Thursday, September 29, 2016

Rushed Hour Workout

Final day in Denver before heading out to San Diego tomorrow. We have lots of exciting stuff going on especially with our new Habit Change programs.

Today's workout was rushed, unfortunately, but I did the important work.

1A) Squat
1B) Low Box Jump

2A) RDL
2B) Bulgarian Split Squat

Two more days until the Real Food 21-Day Habit Change starts, so I'll probably have a protein bar and a protein shake today.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

"What are you doing right now? Why are you doing it?" – Put these questions in an alert that shows up at 9am, 3pm, and 7pm each day. Then take a good hard look at your answers and get back to what really matters.

 

Get on track and stay on track,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Perfect Bench Day

So we've just launched a new 21-Day Habit Change program over at ETR and we have over 100 members in a private Facebook group. If you haven't heard about it, stay tuned, because we're soon going to have a $1 set up for it. I'm really excited about the program, and all CTT's get access for free.

We've also just released a free version (just pay S+H) of my Perfect Day Formula book and we sold 500 copies. Pretty great day.

Yesterday I also did two killer interviews... some of my best yet... and I hope I can continue to replicate the magic. It was awesome.

The only problem is that all of these great actions prevented me from falling asleep last night. I was super wired on success.

However, that didn't stop me from having a great workout today.

1A) Bench Press
1B) BB Row

2A) Chin-up with Knee Up
2B) DB Rear Delt Raise

One more workout and then it's a deload travel week as I head to San Diego and Phoenix for some great events with Bedros & Diana Keuilian and Isabel De Los Rios, among others.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Play UP a level. Surround yourself with positive people better than you. They bring out your best. Find good people. They want to help you.

Play up,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - Action Takers Rule The World. #ATRTW


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Deadlift Perfect Day

Crazy busy week in Denver so far, but I still managed to have an awesome workout this morning. Plus, I skipped the debate last night so I had some decent sleep instead. I'm not one for the circus. LOL.

Today's 5:20am training session:

1A) Deadlift
1B) High Box Jump (24 inches)

2A) Front Squat
2B) Hang Clean

I'll try and get a couple more workouts in before heading to San Diego on Friday for a big speech (but no debate, ha!).

Then on Saturday it's the 7-Figure Mastermind "Hot Body" Beach Party (uh-oh!) with Bedros and the gang, and then Sunday it's over to Phoenix with Isabel, Diana, and Bedros for the Joe Polish Genius Network annual event ... with celebrities like Tony Robbins, etc.

I'll get photos for sure. I'm about to step-up my Instragram game. Seriously.

Old-school goes new school.

In the meantime...

Get a free copy of my Perfect Day Formula book here

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Every problem starts – and ends – with you...how you perceive it, how you respond to it, how you communicate it, and how long you leave it unresolved. You can fix it, starting now. You have the resources and the skills to make progress. If you want to solve it, then get after it.

Go get it,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - Good ol' Zig. The world sure could use him these days...





Monday, September 26, 2016

#1 book quiz

Fun quiz for you today...

Guess which book gives you the best system to achieve EXACTLY what you want in life?

Click your answer below:

=> The Secret
=> 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
=> The Perfect Day Formula
=> Awaken the Giant Within

Take a guess above and see if you're right.

Plus, on the next page, you'll also discover a short video that shows you how to:

=> Get more done
=> Make more money
=> Still get home on time for dinner
=> Get this life-changing book for FREE!

Discover The #1 Book to Get EXACTLY What You Want in Life

Without relying on discipline, willpower, or complicated systems!

Sincerely,
Craig Ballantyne

Craig etr signoff

PS – Do this today!
Invest in yourself for the sake of others.

Take care of your health and energy so you can deliver maximum love, life, laughter, and living to those that matter.

Place a high value on your time. Don't let others steal it away!


Discover The #1 Book to Get EXACTLY What You Want in Life


Saturday, September 24, 2016

Old Man Meathead Strength and Warmup and Dad Advice

Meathead strength session in the garage today. It was combined with a long old-man warm-up. These warm-ups seem to be getting longer and longer, but my injuries are also fewer and far between.

It's been almost a year since I had to go to the chiropractor. Five years ago I felt like I was going every week... and I wasn't any stronger back then, but I was younger. So all the prep is paying off.

BTW, all I do for my old man warmups now is simply do everything twice. This is kind of what it looks like, but I'll update it again soon.

http://www.earlytorise.com/old-man-warm-up-updated/

Today's Workout (with ol' Bally the Personal Trainer Dog lying in the grass outside and keeping one eye slightly on my form)

1A) DB Chest Press
1B) DB Chest Supported Row

2A) Pushups
2B) DB Rear Delt Raise

That's it. Yep, that's all.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Paradox of Structure = The more structure and discipline you have in your life, the more freedom you will earn and enjoy.

Fail forward. Learn your lessons. Move on. Never stop. Keep growing. Act in the face of fear to build extreme self-confidence.

Build it,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - I thought this was interesting enough to share...


...it's from my friends Joe, Dean, and Dean.


http://ilovemarketing.com/its-not-just-what-we-say-its-what-we-do-dean-graziosi-on-i-love-marketing-episode-dean/


In this Episode, you’ll discover that what makes a great dad also makes a great marketer with his top 10 list, with Dean Graziosi. 


So what’s so special about Dean’s Top 10 List?–It turns out, the 10 things that make Dean a great dad, are the exact same 10 things that make him one of the world’s most successful marketers.


Dean Graziosi is one of the top success trainers of our generation. He’s a multiple New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and expert trainer on LIVE TV and on stage, influencing millions of people with his success habits and education in real estate and personal development.

  • The ten things that make a great dad [03:04]
    • “It’s all about them and how you make them feel.” – Dean Graziosi [03.17]
    • Enter your child’s world and finish sentences in their heads. [03:41]
    • Talk to the point and say what you mean. [04:18]
    • Be authentic [04:41]
    • Tell them fun stories with empowering messages wrapped in [05:30]
    • Reward good behavior unexpectedly [07:35]
    • They know when you care and they know when you fake it [08:04]
    • When problems arise, find the root cause [08:45]
    • Be the person you want them to be [10:10]
    • Be honest and transparent [10:41]
  • Kids get it…don’t complicate the message, just tell it like it is [04:33]

Friday, September 23, 2016

Deadlifts and Deadlines for Changing

On October 1st I'm going to step-up my challenge and go 21-days without protein bars or protein shakes. It'll be whole food only.

Today I had an extra serving of Green Tea prior to my deadlift workout rather than a Coke Zero. At one point I only drank Coke Zero once a week - and that was only before deadlifting. Then I started sliding down the slippery slope... allowing myself one before squats. Then bench press. Then before any workout. Then Saturday mornings.

So it had to stop. And stop it will. Forever.

Thanks to you... thanks to Bedros... and thanks to all of the past winners of the TT Contest for inspiring me to change.

And thanks to Deadlines for being a powerful force for inspiring people to overcome the initial inertia in the process of habit change.

Here's how today's workout went in a very busy gym overpopulated with high school students learning how to use the weight machines.

1A) Deadlift
1B) Box Jump

2A) Snatch Grip Deadlift
2B) Front Squat

That was it.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

I twittered this yesterday and had 27 retweets and 45 likes. That's a lot...

Success is simple once you accept how hard it is. Only then will you be mentally prepared to do the work and make the sacrifices.

#truth

Accept it,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Bad Workout But Back on Track

Yesterday's travel set me up for a disappointing workout today.

I flew from Vegas to Toronto, and it was smooth, but after driving home I didn't get to bed until 10pm... and I woke up bewildered, not knowing where I was or what day it was.

There are also a lot of deadlines to hit today, and that threw me off, so I didn't get to the YMCA for barbell squats. Instead, I hit the garage gym for:

1A) DB KB Front Squat
1B) DB RDL

2A) KB Bulgarian Split Squat
2B) Ab Wheel Rollout

Good enough.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Think for yourself. Open your mind. Do what others will not do. Question everything, learn everyday, read every night, travel everywhere, and meet everyone.

Back on track,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - A classic from Zig...

The best thing you can do is to make everyone else around you better. Grow them, and you'll grow too.





Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Vegas Meathead Of Course

Yesterday was a great day in Vegas. I met up with some old friends in the financial newsletter world at the Stansberry Research conference.

Then at 4:30pm I hit the stage and gave my 5 Rules presentation. I should have some photos, and maybe even some video footage, soon.

For dinner we went to Bardot Brasserie in the Aria hotel. It's good. I rewarded myself with 2 duck wings (yes, duck wings instead of chicken wings) and some prosciutto. But the rest of my meal was on point => beet salad and grilled sea bass with potatoes.

However I have had a couple of tiny transformation slip-ups on this trip.

1) I've been trying to go no artificial sweeteners, but on my flight yesterday I needed to chew some gum...

...fortunately I've just found a couple of packs of Pur gum that are aspartame free... it uses xylitol instead.

2) I've also been drinking water from plastic bottles. The vegas tap water is not good, and I don't have a water bottle with built-in filter.

HOWEVER, I haven't used these mistakes as a reason to abandon the no-Coke Zero plan.

Back on 100% track tomorrow when I'm on the farm.

Didn't get a lot of sleep (6 hours) last night, but I manged 9 on Sunday night. And that was after a 30 minute nap on the plan. Today I fly home and I'm sure I'll get a nap on that flight too.

Today's meathead absolutely basics basic workout:

1A) DB 1-Arm Standing Shoulder Press
1B) DB 1-Arm Row

2A) DB Curl
2B) DB Triceps Extension

Lately I've been sticking to 3x6 for almost every exercise. Going to try this for a couple of months to see if the strength goes up and up. Good times.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
“It's amazing what you can accomplish if you simply refuse to quit.” – Porter Stansberry ...

No matter what is in your way, do NOT quit now. If you stop, you'll always wonder, "What if?" So keep on going. You're almost there. Push and persist.

... “The pain of discipline weighs ounces, but the pain of regret weighs tons.” – Jim Rohn


Focus,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

Monday, September 19, 2016

Sunday Meathead Vegas Meathead

Sunday was a stressful travel day. It was off to Vegas from Denver for a speech on Monday afternoon at the Stansberry Research Investor's seminar. It's no Fitness Business Summit, that's for sure, but I'm amp'd to speak today.


And yes, I just used the word, "amp'd".


Even though it's not a word.


Before heading to the airport I hit the Denver gym for a Meathead Monday workout done on Sunday.


1a) Bench Press

1b) BB Row


2a) DB Close-Grip Incline

2b) Pull-up with Knee-up


That was it.


And today there was just yoga and a walk... down the Las Vegas strip at 6am to see all the people on their walk of shame home from the clubs. Yikes.


But wait, there's more training info...


Over the weekend I stumbled across this oldie but a goodie. Here's a KB and BW workout that's perfect for training outside this fall while the weather is still nice (or this spring, as the weather gets nice down under)


=> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QzvWEaX63w


Boom.


Today's Kickbutt Mindset:

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


Now that's a classic.


Always great to start the week.


Stay strong and push on,


Craig Ballantyne, CTT


PS - Another great one...


"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways  you can. In all the places you can. To all the people you can." – John  Wesley  

Sunday, September 18, 2016

My weird diet

"

What do you think of Bulletproof Coffee?” my friend Andrea asked over breakfast.

“Well, I’ve never had a coffee in my life,” I said, “I’m not old enough yet!”

After she finished rolling her eyes at me, I explained that I was serious.

“I get anxious when I drink Green Tea, so the day I have that first coffee I’m going to be running through walls, shaking, and totally freaking out.”

She laughed. And she’s probably looking forward to that day so she can take plenty of embarrassing photos of me.

“But what about Bulletproof Coffee? Does it really work?”

The answer is yes, it does.

As I told you the other week, coconut oil is great for fat loss.

And so Bulletproof Coffee, which is essentially coffee and coconut oil, will probably help lots of people have more energy and not feel hungry for hours and hours.

In fact, it inspired me to create my “Bulletproof Cereal.”

You see, I grew up eating cereal, often two bowls in the morning and two bowls after school. But then I found out I’m gluten sensitive and that wheat is no bueno for my digestive system.

So how could I replace my morning “crunch”?

After months of experimentation, I discovered my NEW breakfast. It’s high fat and high-calorie, but holy coconut-oily, does it keep me full for hours (usually 5-6 hours, from 7am to lunchtime).

Craig’s Bulletproof Cereal
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 3 oz walnuts
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter (crunchy, of course!)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cacao nibs

I don’t snack between meals anymore. I might have a Peppermint Tea mid-morning, but other than that, I’m too busy to feel hungry.

At lunch I have a giant salad. When I’m in Denver, I go to Mad Greens or Green Fine Salads and build a large custom salad. My favorite ingredients are spinach, sweet potatos, olives, portabella mushrooms, and roasted broccoli. Then I add a little olive oil and an Epic protein bar (it’s like beef jerky, and you can get them at Whole Foods).

If I’m still hungry, I’ll have a big apple after lunch or mid-afternoon.

Dinner is meat and potatoes. When I’m at home, I love the Ronald Reagan special:

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

(That was one of President Reagan’s favorite meals, along with Mac & Cheese).

Of course, my meatloaf is gluten-free, and I try to avoid using dairy in my potatoes because I’m not sure if dairy is great for the digestive system.

I also have a big serving of vegetables on the side (Brussels sprouts with bacon is a big favorite of mine).

For dessert, I eat as much fruit as I want. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy my sweet tooth.

A big bowl of grapes or pineapple is much better than eating one cookie that turns into two cookies and a bowl of ice cream. Even a giant apple or orange will do.

And yes, I share a little of my scraps with ol’ Bally the Dog.

Doggy

And when I’m out for dinner, like I was like last week in Denver at The Edge Steakhouse, I had the Craig Ballantyne special:

Steak, Baked Potato, Spinach or Asparagus, Olive Oil

There’s no room for dessert after this feast. (FYI: I drizzle the olive oil over the potato and vegetables.)

After dinner I stop eating for 12 hours.

Research shows that restricting food intake to just 12 hours per day limits body fat.

It’s a pretty simple trick to staying lean.

So that’s my diet.

It’s NOT strict paleo or low-carb, but it is gluten-free.

Hope that helps you put together the right diet for your bulletproof body.

Taking care of your diet and energy levels,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS – Success is not just about food…

Communication is critical, including communication with yourself.

Be clear about your goals, your rules, and the consequences of not following your rules. Be clear about the sacrifices you are willing to make (and NOT make) and what you are willing to do to succeed.


Saturday, September 17, 2016

Dominating Denver Deadlift Day

Crushing good workout in Denver today after two days off.

1A) Deadlift
1B) Box Jump

2A) Snatch-Grip Deadlift
2B) Front Squat

3A) Hang Clean
3B) Mobility/Foam Roll

Tomorrow I'll do an early bench press workout before grabbing a flight to Las Vegas. I'm speaking at a big investment seminar on Monday afternoon to an audience of 600+ live and hundreds more on video at home. It's going to be a blast.

Then on Tuesday I finally get to go back to Canadia for a short spell (of 5 days) before turning around and coming back to Denver, San Diego, and Phoenix for 10 days.

After that, I go home for Canadian Thanksgiving, and then I return to Denver on October 12th for a speaking engagement, then off to Orlando for more speaking and some private coaching.

And then there's more after that... but I'll stop there and give you a chance to rest.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Get 1 big task done first thing in the morning before the rest of the world starts stealing your time, energy, and attention. That way you always have one victory the world can’t take away.

Know your biggest obstacles and temptations. Write them all down, and then write down at least TWO solutions for each obstacle. This will help you avoid breakdowns. Plan ahead and you’ll succeed. Be PRO-active, not re-active.

Go Pro,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Short sweet siiiiick butt and chest workouts

What can I say, people like butts and chests, right? And not just men! Ladies love them too, according to a survey published on MensHealth.com.

So, why not give you a 6-minute butt & chest workout to kick-start your latest body transformation?

Sounds good to me.

If nothing else, I can at least say I helped change the world... one butt and one chest at a time.

I was inspired to do this because of some experimental workouts I've been doing in Denver this week.

This is a busy time of the year for our business, of course, and so I haven't had a lot of time to exercise.

It was much more important for me to spend my time coaching people through our Transformation Contest.

So here's a circuit that I did...

6-Minute Butt & Chest Workout
- Do each exercise for 40 seconds and rest 20 seconds before the next move.
- Go through the circuit once in 6 minutes, or do it up to 3 times for a 20 minute workout.
- Rest one minute at the end of the circuit if you repeat it.

1A) Goblet Squat
1B) DB Chest Press
1C) DB Reverse Lunge (alternating sides)
1D) Pause Pushup
1E) DB 1-Arm Row - 40 seconds per side

If that's too advanced or if you don't have dumbbells, here's a quickie that still gives you great results.

6-Minute Bodyweight Butt & Chest Challenge Workout
1) Bodyweight Squats
2) Pushups or Kneeling Pushups
3) Total Body Extensions
4) Close-Grip Pushups
5) 1-Leg Hip Extensions - 40 seconds per side

It's amazing what you can do in just a few minutes.

Get ALL of my amazing 4-minute and 6-minute workouts here
 

Your coach,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - Make the rest of 2016 the best months of the year.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – HJ Brown Jr.

So let's GO for it in the rest of 2016... 6 minutes at a time!

Surprising Squat Session

Great workout today. And that came after a day of tight hips and me thinking, "What the heck is going on?"

Maybe it was too much sitting, but Tuesday I was tight.

Fortunately, I had a great warm-up and better workout today.

Everything went as planned.

1A) Power Clean
1B) Mobility

2A) Squat
2B) Mobility

3A) Overhead Lunge
3B) Good Morning

4) More mobility

Tomorrow and Friday are off-days. Back over the bar on Saturday morning for deadlifts, then under the bar on Sunday morning before I head to Vegas for a speaking gig on Sunday afternoon.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." – Proverbs 27:17 ... Get accountability, positive social support & hang around people better than you that make you play UP a level in life.

Play up,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - The best part of a slow news day...

... is that it's a slow news day.

We need more days like this. Top news stories from England:



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

International Chest Day Gets Moved in Denver

Meathead Tuesday. Everyone's favorite day of the week. It's when the bench presses are empty (because everyone, as you know, bench presses on Monday's International Chest Day).

Here's how my session went down today in Denver.

1A) Bench - 195x8
1B) BB Row

2A) Dips
2B) Pullups

Good times...

and

Good interview here... I reveal my "weird" workout music
=> http://octaneathleticperformance.com/craig-ballantyne/

But wait, there's more.

It's time for a significant update to my Transformation.

***
Significant update.

Bedros just told me he is giving up Diet Coke for life.

So I'm joining him.

I will never have another Coke Zero ever.

Looks like I am one GIANT step closer to having my first coffee ever.

***

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
The stronger bad habits become, the harder they are to break. Review your routines, realize your mistakes, and take radical action immediately. Make the right decisions to cut off the wrong behaviors, or else you’ll slide down the slippery slope into ruts that are impossible to dig out from. Turn a bad habit into a better behavior today. Eliminate the temptation and make it easier to do the right thing.

Do it wisely,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - #Truth...

"If you want to accomplish anything, get out of your comfort zone." - Kekich Credo #1

Like no Coke Zero.





Monday, September 12, 2016

Sunday Strong


Fun workout on Sunday morning. It started off a little sketchy, because both platforms were being used at the gym in Denver, but fortunately they opened up once I was done my warm-up. That allowed me to hit this hard. Although left me a little sore and tired this morning, so I just went for a walk instead of bench pressing.


1a) Deadlift

1b) Box Jump


2a) Front Squat

2b) Hang Clean

2c) L-Sit (I suck at this, right now)


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Public Service Announcement:


=> Everyone should be stronger. Everyone should be nicer. Everyone should get up 15 minutes earlier.


Do it,


Craig Ballantyne, CTT


PS - Everything you do either takes you closer to or further from your goals.


Schedule your priority first. Don’t succumb to other people’s plans.


PPS - Pick a poison to eliminate from your life today.

Cigarettes, alcohol, diet soda, porn, gossip, scarcity, selfishness, negativity. Go all week without. Make the right decisions for your right life. And get better every day.

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Legs in Cali and Transformation Victories

This week is a deload week for me, and it's the first time ever - in the history of ever - that I've visited San Diego and not went to Fit Athletic for a workout. Makes me a bit sad.

But more importantly, I'll get four trips to the Broken Yolk with Bedros Keuilian for breakfast. And each morning I've had:

4 eggs, over medium
side of spinach
bowl of pineapple

And then I had lunch with CTT's, Derek Wahler, Nisan Trotter, Shawna Kaminski, and Mikey Whitfield... although I didn't get to spend enough time with any of them yet.

Oh, and I did sneak in a workout today. After yesterday's Hotel Gym Upper Body Meathead session, I did legs today. But very simply.

1) 5 sets of 10 reps of forward lunges

Will I be sore tomorrow? I wonder... it wasn't easy, that's for sure.

Tomorrow is an off day... Or maybe arms and then Saturday is off. I head back to Denver around lunch on Saturday, and then I'll hit the gym on Sunday morning for deadlifts. I love weekend mornings in the Denver gym.

Now for a TT Contest update...

#TransformationVictories

Yesterday I said no to a protein bar with sucralose. (A new "Oh Yeah" brand bar that seemed on par with a Quest Bar <= poetry).

Yesterday I said no to caffeine and alcohol (not necessarily part of my transformation, but always part of my quest for nutritional purity).

The day before I bought some boxed water and a Brita water filter travel jug (which is ugly and requires you to drink out of a straw... so I think that $15 was totally wasted... odds of me using it are low.)

Oh well, you always have to be experimenting.

Today I said "No" to buying gum with artificial sweeteners.

And I skipped going to a restaurant tonight and just grabbed some food from the grocery store.

Tomorrow I'll say NO to Coke Zero, even though I'll be tempted.

It's all about accountability and commitment.

Hope that helps you stay on track.

Follow this in your transformation:
"If you want something you've never had, you must do something you've never done." – #truth ... Know what you must to do to succeed. Then do it. Otherwise, don’t complain about what you don’t have because you aren’t willing to do what it takes to get it.

And...

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
I'm lucky to have Bedros Keuilian, Matt Smith, and Joel Marion as mentors, friends, and most importantly, although, most uncomfortably, "No BS accountability partners." They don't let me away with anything. They hold me to a high standard. Sometimes it hurts, but I know they are always doing what is best for me. Open yourself up to the same mentoring and accountability.

Get open,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

4 minute workout SEVEN times better than cardio

The BIGGEST excuse for missing workouts is "lack of time."

Today I'm going to give you TWO solutions for fixing that problem.

The first is your Magical 15 Minutes in the Morning.

The second is a 4-Minute workout that is 7 times more effective than cardio.

Let's start by looking at the way the Average person starts the Average day.

The mindset is to get up as late as possible, often involves hitting the snooze button (a sure-fire way to remain tired), grabbing a sugar-and-caffeine breakfast fix (that leads to a late morning energy crash), and racing to get showered and dressed.

And then they speed off to work while yelling and fighting their way through traffic, sliding into work in the nick of time before the boss notices they are late.

They arrive at work chasing the clock and reacting to what the world sends their way.

That's the worst way to start the day.

There is a better way.

You must be proactive, not reactive.

To win the morning, own the day, and control your life, you need to get up earlier.

You can start with as little as five minutes tomorrow. Add five minutes the week after and the week after that, until you have at least 15 minutes to yourself in the morning.

This is the most important step in getting ahead of your calendar.

Fifteen minutes in the morning puts you on the fast track to success.

In just 15 minutes of uninterrupted focus on your priorities in life, you can get 60 minutes of work done.

It will actually help you work LESS, not more.

This approach to life gives you more FREEDOM and less stress.

And it allows you to do this 4-minute workout. This style of workout has been shown in research to be SEVEN times as effective as long, slow, boring cardio.

Here's exactly what you'll do:

4-Minute Bodyweight "Cardio" Workout
- Do each exercise for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds before the next exercise.
- Do the circuit once if you only have 4 minutes.
- Do the circuit up to 4 times if you have 15 magic metabolism boosting minutes in the morning.

1A) Jumping Jacks
1B) Total Body Extensions
1C) Mountain Climber-Pushup Combo (do one MC then one pushup, etc.)
1D) Burpees or Narrow-Stance Bodyweight Squats or a Wall Squat Hold

You'll be amazed at the great workout you can get done with NO-equipment and just a few minutes in the morning, and…

You'll also be amazed at everything you can accomplish in the first fifteen minutes of your day.

You will win your morning. You will control your time. You will live The Perfect Day.

No matter what else happens, no one and nothing can take away your progress.

This gives you the momentum to move ahead throughout the rest of the day.

Compounded over time, fifteen minutes in the morning becomes one of the greatest investments you can make in your life.

How you spend those fifteen minutes is up to you, but the fact that you are spending them on self-improvement is what will finally allow you to achieve the breakthroughs that you've been seeking so long.

A little discipline now will lead to great rewards in the future.

A structured plan of attack, carried out first thing in the morning, will allow you to make progress towards your goals and ultimately win more freedom in your life.

I hope you'll agree this is the best way to live.

In fact, I just wrote a book that shows you how to use this strategy – and 3 other secrets – to accomplish more in life and have more time in your family.

It's called The Perfect Day Formula, and I want you to get a copy here.

Get The Perfect Day Formula and start living the life you deserve

There's a special video on that page that you MUST watch.

And I'll also reveal the 3 secrets to success that have allowed me – and thousands

of my coaching clients – to live the life of their dreams.

Click here for the 3 secrets to success

Taking care of your Perfect Days,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS – I want you to think about this…

Stop. Step back. Think. What are your true priorities in life? What really matters?

Write down the 3 most important items in your life. Now look at what you do each day, and what you have planned this week.

Are these congruent?

If not, align them.

Work on your #1 priority 1st thing every morning, whether it is family, faith, fitness, or finances. Make time for what matters!

Get The Perfect Day Formula to make time for what matters


Wednesday, September 07, 2016

San Diego Meathead and Shocking Nutrition Graphic

Yesterday I traveled from Denver to San Diego. Flight was smooth. Gathered up some supplies when I landed. Did some work, got up early, did more work, prepped for 1-day Mastermind and then hit a workout.

1A) DB Chest Press - 75x13
1B) DB Rear Delt Raise
1C) Face Pull

2A) Pullups
2B) Cable Abs

Now over to nutrition...

Dang, this is bad news!

Why America struggles with weight... Makes sense, right?


Honestly I don't know how more Americans aren't overweight... every corner, every commercial, every billboard...EAT!


I tell ya, if I wasn't banned from the glutenz, I would be ordering Papa John's pizza every night... but not the regular pizza, just the cookie pizza.


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

Avoid the temptations of junk food, excess caffeine, and alcohol that only bring you down. Nourish your body and support your energy with healthy living – nutritious food, regular exercise, and 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Meditate daily, breathe deeply, and relax. Live well. Live long. Leave a legacy.


Leave it strong,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT


PS - Get stuff done.


Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Bally the Dog Goes Back To School With You

Woof, woof! Ol’ Bally the Dog here, and it’s time to go back to school.

Don’t believe the old saying that an old dog can’t learn new tricks. At age 10, I’m still learning how to roll over and get the newspaper – basically anything that earns a treat!

And you can still be learning too… how to get more done each day, how to have more energy, how to be a better leader in your family, church, or at work.

Get the SUCCESS Tools You Need - and save $100 today (90% off expires TONIGHT)

You can get all of these lessons from my owner, Craig Ballantyne, in his new “school” called ETR University. There are dozens of videos, interviews, speeches, and done-for-you success tools to help you achieve all of those changes quickly and easily.

BUT…this is your final reminder about the $100 discount and over $200 in free when you get started as a Charter Member in ETR University today.

Join ETR University and save $100 and get free shipping today

And don’t forget!

You also get free shipping on your free copy of The Perfect Day Formula Kit.

We’re shipping this to you – at no extra charge – anywhere in the world. But this special offer is only available for Fast Action Takers that get started with Early To Rise University right now.

Join ETR University and save $100 and get free shipping today

Sincerely,

Bally signature1

Bally The Dog
Mascot, ETR University

PS – Here’s just some of the life-changing, moneymaking advice you’ll get…

…when you join ETR U today…

You’ll discover…

  • How to have more ENERGY so you can get more done and get done work earlier
  • How to be a better LEADER in your family, church, or at work so that you can inspire friends, family, and colleagues to reach their peak potential and live their best life ever
  • How to increase your income so you can buy your family everything they need
  • How to start each day with maximum momentum and motivation thanks to your daily dose of ETR inspiration so that you can achieve the life of your dreams

Plus, when you get started as a Charter Member today…

  • You’ll save $100 on access to everything we’ve ever created
  • Plus, you’ll receive a free copy of The Perfect Day Formula Kit (retail value of $197)
  • We’ll even throw in FREE shipping on the kit that is sent directly to your doorstep

Join ETR University and save $100 on your Success Tools today

But wait, there are even more free gifts for you when you get started as a Charter Member today.

You’ll also receive…

  • 12-months access to all of the NEW courses we create and add to ETR University
  • A full year’s access to the Success Formula Newsletter (retail value of $97)
  • And you’ll get my daily motivation coaching messages delivered to you in video format every morning for the next 7-weeks (retail value of $197)

Join ETR University and save $100 on your Success Tools today

PPS – You also get the ETR Family Guarantee…

ETR University isn’t like any other school out there. You see, at ETR U, our students are like family. We don’t just give you a bunch of information and then let you sink or swim. Instead, we guarantee your success.

If at any time in the next 60 days you’re not completely satisfied with the moneymaking blueprints, the advanced selling sessions, the productivity and success guides, or the new courses that we’ll be adding, then just let us know and we’ll give you a full refund – no questions asked.

That’s how confident we are that our life’s work will give you the success you desire and deserve.

After all, we know how hard you’re working to provide for your family and your future, and it’s time you get the results – and the life – that you’ve been dreaming about. And we guarantee that will happen when you put the ETR secrets to work for you.

Take advantage of the $100 discount and over $200 in free gifts today when you get started on all of the ETR resources you’ve been asking for.

Get full access to ETR University and $200 in free gifts with your charter member discount

But hurry, this offer expires TONIGHT.


Deadlift and Heading Out of Denver

Today is a busy day, and I rushed through a workout. Well, I didn't rush through the warm-up or rest periods, but I did cut it short on sets and exercises.

Old Man Warm-up followed with...

1A) Deadlift - worked up to 315x6
1B) Mobility

(no jumps in today's workout)

2A) Front Squat
2B) Shrug

Then off to work. Later I fly to San Diego.

Now let's discuss TT Contest #27 for ol' CB!

Alright, my goals are "transformational in mind" in this, the 27th TT Contest.

For starters, I need to get back on track to overcome three bad nutrition habits that have been creeping back into my life.

1st - No more Coke Zero... or any forms of artificial sweeteners

They were everywhere in Rio, I tell ya, and in fancy gold cans, too. And I was running on less sleep than normal, so these lil' suckers snuck back into my life. Time to go off all aspartame and other junk. (Stevia is allowed.)

2nd - No more plastic water bottles.

There was just no way to avoid this in Rio. But since I've returned, I've only been using boxed water. But let's just get this in writing and public accountability so I don't get lazy on my seminar travels this fall.

3rd - No more Quest bars.

I'll go through phases of eating these, maybe 1 a day a few times per week... and while they aren't the worst thing in the world, some of them have artificial sweeteners (i.e. not Stevia), and they all have filler ingredients in them. So I'm done with these.

Ok, that's it for right now.

Of course I'll continue to train to get stronger and build more muscle. I'm at a solid 175 pounds now at 5'9", and getting stronger again, so the last transformation really helped.

Time to keep this going while reducing bad habits.

Back on the track I've always been tracking.

Join me in this contest.

Let's hear your plan.

And remember the power of Positive Social Support.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
“Be really careful who your friends are. Your friends should be better than you. Your friends should take you to new levels. A lot of people will just hang out with the same friends, and they don’t see that their friends are pulling them down. My mother used to tell me if you hang around with dogs, you become a dog. You’ve got to know when to find new friends.” – Ben Chestnut, CEO, Mailchimp.com

Great advice,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - Here's how to get better...

...at anything.

http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-get-better-at-anything

Monday, September 05, 2016

No Matter - Start Now!

No matter what happened on the weekend with your diet, it's OK. wink

It's minor damage that can be dealt with.

If the scale shows you gained weight, don't worry, because it's NOT really fat. It’s mostly salt and fluid retention from your cheat meals.

Just get back on track today, drink extra water, avoid excess sugar, salt, trans-fats, and alcohol, use my short, burst workout (below), and that weight will WHOOOOOSH right off of you.

You'll be back to normal in no time.

BONUS Tip: Join the TT Transformation Contest today to lose weight and win money!

Now back to your so-called 'weekend weight gain'.

Truth is, you should NEVER get hung up on the scale. No one knows your weight but you. All that matters is your health, how you feel, and how your clothes fit.

Take a deep breath, forgive yourself the mistakes of the past, and let's move on to a better day today. Stay strong and push on, I know YOU can do it!

With that said… and all those calories having been sucked up into your muscles and ready to power you through a great morning burn session… let’s give you a…

7-Minute Morning After Fat Burner

- Go through the circuit once with no rest between exercises.
- If you want to go through it again, rest 2 minutes between circuits.

1) Bodyweight Squat – 60 seconds
2) Mountain Climbers – 30 seconds
3) Total Body Extensions – 60 seconds
4) Pushups – 30 seconds
5) Reverse Lunges (alternating sides) – 60 seconds
6) Burpees or Total Body Extensions – 30 seconds
7) Jumping Jacks – 60 seconds
8) Close-Grip Pushups – 30 seconds
9) Run-in-Place – 30 seconds
10) Punisher Squat – 20 seconds squats, 10-second hold

And if you want to supercharge your fat loss tonight...

...try this NEW routine so you Wake-Up Lean!


Your coach,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS – "Success is simple once you realize how hard it is.”

Then you will accept 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 button.

Only once you accept that will you succeed. Success requires you to set up routines and stick to them. It is the creation of the routines that requires more discipline. Focus on quality, not quantity.

You need to integrate all aspects of the 5 Pillars of Transformation, from planning to social support to accountability to an incentive to The Big Deadline, for maximum results.

I've seen it done a thousand times by every age, in any circumstance. You CAN - and WILL - do it. I believe in you. This time is your time. Never quit.


Weekend Warrior Workouts

Sunday was another gorgeous, sunny day in Denver. I started off with some Big Idea planning around my future "Impact Playbook" program. This is going to be epic, and even better than ETR University or the Perfect Day Formula. I'm finally figuring out how to share my Life's Work in so many ways and I'm growing more excited about ETR's future by the day.


After two hours of solid planning and preparing, I had breakfast, did more writing, and then hit the gym for a fun Meathead Mobility session. I've always had nagging shoulder and rotator cuff issues, and so these days I devote at least 10 minutes of my old-man warm-up to upper back and posterior delt preparation.


That makes for safe and effective workouts, like this one:


1a) Military Press

1b) Chin-up with Knee-Up


2a) Dips with knee-up

2b) CS Row


Then I did a little walk around the neighborhood.


Today, Monday, is an off day - started it with a long early morning walk timed with the sunrise through the Denver Highlands neighborhood. It was perfect!


I've also started my Transformation for the 27th TT Contest. More details soon!


But for now, I still have a lot of writing to do, so I'll do that the rest of the morning and then meet up with Joel Marion in the afternoon for dinner. He went back to Tampa for the weekend to mop up after the Hurricane.


On Tuesday, it's off to San Diego for our Mastermind week.


This is going to be our biggest and best one ever.


We're connecting at a higher level, and so many of our coaching clients are hitting record results.


That forces Bedros and I to become better coaches and push ourselves so our MM members get 100X the value.


It's going to be an amazing time.


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:


Relax, let go, and allow those who can help you to help you. You don’t always need to go it on your own. You don’t need be a hero, a martyr, or sacrificial lamb. It’s okay to show a weakness, to address it, to fix it. It’s okay to let someone put bandages on your wounds. The world is not full of sharks out for your blood. Instead, you are surrounded with people that care and want to help you as much as you want to help them. So let them.


Do it,


Craig Ballantyne, CTT


PS - "To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." - Buddha


Saturday, September 03, 2016

Denver 2016 and Lithuania 2017

Yesterday was an off-day here in Denver. I had a great walk through the LoHi neighborhood near where I have an apartment. LoHi stands for Lower Highlands, and it's a hot neighborhood.

The best thing about the 'hood is the Little Man Ice Cream shop.

However, you can't go there every day, as I explain below...

Today was back to the bar in the gym for a squat workout. Good times.

1A) Power Clean
1B) Mobility

2A) Squat - Left hamstring felt tight so I cut the last set short
2B) Mobility

3A) Good Morning
3B) Overhead Squat

4) 1 set of reverse lunges

Lunch was a kale salad from Mad Greens with some sardines-packed-in-evoo that were left over from Chef Gui's Eat More Burn More filming session yesterday here in Denver. I'll tell you more about that soon.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
YES, you can enjoy your holidays and special meals...Yes, you can give yourself a treat when you deserve it...But be respectful of your body.

Your gut is NOT a garbage disposal...Your belly is not a dumpster for diet disasters…Your body is your vessel for 80, 90, and hopefully 100 years of life...Feed it real food, move it with natural movements, and give it the rest and recovery it needs (from the 21st century temptations that big food companies have put in our way).

Stay strong, my friend! I’m here to support you.

Make the right decisions for your right life... “The pain of discipline weighs ounces, but the pain of regret weighs tons.” - Jim Rohn

Make it right,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT

PS - Now you know...

People always ask me, “Who the heck is this Simon Black guy?”

 

Simon is the co-founder (along with Matt Smith) of the BlackSmith Liberty and Entrepreneurship camp.

 

The camp is held each summer in Lithuania, and I’ve been speaking there for 7 years. It’s the highlight of my summer and I’m already looking forward to the next one – to be held July 6-10th, 2017.

 

Simon is also the owner of SovereignMan.com, and even though he’s never studied “Internet Marketing”, he’s built a 7-figure online business (and an even bigger offline business) thanks to his incredible content and email writing skills.

 

Recently he filmed a short video for his readers.

 

https://www.sovereignman.com/lifestyle-design/video-update-from-sovereign-valley-20151

 

Notice how fired up he gets.

 

Simon is the perfect example of a person turning passion into profit.

 

Let me know what you think.

 

Should I make some videos like that?


Friday, September 02, 2016

From Tim at BioTrust

Did you know that there are certain foods that can boost sexual desire AND performance at the same time?

It's true, and if you'd like to spice up your own sex life (pun intended), my good friend Tim Skwiat just wrote a brand new free report detailing the top 11 foods for incredible sex, and he's giving it away for free for the rest of the day.

Get yours in just a few seconds here:

Arrow blue The Top 11 Foods for Amazing Sex (try this tonight)

Use this to make it a GREAT weekend!


Talk soon,

Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer

PS - The truth about the scale...

Success is not just a number on a scale or clothing label.

Success is really about living with maximum energy and having healthy habits that help you make good choices.

When you choose to eat healthy and you choose to exercise instead of watching TV, that is success.

This will help you love life and the people around you more. The process is often just as important as the physical progress. A body transformation cannot happen without a mental transformation as well.

Let's go and make a small step in the right direction of big changes, right now. This will make it a great day for you. You can do it, I believe in you.


Thursday, September 01, 2016

Facebook Live and Bench Press Classics with CB

Last night Joel and I had a big steak dinner and then went to a movie I had never heard about it. He stumbled across it in Tampa after getting home from Rio.


The movie is called, Kubo and the Two Strings, and it features a couple of big name actors. You'll be shocked to find out who voices "The Beetle".


This morning I hit a meathead upper body session. It was plenty fun, and featured some classics, and my favorite unique ab move.


1a) Bench Press

1b) Barbell Row


2a) DB Incline

2b) Chin-up with Knee-up


Then I had to get to the office to prep for my big 1st-ever (official) FB Livestream.


I filmed a practice one yesterday, and it was fun.


Today is going to ROCK on Facebook. (Details below.)


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

Happy 1st. Time to rock September. List what you wish to achieve. Now look at how well your actions match your goals. Gut check time. What needs to change in your daily routine? What habits do you need to add? What temptations do you need to eliminate? Make these changes. It's NOW or Never.


Get it done,


Craig Ballantyne, CTT


PS - Hit me up on Facebook today...


YOU are invited to join me on Facebook today at 2pm EST (11am PST) for a one-time-only Facebook LiveStream.

This is a live video streamed directly – and free – from ETR’s HQ in Denver.

Here’s the link. Don’t miss out!

=> https://www.facebook.com/TheNewEarlyToRise/

I’ll be teaching you how to get more done, make more money, and still get home on time for dinner.

You’ll get…

  • 4 steps to creating a BIG idea to turn your passion into profits
  • One trick to TRIPLE your productivity
  • How to use the 5 pillars of success to make more money, get back in shape, and accomplish every goal in your life

All that and much, much more.

And it’s free on Facebook – and LIVE!

Join me here at 2pm EST (11am PST) for a one-time-only Facebook LiveStream.