Most recent pics I have

[Chillen]

The other day, I purchased Lyle McDonald's Ultimate Diet 2.0. Last night I read the entire book.

Overall I liked the book (and his attitude ), and it solidified a lot of my opinions about why persons with relatively healthy low body fat (12% to 15% for males) have a hard time removing the last small portion (normally from the lower ab region and lower back), biological functions that occur during certain types of dieting, priming and preparing the body, carbohydrate (macro-nutrient manipulation), glucose stores, and replenishment (I am over simplifying here, of course). I had used a modified method (like in his book) to lose the last portion last year.

However, I would like your opinion on a couple of things. While I don't think he is actually promoting/advocating ("necessarily") the use of thermogenics and other drugs (he lists in his book), he does list them as "possible" assistors (if this makes sense, lol).

Speaking personally, I am not a big fan of getting "assistance" from quote "drugs" unquote, or even over-the-counter "drugs" unless it is proved to be biologically necessary by a licensed medical professional, where it has been determined that an organ (or other biological process) isn't functioning properly and is in fact inhibiting one's fat loss/muscle growth in some "abnormal" fashion.

What are your thoughts of the various substances he suggests as an "option" to use in his program outline? Some of them I had never heard of (with the exception of Ephedrine). He explains "why" but I am still wrestling with this. For example, if you had a client that had a history of trying to lose the last "traditional" trouble spots (i.e. lower region, lower back, Male), and for the most part his history was a sound approach (for lack of argument), but wasn't getting the results personally wanted, and you decide to put him on this program (or a variant), would you consider some of these "drugs" (lack of a better word) options? If so, how long during the process of working with a dietary/exercise manipulation plan would you?

I know it can "depend", but just wanting a brief opinion. Do you think these sorts of drugs (for a natural) are "ever" necessary (outside of a medical necessity, of course)?

Thoughts?


Best wishes


Chillen

 

[stroutman81]

I didn't realize this was a recent endeavour, Steve. I wish you much good luck with this! (Although I don't think you'll need any of my good luck. You really know your stuff ...)

Thanks very much.

Online training isn't a new endeavor per se. I've just never done it in a coordinated manner which I will be doing now with the new site.

The only thing changing for the most part is more traffic and more writing, both of which I love.

Just an aside, I'm a Type 1 diabetic and when I told my dietician I was going to go on an anabolic diet she said "Don't do it. You'll go ketotic for sure and that's hard on your kidneys, you'll have to re-regulate your insulin, you could die, blah, blah, blah."

As soon as she said "Don't do it", I was already thinking of ways to do it I told her that I knew my body and that I'd watch my ketones like a hawk for the first 3 months so I knew exactly what my carb to fat ratio (and insulin doses) should be FOR ME.

I'm not going to lie. Figuring out an anabolic diet that would work for me was a labor intensive b!tch of an exercise and a huge learning curve -- not to mention a somewhat dicey thing to do, because in effect, I was really putting my body under a lot of stress and using myself as a guinea pig until I had things all figured out. I had a few close calls and a few trips to the ER, too. But I learned so much about my body and how it reacts to certain foods, as well as how to "sense" when I needed more carbs/insulin/whatever, that it was all worth it.

I've been eating a modified anabolic diet for about 6 years now (I say "modified" because I have to make allowances for my diabetes and for when I do cardio, etc.), but I can't imagine eating any other way. My blood sugar is so stable, it's criminal.

Holy **** man, that's crazy! Are you still seeing the same doc and if so, what does he/she say about all this now?

I take it things run very smoothly for you now that you have things all figured out?

I commend your will man.

Moreover, Lyle McDonald's diets are the only way to go if you want to lose bodyfat. He's definitely on the cutting edge of nutrition (no pun intended)

Yea, Lyle puts the best information out on the market in my perspective. His intentions and integrity combined with his nerdy personality mix well for great products.

It was real fun having the chance to interview him

 

[stroutman81]

The other day, I purchased Lyle McDonald's Ultimate Diet 2.0. Last night I read the entire book.

Good to here Chillen, that's a fantastic book.

Overall I liked the book (and his attitude ), and it solidified a lot of my opinions about why persons with relatively healthy low body fat (12% to 15% for males) have a hard time removing the last small portion (normally from the lower ab region and lower back), biological functions that occur during certain types of dieting, priming and preparing the body, carbohydrate (macro-nutrient manipulation), glucose stores, and replenishment (I am over simplifying here, of course). I had used a modified method (like in his book) to lose the last portion last year.

Shows how in tune you are with your own body... the fact that you made the adjustments before reading something like UD2.

However, I would like your opinion on a couple of things. While I don't think he is actually promoting/advocating ("necessarily") the use of thermogenics and other drugs (he lists in his book), he does list them as "possible" assistors (if this makes sense, lol).

Lyle puts unbiased info out. He doesn't discriminate either... he will put stuff out about the use of thermogenics just as quick as he is to put stuff out about carbs.

He leaves it up to the consumer/reader to make their own decisions.

Speaking personally, I am not a big fan of getting "assistance" from quote "drugs" unquote, or even over-the-counter "drugs" unless it is proved to be biologically necessary by a licensed medical professional, where it has been determined that an organ (or other biological process) isn't functioning properly and is in fact inhibiting one's fat loss/muscle growth in some "abnormal" fashion.

I think a majority of people share your belief. A sample population from the web might prove different, but in my experience working hands on with people... most don't like taking aspirin, let alone thermogenics or the like.

What are your thoughts of the various substances he suggests as an "option" to use in his program outline? Some of them I had never heard of (with the exception of Ephedrine). He explains "why" but I am still wrestling with this. For example, if you had a client that had a history of trying to lose the last "traditional" trouble spots (i.e. lower region, lower back, Male), and for the most part his history was a sound approach (for lack of argument), but wasn't getting the results personally wanted, and you decide to put him on this program (or a variant), would you consider some of these "drugs" (lack of a better word) options? If so, how long during the process of working with a dietary/exercise manipulation plan would you?

I know it can "depend", but just wanting a brief opinion. Do you think these sorts of drugs (for a natural) are "ever" necessary (outside of a medical necessity, of course)?

Short answer: No.

I'm an anti-supp guy, for the most part. In truth however, it doesn't have a whole heck of a lot to do with safety as much as it does finance.

Most often people aren't dialed in enough in terms of diet and exercise to warrant spending money on something such as ephedrine.

This doesn't mean ephedrine doesn't have its share of benefits.

I'm simply of the opinion that it's the lazy man's way out of working hard (at least at attempt to). In many people's minds taking 'something' takes the place of hard and consistent work. It's a buffer that allows for shortcuts.

Of course not always.

On the flip side, however, there are people that are dialed in 100% and they choose to use 'something' to assist the process. With these individuals, I have no problem. That's their choice.

Personally, I don't use anything beyond protein supps, fish oils, multi vits, and a few other vits.

As a trainer I never endorse 'stuff' to my clients. I've never had a client who I couldn't get to lose weight 'naturally.' I also work with predominantly overweight people so their problems usually have more to do with consistency and psychology than they do physiology and biology.

I'm rambling and not sure if I answered your question at all, lol.

Long to short.... some of these things have nice benefits. That doesn't ever make them necessary.

 

[i_love_muscle]

Thanks very much.

Online training isn't a new endeavor per se. I've just never done it in a coordinated manner which I will be doing now with the new site.

The only thing changing for the most part is more traffic and more writing, both of which I love.

That comes across in your interview. I really get the impression that you love doing this, and it's infectious You certainly got me stoked!!!

Holy **** man, that's crazy! Are you still seeing the same doc and if so, what does he/she say about all this now?

I take it things run very smoothly for you now that you have things all figured out?

I commend your will man.

When I went back to my dietician 3 months later, I gave her my blood glucose readings for those 3 months (which were a bit of a cluster f**k for the first month), but when she saw how stable my BG was in the third month, she was utterly speechless. She couldn't believe it, and almost denied that I was on Lyle's diet. I just told her your body will adjust, and once you get the insulin down pat, that's 90% of the equation.

My doctor pretty much lets me do just about anything. I've been seeing him for 30 years, so he knows I'm not a complete moron

I think with me it's not so much "will" as just being plain stubborn (I'm female)

Yea, Lyle puts the best information out on the market in my perspective. His intentions and integrity combined with his nerdy personality mix well for great products.

It was real fun having the chance to interview him

I bet you had a great time talking with Lyle

I've got "The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook", "The Ketogenic Diet", "A Guide to Flexible Dieting", and "The Ultimate Diet 2.0". The Ketogenic Diet is what first got me into this anabolic stuff. I still love that book.

The bottom line for me was Lyle's science was irrefutable.

I really want to order the books he's written that I don't have yet. But they aren't e-books yet ...

 

[stroutman81]

That comes across in your interview. I really get the impression that you love doing this, and it's infectious You certainly got me stoked!!!

Thanks very much.

When I went back to my dietician 3 months later, I gave her my blood glucose readings for those 3 months (which were a bit of a cluster f**k for the first month), but when she saw how stable my BG was in the third month, she was utterly speechless. She couldn't believe it, and almost denied that I was on Lyle's diet. I just told her your body will adjust, and once you get the insulin down pat, that's 90% of the equation.

Betcha that felt good for you, lol. Good for you.

(I'm female)

Oh, forgive me. It's not common to see a woman with your user title... I like.

I've got "The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook", "The Ketogenic Diet", "A Guide to Flexible Dieting", and "The Ultimate Diet 2.0". The Ketogenic Diet is what first got me into this anabolic stuff. I still love that book.

The bottom line for me was Lyle's science was irrefutable.

I really want to order the books he's written that I don't have yet. But they aren't e-books yet ...

The Keto book is great, they all are really. If only all authors could have that same integrity.

 

[stroutman81]

Last installment of the lyle interview is up

I just spoke with Tom Venuto... author of the BFFM program. He and I will be connecting for an interview for the blog. We'll start the process this week so stay tuned.

 

[Chillen]

Last installment of the lyle interview is up

I just spoke with Tom Venuto... author of the BFFM program. He and I will be connecting for an interview for the blog. We'll start the process this week so stay tuned.

I appreciate you taking the time to let us know, Steve. Getting educated is too cool, ya know?

Look forward to the read, dude! I purchased BFFM a couple of years ago, and its a good read.

Also, I anticipated your answer to be what it was, and appreciate your response to my questions.

Keep Rocken.....out!

Best regards,

Chillen

 

[stroutman81]

Thanks Chillen.

Yea, the BFFM is certainly not rocket science but I feel it's a fantastic book for those who are new to 'the game.' It covers a **** load of information in an easy to understand format.

From my experience, it seems a lot of people see the big picture after reading it... so it's foundational.

 

[Karky]

does "The Ketogenic Diet" contain scientific explainations to what happens when you go into ketosis, etc? that would be great, as most of the stuff I've read about ketogenic diets just praise how good it is, etc, without actually going into the science.

I guess the biggest critique against ketogenic diets are that ketones are acids and will make your body go into acidosis or something, does this book discuss that in a scientific way?

 

[stroutman81]

does "The Ketogenic Diet" contain scientific explainations to what happens when you go into ketosis, etc? that would be great, as most of the stuff I've read about ketogenic diets just praise how good it is, etc, without actually going into the science.

You would love this book, lol.

In my interview, Lyle explains how the project almost killed him. He's not joking. He was very thorough with this one... not that he's not any other time.

Have you ever read any of Lyle's books?

I guess the biggest critique against ketogenic diets are that ketones are acids and will make your body go into acidosis or something, does this book discuss that in a scientific way?

Make sure you're not confusing ketosis with ketoacidosis. I mean, technically they are one in the same in terms of the biochemistry... but the levels of acid in one is completely different than the other.

It's the best book I've read on the subject matter and he goes into clear detail more than you could imagine.

 

[i_love_muscle]

Last installment of the lyle interview is up

I just spoke with Tom Venuto... author of the BFFM program. He and I will be connecting for an interview for the blog. We'll start the process this week so stay tuned.

I guess the "i_love_muscle" moniker isn't typical of women, but I really do love muscle (because it's so much more attractive than the alternative), so I thought that would be a good name for me

I can't wait for the Venuto interview I've got that book, too. I guess you could say I'm into anabolic diets

Steve, I absolutely loved Part 5 of the Lyle interview! I thought the whole interview was fabulous. You're a really good writer. It was such a pleasure to read the interview for so many reasons (insightful questions, continuity of thought, etc.), but mostly because your English is really good and you're actually literate. So many people nowadays aren't, and that just looks so bad.

I have not had good luck with personal trainers. None of the ones I've hired seem to "get it", and I always end up telling them how to do things, which ticks me off because I'm paying them anywhere from $75-$100 a hour for their services. None of them seem to care about form/technique, and I'm a total technique freak. What's the point of doing an exercise if you aren't doing it correctly? Moreover, I figure these personal trainers should be experts, but apparently, good trainers are about as scarce as hen's teeth.

 

[stroutman81]

I guess the "i_love_muscle" moniker isn't typical of women, but I really do love muscle (because it's so much more attractive than the alternative), so I thought that would be a good name for me

And I concur.

I can't wait for the Venuto interview I've got that book, too. I guess you could say I'm into anabolic diets

It won't be up for a while yet... these things usually take a couple of months to put together since schedules are always pretty busy. Tom is generally pretty good with response time.

He's a very genuine guy. I remember back when I was in college, I wrote him a letter explaining how I felt about his book and a few of my training and nutrition philosophies. It wasn't but two days before Tom emailed me back and gave me his personal email address and cell phone number. I've been fortunate enough to speak with him on a number of occassions and he really is a class act.

He gets a bad wrap b/c of all the spammers that go around 'working' is affiliate program but that shouldn't take away from who he is.

He's coming out with a BFFM part 2 book soon to update some of his info, which makes me happy since there were a couple of things I didn't agree with in his first edition.

He also has a hard copy book coming out dealing more with the psychology of it all, which should be fantastic. I've communicated with Tom a number of occassions with regards to the psychology side of things and he is well researched on that front.

Cool stuff.

Steve, I absolutely loved Part 5 of the Lyle interview! I thought the whole interview was fabulous. You're a really good writer. It was such a pleasure to read the interview for so many reasons (insightful questions, continuity of thought, etc.), but mostly because your English is really good and you're actually literate. So many people nowadays aren't, and that just looks so bad.

Wow, thanks so much. It's always nice to come in first thing in the morning and read something like this. Thanks for the smile.

I have not had good luck with personal trainers. None of the ones I've hired seem to "get it", and I always end up telling them how to do things, which ticks me off because I'm paying them anywhere from $75-$100 a hour for their services. None of them seem to care about form/technique, and I'm a total technique freak. What's the point of doing an exercise if you aren't doing it correctly? Moreover, I figure these personal trainers should be experts, but apparently, good trainers are about as scarce as hen's teeth.

The training industry is a wreck. At least in my experience based on what I see. In my area, I'm not kidding when I say I wouldn't send anyone I care about to any of the trainers I've seen working the commercial gym scene. Then I go into my local super market and I see fliers for two separate private trainers and they seem worse than the commercial guys/gals.

It's sad.

It's as if anyone who is thin or in shape is qualified to give expert advice to a wide spectrum of clients with multiple problems.

And that's the truth... there simply isn't a barrier to entry, at all. Those who wind up in the profession simply don't care. They think it's a 'cool job.' Ya know, ya get to wear gym clothes every single day and talk with people in the gym.

They don't care to further their knowledge (assuming some exists to begin with) at all. There are endless books, journals and seminars they can attend. But they don't.

Another serious problem is this... gym owners often aren't fitness enthusiasts, at least not in my experience. The gyms in my area are all owned by big business guys. They don't know enough or care enough about true fitness to demand more from a training staff. They'd much sooner pick the guy who is very personable who will get more clients than the guy who understands the efficacy of free weight, compound lifts and how to teach them. Money talks. Fitness knowledge doesn't in their eyes.

Lastly is the consumer...

They don't demand the level of service they should expect. I don't blame them though. The problem is they aren't educated enough to know what to expect. So the industry feeds off this ignorance of the masses; it's one giant loop.

Owners want money and hire **** trainers ----> **** trainers don't give a damn about actual education and applicable knowledge, they simply want a cake job ----> The customers don't know enough to demand what they deserve, so they hire **** trainers assuming they know what they're doing ----> Owners make more money and continue the cycle of stupidity

I'm speaking generally of course. There are good trainers out there. It's just extremely unfortunate in my eyes how rare said trainers are.

/rant

 

[Karky]

The above post speaks the truth.. I wish it didn't, but it does..

 

[i_love_muscle]

He's coming out with a BFFM part 2 book soon to update some of his info, which makes me happy since there were a couple of things I didn't agree with in his first edition.

He also has a hard copy book coming out dealing more with the psychology of it all, which should be fantastic. I've communicated with Tom a number of occassions with regards to the psychology side of things and he is well researched on that front.

Cool stuff.

I'm definitely looking forward to that read

The training industry is a wreck. At least in my experience based on what I see. In my area, I'm not kidding when I say I wouldn't send anyone I care about to any of the trainers I've seen working the commercial gym scene. Then I go into my local super market and I see fliers for two separate private trainers and they seem worse than the commercial guys/gals.

It's sad.

It's as if anyone who is thin or in shape is qualified to give expert advice to a wide spectrum of clients with multiple problems.

And that's the truth... there simply isn't a barrier to entry, at all. Those who wind up in the profession simply don't care. They think it's a 'cool job.' Ya know, ya get to wear gym clothes every single day and talk with people in the gym.

They don't care to further their knowledge (assuming some exists to begin with) at all. There are endless books, journals and seminars they can attend. But they don't.

Another serious problem is this... gym owners often are fitness enthusiasts, at least not in my experience. The gyms in my area are all owned by big business guys. They don't know enough or care enough about true fitness to demand more from a training staff. They'd much sooner pick the guy who is very personable who will get more clients than the guy who understands the efficacy of free weight, compound lifts and how to teach them. Money talks. Fitness knowledge doesn't in their eyes.

Lastly is the consumer...

They don't demand the level of service they should expect. I don't blame them though. The problem is they aren't educated enough to know what to expect. So the industry feeds off this ignorance of the masses; it's one giant loop.

Owners want money and hire **** trainers ----> **** trainers don't give a damn about actual education and applicable knowledge, they simply want a cake job ----> The customers don't know enough to demand what they deserve, so they hire **** trainers assuming they know what they're doing ----> Owners make more money and continue the cycle of stupidity

I'm speaking generally of course. There are good trainers out there. It's just extremely unfortunate in my eyes how rare said trainers are.

/rant

I mostly see trainers who do "cookie cutter workouts", regardless of their clients' athletic ability, age, physical restrictions, etc. It's insane. And you're right. There is no entry barrier.

After what I've read, I'm seriously contemplating hiring you to be my trainer by proxy. I'm just getting tired of trying to find somebody who actually knows what they are doing who is willing to go the extra mile for me.

 

[stroutman81]

The above post speaks the truth.. I wish it didn't, but it does..

It will change, just not soon enough.

That's why I took myself out of the commercial gym setting for the most part. I was sick and tired of handing articles out to the trainers and just as quick as I made the photocopies, they'd be in the recycling bin.

It's double edged too... it's a combination of willful ignorance and laziness.

They don't care to read and understand b/c there isn't a force making them. If they're training base was to dry up... they'd be forced to. But that's unlikely.

And even if they did understand, they're too lazy to educate the client. They'd just as soon plop said client down on a bosu ball and work on 'balance' (yea right) than they are to truly reach the client on an informative level. They coddle and cater to the clients preconceived notions of what's best instead of working on a compromised approach.

You should see the email exchange I had with a local gym owner... I'll see if I can dig it up in a bit. The gist of it was quite simple... business owners are going to do what puts the most money in their pocket and what this leads to in terms of training is most often what's not in the best interest of the client, unbeknown to him/her.

To be honest, until the customer truly understands exercise, I don't really see it changing. I'm not suggesting customers should know everything... but at least the core fundamentals insomuch as they're able to call bullsh%t when they see it.

For now though, they learn from what other ignorant people and trainers are doing around them in the gym and the only thing that's going to lead to is more of what we currently have, unfortunately.

 

[stroutman81]

I mostly see trainers who do "cookie cutter workouts", regardless of their clients' athletic ability, age, physical restrictions, etc. It's insane.

Clip board in hand, they grab another generic workout for the "50+" client and go to town. In the gym I currently train at (I can train some of my clients there too but I try and stay out in terms of a professional as much as possible) it's pathetic.

What really blows my mind is what the trainers have their clients doing, nobody else in the gym is doing. And surprisingly most members at this gym look pretty good fitness-wise.

If I were a client, I'd start to wonder why I'm not doing what the others are doing. They look good and I don't.

I assume they're thinking "I'm just not ready for that level."

But the whole "You can't progress effectively and safely with free weights" is all part of the sales pitch these 'professionals' sell.

The pickings are too damn easy for these vultures.

And you're right. There is no entry barrier.

Nope, none at all. Trainers think they're 'qualified' b/c they obtained a certification.

Well sh%t, even the best certs are good enough. At all. The NASM I passed a week after obtaining the book. The NSCA wasn't much different. I was thinking about getting my CSCS and I bought the book used but it's the same ****.

Granted, for someone who knows next to nothing... these programs are great for getting their leg in the door in terms of getting a broad based knowledge of the human body and it's adaptive processes to exercise and nutrition.

But most stop there.

When again, it's barely a first step in my mind.

You need much more than a bird's eye view IMO if you're going to be a well-rounded trainer.

Not to mention for every half decent certification agency there's 50 others that flat out suck.

After what I've read, I'm seriously contemplating hiring you to be my trainer by proxy.

Come to PA

To be honest, and not to go off topic too much, I've been very selective with who I work with as of late. For starters, I'm busy as hell trying to get this business off the ground. Secondly, I've seriously found people who come to me on the web to be more committed and ready than those who come to me in person. That's really where my business model is heading; online training.

That and consulting on the gym management level.

On the online route, I'm even more selective simply b/c not everyone needs what an online trainer provides. I've written more emails to would be clients telling them, "You don't need my services but here are a few ideas" than I have accepted new clients.

I'm strange like that. I suppose if it were my sole income stream things would be different but fortunately it's not.

I'm just getting tired of trying to find somebody who actually knows what they are doing who is willing to go the extra mile for me.

I wouldn't hold your breath... that's for damn sure. To be honest, I'm of the opinion that one can get more sound information and guidance from forums such as this than they ever could from most any trainer, online or in the gym.

The Internet, though it has helped spread misinformation like wild fire, has been a saving grace for those who know where to look and have the patience and desire to seach and learn.

 

[Chillen]

I know with absolute certainty, that if I was looking for advice or in a need of a trainer, Steve would be the first one I would consider and talk to. No one even comes close. I wouldn't even have to think twice about it. One quality individual.

He would probably put me in the poor house though.



Best wishes,


Chillen

 

[i_love_muscle]

I know with absolute certainty, that if I was looking for advice or in a need of a trainer, Steve would be the first one I would consider and talk to. No one even comes close. I wouldn't even have to think twice about it. One quality individual.

He would probably put me in the poor house though.



Best wishes,


Chillen

It's pretty obvious Steve knows what he's talking about. After reading Steve's numerous posts and the questions he asked Lyle on his new website, there wasn't any doubt in my mind he was A-1.

Money is irrelevant when it comes to my body. I just want the best advice I can get.

 

[stroutman81]

I know with absolute certainty, that if I was looking for advice or in a need of a trainer, Steve would be the first one I would consider and talk to. No one even comes close. I wouldn't even have to think twice about it. One quality individual.

He would probably put me in the poor house though.



Best wishes,


Chillen

Much appreciated Chillen. Very gracious of you to say.

I'll flip that compliment and say I've seen some straight up awesome and inspirational posts from you as of late. I don't check out this forum as much as I should... but good stuff.

 

[stroutman81]

It's pretty obvious Steve knows what he's talking about. After reading Steve's numerous posts and the questions he asked Lyle on his new website, there wasn't any doubt in my mind he was A-1.

Money is irrelevant when it comes to my body. I just want the best advice I can get.

So are you currently not making progress in terms of your goals right now?