dailymuscle.com

What’s in Your Shopping Cart?

dailymuscle — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:14:30 +0000

I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve had this habit for years… and I don’t think it’s a nice thing to do. But I love to peep… peep into the shopping trolleys and baskets of other shoppers at the grocery store. :-)

I’ve been doing this for ages - and you know what I’ve come to realise? I’ve come to a conclusion that the contents of someone’s trolley is a good indicator of the health/physique of the person buying it.

You’ll notice that those who buy tonnes of junk - like a lifetime supply of instant noodles, chips, preserved fruits, biscuits, colourful canned meats, sugared drinks, you name it they bought it! - usually have a physique that you’d rather not have.

Sometimes, you’d see an entire family that’s obese - and there would be so much junk in their shopping cart that it’s just too much for my brain to comprehend.

I mean.. no wonder they look like that - it’s the food they eat, and what they surround themselves with in their kitchen at home. We’re human - we’re not perfect - and we all have desires and urges we sometimes cannot control (which is why sometimes a full kitchen ‘overhaul’ is necessary if you find yourself giving in to eating junk, but more on that in another post soon.).

If I lived in a kitchen filled with instant noodles… it’s only a matter of time before I start opening them up, eating them, and allowing my health to go down the drain.

Trying to control your food intake, but you’ve got many tubs of ice-cream in your refrigerator? Well good luck, cos trust me - if a food is in your possession, you WILL eat it.

The next time you’re at the supermarket - try it (try to be a bit discreet though cos I don’t think it’s very polite! - especially if you’re caught).

So what’s in YOUR shopping cart?
Tonnes of processed foods? Or are you eating real food - lean meats, veggies, fruits, dairy - etc.

Here’s mine from 2 days ago:
*Oranges, lettuce, avocado, chicken meat and some shrimp.

Do share yours!

In health,
DM

Read also:

My Opinion on Asia’s FIRST Biggest Loser

dailymuscle — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:09:41 +0000

It’s almost been a week now since they crowned Asia’s FIRST Biggest Loser here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - and being one of the more prominent health and fitness blogs, and also someone who’s talked about the show quite a bit over the last few months here on my blog, I’ve had more than a few curious people writing to me wondering why I have had nothing to say about the crowning of the winner.

To be honest, I am not as shocked as most people are at what has happened. And as a week has gone by, it’s pretty obvious that all over the Internet, people are ‘unhappy’ about what the winner, David Gurnani, has achieved. Again.. I’m not surprised.

If you read some of the forums around, you’ll find that people are upset and are crying foul that David seemed ’sick’, ‘obvious that he starved himself’, won the title ‘unfairly’. People are saying ‘how can he be chosen to be the winner’, ‘he is not the picture of health’, and so on.

Well, I have one thing to say to you - ‘I TOLD YOU SO!!!’. (click to read)

I mean… what were you expecting?

In all fairness - yes, David is the winner because he lost the most weight - which is exactly what the show is about - weight loss. It doesn’t matter how you did it - just as long as you’re the lightest.

And yes, the transformations are amazing, jaw-dropping, and inspiring - but unfortunately, the show has not shown to millions of people that a healthy way of life is a realistic and an achievable goal. It has merely deceived everyone and set thousands of people up for failure already. People are now starting exercise programs and going on ‘diets’ thinking they’ll be 20kgs lighter in a few weeks - well, good luck. I just hope you’re not heavier 6 months down the road. What a huge blow to Asia’s obesity problem.

Please feel free to disagree with me, but in my opinion, anyone who thinks that David’s transformation is what healthy living and weight loss is all about needs to have their heads examined. Moreover, if you work in the fitness business and you’re speaking highly about what he’s achieved… then you need to consider another career - cos obviously… you’ve lost track of what you’re supposed to be doing, and I feel sorry for you.

On another note, I’m somewhat relieved because I know deep down that many people aren’t stupid and it doesn’t take a genius to realise that the ‘right way’ to weight loss doesn’t involve 8 - 10 hours of exercise per day, 7 days per week, and eating 800 calories per day. Come on… how the heck can you work out for 8 hours? I can’t even sit in front of my computer 8 hours per day!!

The Trainers

As for the trainers in the show - well yeah, there were some episodes where they may have shown some ugly sides, but I think that overall, they have done an awesome job. They have inspired and motivated thousands of people out there to get off the couch and do something. I had the privilege to have a really brief chat with Blue Team trainer Dave Nuku, and the Red Team’s Kristy Curtis on the day of the finale, and I think they’re great people who truly walk the talk and love what they do - and I look forward to watching them on the show’s second season.

So… with that, I’d like to conclude this post. It’s time for my next meal (I’m here at Bangsar, KL, and I’m SO gonna grab that grilled chicken sandwich from d’lish), as I intend to EAT, and not starve.

Oh.. and speaking about starvation… did you know…

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, India’s pre-eminent political and spiritual leader during the Indian independence movement undertook long fasts as a means of both self-purification and social protest.

And in 2010, David Gurnani ~~starved himself~~ followed the right dietary guidelines to win a grand prize of US$100,000.

Sorry - but if that’s what a healthy lifestyle, plenty of exercise, and strength training will make me look like… I’m giving it all up. Anyone wants my new pair of Under Armour trainers I’ve just ordered?

Fitness is a lifestyle, not a diet.
DM

P.S. - I’ve come to realise that some folks are pretty upset about my opinions of the show - well it’s too bad that you’re taking my opinions personally, cos they are not. I’m not condemning individuals, but instead, what the show tries to teach people. Take a step out of your shell and smell the air outside - realise that a majority of fitness professionals the world over, professional organisations, and even medical experts absolutely disagree with what the show is about - and I’m not just talking about the Asian version. So to that gentleman on Tuesday night who was really vocal and upset about my opinions… (I know you’re reading)… grow up. Shame on you for who you represent.

Read also:

Fitness Innovations Malaysia - A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

dailymuscle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:07:17 +0000

As I was working with a client at one of the gyms in KL a couple of days ago, I bumped into another personal trainer (which doesn’t happen very often because there aren’t as many freelance trainers as you think!)

Today was different though - it was more than the feeling of just ‘bumping’ into another trainer, but this particular trainer happened to be someone I coached for a few classes a few months ago, and she then went on to complete her personal training preparation course, sit for her exams, and today, she’s out there working with a client as a certified personal trainer.

It is a very good feeling to see someone progress in their career - and today I’d like to give credit where it is due. I’ve been meaning to write this post for quite some time now (almost two years!) - as gratitude towards Fitness Innovations Malaysia. I’d like to boldly say that career-wise, I would be nowhere close to where I am today if not for them.

In fact - it scares me to imagine what it would have been like if I didn’t take the bold step to get certified by the American Council of Exercise 2 years ago (I was from the 2nd batch of certified trainers coached here at FiT). Many of you by now, know my full story already (if you don’t, then read it here).

Even then, I was the blogger behind the country’s top fitness blog (you’re reading it right now).
Even then, I knew plenty about exercise.
Even then, I knew enough to get people into shape and to reach their goals.
Even then, I could navigate myself in the fitnes industry here.

But something was missing - just like how a freshly prepared meal can ‘look’ real tasty, but what if someone forgot to add the salt? It would be pretty flat.

And without my experience at Fitness Innovations - that’s what my career lacked - flavour.

Besides being prepared for the final ACE exams - Fitness Innovations was where I actually got a very real glimpse of life in the Fitness Industry. So more than just going for classes - it was the whole experience of it. (and if you’re wondering - I loved the experience so much that until today, I am still in touch with them, and often find ways to get involved with ongoing activities, workshops, meetings - or a quick meal downstairs with them.)

What is it that made it such an experience?

Just like how I’ve been able to set up a very successful business because what I’m doing runs deep through my veins - Fitness Innovations has seen tremendous growth and continues to inspire people simply because the founders and those that work there eat, live, and breathe fitness - and working there and doing what they do is simply the natural thing to do.

I know for a fact that Jerrican Tan (Managing Director) loves teaching, and loves learning too. In fact.. he’s a learn-a-holic.

Today Fitness Innovations has diversified and offers more than just the preparation course for the American Council on Exercise like when they first started in KL about 3 years ago. They’ve got a wide range of workshops and also prep courses for other organisations, the latest being for the NSCA which offers the much coveted CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist).

As I mentioned above - this post is long overdue - and wow, I didn’t really expect to write this much (in fact, I told myself just one paragraph because I didn’t want it to seem like I was deliberately promoting them - FYI, I’m not being compensated for doing this), but these were just things I’ve always been wanting to say, and my way of repaying the favour for all that Fitness Innovations has done for me and my career.

To everyone out there - especially if you’ve bumped into an ACE-certified trainer at your gym, chances are high that they’ve crossed paths with Fitness Innovations, and you’ve experienced the benefit of working with such a trainer.

So yeah, this was supposed to be a short post, which I had initially planned to just fill with photos from my experience with Fitness Innovations - so here we go - ’cause as they say - a picture is worth a thousand words (or in the case of this blog post - two thousand).

Revision - full length discussions on every possible topic. No stone is unturned!

Revision - a few days before the final ACE exam

First Aid - covered during the compulsory CPR/Basic Life Support Certificaton

Informal classes - laid back, casual, and very hands-on

Fitness testing - usually an eye-opening experience for who ‘think’ they’re fit

Games to make sure we don’t forget what’s important

Fitness Instructor Skills Course - Gives trainers a sense of what Personal Training really is about, and what it feels like to work with a client

Practical Class - keeping track of a client’s progress on the treadmill

Practical class - Everyone gets their chance to experience client/trainer roles

Putting what they learn into practice - heart rate measurement sites

To conclude this post - I’d like to end it with a little highlight on the next upcoming intake for the ACE PT prep course - along with a super-exclusive dailymuscle.com discount (see below).

ACE PT Preparation Course (April 2010 Intake)
“Learn the new ACE Integrated Fitness Training Model”

Intake dates:
Weekday intake: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday (10am – 1pm)
Weekend intake: Every Saturday & Sunday ( 2pm – 5pm)

Early Bird Promo
RM3,750
(inclusive of all study materials, excluding ACE exam fees of RM580)

Sign up 30 days in advance to get:
• COMPLEMENTARY CPR course (RM200 value)
• COMPLEMENTARY Fitness Instructor Skills CourseTraining (RM960 value)

Interest-free Installment scheme available

And here’s an exclusive offer only found here on dailymuscle.com - applicable for the upcoming intake : Get an ADDITIONAL RM100 off your course fee, but only if you enquire via the form below.

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Who Will Be Asia’s FIRST Biggest Loser?

dailymuscle — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:32:49 +0000

As we’re just days away from the crowning of Asia’s FIRST Biggest Loser - who will walk away with a cash prize of US$100,000?

Using the most unfair method possible to judge the winner, which is just actual weight lost on the scale - it only opens the competition up to cheating and drastic methods.

Think about it - if those contestants on the biggest loser gained muscle - they would be penalized. And how ridiculous is that? Penalize someone for gaining muscle?

Top that with a US$100,000 carrot dangling in front of them - I’m pretty sure that they would do almost ANYTHING - I mean… who wouldn’t? People will do crazy things for money - even if it meant exercising 8 hours a day, starving themselves, and dehydrating before the weigh-in (or murdering their best friend). It wouldn’t even matter if contestants ended up in the hospital - cos they’d be out the next day and start back right where they left off!

As the finale for the first season of the Biggest Loser Asia is next Tuesday morning (9 March 2010), that leaves them only 3 days to do what it takes to win. In fact… the next few days will be the most extreme that remaining contestants will ever go - it’s just that we don’t get to see it on tv - and we probably won’t even know what they did.

Already, we don’t see them exercising at the Fitness First clubs - where did they all disappear too? Did they suddenly decide to take a break during these last crucial days?

If you’re wondering what I’m going on about…

From the American-version:

Ryan Benson from Season 1 said:
“I wanted to win so bad that the last ten days before the final weigh-in I didn’t eat one piece of solid food! If you’ve heard of “The Master Cleanse” that’s what I did. It is basically drinking lemonade made with water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, pure maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. The rules of the show said we couldn’t use any weight-loss drugs, well I didn’t take any drugs, I just starved myself!

Twenty-four hours before the final weigh-in I stopped putting ANYTHING in my body, liquid or solid, then I started using some old high school wrestling tricks. I wore a rubber suit while jogging on the treadmill, and then spent a lot of time in the steam room. In the final 24 hours I probably dropped 10-13 lbs in just pure water weight. By the time of the final weigh-in I was peeing blood.”

FYI, Ryan fell back into his old eating habits after the show - in fact, he regained 32 pounds in 5 days simply by drinking water.

Season 3 contestant Kai Hibbard also blogged about the risky measures she took for the finale.

“She wrote on a blog that in the two weeks before the finale she severely dehydrated herself using asparagus (a diuretic), colonics and six-hour stretches of hopping in and out of a sauna. She lost 19 pounds, which as she joked, rebounded to her rear end almost immediately.”

And as the season for Biggest Loser Asia comes to a close - what are some of the ‘lessons’ we have got out of the show?

* Rapid weight-loss works
* If you aren’t seeing double-digits lost each week, you’re a failure
* The number on the scale is what’s important
* Eating well means depriving yourself (this resembles the crash diet mentality, something that isn’t realistic for your entire life)
* Willpower is the answer to weight loss
* You need to subscribe to their website to learn how the contestants lose weight
* Personal Trainers are mean ugly monsters that respond to the name Kristy

I’m just stating the obvious, but we all know, the show is unsafe - I don’t have to keep saying it. I’m just glad that no one died during the first season. (I really thought someone would).

So next Tuesday - I’ll be at the finale - to watch as Asia’s first biggest loser is crowned. It will be good to see who the winner is - after all, it IS an accomplishment.. but it’s just that the journey they took wasn’t a very good one.

I pray that they’ll be able to live a renewed life from that point onwards - and never look back.

In health,
DM

Read also:

How to use the BodyRedemption System to complement and accelerate EVERY fitness routine

dailymuscle — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:40:02 +0000

In conjunction with the launch of the BodyRedemption System, or BRS for short (and, which launches in less than 12 hours!) I got an email from a reader this evening - and I think she’s brought up a really great concern. For everyone’s benefit, here it is (it could possibly clear that nagging doubt you’ve been having):

Dear DM,

It is really unfortunate that I overlooked your BodyRedemption System Launch because I have just invested over TWO THOUSAND RINGGIT in a 13-week weight loss program (classes, group exercise, workouts, etc) offered at my gym a few days ago. But somehow, I just don’t have the confidence that it would work as promised. I am still going to give it a shot though. My question is this - can I still use your BodyRedemption System together with my 13-week program? Since yours is only a 31-day program, how will this work?

Gina

Hey Gina,

You’ve brought up a great question - and at the same time given me the opportunity to shed light on what could possibly be the BodyRedemption System’s greatest feature - versatility.

The BRS does not ‘tie-you-down’ or limit what you do in any way - but you are thought how to apply certain principles and habits which can complement ANY fitness goal - weight loss? Weight gain? Wanna feel better 24/7? Wanna take charge of your health and set you on the right path? No problem.

Even if you’re already in some sort of ‘program’, or if you’re already an active gym-goer - the BRS still works great - and would most likely dramatically increase the results of your efforts. Are you a group-exercise junkie? Hardcore bootcamp recruit? A school athlete? Recreational exerciser? Or even if your only form of exercise is playing the xbox - the BRS still works great because it focuses on the ONE THING that most other workout programs fail to tackle - Lifestyle Change. And we all know that Lifestyle Change is the true answer to permanent results.

The BRS gets you to make positive lifestyle changes - in a structured method which has been proven to work based on all my years of working with people and lifestyle change.

Although 31-days is how long the BodyRedemption System will take to ‘pass on’ the knowledge to you in a structured manner, the reality is that you have the choice to apply it at your own pace. Whether it’s 31 days, or 31 weeks even, is totally up to you.

You may one that chooses to perfect some of the skills taught in the BRS - maybe even get really good at it for a couple of weeks before you decide to move on to the next assignment.

Alternatively, the BRS can be something you run through with yourself every few months - like a ‘refresher’, to ensure you stay on track. I personally run through it once every 6 months in my own everyday life, just to keep me familiar, and to motivate me.

I’ve had clients who I’ve worked, applying principles of the BRS - some really brief (30 days) - and clients who prefer a transformation at a more comfortable pace (over a period of 6 months even) - you may be pleased to hear that both groups see the same results.

So to answer your question - just like how most people pop a multi-vitamin daily to ensure their daily nutritional needs are met - the BodyRedemption System too can be a daily ‘dose’ to complement, and accelerate the results of whatever it is you’re doing.

In health,
DM

The BodyRedemption System launches 1st March 2010 - and the launch discount (a whopping US$50 off the retail price) is only applicable for the first 100 copies sold. There isn’t a better time to head over to http://www.bodyredemptionsystem.com.

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How to Be an Overcomer - with the BodyRedemption System

dailymuscle — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:37:21 +0000

As we are approximately 72 hours away from the LAUNCH of my BodyRedemption System (BRS), and I’m still in the process of explaining what you can expect out of it, today, I’d like to add that the BRS really does go beyond the scope of your typical fitness/weight management product out there in the market.

As a Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant (American Council on Exercise), and more importantly, being someone who has PERSONALLY experienced the challenges, struggles, ridicule, and lack of support being overweight and not having the body I desire - I’ve given a lot of importance in the BRS to address these issues, along with ground-breaking strategies to be an Overcomer.

To give you yet another ’sneak-preview’ of what you can expect when you get your copy of the BodyRedemption System, some of the areas we will work on are:

1. Motivation

(as important as we all know it is, I must say that it is still often overlooked in any fitness program). Motivation needs to go beyond goal setting. It needs to go beyond your trainer reminding you every session to push yourself. It goes beyond someone telling you that ‘you need to be motivated’. It needs YOU to go on a journey of self-discovery and find out for yourself what fans your flame into a fire. And using the BRS, I guarantee, that when you do… you will find new strength and rock-solid determination that will propel you far towards the finish line, motivating you way beyond anything else you can sign up for - (no reality-TV show or jackass trainers with a heavy accent required).

2. Your priorities

Are you just all ‘talk’? Do you just claim to be living a healthy lifestyle? As Shakira the singer says - Hips don’t lie - so I’m here to say that your lifestyle doesn’t lie. The BRS will put you through a simple exercise/task that will expose the real you and let you see for yourself what’s really holding you back from achieving that body you desire. From there, the BRS will hand-hold and lead you to the next step until you truly become someone who walks the talk (and looks like it too!).

3. Your ‘environment’

Are you safe from things that could sabotage your efforts? What if I told you that your very own home, the one place where you thought you were ‘SAFE’ could be the one thing that has been holding you back all these years?

Look into your fridge, or kitchen - what are you stocking up on? Do the items you stock up reflect the body/lifestyle you’re desiring to get?

Or are you just kidding yourself?

Last but certainly not the least:

4. Working with your family

As much as they love you, your family/loved-ones/relatives could actually be the greatest hindrance to that healthier lifestyle you’re desiring. Don’t believe me? The BRS will put your family to the test - and show you how you can not only overcome the challenges you face at home, but to be a catalyst of change and get YOU to transform the lives of those around you.

Again, the above is just a glimpse of what the BodyRedemption System has to offer - I’m sure by now, you can see that the BRS goes way beyond what your regular Personal Trainer or your health club membership at the gym can possibly offer without costing you thousands of dollars - and the best part? I’m topping it off with a No-Risk, 100% Money Back Guarantee, so you’ve really got no reason not to sign up for what I consider to be the ‘next-generation’ of weight management programs - the BodyRedemption System.

Stay tuned for more updates over the next couple of days…

In health,
DM (Malaysia’s Top Professional Fitness Blogger)
Author, The BodyRedemption System
ACE-certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
ACE-certified Personal Trainer

Read also:

BodyRedemption System - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

dailymuscle — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:54:20 +0000

As we draw closer to the official launch of my BodyRedemption System on 1st March 2010, I’d like to shed some light on exactly how it works. I don’t wish to shroud my product in mystery or to trick anyone into buying it without being able to make an informed decision - so to summarize what the BodyRedemption System is…

1. What is the BodyRedemption System?
The BodyRedemption System, or BRS for short - is a 31-day Online Program that uses a habit-based coaching methodology, designed entirely by me. Over the years, in my own personal life, experience, and working with clients from all walks of life - I’ve come to grasp what the biggest challenge to an individual is - lifestyle change. And as simple as ‘lifestyle change’ may sound, it actually can be a bit overwhelming to implement in one’s everyday life because there just isn’t a guided method or approach to make these changes permanently - until now.

2. How does BRS work?
The system is delivered to you entirely online, via email. Everyday, for 31 days, you will receive carefully structured and well planned lessons, assignments, profound new knowledge based on cutting edge research, and life-altering material - all designed to get you to your fitness goal as fast as possible.

You will receive a daily lesson in PDF format - which you can print out or save on your computer. At the end of 31 days, you would have received the full complete BodyRedemption System.

To give you yet another sneak preview on what you can expect (in no particular order), here are some of the things you will master in the BRS:
- Consuming fat for maximum fat loss
- Kitchen makeover
- Set a fitness/weightloss goal you wouldn’t dare break
- Using progress measurements for continuous motivation
- Eat the carbs you desire and still get lean
- Meal timing - what to eat, and when
- A simple trick to avoid food rebounds
- Using protein for maximum fatloss/fitness goals
- Eating strategies ANYONE can follow
- How to shop at the grocery store for the best foods at the lowest cost
- How a professional photographer can help you reach your fitness goals
- Realistically eating multiple/smaller meals per day
- Motivation when all hope seems lost
- So much more!

3. So is it a weight-loss program?
Yes, and MORE. Being a program that is designed to effectively change the way you do things for good - how you eat, how you make food-based decisions, how you live, and more - BRS instills habits that will bring about a positive change regardless of what your fitness goals are - weightloss? weight gain? reduced risk of heart disease/hypertension/diabetes? improvement in your sport? No problem.

4. Will the BRS be easy to follow?
The BRS is designed to be extremely versatile - if you think you’re up for the challenge, you can complete it in 31 days - if you’re a little busy and would like to take it at your own pace - that’s OKAY too. As long as you complete all the lessons, assignments, and tasks - I guarantee that you’ll be empowered with the knowledge to not only change your world, but also those around you like your family and loved ones. why keep a good thing to yourself?

5. What if the BRS doesn’t work for me?
I have absolute confidence that the BRS would work for you. In fact, I guarantee it. But, if for some insane reason, you aren’t satisfied with your results - I’ll give you a full refund, AND you get to keep all the materials. What do you have to lose? (besides bodyfat)

The BodyRedemption System launches just next week on 1st March 2010 - and it costs as much as you would pay for 1 personal training session with a certified trainer. Just one small investment, for a completely revamped physique. To know more, and to qualify for the exclusive launch discount of a whopping 50% off the retail price, head over to http://www.bodyredemptionsystem.com now.

Read also:

How Taylor Lautner REALLY Transformed His Physique For “New Moon”

dailymuscle — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:24:09 +0000

Looking for that ’secret Taylor Lautner’ workout you can’t seem to find anywhere? Then you are at the right place.

I like observing ‘celebrity workouts’, and how people perceive them. Often, people tend to focus on the exact things their favourite celebrity did to get that Hollywood-approved physique - for example, how many reps did he/she do, how many sets, what time of the day did they work out - exactly what and how much did they eat, and so on. And we do that hoping that we too can look like our favourite celebrity.

I’m here to tell you that there ARE OTHER factors that come into play in your typical celebrity workout that we don’t realise, besides some celebs getting on performance enhancing drugs (come on… this is Hollywood - what did you think?).

To show you an example, today we’ll explore one of Hollywood’s latest physique phenomenon to hit the screen with an awesome transformation - Taylor Lautner, who took only a year between the first Twilight movie and it’s sequel ‘New Moon’ to go from scrawny to brawny.

Yes, you can pick your jaw up from the floor now.

Now, we’d LIKE to think that anyone who wants to achieve the results Taylor Lautner did in a single year, can simply start following his workout plan, ‘diet’ and tips - Right? Well perhaps that is what the magazines want you to believe (so that you’ll buy the next issue of some other celebrity workout), but I don’t think so. While I wasn’t able to track down Lautner’s exact workouts, here’s a summary of some principles that were part of his program based on his writeup in the December 2009 issue of Men’s Health:

Variety
Lautner regularly varied reps and the amount of weight he lifts.

Training Under Tension
Lautner attached giant rubber bands to the weights to create more tension, making the lift harder and forcing muscles to peak out at the top of the movement, says his personal trainer.

Training Smart
Lautner targets his abs only 3 days a week and does a combination of exercises to work his entire core. He didn’t waste his time performing endless crunches and sit-ups.

Not your typical exercises
Lautner needs a versatile body because he does his own stunts on the screen. He performed side-to-side exercises such as lateral hops and lunges in addition to traditional lifts, into every leg workout.

Rest
He trains hard, but also takes every third day off and never works out more than 5 days a week.

He also had this to say about his Personal Trainer:

He’s really talented. He helped me a lot with this process. He’s always on set, like, shoving food in my mouth. Literally, I’d be talking to somebody and he comes up with a plate. He wakes me up in the morning. He’s like, “Take this protein shake.” I’m like, “I’m sleeping.” Yeah, I have a lot of people to thank.

Now, does this mean that if you were to follow all the advice above - that you too would be able to experience a similar transformation like Lautner? If he handed his workout routine to you - would you be able to get his physique?

Well perhaps you’d see some progress - but you may be disappointed when you realise that you didn’t put on 30 pounds of muscle in less than a year, like Lautner did. So what’s the secret ingredient?

So, besides having a personal trainer who seemed to also double up as his babysitter and alarm clock, here are some things that I believe were fundamental to Lautner’s success - which probably wouldn’t occur to most people.

1. Motivation:
Taylor Lautner said that he started studying Jacob Black’s (Taylor’s character in the Twilight series) role in the 2nd part of the series and as he studied he realized a change was due from the physical perspective. If he didn’t gain the weight he needed and had a believable physique for the role, he probably wouldn’t get the role for the sequel.

Think about it - If you were told today that you would lose your high-paying job if you don’t get in shape in 6 months - how serious do you think you’d be? Would you still sneak in that Nasi Lemak or that Doughnut when no one is looking? Look at all those Biggest Loser Asia contestants putting their lives at risk for that cash prize - and all those eliminated from the show and exercising for countless hours for a mere RM10k. Motivation can drive you to do crazy things - and stick to your plan.

2. Seeking professional help:
A day after the first Twilight was released, Taylor Lautner hired a personal trainer.
If your idea of getting professional help is buying this month’s issue of Shape Magazine, you’re probably nowhere close to reaching your true potential.

3. Making it a Priority
Lautner never missed his workouts because ‘he didn’t feel like it’, got lazy, or had other appointments come up in the way. He always found a way to fit in his workouts - even if it meant having his trainer on location at the set.

When was the last you skipped a workout? And what was your excuse? Traffic jam? Left your shoes at home? Friends tempted you out for dinner instead? Couldn’t miss an episode of The Biggest Loser Asia?

I hope that this lengthy and for some of you, steamy (LOL) write up has opened your eyes that we are actually responsible for the results we want to see at the gym - whatever your goals are - fat loss, gaining more muscle, improving your endurance - it’s not some secret workout that is going to get you there, but a change of lifestyle, habits, and realising that you are where it starts from. If you put in a half-assed effort when you’re trying to transform your physique - you’ll end up with half-assed results. If you put in 100%?

Or 110%?

Now you know ‘the secret’.

In health,
DM

P.S. - My BodyRedemption System, which is due to be launched 1st March 2010 isn’t your typical ‘magic-bullet’ solution, but instead, helps you to work on transformation from the inside out to give you the results you’ve been dreaming of. Sign-up for free to be on the early-notification list and to get an incredible 50% discount off the retail price. Go here now: BodyRedemption System

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5 Reasons my BodyRedemption System is THE ONLY ONLINE TOOL you’ll need for TOTAL Body Transformation

dailymuscle — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:25:38 +0000

1. The Ultimate PERMANENT Lifestyle Change Guide - “Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime”.

I’m sure by now, I don’t need to tell you that the the only way to PERMANENT weight loss and a better looking physique is Lifestyle Change. We all know how to eat healthy, exercise, and how to go on a ‘diet’. But with so much information out there - how do we do this in an ORGANIZED and SYSTEMATIC manner? One which has been PROVEN to work? My BodyRedemption System is a daily step-by-step approach that teaches you HOW to make gradual changes to your existing lifestyle (no matter how hectic or unhealthy it may be) - getting you closer to your dream body.

No shortcuts/gimmicks/magic bullets here - but real advice and the exact coaching methods I use with my clients to bring about dramatic body transformations in a step-by-step easy-to-follow format. By the time you complete the BodyRedemption System, you would be skilled and comfortable enough to practice these habits for the rest of your life! Think of all that $$$ you can possibly save from medical bills 20 years down the road with a much improved lifestyle. I’ll teach you exactly how to do this.

2. No Counting of Calories

In real life, calorie-counting is very unrealistic for most of us. Imagine having to do math in your head every time you have a meal or look at a nutritional label. I don’t know about you, but I hated maths way back in school. :-) My BodyRedemption System teaches you HABITS to follow, rather than getting you to focus on what can/cannot be eaten. And we all know, that habits can last a lifetime.

If you’re hoping to get a calorie table for popular local foods - you won’t find that in the BodyRedemption System because realistically - calorie counts can vary from hawker to hawker as the preparations/recipes are different - therefore, the calorie counts are NOT reliable… so why bother counting? Any online program that makes you select your daily food intake from a drop-down list or pre-set table of pre-calculated calories are a joke.

3. Gym Membership? NOT REQUIRED.

Here’s a dose of reality for you - are you ready? If you look at the bigger picture, exercise plays a rather small role when you desire body transformation, compared to what you are putting into your mouth. We’ve all seen contestants in reality weight loss tv shows who exercise up to 8 hours/day for a week but yet see no progress at their weekly weigh-in - how is that possible? You see, you can easily ‘out-do’ a super-intense workout in just minutes with that extra-large ice blended coffee you’ve been having, for example. People have been focusing on the wrong things for far too long - and health clubs have been trying to push personal training services as the ultimate answer to your fitness goals. My BodyRedemption System will get you focusing on the things that ACTUALLY MATTER - and guide you step-by-step DAILY so that it is practically foolproof.

A gym membership CAN help, and exercise IS good for you - but so can a daily walk in the park and some basic bodyweight exercises which you can even do at home by your bed!.
*For everyone’s convenience, the BodyRedemption System does come with a 60-day workout plan for both beginners and advanced exercisers to ensure a you’re exercising correctly.

4. It is NOT a ‘Diet’

One of the top questions I get here in Malaysia from my clients when it comes to body transformation is “Can I eat rice?”. Our typical Asian diet is one where we rely on rice quite heavily - but we’ve come to associate that as being a bad thing. Over time, due to the popularity of low-carb and zero-carb diets, we’ve come to equate body transformation with a rice-less/carbless diet. This is the biggest lie of all. Though some people can tolerate carbohydrates better than others, it is simply not right and practical to eliminate food groups from our diet - it is unhealthy, and not sustainable in the long run.

My BodyRedemption System will teach you how you can manipulate your food intake with scientifically-proven strategies. Dying to have that plate of chicken rice? You can - and I’ll teach you how you can eat your carbs and still see the transformation you desire. In other words, the BodyRedemption System will teach you how to “Have Your Cake and Eat It Too”.

5. ONE-off purchase - guaranteed not to suck your wallet dry and sneakily sell you other services.

No monthly subscription, no automatic renewals to cancel in advance - the price of my BodyRedemption System is about the price of just ONE personal training session with me, or about the cost of your gym membership for 1-month. Best of all - it comes with a Money Back Guarantee - so you’ve got nothing to lose (except bodyfat).

And if you’re wondering - what do you need to be able to use the BodyRedemption System?
1. An email address.
2. A desire to change. :-)

Stay tuned for more updates, as I will be sharing more about the BodyRedemption System over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the OFFICIAL launch on 1st March 2010.

P.S. - If you’d like to EXPERIENCE the very same coaching lessons and habit changes I put my clients through to bring about awesome transformations - then my BodyRedemption System (to be launched mid February 2010) is exactly what you’re looking for. For more free information, head over to http://www.bodyredemptionsystem.com.

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Heartfelt Gratitude - A Moving Testimonial from a Client

dailymuscle — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:47:34 +0000

This blog post is more on a personal note, but nevertheless, something I’d like to share because I think it speaks volumes about what a Personal Trainer-Client relationship can be. So, if you’ve been dreading your workout sessions with your trainer at the gym… I’d like to enlighten you that there’s actually light at the end of the tunnel. Read on… :-)

I received a heartwarming testimonial from a client this morning (let’s call her ‘M’). We still have one more workout session to go, and I have had the privilege to work with her since mid-August 2009, seeing her fitness levels improve dramatically over those months.

Here’s a little history on ‘M’:
Just like most of my female clients, M came to me in August 2009 to lose some bodyfat - she is an experienced exerciser, a regular gym-goer (in fact, I consider her to be a very advanced Bodypump and Bodystep participant), and even had a fantastic Personal Trainer at Fitness First before me - so in other words… I had big shoes to fill.

Now, I didn’t expect this testimonial from her, but I am really proud to get it - proud of her, and proud that I’ve been able to make such an impact in her life.

So here it is, unedited (except for the part she calls me by my real name), for you guys to read.

Subject: Heartfelt Gratitude

Dear DM,

I feel sad that our sessions are ending and am compelled to write my thoughts about how you’ve impacted my life. So bear with me ok? One of the highlights of my life in 2009 was having you as a trainer.

In retrospect, hiring you was so much worth it than buying a Gucci (which I’ve bought anyway). You’ve changed my life in the sense that I’m more informed about eating healthy and exercising. I’m applying what I’ve learned from you every day. This is invaluable to me. I’m proud to have you as my trainer and I make sure everybody knows this. I’ve met PTs who tried to sell their services to me but I proudly told them I have an AWESOME trainer. I so admire and respect your work ethics - you walk the talk.

My one regret is that I wished I had taken the time to get to know the person behind the trainer better. From what little I know of you, you’re a kind, considerate and genuine person. You give and share unselfishly. Believe me there aren’t many of your kind out there and I’m thankful to have crossed path with you. Perhaps we could chat over coffee (and cupcakes) sometime.

My heartfelt gratitude for your kind attention and guidance.
God bless.

At the moment, M’s boyfriend has been telling her that she’s lost enough of weight and that she HAS to stop! (though that’s not the reason our sessions have come to an end). Also, I am really glad that she has also progressed to include other physical activities to continuously improve her fitness levels.

On another note, if you’re out there currently working with an awesome Personal Trainer - I’d like to encourage you to take time to tell him/her how much help they have been to you, and to give them some feedback (it’s an effective way for us trainers to know how to improve and to progress you further).

Plus, you’ll really make someone’s day. :-)

In health,
DM

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