It’s always a blast at Iron Brotherhood!
Book recommendation
I am studying this book now and it is one of the most informative I have read in quite a while, and I read a lot of books.
Scott Iardella shows numerous reasons why strength is so important all through life, but especially as you age. He covers some subjects in depth that many people may not have looked into before, like muscle wasting (sarcopenia).
The Edge of Strength: An Unconventional Guide To Live Your Strength And Discover Your Greatness
The “night shift” at the Cave
Training after a long day at work takes extra discipline, but it is worth it!
Closing thoughts on men’s health awareness month (Movember)
Well, this is the final post for Movember.
As with most things pertaining to improving the health of men, many guys will ignore it, unless it pertains to getting 6-pack abs without doing any hard work or dating a woman 1/2 their age.
That is to their own detriment, which they will probably regret later (in the hospital).
The smarter guys will heed the advice and take consistent action on it.
No one gets healthy and fit by accident, it is not something you are entitled to as I wrote in my earlier article “Being Healthy Is Not Your Default Condition”
Eating clean, getting enough exercise, getting regular check ups with your doctor, etc. is not rocket science.
My hope is that many guys will wake up to the facts of what it takes to get fit and healthy and actually do something about it!
Mixing isometrics with barbells
I learned this from Bud Jeffries.
It challenges you in a different way!
Get strong from every angle
If you are overweight, don’t start off by running to lose weight
As we wrap up Movember (men’s health awareness month) I wanted to caution guys who are overweight not to begin their weight loss program with running.
I am not saying they should never run, just get your body more prepared for it by cleaning up your nutrition and doing other types of exercise first.
Joint problems can result if you are not careful!
It is great when a person decides to finally get in shape, but don’t let your enthusiasm or desperation cause you more health problems.
So after enjoying your Thanksgiving, don’t go crazy on exercise. Get solid training advice from someone actually has a good amount of experience.
Forget what your buddies say or late night infomercials. Also forget about the photo-shopped guys in fitness magazines and their “amazing secrets to 6-pack abs”.
Do your homework and then make smart choices!
Be thankful, it’s good for your health
This Thanksgiving I am not giving the usual advice I normally do about eating, drinking, etc.
Nope, this year I am just urging people to make the most of the holidays with the people they love. Be grateful for what you have where you live (you could live in a war zone), what you have (you are not homeless), who you love (many people have no one).
Thankfulness is essential for good health and happiness is a concept that is centuries old, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)
Instead of bemoaning how terrible you think the world is or people are, why not focus on the good things in your life. Recently one of my favorite writers, Lisbeth Darsh, wrote about focusing on what is right and good in your life.
You can go through life griping, complaining, and being miserable (while irritating everyone else around you); or you can choose to take the high road.
Get a grip
I love pull ups, all kinds of pull ups!
However, doing them on an extra thick bar is very humbling, especially if you are used to doing a lot of them.
It is well worth seeing your number of reps drop as you get stronger in a more challenging way (at least it is for me).
I like to pair thick bar pull ups with suspension training.
It’s a great combination since the suspension work is usually quite a bit higher in volume.
Chaos + fear =stress which wrecks your health
You see it and hear it almost everywhere. People are all churned up inside and are constantly stressed out.
As part of men’s health awareness month or Movember we are looking at numerous things that can wreck your health. Not that ladies don’t deal with a lot of stress (and they do in a big way) but this is for the guys who are notorious for not dealing with things that bother them in a constructive way.
One thing that has been triggering stress in a huge way is the recent election. While some people are thrilled about the results, others are seething in anger.
To make matters worse, most of the election signs are still up in peoples yards and of course on their bumpers stickers. This “in your face” childishness doesn’t help ease the tensions at all. Getting rid of them, now that the election is over, is a good idea.
Also, give yourself a break from the news since it just stokes the fires of resentment each time you watch it and relive it mentally.
One last thing is quit being a hater on social media, nothing good can come of it. Any coward can play “tough guy” on his key board. Just knock it off!
Don’t bring it on yourself or those around you.
Relax, will ya? 
The Cave 