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