Archive for March, 2009
What an awesome weekend in Portland, Oregon
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Although the weather did not cooperate the way I thought it would my weekend in Portland, Oregon was awesome.
First, I was able to visit one of my “Fitness Branding” clients George Comalli of Giants Gym in the Hollywood District of Portland. His gym is incredible!
Giants Gym has a really cool mix of old school bodybuilding (without the assholes) and 21st century technology to give you a very comfortable feel and great workouts. I have never seen a friendlier atmosphere…you’re even greeted by the gym mascot “Buddy” the bird. I spoke to almost every member of the gym while I was there for 2 days and not one member had a bad thing to say about George or Giants Gym. One thing that really stuck out in my mind was how friggin’ clean it was. You just don’t get that type of clean in the “Big Box” gyms.
It was a huge contrast to the 24 Hour Fitness that was only 10 blocks away (barely). Most of the people I talked to at 24 Hour Fitness actually hated working out there but were coerced by friends or spouses to join…now they regret it. Most of who I talked to felt like a number and didn’t think the personal trainers knew what they were doing. I couldn’t believe the contrast in customer service or attitude in the members. Here’s a little video of Giants Gym’s Mascot, “Buddy” the Bird…
The Oregon International Pageant
- The Winners of the Oregon International Pageant
What a class act Lesley Nardini, executive director of the Oregon International Pageant, is.
Lesley asked me to train her winners so when they went to Nationals they would be in the best shape when they walked out on stage. One of the Judges had to bail out and I was asked to judge since I was going to be there anyway to consult with the winners. I have judged many pageants for all different systems including Miss USA and Miss America and this by far was one of the best experiences I had judging. Everyone related to the pageant was awesome to work with and made every effort to create a wonderful experience for the women participating in the pageant and the judges.
The crop of judges we had all bonded and we felt like we had known each other a longtime even though we had just met. For all of you that missed out on either participating or watching you missed a great opportunity.
Professional Power Lifting…an interview with AJ Roberts – Part 2
Posted by: | CommentsThis is the second part of my interview with Professional Power Lifter and friend AJ Roberts at the IYCA International Summit.
Professional Power Lifting…an interview with AJ Roberts
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I was in Louisville, KY for the IYCA (International Youth Conditioning Association) International Summit I was able to see many friends of mine in the fitness industry. One of those good friends is Professional Power Lifter AJ Roberts.
In between my moments of holding court and teaching some of the attendees about branding, web relationships and blogging I was able to kidnap AJ and get him to do an interview. I am always inspired by his tenacity and determination to be the best.
Take a moment and watch the interview below.
My Favorite Chest Exercise…Negative Push Ups
Posted by: | CommentsIn all of my boot camps I ever ran I never let women do “Girl” push ups because I thought it was a waist of time. If you really want to get stronger you need to let your body handle your body weight.
Negative Push Ups allow you to handle your body weight on the way down. Done correctly this style Push Up will get you stronger in a hurry and develop your chest, shoulders and triceps much faster then “Girl” push ups.
Obesity is the terrorist within in our own country
Posted by: | CommentsThere is a new movie that has won a bunch of awards at major film festivals across the country called “Killer at Large”.
“Killer at Large” comes from the makers of the acclaimed “This Divided State” and examines America’s deadly obesity “epidemic.”
Interview segments include commentary from obesity researchers, nutritionists and other experts, as well as former President Bill Clinton, consumer advocate Ralph Nader and playwright/filmmaker Neil La- Bute.
“Killer at Large” is not rated but features some disturbing imagery and adult language.
The DVD contains a producers commentary track featuring Executive Producer Shawn Talbott, Producers Bryan Young and Elias Pate and Co-Producer Patrick Waldrop. It also features a second commentary track with director Steven Greenstreet.
The disc boasts 6 deleted scenes, theatrical trailers, footage from their New York premiere with Chevy Chase and Chevy’s testimony before congress about childhood obesity.
All in all, it’s a packed disc and certainly one to look forward to.
Additionally, currently for sale is the abridged nutritional market version of the film. You can buy it from the Executive Producer here.
The Unabridged version will be out March 31 and is distributed by the Disinformation Company. I definitely recommend you buy this DVD, it is the best commentary I have seen so far. Check out the trailer below.
