Rant #17 – Jillian Michaels: The Quagmire

TV Trainer Should “Return Her Kettlebell

“Quagmire” an awkward, complex, or embarrassing situation [as defined by dictionary.com]

Jillian’s back with her new Kettlebell DVD.  And she has successfully shown millions of Americans

how to hurt themselves.

Epic Fail - Jillian Michaels

This has zero to do with what kettlebell “camp” you are from…and everything to

do with an acceptable agreement of form.

Yours Truly was quoted regarding my fondness for Jillian in this Yahoo! article (Read everything here)

This ranks HIGH on the …

Awesome Meter

I am sure that Jillian is a great person.  In fact some day maybe we will meet and we can talk shop.

All I’m saying is as a “fitness professional” we have a DUTY to change this planet and do so in a way that

EMPOWERS people to take back control of their fitness, exercise and nutrition.

Oh yeah.  According to sources Jill only “plays” personal trainer on TV.

Welcome to Hollywood.

Welcome to the BeatDown.

Crank it!
B-Rad

Want to learn proper technique with Kettlebells?  Check us out here:  RAD Boot Camp

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Nitro Plays with Grip Balls – Lame Exercise #17

Nitro – Lame Exercise #17 -the Grip Ball

The Grip Ball is a lame substitute for real “kettle ball” workout.

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Crank it!
B-Rad

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St. Paul Kettlebell Classes – Paula Thielen Before and After Transformation

Today’s St. Paul RAD Boot Camp Kettlebell Classes Before and After Transformation Spotlight is Paula Thielen.  Paula came in not knowing the wrath that was about to be upon her.  She was looking to tone up and get better conditioning.  Her results are a by-product of just that…

“I feel MORE CONFIDENT at the beach!”

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes Before and After Transformation - Paula Thielen

Body Fat LOST     -2% body fat
Inches LOST         -5 inches+
Weight LOST         -7 lbs+
Jean Sizes LOST   -2 jean sizes (4 to a 0)

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Awesome Paula!

Crank it!
B-Rad

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Woodbury Personal Trainer Before and After Body Transformation – Greg Merth

Here’s what Greg has to say about Woodbury Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp

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Crank it!
B-Rad

P.S. Would you like a 1 WEEK Complimentary Trial to Woodbury Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp?

Click on this the Banner…

RAD Boot Camp - 1 Week Complimentary Trial

Woodbury Personal Trainer Brad Nelson helps Greg Merth lose lose 69lbs+ and fit back into jeans he wore in high school.

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Woodbury Personal Trainer Before and After Body Transformation – Jill Olson

Woodbury Persoanl Trainer Before and After Body Transformation - Jill Olson

Here’s what Jill has to say about Woodbury Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp

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Crank it!
B-Rad

P.S. Would you like a 1 WEEK Complimentary Trial to Woodbury Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp?

Click on this the Banner…

RAD Boot Camp - 1 Week Complimentary Trial

Woodbury Personal Trainer Brad Nelson helps Jill Olson lose lose 9 lbs+ and LOVE her bikini again.

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St. Paul Personal Trainer Before and After Body Transformation – Kathi Burger

St. Paul Personal Trainer Body Transformation Before and After - Kathi Burger

Here’s what Kathi has to say about St. Paul Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp

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Crank it!
B-Rad

P.S. Would you like a 1 WEEK Complimentary Trial to St. Paul Personal Trainer and RAD Boot Camp?

Click on this the Banner…

RAD Boot Camp - 1 Week Complimentary Trial

St. Paul Personal Trainer Brad Nelson helps Kathi Burger lose 71lbs+.

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July 1 – 2009 Halfway Mark

Yesterday was July 1 2009.  2009 is already half gone.  2010 will be here in a flash.  Are you where you want to be?

I am on track to hit most of my targets this year.  So far I have achieved…

  • 3 consecutive Ring Muscle Ups
  • Trampoline – back handspring, front flip, back flip
  • started Bending steel
  • Launched “Nitro” which has become a entourage favorite (he’ll be back soon!)
  • Held the first ever Million Inch Challenge

and a few more.  Some of my training goals are on hold because I found something that may actually fix my back and allow me to hit huge PRs at the end of this year and into the beginning of next year.  So I hit a fork in the road that was semi-forced.  Over the long haul, this slight deviation in training will yield much greater development.  So I’m cool with that.

Now what about YOU?  How many of your Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) have you met?

Big Hairy Audacious Goals

Why
or why not?  I don’t deal well with excuses.  If you have forgotten the
mass excuse list go here:  What’s YOUR Excuse?

How many training sessions have you missed?
How many healthy meals have you missed?
How many times have you told someone that 2009 is going to be the year to hit your body transformation goals (and so far you’ve fell short)?

Are you serious about getting in the best shape of your life yet in 2009?  You have 6 months.  We can do a major overhaul in 6 months.  I’ve seen it and you’ve seen it in the before and after pictures on this blog.

When you decide it’s time to “Crank it” visit here:

Crank it!
B-Rad

P.S. I also have 1 slot open for online training.  Serious inquiries only.

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Woodbury Personal Training Fat Loss Before And After – Kerry Larson

Today’s Woodbury Personal Training Fat Loss Transformation Spotlight is on Kerry Larson.  Kerry has been attending Kinetic Edge / RAD Boot Camp classes for over a year.  However, in the last 12 weeks he decided it was time to “Crank it!”  Here he is with a hard core kick in the ass of what can be accomplished in 12 weeks.

Kerry Larson’s Weight Loss Before and AFTER

Kerry Larson - Before Woodbury Personal TrainingKerry Larson - AFTER Woodbury Personal Training Fat Loss Transformation - RAD Boot Camp

Kerry Larson - Before Woodbury Personal TrainingKerry Larson - AFTER Woodbury Personal Training Fat Loss Transformation - RAD Boot Camp

Kerry’s QUICK Stats

12 Week Transformation

Body Fat LOST  -11%+

Inches LOST -6.5 inches

Weight LOST -28 lbs+

Jean Sizes LOST -2 sizes (size 38 to 34)

Woodbury Kettlebell Instructor - RAD Boot Camp

Here’s what Kerry has to say about classes at RAD Boot Camp…

I was frustrated with my physique and have been for many years.  After reading about kettlebell training, I attended my first kettlebell class 36 hours later.  I got my ass kicked (and enjoyed it) in my very first workout after thinking I was in some type of decent physical condition.

In the last 12 weeks I have lost 11% body fat, 6.5 inches 2 jean sizes and 28+ pounds all while increasing my strength and improving my cardio. Overall I have realized more goals in the last 18 months than I had ever attained In the past 20 years!

Kerry Larson – Bayport, MN
Age 50
Co-Owner and COO Fresh & Natural Foods
Husband & Dad

Woodbury Kettlebell Instructor - RAD Boot Camp

Kerry in the HOT SEAT

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  Take me back a year or two …where you were physically, mentally, etc…  Everything previous to RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic Edge / Kettlebells?

Kerry: Prior to Kinetic Edge, I had been doing a fairly consistent routine of weight lifting and spinning classes at our local fitness club. 3 to 5 mornings a week of spinning classes for cardio(45 minutes) followed by a 4 day split of weight lifting . Day 1 chest, tri’s, legs….. Day 2 back , bi’s, shoulders. Days 3 and 4 repeated 1 and 2. Same thing day in day out. Very boring. Overall, consistent workouts, but when I left the gym it all went downhill. I figured that if I worked out that much I could eat pretty freely.   WRONG ANSWER!!!!!!!!! Bottom line…a lot of work for minimal overall results. Mentally, I was frustrated with my physique and have been for many years. Diets had worked in combination with exercise, but like all diets they eventually fail…….. Lifestyle and mindset changes work!!! That is where you Brad, came in to the picture and turned things upside down

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What were your biggest frustrations about your body?

Kerry: The size of my gut!

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  How did you meet Brad / come into contact with RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic Edge / Kettlebell Training?

Kerry: My wife had brought home a copy of a GQ magazine in the attempt to ” try and dress me up a little bit”. During the course of my “courtesy reading” of this copy, I came across an article about kettlebell training. After reading the article, I knew this was something I wanted to get involved with. After going online and searching it out I came upon Kinetic Edge, picked up the phone called and talked to you a couple of times. After that, I came in for a couple of intro sessions and was hooked into this style of training.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  Were you skeptical to try RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic Edge / Kettlebell training?…Why?

Kerry:To start with…no. After reading about kettlebell training , I was excited and ready to go. Then I attended my first class….. 36 hours later, I became skeptical because of the pain I felt. I realized that I had just got my ass kicked in my very first work -out after thinking I was in some type of physical condition. Another…..WRONG ANSWER!
Not only was I now pissed, I was hooked!
St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What was different about RAD Boot Camp from anything else you’ve tried?

Kerry: Being able to get a complete body workout in 45-50 minutes while never repeating the same routine twice.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  Were there any myths busted for you at the boot camp?  (i.e. women getting bulky, men participating in an “step aerobics class”).

Kerry: The only myth busted was the one that I thought that I was somewhat in shape.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  Discuss your thoughts on the Accelerated Fat Loss Eating Plan.  Did it change your thoughts about food?  Is it a plan you can continue to follow?

Kerry: The plan works if you follow it. More importantly, it is, and has become for me a lifestyle change. If you are going to change yourself, you are the one in control. There are no reasons that you can’t change, they would only be excuses. Regarding my thoughts on food, the old saying “eat to live, do not live to eat” has become a reality. The Eating Plan is one that, at its core, any person can follow as I intend to.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What specific changes have you seen in your body/ confidence / attitude?  (clothes size change, inches lost, body fat lost, pounds lost)?

Kerry: I have reduced inches off my body, increased my strength and improved my cardio capacity while realizing goals in 18 months that I have never attained over the past 20 years.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What’s your favorite body part now AFTER your transformation?  Why?

Kerry: Abs. It has always been the most visible weakness.
St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What is your #1 “secret” as to why you finally got the results you were looking for?

Kerry: I changed my eating habits while maintaining an aggressive workout schedule with you.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  What would you tell someone like yourself who is on the fence about starting RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic Edge classes?

Kerry: Get off the fence and get in here. Follow the program and it will change your life.

St. Paul Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp

Brad:  Sum up RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic Edge classes in 5 WORDS OR LESS…


Kerry:
Intense, Fun, Unique, Result Oriented
Kerry “Cranked it” for during the 12-week Million Inch Challenge.  Props to you Kerry!
Crank it!
B-Rad

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Million Inch Challenge Before and After Weight Loss – Vote for the Winners!

The First EVER Million Inch Challenge is complete.  12 weeks.  Training, workouts, eating plan.  All included.  Those who competed were competing against THEMSELVES.  It all came down to accountability and the finalists all came, did, and kicked some ass!

I want your vote on who wins and where they placed.  Vote in the “Comments” section.  The winners will receive the following gift to RAD Boot Camp / Kinetic EdgeSt. Paul’s BEST Fitness Boot Camp!

1st place – 6 months Unlimited classes ($870 Value)
2nd place – 3 months Unlimited classes ($485 Value)
3rd place – 1 month Unlimited classes ($195 Value)

Woodbury Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp | Kinetic Edge

Muhaz Fisseha

Muhaz Fisseha Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss ChallengeMuhaz Fisseha Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss Challenge

Muhaz Fisseha AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Challenge

Muhaz’s QUICK Stats

12 Week Transformation

Body Fat LOST  -5 %+

Inches LOST -11 inches

Weight LOST -6 lbs+

Jean Sizes LOST -1 sizes (size 4 to 2)

Woodbury Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp | Kinetic Edge

Kerry Larson

Kerry Larson Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss ChallengeKerry Larson Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss Challenge

Kerry Larson AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch ChallengeKerry Larson AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Challenge

Kerry’s QUICK Stats

12 Week Transformation

Body Fat LOST  -11%+

Inches LOST -6.5 inches

Weight LOST -28 lbs+

Jean Sizes LOST -2 sizes (size 38 to 34)

Woodbury Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp | Kinetic Edge

Trish Tierney

Trish Tierney Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss ChallengeTrish Tierney Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Challenge

Trish Tierney AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Fat Loss ChallengeTrish Tierney AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Challenge

Trish’s QUICK Stats

12 Week Transformation

Body Fat LOST  -2 %+

Inches LOST -3.5 inches

Weight LOST -11 lbs+

Jean Sizes LOST -1 size (size 9 to 7)

Woodbury Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp | Kinetic Edge

Emma Berryman

Emma Berryman Before Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch ChallengeEmma Berryman AFTER Woodbury Personal Trainer | Million Inch Challenge

Emma’s QUICK Stats

12 Week Transformation

Inches LOST -3.5 inches

Jean Sizes LOST -1 sizes (size 8 to 4/6)

Woodbury Kettlebell Classes - RAD Boot Camp | Kinetic Edge

All of you did a “Cranked it”!  Thank you for disciplining yourself and changing lifestyle habits (and donating your body to science ;)

Crank it!
B-Rad

P.S. In the near future, there will be a 16 week contest.  You will be able to morph your body into the best shape of your life, IF you follow the plan laid out EXACTLY.

P.P.S.  You’re still here?  VOTE for the winner.  Go on now…VOTE!

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What’s YOUR Excuse? | Rant #13

Excuses.  Excuses for NOT doing something–in this case, exercise–are actually REASONS FOR DOING SOMETHING.  Self-talk is powerful.  Carry around a notebook for 48 hours and write down EVERYTHING you say to yourself.  Let me know the heavier scale…positive vs. negative self-talk.  Here is SHORT List of excuses I hear on a weekly basis…

What’s YOUR Excuse?

I don’t have time.

I’m too busy.

I travel a lot for my job.

I have 2, 3, 4 kids.

My doctor says I’m “OK.” (aka: “I’m LAZY.”)

I just had a baby.

I’ve tried 7 other exercise programs and they’ve all failed.

The gym intimidates me.

Exercise is boring.

I’m too old.

I’m too young.

I’m too fat.

I’m too thin.

I don’t know where to begin

I have a thyroid condition.

I’m on too many medications.

I’m depressed.

I’ve tried 17 diets they’ve all failed.

Exercise is painful.

It’s too expensive.

I’m too out-of-shape.

I’m not ready for commitment.

I don’t have any equipment.

I’m too tired.

I have to get in shape BEFORE I start kettlebelling or personal training (huh?)
[if what you've been doing were working, we wouldn't be having this conversation.]

And my ALL-TIME FAVORITE…I have a hang nail.

Seriously?  Really?  I know you have a problem.  That’s why your circling the blue skies “thinking” about looking better naked instead of “DOING” something about it.

When I was 16, I developed a MAJOR low back problem at the time.  I am sure this was developing over time and then one day “BAM!” I bent over to tie my shoe and could not get out of the fetal position.  After some X-Rays here is what I discovered…

A spondylolisthesis.  I actually have 6 lumbar vertebrae instead of 5 (maybe that’s why I’m so screwed up ;)   and the 6th one has a hairline fracture which is basically permanent.  Here’s what MY back looks like…

Brad Nelson - spondylolisthesis - kettlebell, deadlift, hard core strength training

Yes this is an x-ray of MY LOW BACK.  Notice how the last lumbar is shifted forward 30+ % off my tailbone.  Remember, this was discovered when I was 16 years old playing hoops and running track & cross country.  Now I am 32 years old and feel better now than I did then.  In spite of this “condition”, which by the way is as common as 1 in 8000 people, I still am LOVING feats of strength and training my ass off because I love strength and conditioning.  And I am doing all of it PAIN FREE!
Here’s what I’ve accomplished since discovering my low back being not “normal” (what IS “normal?)

  • All Conference Basketball
  • Average 3 pt field goal % at 42% in HS senior season
  • All-time leader most 3 pters attempted in a season
  • All-time leader most 3 pters made in a season
  • All Conference Track & Field
  • 1600 m (1 mile) PR 4:47 / 3200m (2 mile) PR 9:41
  • All Conference Cross Country (HS only had Cross Country my Senior Year)
  • 5000m (5k / 3.1 miles) PR 17:57 (1995)
  • Deadlift 495 lbs at 196 bodyweight

Brad Nelson - 495 Deadlift - April 2008 Tactical Strength Challenge

  • Snatch 32kg (70lbs) kettlebell for 95 reps in 5 minutes @ 196 lbs bodyweight
  • Double Snatch pair of 40kgs kettlebells (176 lbs) x 3 reps
  • Double Pistol (1 Leg Squat) pair of 28kgs (124 lbs ) kettlebells for 1 rep each leg

…you get the idea.
This is NOT meant to brag on me.  It is to show you that despite circumstances out of my control, I chose to continue down a path I loved.  And because of it “what doesn’t kill you, MAKES YOU STRONGER.”

Here’s what I did about my back “condition”…

Mobility.  I specifically recommend Z Health Performance.

Kettlebells.  I specifically recommend Dragon Door Kettlebells.

  • Turkish Get Ups
  • Windmills
  • RKC Arm Bars
  • Military Presses

Save up to 30% on Dragon Door's classic Kettlebells

Mobility + Kettlebells completely fixed my low back condition.  I feel and perform better now at age 32 than at age 16.

Now what’s YOUR excuse…I mean YOUR REASON ??

Crank it!
B-Rad

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