As someone fascinated by the subject of etymology and the field of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programing)this book was a no-brainer. This book also fits nicely with the works of Louise Hay and Esther and Jerry Hick's teachings of Abraham. Author Sharon Anne Klinger does a great job of expressing the raw power that our words can have on our subconscious, and the almost magical effect the energy of our spoken and unspoken words have on our lives. This is a self help book, that is going to give you tools you can use immediately. Before finishing this book, you'll find yourself empowered with techniques that will change your world. The subject of "trigger words" alone make Power Words: Igniting Your Life with Lightning Force worth reading. Another invaluable tactic Sharon Anne Klinger teaches, is how to use the energy of words in making decisions. She walks you through several different ways to do this. Overall this really is a fantastic book. I'm grateful to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Rick Tamlyn's Play Your Bigger Game is a 5 star read. You don't have to be one of those highly motivated types with huge dreams and goals to benefit from this book. There's a lot of good information here. I love the idea that our lives are "all made up." We're all in the process of creating our life moment by moment, so the Bigger Game concept is designed to help aid in focusing and creating what we want our life to look like. The game board is presented as a tic tac toe grid, with nine squares containing concepts such as "Hunger", "Compelling Purpose", "Assess"... Each game square is explored in its own chapter. What I like about the game board is that it's open ended. It's a guide, but one that puts all the decision making into the user's hands. I also like that it's set up for positive thought and action rather than a win/lose scenario. The author does a good job of explaining the Bigger Game, while offering many inspiring examples of folks who have successfully used these ideas to their advantage. As a small business owner, I found several concepts, in Playing Your Bigger Game, that I can put into practice immediately. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

With a new baby in my home, and the holidays here, I couldn't resist reviewing Hay House's latest children's book...



I just finished reading Chris P. Bacon My Life So Far... to my five year old son. At first he wasn't too sure about it. He's into Ninjago and other action heroes these days. So I brought up the youtube video that shows the little piglet learning to walk using the wheels his veterinarian caretaker fashioned for him. (Chris was born without the use of his hind legs.) Halfway through the video, my son was ready, and wanted me to read him the book. The story held his attention. He was fascinated by the colorful artwork, and is sleeping with the book now. Older children will probably enjoy this book as well. It's a cute, fun story with bright, beautifully illustrated pictures. It also has a nice message, in that it shows young kids how a disability doesn't have to stop you from moving forward in life, you just adjust your approach and think positive. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Quantum Jumps by Cynthia Sue Larson, my review

Wow! I've read other books on the subject of utilizing quantum theory in everyday life, but never one as well researched, and thought out as this one. To be totally honest, I'm kind of on the fence as to the subject of Quantum Jumping. However, I still give this book 5 out of 5 stars, because the author states her case so well, and wrote a very interesting and engaging book. This is a subject I would've had trouble considering 10 years ago, but after becoming involved in Qigong and energy work, along with daily meditation I can see how the concepts Cynthia Sue Larson writes about have the power to create overwhelming positive change in ones world. Another thing that interests me about her work is the subject of the placebo, and nocebo effects. I think these subjects will have a profound effect on the future of all scientific endeavors, but specifically medical and exercise science. Whatever your goals for the future, Quantum Jumps is a fantastic, helpful guide. I'm glad I read it, and am amazed at the immediate results this way of thinking has already manifested for me personally.

Heavy Duty™ day one

After purchasing 3 Mike Mentzer books from mikementzer.com, and devouring the information, I've decided to use my blog and on my instagram account (alpha_andy_omega) as an accountability tool to keep me on track. Lately I've done a Heavy Duty™ type of routine in the winter, and more of a Consolidation Routine spring through fall as I love to run, but don't want to lose muscle mass. This time around, armed with new information and inspiration I'm going to take a bit more of a purist approach, and stick to the routine Mike Mentzer wrote about in the late 1990's. Out of respect for the late Mr. Mentzer I won't be posting the actual workout routines. I've emailed back and forth with Joanne Sharkey (CEO/President Mentzer-Sharkey Enterprises, Inc.) who runs mikementzer.com, and found her to be one of the most insightful, professional, and helpful people I've ever dealt with in the training biz. So I'm not going to be a jerk and post the routines for those not dedicated enough to read the books for themselves. My intention is to let my progress pictures speak for the efficacy and power behind Heavy Duty™. As my favorite inspirational leader, Esther Hicks, says, 'Words don't teach, we only teach through the clarity of our example.'

I don't take any supplements, it's not that I'm against them, I just think they're a waste of money for me personally. My diet is clean. Except when it's not. LOL. Some days are better than others. I try to keep it 90% clean, though I'm far from "green." Here's my Before pic:

Stats:
Age: 40
Weight: 208 pounds
Bodyfat: 17.1%

My Intention: My workouts for the next 3 months will be classic Mentzer Heavy Duty H.I.T. (High Intensity Training)Routines. One set of each exercise taken to momentary muscle failure with as little rest between exercises as possible. Each exercise will be performed without using momentum. The weight will be lifted with a slow and controlled cadence. I will perform 5-10 minute warm-ups and cool-downs, untimed, but only as briefly as needed. I will rest at least 3 days between workouts, performing no cardio other than a daily yoga and qigong practice.


12-06-2013
Today's Workout: workout #1 - 15 minutes, 20 seconds


“The question you should be asking yourself is not how much exercise do I need, but how little do I require.” ­­­­ Mike Mentzer

In The Pillars of Health author John Pierre offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. The four pillars supporting a healthy lifestyle offered are: nutrition, mind, movement, and compassion. This book is a fairly good starting place for someone new to these ideas. If you want to make a positive change in your life, but are unsure about where to start, this book could serve as a great road map. There are many useful ideas that can be integrated into your daily routine. I personally, found the author's inflexible vegan stance in the nutrition section a little off-putting. Not that I doubt the health benefits of such a nutritional choice, but no convincing scientific evidence is offered, just opinion. The pillar of mind, is the most interesting part of the book. A lot of good info, and personal experience working with the elderly make that portion of The Pillars of Health a good read. The section on movement was great, particularly helpful if you're job entails a lot of sitting. There are some nice and easy moves to get your blood flowing, and keep your muscles flexible and healthy. The final pillar of health is compassion, and this is where the book gets a little preachy. The author spends a good portion of each section on a fault finding expose of modern life and its foibles. After spending so much time finger-pointing, the section on compassion just comes off as a kind of ironic. But that said, there are still enough positive aspects that make this book worth reading. I received this book free for review purposes from Hay House. I was not paid for my opinion, it is mine alone.

My Review of Heavy Duty II: Mind and Body by Mike Mentzer

The late Mike Mentzer remains a bodybuilding legend, and his inspiring, brilliant writings survive thanks to the efforts of Joanne Sharkey. The Heavy Duty series is available at mikementzer.com. I've been wanting to read this series for years, but haven't been able to afford the outlandish price asked on amazon, and elsewhere, for used copies. That said, after reading Heavy Duty II: Mind and Body, I can see why people were willing to spend close to $200 for a copy of this book. The philosophy of Objectivism Mr. Mentzer describes may not appeal to everyone, but you can't argue with the logic he applies to High Intensity Training. This book was released almost twenty years ago, yet it's shocking how timely it is. Today over-training is almost a subset of bodybuilding and fitness training. Mike had the principles and integrity to ask the questions back then, that people need to start asking again. He makes thought provoking parallels between training and the study of stress physiology. There are concepts in this book that will greatly benefit anyone serious about building their body and mind.


I'll grow into it

Returning to the Lakota Way by Joseph M. Marshall III (my review)

Mr. Marshall is an incredible story teller. This book is filled with beautifully crafted tales. Legends told by the Lakota from one generation to the next, going back farther than can be known. He wraps up each story with a commentary, sometimes relating the story to his personal experience of growing up on a reservation with his family in the mid 20th century, and sometimes how an ancient legend can still have so much relevance in today's technologically advanced society. I found myself really taking time with this book, not just reading each story, but often, throughout the day, reflecting back on them and the ideas and lessons contained within. As a history buff, I'm always amazed at how much of the story of America is glossed over in the public school system. Hopefully someday we can get over that collective "white guilt" and teach our kids about all the other fascinating history that happened in United States. Returning to the Lakota Way manages to be insightful without being preachy, and a thoroughly enjoyable read, certainly deserving of 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes. I was not paid for my opinion, it is mine alone.

mikementzer.com is taking orders again !!!

I just got the email alert, and I'm excited as all Hell. mikementzer.com just announced they're taking orders again. Mike and his brother Ray, bodybuilding legends, passed away in 2001, but their theories live on as long as the fans support their work.(This isn't a paid plug if you're wondering.) The Mentzer approach to scientific High Intensity Training has been instrumental in forming my own training style and theory. If you want to know why I thumb my nose at the supplement industry, Px90, Crossfit, and all the other 'bro-science', money hungry, scam artists out there, read some Mike Mentzer.



If the picture link isn't working properly, just copy and paste:

http://mikementzer.com/checkout/catalognew.asp

My 2nd Marathon

In some ways my 2nd marathon was more difficult than my first. I certainly pushed myself, and trained harder than last year. Still haven't broken the 4 hour mark, but I came pretty close. I did the 26.2 miles in 4:03:42. In mile 9 I had a weird issue with my right hip flexor. It all the sudden went into a spasm, and for the first time ever I really thought I was going to have to quit. The idea of quitting made me feel kind of ill, so I kept running. I "breathed healing chi" into the injury. (The old martial arts idea that chi flows where the energy goes.) And of course I was Positive affirmationing my tail off.
So without any further drama, I completed the 2013 ING Hartford Marathon. One huge difference between this running and last year was I enjoyed a much speedier recovery time. I think it had a lot to do with being fifteen or so pounds lighter, and a better job of clean eating this year. I'm enjoying the fall weather now, and backing off a little from the distance running. Lately my focus has been on weight training, and yoga. Now that fall is here, I'm determined to avoid the trap of packing on off season pounds. My personal training biz is going well lately. That helps me to walk my talk, and stay on track.

Meditation, Medi- as in Medicine

Not a popular idea, because it doesn't necessarily sell well, but I believe meditation is the most important exercise you will ever do, and if you skip a day, any other exercise you do that day will have a diminished return on your time invested.

Stress is the number 1 killer on the planet, stop pretending like it isn't.

Here's a free guided meditation:

___Sit down, BE quiet. For a little while just BE.___

Eldon Taylor's new book Choices and Illusions is a fascinating study of the human mind. It goes beyond what most motivational or inspirational leaders teach. If you are a person who is serious about improving some area of your life, you'll benefit greatly from Choices and Illusions. By focusing on how the mind relates to perceptions and behaviors, the reader is educated in the how and why it can be difficult to change. Some of this is heady stuff. I found myself having to reread sections, several times, but didn't mind at all because the writing is brilliant and thought provoking. The idea that our subconcious belief patterns hold us in check, and prevent us from achieving what we truly want, is something everyone should take a look at. The book comes with a CD of Eldon Taylor's patented Innertalk technology. A 55 minute program entitled Unlimited Personal Power. I've been using it for about 4 days, a little early to say so, but I do feel maybe a bit more confident and hopeful. As a daily meditator, and someone who's been using subliminal technologies going back to Robert Monroe's original Hemisync tapes, I have to say it certainly hastens me into a deeper trance state than any of the other technologies on the market today. This book is worth taking a look at if you're curious, but especially if you're serious about taking control of your life and the mind that colors it, even when you're not looking. I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing. I wasn't paid for my opinion, it's mine alone. I suggest you read Choices and Illusions (2013 edition) to develop an opinion of your own.

Loving Life and Having a Blast

11 days until my 2nd marathon. I'm psyched. I'm ready. Still want to lose a couple pounds. Last year I ran in the "Clydesdale Division." That's the name they decided on for men over 200 pounds. What? Couldn't they think of a more degrading name? Overweight women get to run in the "Athena Division." Much cooler name. If the "Clydesdale's" were "Zeuse's" I'd be at the Chinese restaurant right now, not worrying about this dumb stuff.

As it stands, I got the scale down to 199. Only one pound lighter than a "Clydesdale", but it's 10 pounds lighter than I was last year. I'm thinking positive, and doing my affirmations. They say we teach what we most need to learn in this life. And I know, I'll "See it when I believe it" as Dr. Wayne Dyer says. All seriousness aside, though, I really am loving life lately. I've got some great personal training clients I'm working with. They're getting fast results, as I'm hammering away on mindset and perspective. If you really want to change your body shape, and/or your health it isn't just the one hour workout, it's what you do the other 23 hours each day.

Although the scale could be nicer to me, I can't complain about my training results. I can fit into my "skinny jeans." I read somewhere that real men don't have skinny jeans. That is a bunch of B.S. Next thing you know, they'll be saying that real men don't shave their legs!

Art Bell's Dark Matter Interview

I'm very excited that Art Bell is returning to the air. I'll be tuning in Monday night, can hardly wait. I've been a huge fan for years.

My Review of... Money A Love Story by Kate Northrup

I've read fifty times my weight in self-help books, but Kate Northrup's "Money A Love Story" takes the cake as the one I had the most resistance to. I don't think I'm unique in the sense that money is a hot button, uncomfortable, emotional issue for me. It brings up a lot of fear and pain. I'd rather discuss my sex life with my mom, than discuss financial matters. That said, this book was a real eye opener for me. The author has been there, and done that when it comes to debt and overspending. The fact that she has overcome those stumbling blocks, and created a healthy, abundant financial situation for herself is extremely inspiring. Her book really gets to the heart of the issues surrounding money. Stepping into prosperity thinking is not an overnight change. I suppose that could be the case for some, but for many of us it's about baby steps, and not taking any leaps before we're ready. My favorite part of Kate's book, is where she shows how Esther Hick's Abraham material fits into financial planning, and taking an active role in being money minded. This is a fantastic book, a fun read, and inspiring. Certainly one to keep around, and reread over the years. I look forward to reading future books by Kate Northrup. I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes. My opinion is mine alone, I encourage you to formulate one for yourself after reading this book.

Whining, bitching, complaining, and worrying is the fuel that creates more of what you do not want. Think positive, even if it's just positive-er, or positive-ish.

Alien Hunter - the new novel from Whitley Strieber

Alien Hunter - the new novel from Whitley Strieber



Whitley Strieber is one of my all-time favorite authors. His new book comes out Tuesday. It's Monday night, and I can't sleep 'cuz I'm a HUGE nerd! Anyhow, I don't usually post about fiction books here. His website unknowncountry.com has a bunch of content that's a little more in line with my usual health, wellness, and positive mindset rants I do.

I've been a subscriber there for a few years. If you're into the paranormal, consciousness movement, and a plethora of subjects tackled under the umbrella of alternative media; give it a try. It's absolutely brilliant, and worth a lot more than the small monthly subscription fee. You can listen to weekly episodes of the podcast Dreamland for free, to see if it's up your alley or not.






Alien Hunter - the new novel from Whitley Strieber

For years I've wanted to learn about Feng Shui, but not known where to start. The little effort I put into understanding its concepts just left me confused, and I gave up. What's brilliant about Cheryl Grace's book is not just the simplicity implied in the title, but how each lesson is so easily absorbed, and instantly you find yourself ready to put it into practice. Her explanation of how clutter affects the subconscious mind, and blocks the flow of energy in our lives seems spot on. The way she speaks about the power of intention resonates deeply with me. From bedroom to the weightroom, and all points in between, my home is experiencing a daily transformation thanks to this guide. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Train, and Don't Complain, Ya Big Baby

Getting In Our Own Way

It's common to want something so badly that you push it away. Wanting can become a daily affirmation, affirming the lack of what is wanted. I've seen it a bunch with personal training clients, and I've done it a lot myself. I first stumbled across this idea in one of Neale Donald Walsch's books, I think it was in "The Only Thing That Matters." I've done that odd move a bunch over the years- wanting to quit smoking more than anything, but unable to quit. Wanting to lose weight so badly, but never getting past the first couple of steps. Wanting can become a negative emotion. Wanting something keeps it continually in your future, you have to choose it rather than want it. Like Neville Goddard said, the trick is to "Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled."

If you've never read or listened to Esther Hicks and the the teachings of Abraham, I would highly recommend them. If you're interested in learning how to manifest the life of your dreams you could benefit greatly from the Abraham material. I think Esther is the most important teacher on the planet today. She's all over youtube, but the best intro to her, and her late husband Jerry's work can be found at

http://www.abraham-hicks.com/

Geraldo 's Selfie

I first saw the now infamous "Geraldo Selfie" on a comedy themed facebook page. There was no caption, just the pic, so my first reaction was, "Cool. A guy in his fifties showing that he can still be healthy and ripped." As a personal trainer, I look at a lot of progress pics, and I recommend them as a great motivator to track your fitness. Then I looked a little closer and noticed it was Geraldo Rivera, so I figured it was just a photoshop joke. Next day, I read that Geraldo actually had tweeted the self-shot photo in the middle of the night, and said "70 is the new 50." (Ironic, that my first impression was that I was looking at fit fifty year old.) He soon took the photo down and in embarrassment tweeted, "note to self, no tweeting after 1am."


On his radio show, days later, he admitting that there was alcohol involved.
“And you just sit around, I had a drink and, you know, I had taken that picture Saturday morning and I was looking at it, just going through and I said 'you know, I gotta tweet this thing. I look pretty good for a 70-year-old.'

“And I think because I'm so old people will cut me some slack, they won't take it too seriously. And I just pushed the trigger."

A lot of people are making fun of Geraldo now, but if I could say something to him, it'd be this:
Stop apologizing!! Who cares what people think about you. To be healthy and strong in a 70 year old body is an amazing, awesome, and admirable thing. It's something most of the men in my family never experienced. The grandfathers I loved as a kid aged so poorly that they didn't live to see their 80's, and their 70's were a downward spiral. If I were Geraldo, I'd be posting "selfies" every goddamn day! People could make fun of me 24/7, and I'd be like "Hey, guess what? I've got great abs, screw you."

On a different note, as a fitness professional, I'm really curious as to what his nutrition, supplement, and exercise regimen looks like. I'd also like to know if he's receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy. If so, he could really be an advocate for that procedure. There's a real bias going on these days, in that it's perfectly ok for a postmenopausal woman to receive hormone replacement therapy, but if a man does it, it's the same as doing illegal steroids. As men age, our testosterone levels lessen, but it becomes even more important that we train hard, think strong thoughts, and eat healthy. To quote Dr. Jeffery Life M.D. PH.D., "Sarcopenia- loss of muscle mass with aging, (is) the number one cause of nursing home admissions."

So I give Geraldo Rivera two thumbs up, a double fist bump, and say, "Stop apologizing for being in fantastic shape!!!"


#geraldo
#geraldoselfie

Family isn't everything, it's the only thing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering, or already, receiving Craniosacral Therapy. It's an interesting type of energy healing, specifically in the way the treatment addresses how trauma or injury can be stored in the body over long periods of time. As someone who has never experienced it personally, I feel as if I'm missing a piece of the puzzle, in order to give it a proper review. However, I'm giving it 5 stars, because the individual case studies provided suggest that this therapy works. It seems to have some similarities to Reiki, Qigong, and other forms of energy healing. So anyone familiar with those modalities would find this book an interesting study. If you've read Dr. Wayne Dyer's recent works, you're probably already aware of Kate Mackinnon, as she has worked with him and he is a proponent of CST. I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes. This review represents my honest assessment.

I wish I could've read this book twenty years ago, would've saved me a lot of grief. That's my only complaint about Bruce Liptons The Honeymoon Effect: The Science of Creating Heaven on Earth. Even the part about chemical compounds and noble gases was interesting, and made accessible for the average Joe or Jane. What separates this book from the usual, run-of-the-mill relationship book, is that it deals with the unseen forces that affect our individual drives, subconscious programming, quantum physics/attraction, and how to make each of those factors work for you rather against you in your marriage. If you're a fan of the Abraham-Hicks material, you'll love this book, as it fits perfectly with what they've said about vibration and relationships. This is the first time I've ever recommended a book's appendix section before. The resources in the back of the book are fantastic, making it a definite keeper. Living happily ever after is absolutely possible, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants that for their marriage.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.

Drinking extra water sounds counter-intuitive, but it actually alleviates water retention, and creates a healthier environment for all of your cells, making the fat cells easier to shrink. Stronger bones, stronger immune system, stronger muscles, the list of the benefits of hydration shouldn't be underestimated. Human beings are mostly water. The best way to stay hydrated, is to get as many of your calories from water based foods as possible (vegetables, beans...)

What I enjoyed most about Jennifer Grace's Directing Your Destiny, is that it's such a well thought out, and vividly presented plan that you don't even need to take notes to refer back to while you're putting her ideas into action. It's a powerful system of 30 transforming days. Four specifically themed weeks can take you from where your life is now, to a whole new show. The movie metaphors work incredibly well for portraying how possible transformation really is. If you've ever done any acting, directing, or writing at any level, you'll really enjoy this book. Even if you haven't, we're all creative spirits on some level. We're all armchair directors when we want to be. There is some mind boggling, life changing material here that is definitely worth checking out. My initial concern when I first saw the title, was that it was going to be a sort of instruction manual on "fake it til you make it" manifestation. It isn't that, it's an empowering way of looking at your life, and it morphs easy so you can personalize the author's thoughts and examples. The book also gives you access to a website where you can download guided meditations. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.