Beyond My Control
*Quick heads up before I begin today’s article. The Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells are on sale again! $279 for a set of 552′s with the stand included and free shipping. Just put in code “SPRING552″ at checkout and the stand will be added and the discount applied. They usually only stay on sale for a few days so if you want them act now! I get no kickback or anything … just passing along a good deal! Click here to go to their site = BOWFLEX 552 DUMBBELLS
And now on to the topic I wanted to discuss today …..
There are things that are beyond our control. No doubt about that. Tornadoes, for instance, don’t kindly take a left turn if we ask them to. We have to accept the things we can’t control.
However, there are a lot of things we CAN control, and far too often I see people adopt a victim mentality and act like they are doomed to be overweight, unhealthy, and unfit because they THINK they have no control over their circumstances. Most of the time, they DO. The question is, will they step up and take responsibility?
For instance, do you ever hear yourself say these things (either out loud or to yourself) =
I can’t eat healthy because my wife / husband / boyfriend / girlfriend won’t do it with me.
I can’t eat healthy because I’m a student and am forced to eat what my mom cooks.
I can’t eat healthy because I can’t afford it.
I can’t eat healthy because I am too busy.
I can’t eat healthy because I travel and eat out all the time.
I can’t workout because I have too much work / homework / chores / parental obligations / etc.
You get the picture. The list is ENORMOUS. And I hear it every day. People don’t mean to “play the victim card”, but it’s often much easier to blame someone else rather than own our decisions.
So you work long hours and don’t feel like working out at night after a long day? Neither would I! Get up early and make it a priority. I’ve seen it time and time again that people who will prioritize their workouts first thing in the morning, even if it means getting up before 4am to fit it in, will stick with it and make a lifetime change. Sure, waking up at 4 may sound crazy if you stay up till 11. How about you start doing it for a few days and you’ll naturally start going to be earlier to make up for it.
So you live at home and mom makes casseroles every night. Eat the veggies and then go chug some protein powder. Then look for opportunities to educate her on healthy meal options. Chances are, if a teenage boy comes up to mom and says, “I want to look like the teamRIPPED guy, so go buy me Shakeology and creatine”, mom will laugh and say NO WAY! Instead, start making wise choices yourself, and learn everything you can about nutrition so that you can coach mom. Go to the store with her and point out the good options. Ask if you can have grilled chicken. Make a big deal about how yummy and healthy the meals are that she makes that will fit your diet plan.
So the others in your life aren’t lining up to root for you and cheer you on? Neither did mine! I met with tons of resistance from everyone in my life. You can’t set out on a journey like this unless you are willing to do it alone. Most won’t want to follow (at least not initially). So what. Lead by example. Eat healthy even while everyone around you is eating junk. They are all waiting to see you fail. Prove them wrong. It took a good 5 or 6 months of me working out and eating clean every day before my wife got on board. It’s been great ever since, but there were many times I was “on an island” doing this alone. But I was determined. And I’m glad I stuck with it because it’s made a huge difference in my whole family …. not just for me. My wife works out every day now, and I have nearly everyone in my family drinking Shakeology, dialing in their nutrition and making wise choices, and seeing huge health benefits. That’s so rewarding. But it didn’t happen overnight.
Bottom line — don’t be a victim. Take the challenges head on. Be strong in your resolve. Plan to succeed. Get creative with your diet, your schedule, your workout equipment …. but don’t make excuses or blame others.
Those who want it bad enough will find the way. I’m not telling you it will be easy. I’m telling you it will be WORTH IT!
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Tdanza it is my pleasure! Thanks for plugging in!
Ok got it I'll do it! :)
Stomach discomfort.. Like having a lot of gas in the stomach, frequent trips to the loo
Hey Vee, how is it that you can do the workouts while having gas but not the ab work? I am still not understanding that. If you are actually sick, that's another thing (read my article "getting sick?" for more on that). But if you just have gas, I'd say do your ab workout!!
Hey coach. Is it fine if i miss 2/3 of the Ab workouts this week because I'm having stomach wind and a little fever. Will it affect my progress?
Hey Vee, it's not ideal to miss workouts. What is stomach wind? It allows you to do the workouts but not the abs?? How is that?
Great article Coach! One question, I read this article about 3 weeks after you wrote it and of course the dumbbells are no longer on sale. Did you sign up for some notification list for sales? I would love to get some for the price you saw. Thanks
Hey Ron, people who have purchased from Bowflex get email alerts when big sales come up. I always let everyone know when they happen (via this website, our facebook teamripped page, etc) so stay plugged in and you'll be able to take advantage of the next sale!
Was anyone able to order the bowflex 552's with the code provided by coach? I ordered them and says is "processing".
Well the early morning, the late afternoon/evening. But coach I just got an epiphany! I'm thinking I should ask for some space at the local church, and leave home an hour early, and spend another hour and some on the way home. Thanks for the suggestion, coach!
Hey coach, This is quite off topic somewhat, but since this lifestyle change, I have been trying to putting the time management principle on other things such as getting my required 2:40 hours of guitar in as well as an hour vocals but, is it an exuse to seem to find that the noise making early morning and evening isn't fair to others? There must be a loop-hole. Just wanted to hear a suggestion from the 'no exuse' king.
I don't know your situation Kimberly (if there are places you can do your guitar and vocals without disturbing others, or at a time that doesn't disturb others). What options do you have?
hey coach I cant wont be able to workout for a about a week or two, i pulled my trapezius muscle. I cant turn around my head so much, so i wont even be able to do some jogging. should i stop taking creatine during this time. thanks
Hey MC, if you are out of commission for 2 weeks, then yes, stop the creatine during that time. But stick to the diet while that trap heals!
Wooooooooooord up my brotha from anotha motha :)
I've been struggling with keeping up with weights as well. I started p90x with sets of 5, 10, 15, and 20lb iron dumbells from Walmart and Dick's. While I love everything about them I'm quickly out growing them for curls, and am essentially wasting sets on lawn mowers. I looked at the bowflex and the powerblocks. The powerblocks felt kind of awkward in my hand, and while the bowflex seemed more comfortable, the display models in 3 of the 4 stores I've demoed them in have been broken. That makes me a little nervous. While I may eventually get some on Coach Wayne's endorsement, especially if they go on sale again, in the meantime I bought a set of b-line bands from beachbody. Only $100 with your member discount and more resistance and variety than most of us will ever need (especially the black band). Not as versatile as weights, but it makes the law mowers into the mother of all workouts!
Hey Coach Wayne ...Great article... I have a job where I'm dealing with customers everyday in retail. everyday every minute every second i have a customer who needs help. It seems impossible to get my meals in on time. Any advice?
Hey Woostley, I think many of us can relate to being swamped at work all day. If your issue is that you don't know the exact time you'll be able to eat, that's not a big problem. Just be sure you are eating every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day. Even if your lunch break isn't at 12:00 noon every day, that's not the point. If what you mean is that you only have very short breaks in which to eat, that's not a problem either. If you plan ahead and take foods that are quick and easy to eat, you can eat lunch in 5-10 minutes if you have to, no problem. Take your snacks and meals to work, and choose things that don't require cooking or prep. Just eat!
anyone who wants to buy bowflex dumbbells and you live in Canada i have your solution, and its called ebay! I thought that i just might add this for anyone looking for them because we don't have the sales the USA has. I bought mine from a seller on ebay and they came fully packaged, mint condition, wrapped and in pristine condition. The beauty of it was that they were $180 with free shipping from vancouver BC. Make sure you search hard though and make sure to check out the seller before purchasing. In my case these were a steal and they came as if the were shipped straight from bowflex themselves, no joke!
Coach, Question. I am eating about 1 cup(dry) of oatmeal a day. I don't really see an issue but all these myths running on the internet make me think twice. I should be ok right? I am obviously meeting my targets. Also I know we talk a lot about our nutrition. Does the same applies to women?
Hey Marlon, as you may have noticed if you read my article from two days ago showing my current diet, I eat oatmeal twice per day myself. It's a great carb source for slow digesting carbs. It won't hurt you at all if you are hitting your targets. And yes, the same principles apply to women, although their calorie totals will be less (as I outline in the "dialing it in" article if you have any ladies wanting to know what target amounts to shoot for). Hope that helps!
Oh well, I guess I missed out on this one. Thanks for bringing it to our attention coach. By the way, how did you know this deal was going on? Next time it happens I want to be right on it so I can make sure to purchase a pair first thing. Is there some type of alert you can sign up for or something?
Hey Luke, I did alert everyone within minutes of the sale on the teamRIPPED facebook page. Be sure you "Like" it so that you'll see time sensitive updates like that next time!
on bowflex website the 552 Select techs are out of stock right now!?
Wow they're sold out. That was quick. Talked to them on the phone and they said they only set out a certain number and when they sell out thats when the deal stops. So congrats on those who ordered that was definitely a bargain! I already have them but was inquiring for some buddies. Usually Amazon has some good deals, especially on the 1090's so check that out too guys. Thanks again Coach Wayne for this info great article!
Just tried to order the Bowflex dumbells online and its stating that their out of stock. Coach, do you know if i can order via phone i could possibly get a rain check?
Hmm, the advice in this article works in all areas of life!
the 552 are out of stock:(
The bowflex dumbbells are now out of stock. Would I have any luck calling them? I definitely want to take advantage of this deal
IDK Luke, you can try and see what they say.
sean i use the boxflex 552's in very tight space......man i love them
Hey Coach Wayne What an excellent article..1st id like to say thanks for the free sample of shakeology..I def look forward to purchasing some down the road..It tastes great! 2nd this article is what i needed..I push play every day. I futures trade 4m 10:30am to 1(side job) and work 4m 2-10pm. Get home round 10:45 see wife and kid n its x to work out at midnight. So i come to ur website to get tips, advice n especially MOTIVATION to work out. You hit on key words such as determined-priority-step up n take responsibility and dont be a victim. Tony always says change is good so ill try 4or5am and see how that works out. I got a week and 1mo of P90X left n look forward to sharing my results...Thanks Wayne for the MOTIVATION!-Andy
My high school football coach always told us "work around your workout, don't workout around your work".
the excuses are not on my list im a full time student (18 Years) and i woke up at 5 am to have breakfast the workout and not to mention a make all my meals for the day.. (6 meals).. is all about the motivation and commitment you have... I own you that coach Wayne because you were part of my motivation and then i decided to make a commitment and here i am still making good progress sometimes i fall but I get up and continue this long journey... Thanks Coach...
Glad I was able to help out with the code. Im really excited about getting mine.
Great post Coach! The bottom line is.... YOU HAVE TO WANT IT! YOU HAVE TO BRING IT!
Sean, I would venture to say that most people will use the 552. The 1090's are nice for doing exercises that are not part of P90X. Unless you are very strong. I personally can't see myself using more than 52.5 on something like P90X. Except on lawnmowers I can and have use a lot more than 50 lbs. at the gym. But take those shoulder exercises, no way I would press more than 50 lbs. STANDING. And I have never been anywhere near 50 lbs for curls. But I can see people getting there though. I have done shoulder presses and chest presses at the gym with as much as 80-90 lbs. But again on a bench. I can't do that standing(NO WAY). I would break my back. Everyone is different though. You can always resale them on Craigslist and upgrade to 1090. Bowflex and Power Blocks have good resale value.
AMEN, Coach!
Quick follow up do most use the 552 or the 1090's? [Sorry for somewhat hijacking the thread with bowflex questions] but looking at craigslist I think I can get pretty good $ for my current set in exchange for something more consolidated with more range of options in terms of weight.
I use the bowflex dumbbells and they are great! So quick and easy to change/adjust the weights with no need to pause the DVD (unless you are gasping for air from the actual workout LOL) It is definitely a CHOICE to workout and dial in on nutrition to get into the best shape of your life... take care of your body, and your body will take care of you! btw, p90x2 rocks so much i may want to do another round! am i in the minority? I know most people would rather switch it up for round 2 and do some sort of hybrid schedule with p90x, insanity, and/or asylum...
Hey Coach, Thanks for the awesome tip. Unfortunately this code doesn't work in the Canadian site :( Would you happen to have any more codes that might work in Canada? Cheers, Matt
Matt, I don't know of any codes other than "march" and "march552". Sorry!
Coach, Chris, Thanks for the information on the dumbbells. I placed my order last week and paid $426 dollars. I just called Bowflex and they gave me the credit for the new promotion...savings of $128 dollars. It pays to stay connected to the team!!! BTW...Great article coach
Sweet Saul!!!! That's great that they did that!
Sean, I think a lot of people use the Bowflex. I recently got a set myself. They are pretty good. Also, for strip sets, it's a 5 second operation and if you have the stand, I would say 2. I don't have the stand but I can see why it can be handy. Also, if you can't buy them now, just pause the dvd and change weights asap. Another thing is that you don't even need to listen to Tony on this move. We know what the exercise is. Drop sets 4 times. You don't need a pace. Just do 8, drop, and do it again. The only annoying exercise with the Bowflex is the Congdon curls. I pause the dvd and do one arm at a time. IMO, it's more effective. If not, you have to open your legs a bit more to accommodate for the size of the Bowflex. It really is no big deal when you realize how quick you change weights and how much space you save. As for how wide they are, the ONLY time they feel funny is if you are using anything from 5-10 pounds. Otherwise, it feels ok.
The 552s are alright I guess. I greatly prefer the classic series powerblocks. No moving parts or springs. Just simple tech that is sturdily built. Thanks for the notice though.
How often does bowflex do these sales?
Hey Dave, these sales by Bowflex come along every 3 months or so it seems.
Does anyone here use the bowflex dumbbells? My biggest limiter right now is going up (and sometimes down in weight for strip sets etc I go 10-20-30-35-40) that's my current set of weights that I got at a garage sale for $50 but any more weight is expensive. I kind of hate the adjustable/screw on weights because the bar is so wide I feel like they're always colliding or whacking my leg. Mostly I only need the heavier for the lawnmowers etc my static arm curl is a 35-40ish on a good day
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Your post, and your awesome website, really inspired me! I'm 17 years old, and in the middle of conditioning for Fall High School Varsity Water Polo (I'm a goalie) and I've wanted to shed this fat and get ripped like you for years! The other day I asked my mom if she could, indeed, purchase all of these supplements(shakeology, creatine, R/R etc). She thought I was crazy because she says all of those have "dangerous substances"! Not to mention they're quite expensive. I can't blame her. What I learned from this post is to never to give up, and that, like doing modified pull ups with a stool, there's always some other path to take to get the results I want. Thanks for your informative posts and your inspirational words. Since mother doesn't want to buy shakeology, it looks like it's time for me to get a job! Keep up the great work!
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