When was the last time you picked up a new hobby or interest? When you started, did you just wing it and hope for the best, or did you study up on the topic?
If you’re anything like me, you probably did your fair share of research about the subject before committing your time and money.
Before your first triathlon you most likely read up on the best bikes/wetsuits and training programs. Before brewing your own beer you probably watched some youtube videos on the process.
When it comes to our most passionate hobbies, we love to nerd out! We’ll read everything we can, watch youtube videos, join forums, and have entire groups of friends solely because of our passion for that interest. It could be golf, gardening, fishing, painting, hiking, trail running, tri’s, rock climbing, hunting, reading, movies, BBQ, wine/beer, cigars, etc.
It doesn’t take us long to become pseudo experts on the topic.
Ask someone who likes to fish what test line and lures they prefer and they’ll light up! Chances are, they’re probably pretty darn good at it too.
Turns out, the more time and energy you put into something, the better you get!
So, what about nutrition and fitness?
If you’re reading this email, you’d probably describe yourself as someone who is passionate about health and wellness. But when is the last time you went out of your way to educate yourself on nutrition or training?
(Reading article headlines your old college roommate posted on FB or hearing on GMA that meat is worse than cigarettes doesn’t count.)
Imagine if you put as much time and energy into educating yourself on health as you did your favorite hobby. How much could you stand to learn? How much better could your results be?
I’m not saying you need to go out and pursue a master’s degree in exercise science, but some general knowledge can go a long way.
Here’s a quick quiz:
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What’s the difference between white rice and brown rice?
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What is the physiological response to doing something for 6 reps vs. 12 reps?
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What is the progression order to attain your first pull up?
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What is a complex carbohydrate?
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What are the three macronutrients?
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What are the best exercises to perform to eliminate back pain?
How’d you do?
Feeling like you have some room to improve?
Today, everyone with an iPhone and an instagram account is a fitness and nutrition expert. You have to be careful because there is a TON of B.S. getting thrown around online.
I’m going to share with you all my most trusted fitness and nutrition ed. resources. All of these podcasts, books, websites, etc. are the same resources that I educate myself and our staff on.
No matter what your current knowledge base or goals are, these resources can help each and everyone one of you reach the next level.
Podcasts:
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Renegade Radio
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The Weekly BJ (BJ Gaddour Fitness Podcast)
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Mind Pump
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The Model Health Show
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Trained
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Whoop Podcast
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Dr. Ruscio Radio
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Ben Greenfield Fitness
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Shrugged Collective
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Found My Fitness
Websites:
Precision Nutrition.com ( Arguably the most useful information available online)
Breakingmuscle.com
GirlsGoneStrong.com
DrJohnRusin.com
TonyGentilcore.com
BretContreras.com
Stongfirst.com
Instagram Accounts
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StrengthCoachTherapy
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BenBrunoTraining
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JayFerruggia
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PrecisionNutrition
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NatalieKollars
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MikeRousell
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PrimalSwoldier
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SmittyDiesel
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TheDailyKelsey
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BJ Gaddour
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FrancheskaFit
Books
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Fat Loss Happens on Monday
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Never Eat Alone
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Atomic Habits
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Any Dan John Book
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Becoming a Supple Leopard
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New Functional Training for Sports
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The New Rules of Lifting for Life
That’s probably a good place to start.
If you could commit to one hour a week of education, over the course of a year that would be the equivalent of a three-credit college course…FOR FREE (if you’d like to borrow any of the books let me know).
Not only will you improve your general knowledge and have some cool facts to impress your coaches with, but I GUARANTEE you’ll have amazing results to show for it too.
Stop leaving your health and fitness up to chance and take control!
If you have any questions or don’t know where to start, send me an email today (Jeff@gagestrengthtraining.com) and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.