EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Dan John, a contributing writer to Men’s Health and T-Nation, wrote this two-part article about what he’s learned during 40 years as a strength coach and head track and field coach. Guys with this kind of in-the-trenches experience will teach you more about getting stronger than any 23-year-old, Bosu-loving personal trainer at your local big-box gym.

If you’re looking for a trainer who believes in the transformative power of weightlifting, and has been practicing what he preaches for more that 30 years, please contact me.

40 Years of Insight (Part 1)

40 Years of Insight (Part 2)

THE CURIOUS CASE OF HERSCHEL WALKER

If you ever doubted that superhuman beings walk among us, consider the case of retired NFL star and incredible physical specimen, Herschel Walker, who’s nearing 50. While we mortal fitness-minded men worry about things like training cycles, protein intake, nutrient timing, overtraining, and ergogenic aids, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner skips breakfast and lunch and eats salad and bread for dinner. He’s a vegetarian who doesn’t worry about consuming enough protein. (Sometimes, Herschel loses his appetite and goes 3 or 4 days without eating anything.)

Every morning, he performs 750-1,500 push-ups and 2,000 sit-ups. If that wasn’t amazing enough, Walker maintains this lifestyle while preparing for his second MMA match. Yup, that’s right, Herschel has added “ultimate fighter” to his list of athletic accomplishments. (He won his first match against a much younger opponent, Greg Nagy.)

While I don’t recommend following Walker’s unique approach to nutrition and exercise, I wholeheartedly agree with his never-say-die attitude toward growing older. To learn more about this fascinating athlete: check out this link: Herschel Walker breaks fitness rules

And if you’re looking for a trainer who won’t make you do 1,500 push-ups and 2,000 sit-ups every day, call me at (559) 871-1658

Related Articles

• Herschel Walker: Still an Amazing Athlete at Age 50 (bleacherreport.com)
• Herschel Walker: The 48-Year-Old Fitness Guru’s Top Moments (bleacherreport.com)
• Herschel Walker and Tuesday’s Top Sports News: Walker Prepares for MMA Fight (bleacherreport.com)

BELLY FAT IN WOMEN: HOW TO KEEP IT OFF

It’s one of those aggravating facts of life: As a woman ages, her metabolism slows down, her hormones go wacky (“go wacky” is a fancy medical term I just made up), and her body fat gradually increases. Then, after menopause, that extra fat starts looking around for new places to settle down. Unfortunately, one of the most popular locations for post-menopausal fat to accumulate is . . . (dramatic pause). . . the belly.

Of course, you already know that excess belly fat is not very attractive, but what you may not know is that it can also be dangerous. There are two types of belly fat; visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds abdominal organs. It’s the dangerous stuff that has been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, and colorectal cancer.

Subcutaneous fat, which is located between the skin and abdominal wall, is less dangerous but more visible.  It’s the stuff you can grab and shove together to make your belly look like a butt.

Imagine how much fun this guy is at a party.

Those smart folks at the Mayo Clinic (not to be confused with the Mustard Clinic) published an article that offers some useful advice for keeping belly fat at bay. Check it out here: Belly fat in women: How to keep it off

Remember, a certified personal trainer can help you stay motivated in your battle against belly fat. Call Central Valley Fitness for more information at (559) 871-1658.