Happy 60th Birthday, "Coach"

Happy 60th Birthday "Coach"... by:JGreene
Coach Ronnie Vinson, who in the last three months has added Art of Strength to his training regimen has gone from "Rookie" to inspiring "Vet". A former NFL Player for currently the best team in the league and my favorite New Orleans Saints, "Coach" is no stranger to hard work. So what better way to spend your 60th Birthday than working hard; and by working hard I mean AOS Vintage Providence. Coach Vinson has been a trooper attending class 5-6 days a week; did I mention he rides our tues, wed, thurs, RPM Cycling Class. Can you say machine? Well, Ronnie we definitely appreciate your support of AOS, but more so, we appreciate your hard work. Congratulate "Coach" on 60 years and counting and encourage him on his journey to become lighter, more flexible, and more efficient. Thanks Coach.

Ladies of the Tuesday night at 6:30 pm AOS class

The ladies setting no limits and no boundaries to their training. We are very proud of them all. Keep up your fantastic work and don't stop being the best You.

The Men of AOS

We wanted to share with everyone the two stars of AOS, Mike Breckenridge & Dr. Greg Kroeger. They both showed up to AOS class with no intention of being photographed. Being the great sports that they are they were featured in the Healthy life section of the Abilene Reporter-News. Thank you gentlemen and we appreciate you both.

Teaming Up by A. Bustos

This blog is about two people that I highly respect and that I am very proud of. Roberta & Craig Shewmake are two that I train every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in a small group AOS training sessions. The dynamic duo have truly changed themselves. Roberta and Craig have lost weight, inches, increased strength, lean muscle mass, flexibility, and stamina. They have done it all. Craig wanted to gain lean muscle and run far and long and Roberta wanted to lose 15 lbs by Christmas. They both have achieved their goal and they are ready to do more.

Since July they have been doing different routines, keeping each other accountable, and living life. They both have improved themselves and I know they would second that. Yes, both might say a few threatening comments while doing interval training or picking up that heavy Kettle bell. :) But they keep coming back for more. This is dedicated to them. Thank you two for your hard work and your willingness to change YOU.

Enjoy the pics and video feed.

Craig does interval treadmill training, and he explains. Now he discusses his journey.

AOS brand Wednesday Night 6:30 pm

Hello everyone,

Well I thought you all might enjoy some photos of those doing the AOS brand class. I know they would appreciate seeing themselves all sweaty!!!! Well here ya go. Thanks V, Greg, Whitney, and Wesley, I appreciate your hard work!

Pictured above: Wesley Ballard, Geoffrey Powers(how did he get in there), Whitney Mascorro, Greg Kroeger, Vanessa Quintero: they are all performing the Overhead squat looking at the camera. Bad form! Just kidding, thanks guys for posing.

Video Testimonial

Excellent testimonial by Dr. Whitney Mascorro, OBGYN.

Bells and Babies:

Check out this article from Stacy at Punch Gym/AOS and one woman's journey to continue staying in great shape while 7 months pregnant. As always if you have any questions feel free to ask us. Come see us.

Nutrition question of the day? by A. Bustos

Today I had an excellent question about eating after exercise. What do I need to be eating after I exercise my tail off at an Art of Strength session?

Thank you for the question. Now, on average a person has 30-45 minutes to replenish the nutrients that the body lost during a tough exercise session. If you are exercising and keeping your heart rate above normal, and you are challenging yourself this means a lot to you. There is a 2 to 1 ratio when dealing with a post exercise meal. You need to at least to take in 15-20 grams of protein with at least 25-40 grams of carbohydrates depending on weight and height. If you are limited on time and you do not know what to cook for dinner a great way to put the nutrients back into your system prior to an exercise session is to a post workout shake.

Since I work at Hendrick, and since I am a huge believer in post workout shakes, I highly recommend trying the shakes. Some are high in calories and some are not. The shake crew make them to your liking and plus they have nutritional guidance on them all. There are also protein and carbohydrate shakes that are sold their also. I am not trying to get very technical with a post workout meal because I do not want to confuse anyone. The easiest and a very beneficial way is to put something back into the system as quickly as possible. Drink a shake(it has the ratio that the body needs to replenish), or try a protein shake in cooler.

Remember if you wait longer than 45 minutes to replenish the body of what it lost, your body will find somewhere else to get the energy that it needs to give you energy. For example, it will eat away at your muscles. So if you are a runner and you run for long periods of time, and seems that you are unable to put on muscle, it is because you have ran out of fatty tissue to burn. Your body now has turned to its muscle to burn. That is the reason that there are not "heavy" competitive long distance runners. These guys are very lean and practically made of bones.

Do not wait until you are starving because if your goals are to lose weight, you will pig out on everything in site. You must keep the body feed with small meals or snacks throughout the day so the body feels full and satisfied. Remember if you want the best results you must feed the body high nutritional valued food. Be good to yourself, if you feel guilty eating, then DON'T DO IT.

Thank you for your questions.

MJ and Anthony Diluglio: "This Is It"

Hey everyone hope you all had an amazing weekend. We here AOS Abilene had quite the weekend ourselves. We had the honor of hosting Michael Jackson and Anthony Diluglio (founder of Punch Gym and Art of Strength). Check them out.

AOS Training by A. Bustos

I talk a lot about the benefit of doing AOS. I did some research and I came across a old picture. I tell everyone that this type of training has been around for many years. But our society has changed so much, we forget what truly got us strong. I know that we see a lot of strong men on tv that are the size of a mountain. Yes, these guys are very large men that are strong. But what did the first strong men look like. Why are there still strong men exercise lift records that have not been broken in over 80 years? What did a strong man look like? What type of lifts did they do. Well here is a picture that sums up what we are trying to do at Hendrick. I am not trying to make you a strongman, but rather I am trying to help people to continue to move and have fun doing it. Just think of the amount of low back injuries that people might of had compared to people of today. I guarantee that the numbers are not even close. Why were the early people of the 20th century not geared to be injured like today. Well, because people knew how to move with weight. They were not training sitting down on machines. They were moving the body the way it was suppose to. You were meant to move in different planes of movement. No matter what age, gender, talent level, athletic ability, it does not matter you can exercise with passion. Why do the samething over and over and over again, like the treadmill for years and years, and stay the same? Why? Why not do something fun and challenging that takes less time to reach goals? Why not? Man, I'm all for the fun route. Anyways, check out the photo it sums it all up, WHY NOT?

Yeah the weight that Arthur Saxon(on the left) is moving is not pink or colorful, but he is moving it with passion. There is a purpose. In his left hand, behold, the Kettlebell, yes people it is safe and has been here for years. People get hurt when they do not know what they are doing. They do get hurt or injured when they workout hard for one day, and there last exercise session was 15 years ago. Yes, people be safe and effective. Be efficient with a purpose.

Oh by the way, Arthur Saxon is most well-known for the bent press(above right) with which he set a world record of 370 lbs. Yes this record was set in the early 20th century, and still has not been broken. Look at the guy, small, lean and mean, but strong as ever. Just think no man has even got close. Wow! This type of training that is being implented in the Art of Strength is like no other. It is safe and effective, why not be the best you so that you can take on the world.

The Sumo Deadlift

Ropes gone wild

This Is The Art of Strength: The Movie

Check out the newest Art of Strength video. Thanks to all of who participated in this particular and to all of you who participate in our program daily. You all are amazing! We at the AOS Training Center are so happy that we can go on this journey with you and that we can all be a part of your goal reaching, body altering, life changing experience.

Deserving of appreciation by A. Bustos

Well I felt that this article deserve the article of the year award. It put life and training into perspective. This article is delivered by a supporting cast at another AOS training center. I am glad that I am among this great group. It is an honor to know that there are trainers out there trying to change and help individuals to succeed. Thank you and check this out! Click on the link and the article is at the bottom of the page.

www.artofstrength.com/womens-page/womens-page-50.aspx

"Of Course you Can!" By: J. Greene

In my time with AOS, I've two phrases more than any other; One being a question and the other being a statement. "Can I do that?" and "I can't do that." My response, "Of course you can." Check out Lil J. Greene (Jaxon-22 months old) as he performs what we call a 'Sumo Kettlebell Deadlift'. One the movements we perform in the Art of Strength Class.



For him, it's just playing with this fun toy at Daddy's work. For us it's exercise, so we assume we can't do it, or because it is exercise we feel we need permission to do it. Sometimes we just have to go back to being kids. When a young child plays a game of 'tag', they don't see it their 'cardio work' day. While they are running, exerting energy, and increasing their heart rate, thus improving their quality of life...they're just playing. When they are picking up object and throwing them, lifting sticks and rocks above their head, playing on the jungle gym, whatever the case may be, it's not the dreaded strength training day that we all hate. No, its just playing. We've go to get back to this. How do we do this. Get out of the same ole, same ole routine of treadmills, bench press, curls, and leg extensions, followed by a "AB" routine, and do something else. You hate it, your body hates, and quite frankly you bored out of your mind. Oh, your not, then why is it, every two weeks your looking in the newest fitness magazine or watching the latest episode of Oprah featuring Gunner for the latest quick fix. And if that's not you then you are probably the person who replies to the question, "how's it going" with "same ole, same ole...just trying to make it...be better when its over...or...I hate this, why do I even do it?
Okay so, I apologize didn't mean to step on any toes, was actually just pumped about my son, and wanted to show him off. So sorry. With that being sai d, "Can I do that?" Of course you can. "there's no way I can do that". Of course you can. Of course you can.

It's just another day at the playground. And I assure you the more you do it the better off you will feel and the more you feel like a kid again.

The Perfect Deep Squat by A. Bustos

Today something great happened, we now have photographs of the perfect deep squat. Some ask, "why do you squat past the point of parallel?" , and "it's not good to go so deep while performing a squat. Well, if you attend an AOS class, the instructor always discuss the importance of gaining full range of motion for the entire body. The deep squat is a huge part of AOS, and it is one of the most important movement exercises. Now, if you are one that does not believe in performing the deep squat, and you don't believe we should, then here is my argument.

In the photograph above we have the example of the deep squat. This is performed to perfection by a 13 month child that has no idea he is doing a "deep squat". Thank you little one. We all no matter who we are have the ability to do this . It just so happens that over time we lose the ability to do so. Everyday, I see individuals increase their mobility by performing exercises on the bandit loops, using kettlebells, and other tools to assist them in getting into this position. We all have this full body movement cability, yet over time we lose because of inactivity. Doing and peforming different movements in AOS can and will increase mobility and flexibility. You just have to be willing to change and improve. Wow! what an incredible pictures.

Thanks to L&L

AOS Testimonial featuring Geri

Well,

Here is another great Art of Strength Testimonial. This features one of first clients, one that has stuck with us from the beginning. She has made gains and more gains. I am very proud to have her in our group of AOS clients. She is an inspiration to us all. Her name is Geri. Geri, is a woman with a huge appetite to make herself better each and every time! Thank you Geri for your hard work and keep it up because you are headed to the top! This question and quote was taken from Geri and these are her words!

How has Art of Strength helped you in achieving your goals? Have you noticed personal changes? What are they?

I have gained confidence, and strength. I am amazed every time I am there at the changes in my body. The stiffness is gone, the joint pain has disappeared I feel more agile and my body moves better. I have lost two pant sizes and feel all over better mentally and physically. This spills over into every part of my life. My employer has noticed my confidence growing to the point I was given a promotion to a position with more responsibility.


Enjoy the photos

It's Official...J.Greene & A.Bustos are AOS Kettlebell Certified

After months of training, the hardwork has paid off. Here's is J's video A's will be posted soon. Thanks for the support. Tell all your friends that aren't involved in AOS they are missing an amazing opportunity to change not only the way the look and feel, but their overall quality of life. Check us out at:
www.hendrickhealthclub.com/aos/

J. Greene AOS Certification Test--28kg! from justin greene on Vimeo.

The "Guiding Light" to a "Changed Life" by J.Greene

Much talk has been carrying on through the Hendrick Community about the new Art of Strength Program. With buzz word being tossed around like, "Life Changing" Is all this talk true? Sometime the words from a familiar face become just that familiar. "There goes those trainers coming up with the 'coolest new' workout" is the thought one may be jostling around in their head. "Is the Art of Strength really life changing or is it just another fitness craze?" I assure you this, AOS, is not just the newest craze and it's not just in Abilene. In fact its much bigger and impacting more than maybe we even know. Now, maybe for the everyday, middle age woman who works and has a life filled with children and home life, the fact that the NFL's Tennessee Titans and World Champion Boston Celtics doing this program, doesn't hit a spot. But maybe a woman with a life, a career, a husband and children, it will. See how for one of daytime television's most famous stars, wife, and mom, The Art of Strength and kettlebell training has become the main reason why at 45 she looks and feels better than every; not to mention her 49 year old husband does as well.

watch these videos, they are great, especially the first one.
click link:
http://www.artofstrength.com/beth-and-kettlebells.aspx

"The MOTHER OF THREE" by A. Bustos

Now I always discuss the importance of changing up your exercise routine. I now have a testimonial that backs it all up. Art of Strength is a very challenging exercise routine that requires a great deal of muscle recruitment. So if you want to change yourself it does just that. I recently asked one of our talented and hard working Art of Strength clients to answer some testimonial questions. With those questions we got incredible responses. Here is a direct quote from "THE AOS mother of three"."After having a baby it took me 5 months of hard training to reach my goals. With Art of Strength it has taken 8 weeks to get the same results. Where I usually peak in my fitness level, AOS will take me past it."If you want to lose weight, increase strength, tone up, increase flexibility, Art of Strength is the greatest program for this. You have to want to change and improve yourself. Like I say daily this program is LIFE-CHANGING. To the AOS "mother of three", thank you very much for your hard work and continuous support of such an incredible program.

Life / Mind change by A. Bustos

Yesterday,



One of my training clients told me something that inspired me to tell you all. What she said was this, " Age is only a mind set". What an awesome quote to follow. Whenever I meet with someone for the first time going through an orientation session, some say "I cannot do that", "There is no way!" Every SINGLE time they prove themselves wrong. I see it every single day that somebody in one of classes or semi-private groups proves themself wrong.

Now, the majority of the people that have experienced AOS Abilene are adults, both men and women, ages ranging from 21- 95. The quote that came from my client sits the latter part of this demographic. She came to terms with herself that "Age is only a mind set". She also said that if "You want to change, and have the heart to want to change, then you WILL". Well, this client has changed in short amount of time, she has lost weight, improved mobility, increased flexibility, and has set a mindset that will change HER forever.

This just goes to show that Art of Strength training is for all wanting to change. Thank you for your hard work!

It's Official...

It's Official...The first only Art of Strength Training Center has made it's grand opening in good ole' West Texas, Abilene, that is. We launched our new training center inside the Hendrick Health Club, voted Abilene's best health club for 3 years running. This is an great addition as this program not only houses the "best cardio tool for 2009" (Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, and Hers Muscle & Fitness) in Ropes Gone Wild, but also unique old world equipment with a new twist. Integrating this equipment with the knowledge base of our instructors, we are reaching new heights in the fitness industry, thus creating an atmosphere in which success in inevitable. We here at the AOS Training Center @ Hendrick are more than excited and most eager to see this new culture of exercise supersede the label of "trend" and becoming a way of life for years to come. Thank you to all of you who have outlived your comfort zones, stopped running in place, and entrusted a program that places much value in you reaching your goals in fitness and physique as well as in your quality of life. Its you the people that make what we do not only successful but enjoyable everyday, thank you. So if you look up one day and realize your bored and tired of doing the same old thing and tired of being a hamster on a treadmill, tired of spending countless hours in the gym with results minimal to none, come check us out at the Art of Strength Training Center.