
 
P.S. Oh, I almost forgot...

...along with the 90-plan, I'm offering $100,000 worth of
cash prizes to motivate people to complete it.  

==> Get all the details on the $100,000 contest here (It's FREE!)

And let's make this your Best Year Ever!
 
But hurry, the free contest closes Friday at midnight.

Do this every day

Make baby step improvements EVERY day. You CAN do it. You CAN change.

Only a few days left to join www.TransformationContest.com

Join us and change your life to win my money...and get your FREE copy of our 101 Ways to Change Your Life report.

But here's what stops most people:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.

"Harness the Power of Accelerated Failure – the faster you fail, the faster you succeed." – Bill Bonner

"A work-in-progress generates its own energy field. You, the artist or entrepreneur, are pouring love into the work; you are suffusing it with passion and intention and hope. This is serious juju. The universe responds to this. It has no choice." – Steven Pressfield

Don't ruin 2013 by remaining shipwrecked on the island of Almost Done
- http://www.earlytorise.com/are-you-going-to-ruin-2013-too/

Discover the Truth About Your Problems here:
- http://www.earlytorise.com/the-truth-about-your-problems/

Use that as motivation to take action today and attract support as Pressfield says,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Eat right with these free meal plans
- http://turbulencetraining.com/freemealplans

Monday, January 14, 2013

This will change your life

Yesterday's 90-minute flight delay from Miami to Toronto gave me time to re-read an excellent book, "Do the Work". It's written by Steven Pressfield. I also recommend his "War of Art" book, and "Turning Pro".

In fact, if a “casual drinking” habit is stopping you from reaching your goals in work, fitness, or anywhere in Life, read “Turning Pro”. It literally changed the life of one of my Fitness Trainer Mastermind members helping him overcome a bad drinking habit so that he can help more people transform their lives.

That is actually a dirty little secret of the fitness industry...I'd say about 10% of trainers treat their bodies poorly, particularly young men, but even men and women of all ages.

But, like you, they can - and do - overcome their problems. They just need a little encouragement and accountability.

That's why this is what I call "The Success Formula 2.0"

= Process goals + Outcome Goal + Action + Accountability + Support + Deadline + Incentive.

Keep Pushing!

You CAN change.

Stay strong. Get stronger.

And make sure to join the ETR Transformation Contest before the deadline of this Friday:

www.TransformationContest.com  <= This will change your life.

Today's workout for me:
DB Clean and Press, Deadlift, Rack Pull, Good Morning, Military Press.

Today's Additional Kick-Butt Mindset Tips:
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." – Goethe

"A work-in-progress generates its own energy field. You, the artist or entrepreneur, are pouring love into the work; you are suffusing it with passion and intention and hope. This is serious juju. The universe responds to this. It has no choice." – Steven Pressfield

Do the Work,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Because I Planned Ahead

An early morning interval session today was followed by a flight home from Miami to Toronto. However, there was a mechanical issue with the plan that set us back a couple of hours.

But that was fine. Fortunately, I follow my own advice. Here's what I had posted on FB earlier in the day:

Plan for problems. Things rarely go as planned, so be agile. List all the objections and obstacles in your way and know what you have to overcome. Whatever is in your way, you’re stronger than it, you’re tougher than it, and you’re better than it. You’re going to beat it.

And so I was prepared with things to read and snacks to eat. The delay gave me a chance to re-read Steven Pressfield's fantastic book, "Do the Work". It's full of classic quotes such as:

"The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it." - Steven Pressfield

"The enemy is our chattering brain, which, if we give it so much as a nanosecond, will start producing excuses, alibis, transparent self-justifications, and a million reasons why you can't/shouldn't/won't do what what you know you need to do." - Steven Pressfield

"That a project has crashed is not a reflection of our worth as human beings. It's just a mistake. It's a problem - and a problem can be solved." - SP

"Be too dumb to quit and too stubborn to back off." - Steven Pressfield

"Taking a few hits is the price for being in the arena and not on the sidelines. Stop complaining and be grateful." - Tony Keppelman

And so here are a couple of resources to help you.

Start your week right with these free meal plans:
- http://turbulencetraining.com/freemealplans

And visit our Transformation Contest page here:
- https://www.facebook.com/TransformationContest1

This is your last week to join the contest. Don't miss out on a chance to win my money:

- www.TransformationContest.com

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Saturday, January 12, 2013

You were born to change

The greatest gift I've been given in life has been the ability
to do what I was "born to do".

And that's to help people change their lives.

From the age of 4, when I first saw how sad my mom was after
her failed transformation to the age of 16 where I discovered
the power of exercise to change people's lives, my life's
journey has brought me to today, where I have the BEST gift for you.

You're being given the chance to win my money - and LOTS of
it - just for changing your life.


And not just in fat loss, but in ALL areas of your life.

You can get out of debt and win my money.

You can improve your relationships with your spouse and
family and win my money.

You can make more money in your career and win my money.

And yes, you can lose belly fat and get back in shape and
win my money.

It's all part of our EarlyToRise.com $100,000 Transformation
Contest. It's only 90 days long, and the FINAL day to enter
is Friday, January 18th.
 
Join the Free Transformation Contest and change your life today

But hurry, the deadline to get my GREATEST gift ever for you
is almost here. You do NOT want to miss out on...
 
1) The social support that others will give you
2) The accountability you'll get from me and my team
3) The prize incentives you can win just for taking action
 
Don't forget: It's FREE to enter the contest. NO strings attached.

Just reach your goals and you have the chance to win big.

PLUS, you can win money just for updating me with your
progress every day at www.TransformationContest.com.

It's that simple.

I can't wait for you to unwrap the greatest gift I could give you.

The gift of a second chance, a better life, and the achievement
of your goals.

It will be the BEST gift you could ever give me, too.

Just head over to TransformationContest.com today and start
changing your life now
 
It's what you were born to do.

Sincerely,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - And YES, you can also enter the 16th Turbulence Training
Transformation Contest as well as the ETR contest.


So now you have ANOTHER chance to win my money. The TT contest
is broken down into four categories:

Women Over 40
Men Over 40
Women Under 40
Men Under 40

Just go here for all the details on entering the Turbulence
Training Transformation Contest:

www.TurbulenceTrainingContest.com

Now let's get started. No more time to waste.

PPS - Remember, the deadline to enter is this Friday.
 
Take advantage of the weekend and start TODAY.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Nutrition Rules

Big dinner (gluten-free for me) last night at Il Gabbiano in Miami. I had the veal chop (fantastic) and broccoli. I also snuck some lamb chops from other diners, and they were legendary. It might have been a nightly special, though, but if they are offered, get them.

But even better than the food was the company. I was there with Bedros Keuilian, Shawna Kaminski, Mikey "No I did not eat pancakes at an Italian restaurant" Whitfield, Brian Kalakay, Dan Long, Shaun Hadsall, and Joel Marion.

Great restaurant, even better company.

Here are two pieces of nutrition advice to follow. The first should be followed 95% of the time. It's classic advice from Jack LaLanne who once said, "If man makes it, don't eat it." So avoid foods with labels. Stick to one-ingredient foods like fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, eggs, chicken breasts, and good cuts of beef.

The second piece of advice follows up on that, and you should stick to it 100% of the time. It's more of a rule than advice: "#1 nutrition truth - if you have junk food in the house, you're going to eat it. Win this battle by keeping it out of your home."

Your body is a temple. Do not disrespect the gift you have been given by consuming excess junk food or alcohol on a regular basis.

Follow those tips and you'll lose fat fast while eating real, delicious food.

One week left to join the 16th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest and win money in one of FOUR categories
- www.TurbulenceTrainingContest.com/rules

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Every time you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else. When you say yes to more work, you say no to more time with family. You must think about the right choice. How you spend your time is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

Remember this: “Money < Time < Reputation < Family < Love

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Clean Eating vs Coke Zero

I think clean eating is a goofy term, because really, what does it mean? That you wash your food?

Clean eating to a vegetarian is different than clean eating to a paleo person.

Regardless, I shall remove my crown of cynicism and celebrate that I've gone 16 days without caffeine or sucralose. Both of them mess up my digestive system.

So take that, coke zero.

Today's diet plan is a pre-workout Athletic Greens. Later an omelet (will ask for extra spinach), meat and vegetables and salad for lunch (which comes with the high price of lots of cooking oil from the hotel buffet we have delivered to our meeting room), and then a great dinner at an Italian restaurant with Joel Marion, Shaun Hadsall, Mike Westerdal, Shawna Kaminski, Mike Whitfield (soon to be father of his 2nd little boy!), and Dan Long (soon to be world-famous TRX training expert).

Today's Training: Cable supersets in the Marriott gym with presses, rows, triceps, biceps, face pulls, and abs.

One week left to join the 16th Turbulence Training Transformation Contest and win money in one of FOUR categories
- www.TurbulenceTrainingContest.com/rules

That's in addition to the Health, Wealth, and Wisdom transformations you can win money for here:
- www.EarlytoRise.com

New TT Podcast now up on Itunes. Just search Turbulence Training. Or listen here to Certified TT Trainer Mikey "Finishers" Whitfield be interviewed by Brian Kalakay. I'll bet they talk about pancakes
- http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=36916203

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Add value. Help others. Make the world a better place one small act of kindness at a time. You don’t have to change yourself or the world in a day…just get better each and every single day and help out those around you.

To live an extraordinary life, you must resist an ordinary approach – Frank McKinney

Add value,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

The diet

How would you like to end frustrating, confusing, and
time-consuming dieting once and for all?

Well, you CAN, if you just follow the simple ONE Day
Diet meal plan that my great friend and top nutritionist
Josh Bezoni is GIVING AWAY at the below link:

==>
The ONE Day Diet (exactly what to eat)

At this link, Josh lays out the entire diet for you, showing you EXACTLY
what to eat, meal-by-meal...no guesswork!

Just follow this DROP DEAD simple meal plan, and you'll be on your
way to a flatter belly in no time!

==>
The ONE Day Diet
 

Use it with TT to get lean fast,
Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Undeniable Truth

One undeniable #TRUTH:

No matter how tough your situation, no matter how dark your days, SOMEONE, somewhere, starting from WORSE circumstances than you are in right now, was able to turn their lives around, transform, and achieve the same goals as you have. If they can do it, YOU can do it too. Never, ever, ever give up on what is important to you. We're here to help.

That's why we created TransformationContest.com for you.

Stay strong. Get stronger.

Here's what I've been up to on my own health journey...

So far so good and strict with the gluten-free travel nutrition.

Yesterday the airport security guy was wary of my Athletic Greens container. He was sure it was a liquid. So I had to open it. Then he ran the powder through the "chemical detector" thing they have.

We now know that Athletic Greens is not explosive. LOL.

Gluten-free on the plane to Miami
- lots of nuts (cashews, almonds)
- chicken breast and tiny amount of broccoli, plus a good salad with peppers

Today
- quick circuit in the gym followed by Athletic Greens and an apple and almonds
- will have an omelet with my buddy Bedros Keuilian around 9am
- probably have salmon and a salad at lunch
- lots of roasted almonds in the afternoon
- steak or seafood for dinner with vegetables

For more info on how to eat and train while traveling, read this:
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/fat-loss-while-traveling/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.” ― Leo Babauta

There is still time to join the contest here
- www.TransformationContest.com

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

drink this for your abs

4am - I get up. Every morning. No matter where I am in the world.
 
4am-4:10am - I pet the dog. Except on trips. He doesn't have a passport.
 
4:15am to 7am - I write and create workouts. Every day. My magic time.
 
7am - DOG WALK!!! ***tails-a-waggin***
 
7:45am - I drink this for my abs.

It's not an "energy drink" packed with sugar, caffeine, and
who-knows-what-other-dangerous-ingredients.

In fact, this drink is ultra-low in calories - WITHOUT artificial
sweeteners - and is perfect for intermittent fasting.

These days I'm making sure to go 12 hours between dinner and
breakfast, and after being up for 3 hours writing, I drink this
as a pre-workout booster before my 8am training sessions.

It's literally the perfect drink for fat loss.

And no, it's not water. Nope, not a protein shake either.

But it is the most important drink you can give your body for
health and fat loss.

I highly recommend it.

And you can get yours here

Easy to travel with too, and I'm taking a container on my trips to
Miami (leaving today) and San Francisco (next week) where I'll be
working with over 50 personal trainers, nutritionists and fitness
experts in closed-door meetings.

This drink will power me through these 18-hour days and will
prevent the colds and other airborne illnesses that so many other
travelers get.

If only they had this secret liquid weapon on their side like I do.

Get the best drink for health and fat loss here

But hurry, you might not get this good of a deal ever again.

Drink up for health and energy,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Meathead Monday on Tuesday

Off to Miami this week and San Francisco next week...will be using these insider "fat loss while traveling" methods.

Try them out
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/fat-loss-while-traveling/

My Meathead workout today will be:
Bench press supersetted with pullups, db press supersetted with dumbbell chest supported rows, and overhead squats supersetted with wide-grip barbell rows. Perhaps some V-grip pulldowns thrown in there too. Good times.

Then onto the airport for a short flight down to Miami.

Here's one more workout for you. A Metabolic Finisher from Mikey "Pancakes" Whitfield:

The Metabolic Spider Gauntlet Finisher from Mike Whitfield
- Do the following circuit ONE time, resting for 10 seconds between exercises.
- During the one minute of exercise, you can rest if needed, but the clock will continue to tick.

1) Spiderman Pushups (as many as possible in 1 minute)
2) Jump Squat or Total Body Extension (as many as possible in 1 minute)
3) Spiderman Climb (as many as possible in 1 minute)
4) KB/DB Swings or Bodyweight Squats (as many as possible in 1 minute)

Get more great workout ideas at
- www.facebook.com/workoutfinishers

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Stand up to a challenge today. Face a fear square on. Attack an attitude that is holding you back. Aim for a personal best in your workout. Learn one new thing each day. Constant progress in your processes guarantees long-term progress towards your goals.

"Ask yourself several key questions today: What am I hiding? What or who am I hiding from? What is the payoff for hiding? What is the cost of hiding?" – Gay Hendricks

“Where you grew up has no bearing on where YOU DECIDE you are going to be today.” – Dan Kennedy…You control everything. Your success is your responsibility.

How to find good people in your life
- http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-find-good-people/

And how to fix your day in 5 minutes
- http://www.earlytorise.com/5-minute-fix-for-your-day/

Make it a BIG day,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - My life's work all wrapped up in an important kit to help you battle your inner demons and make this your best year ever - www.TransformationContest.com/kit

Monday, January 07, 2013

Motivation and Law of Attraction and More

Yes, a motivational Monday. With required exclamation point, of course.

Here is the most well "Liked" update I have ever added to Facebook:

"If you want to build wealth, hang around wealthy people. If you want to stop smoking, hang around people that don’t smoke. If you want to have a good relationship with God, hang around people that have a good relationship with God. If you want to be fit and healthy, hang around people that are fit and healthy. If you want to be a good person, hang around good people. They ARE out there. They WANT to help. Be there, and let them."

And the 2nd most popular:

"Get rid of that negative self-talk. Change your mindset to one where you truly believe in yourself."

Today's Training Resources:
Hardest TT metabolic workout (as voted by Mike Whitfield, CTT, and many others)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/best-metabolic-workout/

Do more pullups with this kick-butt trainer (she can do more than you)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/pull-ups/

And a reader question:

Q: Hey Craig, for ultimate fat loss over the next 90 days, is the better option to have a cheat meal or day, followed by a light fast, or to try to stick to a healthy eating schedule 24/7? Which one yields the best results? Or any other recommendation? Thanks!! p.s. Just wrapping up with the Personal Coaching Plan Workbook. Incredible stuff Craig. I appreciate it. - Brandon

Answer:

Thanks so much for the kit feedback, appreciated. For diet, get someone's specific meal plans or follow ESE. I suggest Isabel De Los Rios or our program at www.247fatloss.com

And for other readers wondering about the "Personal Coaching Plan" he mentioned, it's my life's work all wrapped up in an important kit to help you battle your inner demons and make this your best year ever
- www.TransformationContest.com/kit

Whew. Lots of stuff for you today.

I even wrote an article on the "Truth About the Law Of Attraction" here for you. It's the blueprint for getting what you want out of life:
- http://www.earlytorise.com/how-the-law-of-attraction-really-works-and-it-does/

And Leo from Zen Habits posted one of my articles here:
- http://zenhabits.net/12rules/

Enjoy,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Join us on Facebook here:
- https://www.facebook.com/TransformationContest1

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Best drink for fat loss

There's a fat loss drink used by all the experts that you need to
know about.

From Dr. John Berardi to John Romaniello...from Tim Ferris to Isabel De
Los Rios...and from Jason Ferruggia to lil' ol' me, CB.
 
Even J-Roc, my best friend and partner-in-Tough-Mudder-training
uses this.

Heck, I've even sworn off caffeine for almost two weeks because of
the natural energy highs this drink will give you.

Plus, it tastes great AND it tastes more filling.

So that rules out beer - LOL.

And it's not an "energy drink" packed with sugar, caffeine, and
who-knows-what-other-dangerous-ingredients.

In fact, this drink is ultra-low in calories - WITHOUT artificial
sweeteners - and is perfect for intermittent fasting.

These days I'm making sure to go 12 hours between dinner and
breakfast, and after being up for 3 hours writing, I drink this
drink as a pre-workout booster before my 8am training sessions.

It's literally the perfect drink for fat loss.

And no, it's not water. Nope, not a protein shake either.

It's the most important drink you can give your body for health and
fat loss.

I highly recommend it.

And you can get yours here

Easy to travel with too, and I'm taking a container on my trips to
Miami (this week) and San Francisco (next week) where I'll be
working with over 50 personal trainers, nutritionists and fitness
experts in closed-door meetings.

This drink will power me through these 18-hour days and will
prevent the colds and other airborne illnesses that so many other
travelers get.

If only they had this secret liquid weapon on their side like I do.

Get the best drink for health and fat loss here

But hurry, you might not get this good of a deal ever again.

Drink up for health and energy,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Friday, January 04, 2013

Your Metabolic Rate

You know what?

Others may quit, but you don't.

You find a way to keep going because this is really important to you.

That's why this time is going to be different.

Today's Training Resources and Your METABOLIC RATE:
My Meathead Workout: DB chest supported row, db press, 50 pullups, 80 decline pushups, barbell row, overhead squat.

1838. That's my BMR. Find out yours with this Metabolic Rate calculator
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/formula-calculating-metabolic-rate/

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Your past does not control your future. "I've come to believe that all my past failure and frustration were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy." - Tony Robbins

The ETR Transformation Contest FB page is now ready to keep you on track. "Like Us" here
- https://www.facebook.com/TransformationContest1

"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that." - Norman Vincent Peale

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Thursday, January 03, 2013

3 moments of 2012

There will never be a better time to start than now. And there’s no better way to start than to just start. Stop getting ready, start being ready. Start doing. Take ACTION towards your goals today.

Today's Training resource: My top 3 moments of 2012 (and tip for a 30% boost in calorie burning)
- http://www.ttfatloss.com/burn-more-calories/

And nutrition update. This was good, but I really thought it would be better...I just don't seem to like pineapple in my drinks - would rather eat it:

"Tropical Thai Pineapple and Blueberry"

- 6 oz water
- 60 mL organic coconut milk
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein
- 2 handfuls of spinach (you can't taste it, trust me!)

Had that with 2oz almonds, 2 tablespoons raw almond butter, and 1 teaspoon natural peanut butter plus a Green Tea (naturally decaffeinated).

I've been caffeine free since Christmas Day. Although this really isnt a big deal for me because I've never had a coffee in my life.

I'm not old enough for that yet...coffee is too "grown up" for me!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
"Treat your body like a temple, not a woodshed. The mind and body work together. Your body needs to be a good support system for the mind and spirit. If you take good care of it, your body can take you wherever you want to go, with the power and strength and energy and vitality you will need to get there." - Jim Rohn

Your past does not control your future. "I've come to believe that all my past failure and frustration were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy." - Tony Robbins

"Persistence is a sure path to success with quality activities. Never, ever, ever, EVER give up." - Kekich Credo #75

The one thing that EVERY successful self-made person has
- http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-get-what-you-want/

Great feedback on today's article (4.5/5 stars)
- http://www.earlytorise.com/escaping-ordinary-to-achieve-freedom/

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - We've added 2 new videos to our Expert Guidance area in the Wealth Building section here (including one on the best Internet Business Models)
- http://www.transformationcontest.com/

Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Today's Training and Nutrition and Question

"If you don't know what you want, you end up with a lot you don't," said the Doorman in Fight Club. Is that you? Feeling a little misguided?

Here's the solution:

Create a vision for your life using this video
- www.ANewAmericanDream.com

If a goal is really important to you, then get up 15-30 minutes earlier every day and work on it then. Get work done first thing in the morning so that you do not let others steal your precious time.

Alright...now on to health and fitness updates.

My Training today: Jumps, Squats, Step-ups, Leg Curls, Stability Ball Plank Rollouts, Get-ups. Started a new 4-week program today and so the weights were "intro/deload" level. 60% of normal. Good to try out exercises I haven't used in a while (BB step-up and KB Get-Up).

Today's After-Training Blender Drink was also a winner.

Orange-Banana Tropical Creamsicle

- 4 oz water
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1 orange
- 1/2 banana
- 2 scoops BioTrust vanilla cream whey protein
- 2 handfuls of spinach (you can't taste it, trust me!)

Last night's dinner...was not Paleo (not that I'm eating Paleo) because I had beans and yogurt and protein powder. And I used a stove. But I don't think beans are allowed on a Paleo diet.

So just to be clear, I don't eat Paleo.

Then again, Paleolithic's didn't have blenders, so I was ruled out long ago.

Dinner:

- 1 can black beans
- chopped mushrooms and onions
- 1/3 of a large avocado
- lots of tomato sauce (organic, no sugar, of course)
- added some spices that Lesa Gutenkunst, CTT, sent me for Christmas
- all cooked in a skillet (I cook with organic butter)

Really great, but not a lot of food, so...

Dessert
- 1/2 orange
- 1 cup Greek yogurt + 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

No wine, and surprise, surprise, I slept great.

Gotta lay off the red because I know next week's business trip to Miami with Joel Marion, Bedros Keuilian, and 50 other fitness experts will lead to late nights and big dinners.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Lose fat and change your life for the chance to win big money in our new $100,000 90-Day Transformation Contest at
- www.TransformationContest.com

You'll get free content from Isabel De Los Rios, Brian Tracy, and myself - and many more experts.

In the contest you'll find accountability partners who have “been there and done that” and overcome all the obstacles that you face everyday. Research shows online support groups – when used frequently – are proven to speed up success. Learn from the everyday success stories. Never stop learning.

And to fix problems in your life, identify all the obstacles in the way of your success for your goals. Write them down. Then beside that, write down TWO solutions for every obstacle. Plan ahead to use these solutions immediately. This is how you make big breakthroughs!

Let 2013 be the year of MASSIVE ACTION. Stay strong, develop your plan and priorities, make big steps toward success every day. Keep experimenting. Keep going. Keep pushing. Don't stop.

Stay strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Food Based Cleanse?

Before you put any more toxins, fake ingredients, man-made
foods, chemicals, potions, pills or powders into your body, 
do yourself one HUGE favor.
 
 
Find out how to not only avoid these foods, but to dramatically boost
your all-day energy and lose belly fat fast all while eliminating those
embarrassing digestive problems that a toxic diet is causing you.
 
This article will change your life and show you how to detox your 
body with FOOD - not with starvation or sugary juices.
 
Get off to a great start and make this your best year ever by choosing
the healthiest foods to help you reach your New Year's goals.
 
Your going to eat anyways, might as well eat foods that will actually
"fix" your health, right?
 
 
Lose weight and feel great - starting NOW. (It might even help you
recover faster if you had a little 'too much' last night.)
 
To your best and healthiest year ever,

Sincerely,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer
 
PS - Some users report losing 11 pounds in...
 
...just 7 days.
 
 
And avoid the ticking TOXIC time bombs that are in your body
from all the foods you ate over the holidays.
 
This article will FIX all of your diet problems today.

2013 New Year's Day Message for You - Important

Happy New Year, my friend! Let's get right to it...

If you fall off the wagon, cut your losses, don’t worry about it, and get right back on track. Immediately. It’s minor damage that can be dealt with.

This goes for EVERYTHING in life, but specifically diet.

Remember that sometimes the most important factor for fat loss is to simply stay out of harms way. Rather than focusing on being a perfect eater and trying to lower your calories, just make sure you don’t put yourself in any situations where you overdo it.

Here's one of my most popular articles ever where you'll get a complete 14-day guide for rapid fat loss to kick off 2013. Make sure to print it out and share it with your friends, too.

- http://www.ttfatloss.com/14-days/

It's the exact plan I gave to my ol' college buddy who had gained 25 pounds since the birth of baby boy.

It's the perfect way to kick-off the New Year.

And it includes a link to my personal 2013 Daily Diet. I've made some changes - and resolutions - that you'll want to read about. Make sure to print out my Daily Diet as well.

Plus, as a BIG bonus, it's a TT Resolution to get the TT Podcast going again. We just filmed one yesterday where I talk about the future of fat loss workouts in 2013 and I expose one of TV's biggest sources of health MIS-information in 2012/2013. This guy is giving out some bad info.

Here's the latest, me being interviewed by this guy, Brian Kalakay, CTT
- http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=36654438

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips & Articles:
Plan for problems. Things rarely go as planned, so be agile. List all the objections and obstacles in your way and know what you have to overcome. Whatever is in your way, you’re stronger than it, you’re tougher than it, and you’re better than it. You’re going to beat it.

“I believe that everyone can reclaim themselves…If you have a bad habit, you have to change it – starting today. For if not now, then when?” – Mark Ford

Read a great article on living well from Mark Ford here:
- http://www.earlytorise.com/making-your-life-golden/

And an article from ol' CB on the way you must think in 2013!
- http://www.earlytorise.com/the-one-way-to-think-in-2013/

Happy New Year,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer