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…

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

• 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

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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