Almost every day I come across something and think “wow…I should really write about that”, but then I realize that there isn’t quite enough material to write a whole blog post.  Below is a collection of random thoughts and things I’ve encountered over the past couple of weeks.

1.  The 3D Activity Monitor

A few years ago it became popular to pick up a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps per day for overall health.  Well, the folks at Philips respironics have taken it one step further.  While the normal pedometer typically only records movement in one plane, the ACTICAL physical activity measurement system allows you to measure movement in all the planes. 

Basically, it is a 3D accelerometer and it can be used to track any form of activity with all sorts of really cool features and is available as a watch.

They even have an animal model!   Pet monkey been gaining a little around the midsection lately?  You can track his activity and make sure he hasn’t been slacking on his cardio program.

Here’s the Actical Link.

 2.  Damn Brita Filters

I’m all for filtering my water, but I’ve given up the fridge filter because I don’t like the potential effects of my water sitting in a plastic container for any length of time.  Xenoestrogens are just not something I enjoy.

So I switched to a tap filter, but I think these were only created as a cruel joke to people who are in a hurry.  Why is this thing so bloody slow?!?  We can put people on the moon, but we can seem to filter water in less than 5 minutes!!!

3. Max Heart Rate Equation is a Farce

You’re probably familiar with the 220-age formula for calculating your max heart rate.  You probably learned it in middle school.  Unfortunately, there is absolutely no reason to assume this formula is accurate at all.  If you want to read the suprising story about how the equation came to be you can download the PDF HERE.

In fact, a study in 2007  suggested that this equation is actually more accurate:

Max Heart Rate = 206.9 – (0.67 x age)

(Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007 May; 39(5):822-9)

However, if you’re endurance trained, you need another equation:

Male athletes – MHR = 202 – (0.55 x age)

Female athletes – MHR = 216 – (1.09 x age)

(Int J Sports Med 2007 ; 24)

Does it really make a difference?  I don’t know because I rarely measure this stuff anyway, but it’s nice to know that what we’re being taught is carefully screened for scientific accuracy.  I’d bet that most fitness certification manuals are still using the original formula.

4.  Stop Hammering Your Finger

Recently I was talking to a friend who was a runner.  He didn’t necessarily love running, but it helped him to stay in good cardiovascular shape and drop body fat.  Unfortunately, the cumulative trauma of running was causing ankle and knee pain.  The good news is that with a little time off from running and a few trips to the chiropractor the pain was completely gone.  However, after returning to running, the pain returned so I suggested that he do something dramatic…STOP RUNNING. 

At this point there was a lot of resistance, but he didn’t really love running so I couldn’t figure it out.  After some careful thought, I realized that he didn’t want to keep running because of enjoyment, but because of his failure to realize that there was another way.  He was afraid to stop running because he didn’t want to gain weight and this is the way he has always done it.

To me, this is like a guy who is trying to build a deck by nailing boards down in an unusual manner.  He would hold the nail still by placing his thumb on top of the nail and then pounding it with the hammer until the nail went in.  After a few strikes the thumb would be bleeding and painful yet the nail would be in the deck so he would continue on.

In this case, it is obvious that this guy should just take his thumb off the top of the nail because that would be an equally effective way to get the nail in the deck without hurting his finger.

If you’re suffering from any aches and pains while you are training consider that you might just be smashing yourself on the finger.  Don’t do an exercise just because something you heard or read said it is the only way.  With the number of alternative exercises out there, I can almost guarantee there is another.

This week I’ve shared with you two blog posts in which Dr John Berardi talks about losing body weight (and body fat).

The first one talks about how important incentives are for changing your body.  And it goes on to incentivize you with a whopping $10,000.

Could The Chance To Win $10,000 Help You Get In Shape?

The second one shows you how to coerce yourself into sticking to the plan, even when the motivation wanes.

Enter “the best kept secret in weight loss.”

Finally, today, I have one last post to share.

In this one, Dr Berardi talks about something called “accidental success.”

For most people fitness is a struggle.  Others, however, seem to sail through life; they’re lean, fit, and strong, and they seem to do it effortlessly.   Almost…by accident.

No, it’s not genetics.  It’s something else.  Something you too can use to get into the best shape of your life.

Learn the secret to accidental fitness

The other day I posted a link to a video of Dr John Berardi talking about his two latest programs – Lean Eating For Men and Lean Eating For Women.

Far and away, the most frequent questions had to do with his $20,000 prize – $10,000 to the top female winner and $10,000 to the top male winner.

To check out the blog post announcing this amazing prize click HERE.

Now, today, I want to share with you a post covering the flip side of the 10K prize.  In other words, if the prize is the carrot, today’s video talks about the stick.

You see, Dr. Berardi’s a coaching expert.  In fact, he’s probably the most successful nutrition coach in the health and fitness business.

And after speaking with him, I realized that there’s something powerful to this idea.

You see, the biggest transformations – body transformations or otherwise – are accomplished when people have big incentives.

And I’d say 10 thousand bucks qualifies as a big incentive all right.

But big inspiring goals also need some potential punishment.  Or, some risk.

And in today’s video, Dr Berardi shows you how to coerce yourself into sticking to the plan, even when the motivation wanes.

Enter “the best kept secret in weight loss” HERE.

So, if you’re REALLY interested in changing your body and you’d like a little extra incentive for doing so, this is definitely a program you need to check out.

Again, this message is time sensitive.  From what I hear there are A LOT of people clamoring to get in on the program.

So check out these posts below.  I know you won’t be disappointed.

Could The Chance To Win $10,000 Help You Get In Shape?

The Best Kept Secret In Weight Loss

I usually don’t like to promote things, but when Dr. John Berardi dropped me an line the other day, telling me all about his new program, I thought for a second the guy had lost his mind.

JB Goes Nuts

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I respect Dr Berardi.  He’s recognized as one of the top nutrition coaches in the world.  And his programs get people results.  Fast.  I’ve been reading and using his materials for years and he’s absolutely one of the best and brightest in the industry.

However, when I watched this video he sent over, and learned that he’s giving away $20,000 of his own money, he definitely got my attention.

Check out this blog post for yourself HERE.

Now, to qualify for this reward, you have to participate in his Lean Eating program.  But that’s a no brainer. You should want to do that ANYWAY if you’re interested in body transformation because there is nothing else like it.

You get 6 months of world class coaching, the type of coaching you can’t find, well, anywhere.  And, during these 6 months, if you achieve the best body transformation, you’ll win 10K.

How to win 10K

Worst case scenario, you come out with the best body of your life.  Best case scenario, you come out with the best body of your life, and 10 GRAND.

So, I highly encourage you to check out this post below.  In it, Dr Berardi shares with you two critical components for body transformation success.

And then he tells you exactly how one man and one woman are going to swoop in and claim $10 G’s of his own money.

Don’t miss this blog…

Now, this message is time sensitive.  No, it’s not gonna self-destruct or anything. However, spots are limited in this program.  And LOTS of people want in.

So, if you’re interested in finding out exactly how to eat to get in the best shape of your life, click the link below.  10 grand may be waiting for you on the other side:

Click here now to find out more!

Let’s face it.  You hate doing cardio and it makes you feel like a hamster on a wheel.

  Check out this article that I had posted yesterday at T-Nation.com for 7 cardio drills that don’t suck.