In training, psychology can often be the most important factor.  Losing your concentration or drive cam kill your progress.  Getting your head set right is the best way to ensure a good workout and to ensure your ultimate success.  That is not only true of fitness but in all other areas of life as well.  Deep, I know so I’ll move on

Common mistakes in training have more to do with mental blocks and have nothing to do with physical inability. One mistake I see is saving energy for later sets. Whether conscious or unconscious the result is the same.  They know that there are more grueling sets to come, so they save some energy in reserve to complete later sets.  What they fail to realize is that the workouts are designed with that in mind.  If you can do more in later sets that means you have not given all out effort in previous ones.  I’ve been at this a while and I can always tell when a client is not giving it their all.  Some even try to fake it by feigning fatigue and making false pain faces. It’s amusing to me, but it does them no good.

When I see this happening I always use the same example of a guy who succeeded against all odds, simply because he refused to give up.  Yeah it is a fictional example, yes it is from a movie, but it is a cool movie so shut up. It’s a fairly long setup, but stay with me for the payoff.

In the 1997 movie Gattaca, Ethan Hawke play’s Vincent. Set in the near future Vincent it one of the only natural born people, born into a world where the rest of the population is genetically enhanced. Anyone natural born is referred to as “in-valid”, while the genetically enhanced are known as “valid”.

 At birth it was determined that Vincent would not live past 30, and had no real chance of achieving anything in life. Not being one of the elite, his dreams of going into space are denied to him based on his genetic inferiority.  Vincent refuses to let that stand in his way and begins his journey into space by impersonating an enhanced person, and conning his way into the space program.  This is of course no easy task. 

There is a murder within the space program so an investigation is launched, headed by Vincent’s enhanced brother Anton.  Vincent had nothing to do with it, but he must avoid any suspicion that could uncover his true identity while avoiding his brother who believed Vincent died years earlier.  Of course he and his brother finally meet up.

Anton cannot believe that Vincent is alive yet alone successfully masquerading as a valid. When they were children, Anton and Vincent had a swim race in the ocean to see who could swim the farthest. .  Vincent won that race, and in fact had to save his enhanced brother from drowning.  This was of course unimaginable.  Now adults, Anton challenges him again.  As they swim away into the darkness, Vincent pulls farther and farther ahead, beating his brother once again. Finally Anton calls out and says they are too far out, they must turn back. But he first asks this question:

Anton: How are you doing this, Vincent? How have you done any of this?

Vincent: You want to know how I did it?  This is how I did it, Anton: I never saved anything for the swim back.

Like I said long set up, but there’s the pay off: Never save any for the swim back. Think about that for a moment.

The most successful clients I train hit each set like it is the only set in the workout. There is no other set, just the one you are doing now. Apply that philosophy to your training and you will see your results skyrocket. Get your head in the game and give it your all.

PS: Go rent Gattaca.  It’s a great story (I left out quite a bit) and actually very inspirational.  Uma Thurman and Jude Law are in it as well.  Definitely worth seeing.

Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness
joshua@carterfitness.com
http://carterfitness.com
818-337-6175

Incase you haven’t been paying attention, I freakin’ hate cardio. I think it is boring and ineffectual. And I hate it – did I mention that part? There are lots of alternatives that I use in its place, both with my clients and for myself. One I really like is bodyweight circuits. You can do them anywhere and they will still kick your ass. I barely hate them at all. Here is a basic example:

Bodyweight Squats x 15
Push ups x 15
Lunges x 8 (each leg, alternating)
Reverse cruches x 15

Rest 30 – 60 seconds and do it again. Shoot for anywhere from 3-8 total circuits depending on your level. Have at it.

Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness
joshua@carterfitness.com
http://carterfitness.com
818-337-6175

SPECIAL BOOTCAMP ANNOUNCEMENT
2 WEEKS F*R*E*E*

Can you afford to lose a few pounds?

Would you like to look and feel your best by summer?

If you answered yes to either question above then this may be the most important letter you read...

I don't know about you, but for most people this is the time to really kick things into second gear because summer is just a couple of months away. See, as a personal trainer this is the second busiest time for us (other than New Year).

So I got to thinking...

Most likely you want to start working out and getting in shape, right? And since our fitness bootcamp is the perfect solution for your permanent fitness and weight-1oss goals. We though this would be the perfect time to make you an offer that you simply could not refuse.

Between now and July 4th we're offering a f.r.e.e two week membership to all West Hills residents who are serious about finally achieving their fitness goals. If you're ready to stop procrastinating and start shrinking then this offer is for you.

Our fitness bootcamp is for women (and men) who want maximum results in minimum time. The outdoor group fitness classes are designed to fit all fitness levels. Our motto is "no camper will be left behind". It doesn't matter if you have five or fifty plus pounds to lose - this program is for you.

But there is one catch...
We can only take on 13 new campers. That's it.

So if you want to take advantage of this f.r.e.e no catch - no obligation two week membership then you need to go to www.crbootcamp.com right now and click the register button.

Or you can call 818-337-6175 and we'll set you up on your two week membership over the phone. But, to get this special offer you must register before July 4th.

Here's where to go:

http://www.crbootcamp.com

Of course if you have any questions feel free to reply to this email or call us at 818-337-6175 and we'll be glad to answer any question you may have.

You deserve the firm, tight and toned body of your dreams, don't you? Here's your chance to get it!

Committed to your success,

Joshua Carter Carter Fitness CRBootcamp.com P.S. Join us f.r.e.e, this Saturday at 8:00 AM at Lazy J Park in West Hills for a fun and adventures workout! Bring a neighbor, friend, or  family member - we're going to have a blast! http://www.crbootcamp.com <~ get your two week trial membership here.

Do the lazy days of summer have you worried about your waistline? You should be.

If you haven't noticed, it is officially bathing suit and shorts season, a time during which most people actually gain weight. Rather than joining the ranks of those who will put on another few pounds this summer, you can decided right here and now to drop weight during the hottest months of the year.

All you have to do is have a plan.

Most of the time extra pounds sneak up on you when you least expect it. Use these three tips to make this the summer that you slim down.

Slim Tip 1: Get Moving
During this time of year the summer sun beckons, drawing us to our favorite outdoor destinations. Instead of spending your day flopped out in the sun, make your outdoor day an active one - your waist will thank you for it.

• At the Lake: If you are an able swimmer, there is no better way to burn calories than by taking a vigorous dip.
• At the State Park: State parks were made for calorie burning activities! Take a hike that matches your fitness level, or bring your bike for an all-day adventure.
• At the Beach: Be a beachcomber for the day as you walk along the water. After your walk start a game of volleyball or Frisbee on the shore.

Slim Tip 2: Surviving Starbucks
It is hard to avoid Starbucks these days - there seems to be one opening on every corner - and most have a line out the door. During the summer coffee drinkers everywhere have one thing on their minds: the frappuccino. Now while I can't endorse any sugar-filled drink, I would like you to know that not all cold beverages were created equal

• Your Best Bet: If you want a refreshing caffeine boost look no further than an iced coffee. It is just as refreshing as any cold beverage and it contains less than 20 calories (even the Venti.)
• Frappuccino Fix: If you have to have a frappuccino, then order a tall Light Blended Frappuccino without whip. This contains 140 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. Way less fat than a regular frappuccino.
• Lose the Whip: If you are standing up right now you may want to sit down for this one. The average plop of whipped cream on a blended coffee beverage contains 13 grams of fat! Do I even need to say more?
• Your Worst Bet: If you are wondering just how detrimental a coffee beverage can be to your weight loss effort then let me introduce the Venti Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino Blended Creme with whipped cream. This beverage weighs in at 720 calories and 25 grams of fat. Yikes! That's like losing the benefits from an entire week of working out.

Slim Tip 3: Lighten Up
Summer heat can give you a unique edge towards your fitness efforts since increased temperature is a natural appetite suppressant. Use this knowledge to your advantage by purposely cutting back your calories at each meal.

• When you dine out cut back your portion by splitting an entrée with a friend. Most restaurants will be happy to do this for you and your friend will benefit from the cut in calories too.
• Chisel down your breakfast calories by exchanging your breakfast sandwich or eggs and pancakes for a refreshing cup of yogurt.
• Who said soup was only good in winter? Soups (ones that are not cream based) make a satisfying and filling dinner with fewer calories than your typical fare.

Like I said, when it comes to dropping pounds this summer you need to have a plan. This means ditching the excuses and asking a qualified fitness expert like me for the right program for you.

Is it really that easy? Yes.

So where do you begin? Just pick up the phone and give me a call or simply reply to this email and let me know that you're ready to get in the best shape of your life.

You can do that, right?

For dinner tonight use a small plate instead of a full sized dinner plate. It sounds simple, but you will actually eat less off a small plate than you would a full sized plate. This is a great way to encourage smaller portion sizes without feeling like you are being deprived.

This quick homemade teriyaki sauce spices up ground chicken burgers for a taste you will love. Try it with a whole wheat bun or on a pile of brown rice for a tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Yields: 6 servings

Here’s what you need...

• 1 lb. fresh lean ground chicken
• 1 cup corn flakes cereal, crushed
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger root
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

1. Heat grill. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Shape mixture into 6 patties, 1/2 inch thick.
2. When ready to grill, lightly oil grill rack. Place patties on gas grill over medium heat or charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until burgers are no longer pink in center, turning once.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 burger) equals 180 calories, 7g fat, 14g carbohydrate, 16g protein.

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About the Author: 
Joshua Carter is a certified personal trainer as well as a fitness and fat loss expert. With over 15 years personal training experience, Joshua has developed training & nutrition protocols that have delivered proven results in half the time as traditional programs.  These successful protocols have been shared with a select few trainers who assist Joshua with training at his Carter Fitness in West Hills, California.  His facility offers personal training for those who live near West Hills , Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth and Calabasas.

Email: joshua@carterfitness.com
Phone: 818-337-6175
Web: http://carterfitness.com