Joey Atlas

Simplified Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for an Optimal Life

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Best Shoulder Workout in Hotel Room: Travel Workout With Bands

Why do I share this Shoulder Workout with Resistance Bands in a Hotel Room?

Because “travel” presents one of the biggest challenges for most people when trying to “stick with the fitness program”…

But all it takes is some pre-planning with simple “road workouts” and a few essential tools that travel well…

Many people ask about the bands I use and recommend. These are the exact bands I travel with and the ones I’m using (click to see) in this video:

Best Travel workout Resistance Bands

Here is My Best Shoulder Workout in Hotel Room: Travel Workout With Bands

1 – Lateral Deltoid/Shoulder Raise (Abduction) With Resistance Bands
2 – Rear Deltoid/Shoulder Raise (Abduction) With Resistance Bands
3 – Unilateral Shoulder Press With Resistance Bands
4 – Unilateral Shrugs (for Trapezius) With Resistance Bands

Again, as I mention in the video:
– I did a dumbbell circuit series in the hotel gym
– then added “Slow-Tempo Medicine Ball Rotations” (see photo below) before coming back up to the room to finish off my Hotel Shoulder Workout with…
– the Resistance Band Sequence I show in the video.

A post shared by Joey Atlas (@thejoeyatlas) on

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How to Get Motivated to Workout: The #1 Secret to Endless Motivation

How to Get Motivated to Workout- The #1 Secret to Endless Motivation

Many people want to know the “Secret” to having unlimited MOTIVATION…

Some people think it’s a ‘genetic’ thing, or a personality thing, or an IQ-related thing… and it’s possible that those could play a part in this equation, but none of them are the definitive answer…

Here’s a Truth About Motivation – and for Many, This Is “The Answer”

The true secret to “motivation” lies within the definition of the word itself.

The primary definition of motivation reads as; “the reason or reasons (intrinsic and/or extrinsic) one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.”

So, when we consider the literal definition – we realize that motivation isn’t this ambiguous thing that some people have more, or less, of.

When we think about the common excuse of not exercising and/or eating properly, we hear that common complaint of; “I just don’t have enough motivation.”

When people say that – they are pinning their lazy, unhealthy ways on this supposed lack of some internal trait or characteristic that other people who are staying on the healthy path, seem to have more of.

And that’s where the falsehood lies…

Motivation is not something in and of itself that certain people have more of and others have less of. No, rather it is a reason, or multiple reasons, that fuel a person’s desire to take certain actions, aimed at achieving specific outcomes or goals – and/or avoiding other outcomes, or consequences.

So, to use myself as an example… Some of my motivations for exercising daily and eating well are:

1 – I want to slow-down the aging process (actually reverse it in some regards)
2 – I want to prevent diseases (fatty liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc…)
3 – I want to have lots of energy and full physical functionality (I don’t wan’t to lose my independence in my later years)
4 – I want to set a good example for my kids and other people around me
5 – I want to be my best in all aspects of life (the best me allows the others around me to experience a better life as well)
6 – I want to make a positive impact on the world by showing how to live a simple, fitness-focused lifestyle that anyone can do…

Those are just some of my motivations (there are more)…

But they clearly illustrate and clarify what “motivation” actually is and that motivation can be developed, increased and strengthened simply by listing what is important to you in life, what you value the most in your life, when you consider all the people in your life, and your responsibilities to those people – starting with YOU first.

You’ve just discovered that you have “unlimited motivation” waiting to be unleashed. Just list your reasons, keep them handy – and let them become your constant reminder of your “why”.

And when you find yourself falsely thinking; “I’m not feeling that motivated…” REMEMBER, motivation is not a feeling – it’s a reason, or reasons, why you are choosing to take certain actions.

Lack of motivation is no longer a viable excuse. It can now be one of your new Super-Powers, because you actually understand what the word means.

Don’t forget to share this with your friends, family members and co-workers who might be falsely “lacking motivation”.

More to come on “motivation” and “how to get motivated”… Stay tuned by subscribing below:

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The Nutrition Supplements I Use Daily

The Nutrition Supplements I Use Daily
The Nutrition Supplements I Use Daily

There’s not a week that goes by where someone, in person, or via the internet asks me;

“Hey what supplements do you take, and what would you recommend for someone like me?”

So, to share my answer to the first part of the question, I put together my exact list, with discount links to each product so you can order the same ones if you should wish to do so.

In order to answer the second part of the question ( “and what would you recommend for someone like me?” ) – you can post your specifics all the way at the bottom in the comment box, or you can book a private 1-on-1 phone/skype coaching session with me.

Ok – here we go…

1 – Super-Greens Juice Powder

I’ve written about this in the past many times…

It’s no secret that we need to eat our fair share of fruits and veggies every day if we aspire to optimum health, enhanced wellness and vibrant longevity…

best organic greens juice powder supplement

But as we know, in the this day and age of busy and busier – schedules are tight and time is limited…

So we need a daily back-up plan to keep us on the right path when getting the right foods all the time is just not possible. So this Super Greens Juice Powder is not only great for this, it is simply the best. It tastes great and I look forward to it. It also travels well, which is priceless.

2 – ATLAS “UberFood” Organic Nutrition/Protein Bars

I’m a healthy protein/nutrition bar addict. And I’m also a connoisseur…

Most of the time, I make and eat my own special recipe ATLAS UberFood Bars, because to me – the “perfect” nutrition bar doesn’t exist, so I make them myself.

Here are 2 flavors I made last week ( I currently have about 9 flavors/varieties that I rotate through each month):

ATLAS UberFood Nutrition Bars & Cookies
ATLAS UberFood Nutrition Bars & Cookies

The cookies are Power-Pumpkin Chip and the bars are Vanilla-Thrilla Blueberry

Eventually we’ll get my bars produced, packaged and shippable, so everyone can enjoy them… Stay tuned.

I’ve been eating them since I was about 14 years old, and I’ve tried, tasted and/or tested just about all of them that looked worth a try.

Any bars with trash ingredients (chemical sweeteners, preservatives, etc…), I just don’t even bother anymore… Only the best will do, because “we are what we eat”… Our foods become our bodies – the cells that make up our bodies.

I typically eat 1 protein/meal/nutrition bar per day, sometimes two if I’m on the run and my schedule has me zigging and zagging. I don’t like to eat heavy meals during the day so sometimes just a half of one of my bars will hold me over for a few hours or so.

That, along with some various nuts and carrot sticks in my backpack and I’m in the ‘healthy nutrition zone’ ALL DAY long!

I pack the bars I make with “uberfood” nutrients and ingredients so these can be an easy lunch substitute to simplify your life on busy days, and keep you on the fitness track.

They banish the appetite for hours at a time, give lots of energy and fuel the body with all the important vitamins and minerals it needs for health and wellness…

3 – Biotic-Balance Probiotics

Gut health is becoming more and more popular these days as new research continues to show how the gut is responsible for much of the functions and processes that impact our immunity, hormone regulation, rate of aging and disease prevention.

This is why I’ve added a top quality probiotic to my daily supplement plan.

All natural Probiotic

According to research studies, a high quality probiotic can also help with the following:

– weight loss and BMI reduction
– stress reduction
– improved cognition
– allergy reduction
– gut sensitivity reactions

4 – Daily Organic Turmeric/Curcumin w/ Black Pepper extract

If there is one thing we all want to give ourselves the best chance of avoiding – it’s cancer.

And in light of how our lifestyle habits and nutrition choices are proving to be directly correlated to incidence and severity of cancer rates – the notion of identifying “super foods” that have cancer fighting properties is as real as cancer itself.

Turmeric (curcumin) and black pepper have been identified as top agents with cancer fighting properties. It simply makes sense that this universe was created with all the things we’d need to defend ourselves as humans in order to give us the best chances of eternal survival.

I’m a strong believer that some of our most powerful “medicines” come directly from nature…

best-organic-turmeric-supplement

This 4:1 Extraction Concentrate Combo from Organifi gives me the full cancer defense dose for just a few cents per day. And that is PRICELESS. I get it on auto ship and never have to worry about running out, etc…

5 – Complete Plant Protein All-In-One

Since reducing the amount of meat in my diet over the last few years, I’ve become more conscious of getting a balanced array of plant proteins into my daily nutrition plan, especially when my physcal output is higher than average.

For example, if there is a day where I do a morning run/walk, and bodyweight training session on the SCULPTABOD Genious Gym, a bike ride or a trial hike, etc… then I’m going to want more protein intake to feed the muscles what they need for structural maintenance.

Adding an extra scoop or two of this complete all-in-one plant-based protein powder is the easiest and best way for me to do that.

Complete Plant Protein Powder All-In-One

In the photo above, I actually made a quick “Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Pudding Snack” by just combining 3 ounces of almond milk, 2 scoops of Complete Protein Vanilla (you can also get Chocolate, which is awesome) and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

That simple, yet highly nutritious snack holds my appetite for about 3 hours. Gotta love that…

The big added perk about this all natural 100% certified organic all-in-one formula is that I no longer need to buy a multi-vitamin/mineral in tablet form, because it has all the vitamins and minerals in it already… So, that saves me about $40 per month. Pretty cool, eh?

6 – 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate (Made in the USA)

I get asked about creatine a lot. And here’s the lowdown. It’s one of the ‘legitimate’ muscle/strength supplements that has been around a very long time and has shown a safe history of usage, with new benefits being discovered as more research studies are conducted.

For example, this study showed promising results for helping to fight depression.

Being in my mid/late 40’s at the time of writing this post, I feel it’s a good time for me to bolster my “anti-aging” arsenal. Creatine is a perfect choice for this and is extremely economical, even when you buy the best one – which I say is NUTRABIO’s 100% Pure right here on Amazon.

It’s made in the USA, which is not the case for most creatine supplements. And this is super important to me, because of quality, purity and potency factors.

Best Creatine Made in USA

Some extra info about my creatine of choice:

  • – Buffers lactic acid for added strength and endurance in workout sessions.
    – Vegetarian, OU Kosher, Gluten/Dairy Free, Hypoallergenic, NON GMO, BSE/TSE Free.
    – Made in the USA to Strict FDA Standards in NUTRABIO’s own cGMP Certified Laboratory.
    – Independent Lab Tested in insure 100% Label Claim and Purity.
    – Backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee!

    • And there you have it… those are the “The Nutrition Supplements I Use Daily”

    Any questions, comments or thoughts for further discussion? Please post below. You know I love hearing from you…

    And please do use the ‘easy’ buttons below to share this info-packed post withe anyone you wish – wherever you want to.

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    The Ups & Downs of Life & Fitness: How to Overcome Setbacks and Challenges

    “Life Is Difficult”

    That’s the very first line in the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED book: The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck

    Now, I won’t spoil the book and the life-changing impact it can have on you, by giving you the next few lines, but I will say that I totally agree with line #1 and the sentences that follow it up…

    There’s a very high chance you’ll agree too, that yes, in fact, Life Is Difficult…

    I surely agree, because my life has been difficult at times… very dark and very difficult – and out of all the people I’ve met in my life, I might be able to count the ones who’ve had an “easy” life on one hand… maybe.

    But in the last few years, I’ve grown into the realization that this “difficult life” is also a miracle and a blessing. And that true perspective changes the game.

    In essence, it changes the meaning of “Life Is Difficult” in a way that makes life VERY worth living, despite the inevitable challenges that will arise.

    By design, life is meant to be difficult (at times). It is designed to challenge us, to push us, to “awaken” us to the reality that our lives will be what we make of them, and also how we think of them.

    This is a common struggle that not only takes most people off the right path – but it’s the element that also often prevents many people from even taking the first step to self-care and accepting complete responsibility for one’s own condition, primarily health condition. So…

    Today’s Short Article Is Intended to Help You With This Common Struggle

    I share some more of my backstory, and ‘lessons learned’ in hopes of inspiring you and anyone else you know who can use the fuel for motivation…

    Recently some fantastic ‘old’ photos surfaced, via my first wife… And in looking at them, I was reminded of the deeply challenging phases of life I had been through, and how far I’ve come, in certain regards.

    Here is one of those photos I posted on Instagram over the weekend, which I combined with a relatively recent “progress” photo of me and JoJo, 20 years later…

    At 27 I was in a very challenging place personally, but was living one of my dreams; to be a young dad. This was during one of my personal valleys, struggling to find balance… Eventually found it, plus more. In the process managed to set the example for the kids. Here's a shot of where things have gone. The lesson: everything you do is very likely to directly impact those closest to you. What example are you setting? More to come… . . . . #fitnessexpert #mindset #livingthelife #positiveinfluence #selflove #selfimage #selfawareness #doitforyou #doitforyourself #doitforyourkids #fitnesscoach #fitdad #fitdads #positivemindset #chooseyourdestiny #livewithpurpose #dontbelazy #aginginreverse #fitnessblog #fitnesspodcast #fitnessjourney #bodymindandspirit #bodyweightfitness #bodyforlife #noexcusesjustresults #priorities

    A post shared by Joey Atlas (@thejoeyatlas) on

    You might be able to see it in my eyes…

    I was in a challenging place, personally. And physically, well – I was far from where I wanted to be at that point in life. And internally – my annual exams were getting worse (blood pressure rising, cholesterol rising, triglycerides rising, and more…)

    My body was hurting, literally hurting. Major back aches and pains, neck issues, shoulders, knees…

    There was more inner turmoil that I’ll go deeper into in the future. Suffice to say I was battling life hard.

    But don’t get me wrong here though, because there was incredible joy with being a new, young father with JoJo being born. In that I had achieved one of my life goals – to be a young dad, so I can have ‘younger years’ and experiences with the kids in the future, just like you see in that inset workout/posing photo.

    There were more difficulties along the way, some you may remember from other blog posts over the last 11 years, and some I’ve yet to share.

    But, as I moved through my late 20, through my 30’s and now slowly, gratefully, living through my 40’s – I always made sure the inner fire, the deep inner desire to value and honor my health, my wellness, the gift of life I’ve been given – was always brewing no matter what and when tough times were upon me I either kept pushing through with my personal commitment – or I made sure “I came back” after I had let myself go, due to the circumstances and pressures of life that I had brought upon myself…

    Below is a recent photo I posted on Instagram. It’s a snap shot of one of the ending band moves for one of my arm training sessions.

    I posted the photo above and the photo below, to share with you, to show you – that despite life’s ups and downs – positive personal progress can still be made. While the photos only give you a glimpse of the “physical” – you can bet there has been MUCH mental, emotional and spiritual progress over the last 20 years as well…

    Even just looking at my medical profile from the last 3 years of annual physical exams (that video appointment and results reading with Dr Osborne is right here if you wish to see it), is proof that we can heal, strengthen, rebuild and improve (a.k.a. aging in reverse) even AFTER MIDDLE-AGE…

    How is it that I’ve been able to “get better with age”, when most other people go in the opposite direction?

    There’s no special reason… Nothing that makes it possible for me and impossible for anybody else.

    I simply faced the fact that “Life Is Difficult” and I could either fold, fall victim, and give in to the difficulties.. Or I could accept the difficulties of human life, know they will come and go, and set my priorities based on my true values, that dictate my mindset, my habits and my actions.

    Life still presents its difficulties. Life is not always easy. So, just knowing this can be enough to position oneself mentally so that difficulties are not a surprise, and can be more easily worked through.

    Additionally, with age comes wisdom, or at least it should if we are open to becoming wiser – and if this is the case, then the difficulties can become less frequent and less painful. That’s a post for another day, but it does offer a truth – one that presents the notion, and reality, that life can be “less difficult” as we learn our way along the great journey.

    In closing, at least for now, I can share with you that I’ve handled my ups and downs, no matter how painful or dark, by always coming back to my personal values, my core purpose and my deepest faith in the goodness of life.

    The act of “returning to center” has been how I’ve been able to overcome the difficult episodes, to navigate through them (sometimes doing some deep introspection and action taking) – or sometimes, to simply “hold on” until they’ve passed…

    Part of my deepest core value set has been a transformation of honoring the body only for the sake of the body (back in the teen years when I first started in this fitness realm) – all the way to honoring the body for the sake of the “whole” self…

    Respecting the body as the “vehicle or vessel” that we’ve been gifted with, to carry us through this one life. Always returning to optimum self-care, with consistent self-awareness – has kept me tuned into, and connected to, my ‘self’.

    Any thoughts, comments or questions? Please do post below, I’d love to hear from you.

    And, as always, please do use the ‘easy buttons’ below to share this with anyone and everyone you wish – who can use the “real world” insights and perspectives shared above.

    Thanks for reading,
    Joey Atlas

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    Finding Purpose and Meaning Through Discovery and Creation

    it all started when I was a little boy Joey Atlas

    It all started when I was a little boy…

    And all along, it’s been a process of both discovery and creation together…

    It began in very early childhood – watching my father workout at home – to keep fit and healthy. I could see he was so much more capable and happier than everyone else who didn’t exercise. His friends who were also into it would make the same impression on me when I would meet them.

    I knew I wanted to be fit, strong and healthy – as opposed to how everyone else just let themselves get out of shape, overweight, unhealthy, weak, etc…

    So as the years progressed I would follow his footsteps doing all the bodyweight things at the house, using some of the basic free-weights he kept at the house.. Venture into the gyms with him on the weekends (this was late 70’s, early 80’s).. And then in my teens, joined a local gym with a high school friend and was all in for real…

    Through high school and college, I was the person everyone came to for advice…

    I didn’t realize it at the time – I just thought people asked everyone for advice – until a close friend pointed it out. I seemed to know what I was/am doing more than most others in the training rooms and fitness settings. Cool thing was (and still is) I REALLY enjoyed guiding and helping people.

    My early years of fitness were mostly for vanity, physique and competing in the teen years, early 20’s… and as time progressed and I was getting my Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology the shift to overall health, wellness and longevity started to resonate with me…

    I could see that fitness was going to be one of the key ways our society would be able to save itself from decaying health and rising disease rates.

    Forward a few years to early 2000’s – single dad, busy fitness business, and a crazy tight schedule, etc.., made me realize the common, mass-market approach to working out and pursuing fitness could not be a realistic part of my life at that point – and in realizing that also realized the common fitness approaches were not realistic, or desirable for most people either.

    But I wasn’t throwing in the towel…

    I actually took this as a challenge, a signal toward my calling.

    My health, quality of life, longevity – and the example I wanted to set for my kids, and many other people, was far too important… So I had to ‘go inside’ and think about how to evolve my fitness methodology and philosophy to a state that could be understood, and followed, in the modern busy world of an adult.

    It took a few years, but the evolution came about…

    “I basically shut down my regular fitness studio and started doing all my training and client training on local playgrounds… The options were endless (this required some creativity), and every different playground was like a new gym…”

    My workouts got shorter and shorter, my results got better, and many aches and pains I had in the gym disappeared. And clients loved training outdoors…

    As time progressed I started thinking; “If there was a machine that allowed for everything we were doing on the these playgrounds – what would it look like?” So I began sketching ideas, etc…

    And eventually had ‘the machine’, version 1.0 built (2009)… Friends would come over to workout with me and would say “you need to really do something with this – this is amazing” (a sign from the universe helping to reveal more of my purpose)

    They were right but it wasn’t in the cards until recently, the last few years… I had version 2.0 built and then 3.0 (8 of them) for a women-only group wellness studio (SCULPTAFIT) that I opened about a year ago… I have a team that runs the studio, while I work on the marketing, etc…

    But I dream big…

    So, I want to open more studios, but I also want to offer the machines to end users to buy for their homes and/or offices.

    And I want to have many people around the world follow my programs on the SCULPTABOD Genius Gym, and benefit from my unique methods via streaming video and DVDs – and for some to work with me 1-on-1 in certain “special assignment”, on location situations (busy celebrities, high-level CEO’s, etc)…

    On a broader scope, with all of my current programs that are out there and available, I LOVE getting feedback and testimonials from people saying how much I’ve changed not only their mindset when it comes to fitness – but their actual programming, and ‘methodology’, in a way that now enables them to get results, and sustain them in an enjoyable and consistent way.

    I know this is one part of my important mission, but there is more to grow out of this – it’s just not 100% clear yet…. time will reveal.

    The key is for me to share my messaging and unique approaches, which includes a LOT of mindset weaved into things, via this blog, video channel and podcast… The content creation part is crazy easy for me – the challenge is time… . So I do what I can and let the universe take care of the rest.

    Forward motion and positive progress is the aim. A little every day adds up to a lot.

    After I posted the original version of the post you just read, in the Atlas Ultimate Private Forum, Tammy, a member posted this:

    Tammy W Atlas Ultimate Reply Testimonial Thank you

    If you’re new here and want to see what Atlas Ultimate Access Fitness “On-Demand” & Private Forum is all about, then just click here.

    Have any thoughts, comments or questions? Please post for me in the box below, I’d LOVE to hear from you.

    And, lastly, please do share today’s post with ANYONE you know who can use the inspiration and motivation for a better life, a stronger life, a longer life… Just use the buttons below:

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    3 Unnecessary Dangers of High-Intensity Exercise and High-Impact Workouts

    When it comes to proper exercise – there is a sea of confusion surrounding us.

    Man or woman, no matter your age, you know you need proper fitness training for all the health and wellness benefits it brings you, and the results you truly desire.

    But you have no idea what is best for you. Between the TV “reality” shows, the newsstand magazines, and this endless rabbit hole we call the internet, it feels like you know less and less when it’s time to ‘figure out what to do’…

    In a world filled with Fitness Folklore and Metabolism Mythology – we have to sift through the nonsensical concepts such as “muscle confusion” and “starvation mode”… And while this is an easy task for a fitness veteran like me, it is usually a mind-masher for most people on the consumer side of the fitness counter…

    So today, I will share some of my hard-earned, time-tested fitness wisdom, so you can benefit from knowing some more truths and be able to take proper action on them…

    High-Intensity, High-Impact Workouts are all the rage. Countless fitness sources are touting; “they are the fastest way to get in shape”, the mass media spreads the message, and “everyone” thinks this is the truth… While it might be “a truth” for some people, it is not “the truth” for all people.

    “No Pain, No Gain”, Beast-Mode, Kill It, Go Hard or Go Home… That’s all fine and dandy if you like the feeling of torture and the high risk of injury.

    But it presents 3 harmful dangers that are counter-productive to proper wellness, and usually backfire making things even worse. Here are those dangers to be mindful of so you can avoid them:

    Danger #1 – High Risk of Injury

    The more intense and the higher the impact, the more risk of injury there is in any given workout method. We don’t even need to turn to the research studies to back this up, it’s just plain common sense.

    You might even have a friend or two who have proven this correlation to be correct.

    I hear stories every month, during private phone/skype consults and from my team reporting on new clients joining The SCULPTAFIT studio, of people’s past tribulations of trying some mainstream form of hardcore fitness training – only to fall victim to some sort of injury, such as shoulder, hip, neck, knee, back, ankle or wrist.

    It makes zero sense. It totally defeats the purpose. But teachers can only teach what they know, they can’t teach what they don’t know.

    Danger #2 – Emotional Aversion

    Let’s make believe I decide to sign up for a traditional sweat-box bootcamp fitness program. (Seriously, just make believe – because I would never actually do it.) And we’re pushed and prodded to do the battle-ropes, odd kettle-bell swings, all-out sprints, grueling burpees, box jumps, etc…

    How long before we develop a hate for showing up to that kind of punishment? Not long (unless we get hurt first), because we develop an emotional aversion toward it. It’s human nature; we grow to dislike things that do not feel good to us. It’s really simple.

    the myth of muscle confusion and shocking the body
    Proven Principles or Fitness Marketing Mythology?

    So we quit that program, and rightfully so, but now we are back at square one still looking for a sustainable fitness and wellness option that we do enjoy…

    This psychological aspect of exercise is one of the subtle factors that causes bad relationships to fitness training and one’s body. This is a topic for full article of it’s own, to be written at a later date, for sure.

    Danger #3 – Metabolic Dysfunction

    Notice, I’m not using the word “damage” here. For today’s purposes we’ll just keep this in the “dysfunction” zone. We can explore damage in a future post…

    High-Intensity, High-Impact workouts have a direct effect on metabolism and appetite. This is true for both male and females… Quite often, people feel as if their appetites are through the roof and their energy levels are all over the place.

    Odd peaks, and sluggish valleys make for getting through the day an unpredictable task. And when we add the heightened appetite factor into the equation, food intake becomes a struggle of another sort.

    Most people fight the food battle normally, and adding fuel to the fire by jacking up appetite levels makes managing nutrition intake even more of a challenge for regular, busy people with full lives, family, work, etc…

    While hardcore fitness fanatics and dedicated athletes are more likely to have the time and discipline to eat accordingly – most people who fall outside that smaller realm are faced with a challenge that doesn’t jibe with a common, modern life schedule. Hence the dysfunction.

    Isn’t a fitness program supposed to make us feel better, more stable, more “in control”?

    So what’s the deal then?

    Here’s the deal – For most people, High-Intensity, High-Impact exercise methods are not the right choice, nor are they necessary.

    Situational reality must be considered here. What I mean is, the hardcore approach will always have teachers, supporters, students and followers. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone and it doesn’t mean it’s the only way to achieve and maintain success when it comes to optimum wellness for a high quality of life.

    At 47 it surely isn’t for me. I’ve been there and done the hardcore gym routines, back in the day… Crazy thing is I look and feel better than I did 20 years ago, DESPITE shifting to my “gentle” approach to fitness training and a ‘sane’ approach to eating (I’ll cover my ‘intuitive nutrition’ story in a future post as well)

    Gentle LIIT Workout On SCULPTABOD Genius Home Gym
    Gentle LIIT Workout On SCULPTABOD Genius Home Gym

    For the non-hardcore people (and there are many more of these types, for sure) I can totally empathize and relate to what your needs are, because I’m in the same boat – just a bit more advanced, and educated in the field – and that’s why I write this blog, do the videos and the podcast – to help share what I’ve learned, with YOU.

    Truth is, there are wildly effective ways to enhance wellness, longevity and fitness, while doing it in a gentle, enjoyable and safer way – regardless of age… ways that can be sustained for life. And isn’t that the whole point in the first place?

    Most people just want a method that enhances our bodies, our minds and our emotions. We want and need something we not only enjoy doing, but LOVE doing. While this might sound too good to be true – it’s not…

    It’s just not something you see in the mass-market offerings of common fitness & wellness programs.

    The good news is that there are unique, progressive, innovative fitness approaches starting to emerge as more independent thinkers, visionaries and action takers realize there are massive voids desperately needing to be filled when it comes to improving the well-being of society as a whole.

    So, you do see it here, and you’ll continue to see more and more of it as I add more Candid Cam videos, articles similar to this one, and podcast episodes…

    If you found this article helpful in any way, or have any thoughts, comments or questions – I’d love to hear from you. So just post in the box below, that space is for YOU 🙂

    And, as always, don’t forget to share this one with anyone you know who can use this kind of helpful and useful info. Friends, family co-workers – whoever needs it, send it to them, post it on your social media, make it go viral…

    Thanks for reading,
    Joey

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    Coconut Oil Is Bad for You, Here’s the Proof Coconut Oil Is the Devil

    If you’re new here, it’s important for you to know that I sometimes write (or make videos) with some sarcasm in the mix…

    Why sarcasm?

    Because I like to highlight the garbage, trash and unnecessary nonsense in the world of fitness and nutrition… And sarcasm can really help drive the point home, when used carefully, in certain situations…

    And I LOVE to simplify things when everyone else is trying to confuse (and sometimes mislead you)… Sometimes they are doing this unintentionally because they are confused and misled themselves (think “blind leading the blind” kind of thing).

    So, on that note, if you saw the recent chaos surrounding the post on USA Today; “Coconut Oil Isn’t Healthy”, then you’ll understand why I’m writing this post that follows…

    If you saw my 2017 Annual Health Exam Candid Cam Video Results with Dr Osborn, then you will already know that my health profile and medical vitals have improved over the last few years…

    Some Critical Specifics:

    1 – my Total Cholesterol has dropped under the 200 level, to 174
    2 – my LDLs have gone down to 79
    3 – my ‘Ratio’ (Total over HDL) has improved to 2.02 – this is Super-Hero level
    4 – my Triglycerides have dropped to 43
    5 – my PSA is a sweet .53
    6 – my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a strong 2.88

    And in The Fitness Whisperer Podcast Episode #7 I review the specific things I’ve changed or added in the last year, to my personal fitness and nutrition habits and methods.

    What I will add here is one thing I’ve added during the last 5 years, which I didn’t mention in Episode #7 since it was outside the “1 year” window…

    In the last 5-6 years I’ve added about 1 tablespoon of this Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil into my daily nutrition plan.

    joeys office assistant helping with coconut oil
    Daughter Darah and the Organic Coconut Oil We Use

    Go figure… The alarming articles are talking about “coconut oil raising LDLs… saturated fat being bad for the heart, etc…”

    But amazingly, my documented results show the opposite. What the Heck!!??

    Well, here’s the thing…

    It’s all about context. CONTEXT.

    Are the studies being referenced looking at “the average American diet (sadly going International as we speak)” taking on additional fat calories in the form of coconut oil? If so, then yes – that will bring bad outcomes. Common sense there…

    Because a horrible diet can only get worse if you add any kind of saturated fat into it, without making any other changes at all.

    IMPORTANT FACTOR: Add in the fact that your average person included on these studies is most likely sedentary (around 88% percent of the modern world DOES NOT exercise on a regular basis. They only complain, or talk about “getting fit, in shape, healthy, etc..”).

    In other words, they’re leading an unhealthy lifestyle to begin with. A sedentary lifestyle alone is a huge invite for a host of diseases, illnesses and premature aging. So taking any kind of saturated fat and adding it into a sedentary person’s “average, common diet” is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

    Of course, things can only go from bad to worse. No science needed there.. Just logic.

    Is my health/medical profile improving because I’ve added Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil into my daily nutrition plan?

    Maybe it is… And maybe it isn’t directly related.

    But am I removing it because of the recent “media hoopla” surrounding it? NO WAY.

    Here’s another thing to keep in mind about the recent article that triggered a viral cascade of nutrition and health opinions, rebuttals, and arguments about coconut oil…

    Bad News Gets Your Attention

    And Bad Controversial News Gets Even More Attention…

    The battle for YOUR eyeballs, your time and your attention is getting more and more challenging for the big media properties to maintain, as the growth of the internet continues to snowball at breakneck speed…

    The only way for the big media “news” websites to make money through annoying pop-up ads, frustrating slide-aways and unwanted screen takeovers, is to get you to their website and to have you read something that may directly impact your life.

    So bad, controversial “news” that presents elements of fear and possible harm get your attention but also gets you to spread the nonsense by sharing the links with others, via email and social media. Thereby perpetuating the twisted intent of the “news” properties to simply get more visitors in order to benefit their banner ad revenue and profits.

    At the end of the day it’s up to us, me and you, to understand this kind of practice that preys on human nature, takes advantage of it and exploits it in the name of revenue and profit – leaving you no better educated than before you came across their latest pieces of propaganda

    My summary conclusion on this?

    I lead a unique, health and fitness oriented lifestyle. Unique, because this is unlike the vast majority of the population (about 88%) which DEOS NOT LIVE in this fashion.

    So, with a lifestyle of physical activity and healthy nutrition, a daily tablespoon of organic unrefined coconut oil does me more good than harm. And unless I see reason to believe otherwise in the future (medical profile becoming less attractive, etc..) then I will continue to include it in my nutrition plans.

    Again, this all comes down to ‘context’, seeking more information from credible sources, and making decisions for ourselves, based on our specific situations.

    I hope that clears enough of the ‘dramatic confusion’ that was stirred up, so you can decide what is best for you.

    If you found even just one section of this post helpful, then please use the ‘easy’ buttons below to share this with your friends, family, and co-workers, so they too can have a better understanding of how “fake news” is hatched and the profit motives behind it.

    Thankfully, you came across my blog today, and at minimum you’ll be better off, having read this post and by taking advantage of the other resources I offer here, such as:

    1 – The FREE “FIT for LIFE” Fitness and Wellness Program here

    2 – The Atlas Ultimate Access “On Demand” Online Health Club and Coaching Program (must join free program above first)

    3 – Hiring Joey for Unique Projects or Assignments that Require a True Specialist (Personal Coaching, Consulting, Speaking)

    4 – The Atlas “Candid Cam” Video Channel (this is GOLD)

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    The Invisible Matrix of Negativity That Is Killing You and Society

    Break Free from the Matrix of Negativity that is killing you and society

    What would you do if you learned there was an invisible matrix keeping you out of shape, unhealthy and unhappy?

    What if someone showed you the hidden field of negative forces that surrounds you, and prevents you from being your best self?

    Would you want to know how to break out of it? Would you want to see how to release yourself from its destructive grasp?

    Or would you prefer to stay “in it”, and remain a victim of its evil influence and harmful impact on your life and that of your loved ones?

    If you want to see “the way out”, then read on…

    Do you remember the movie, “The Matrix”? If not, no worries…

    The movie itself was/is fiction, but it provides a perfect analogy for the world we actually live in… Or the world we “think” we live in.

    Let me explain…

    About 88% of the population (give or take a little) is unhealthy, unfit, out of shape and suffering emotionally. (when you’re out and about – just take a look around you. My number will be VERY accurate, I promise.)

    And it would be very easy to say, “Well, it all comes down to personal choices and habits, and most people make choices that keep them in that horrible rut of constant decay and withering wellness…”

    There is truth to that, but, there’s more to it than just that superficial attempt at an explanation of destructive human behavior that is far too common.

    There’s the constant force-field that surrounds us all the time… Their surroundings are made up of a “collective mindset” that dictates the similar habits of most people – and in the process, unfortunately reinforces the false “normalcy” of behaviors…

    See, being out of shape (for some/most this means overweight), low on energy, unhealthy and feeling like you’re only living up to half your potential in every regard (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc…), has become “normal” in our society…

    That is why about (est.) 88% of the population falls into that category… because it’s “normal”. Not good, but normal, as in ‘the norm’.

    Understanding what lies at the foundation of the Matrix of Negativity is critical in allowing yourself to break free from it.

    So, let’s focus on what I refer to as ‘the commonly accepted norms of average living’. It’s first important to note, I don’t use that term in a demeaning way, it’s simply an identifier, categorizing society’s ‘common mode of operation’.

    For example, from a reactive conversational perspective, how many times do we hear phrases such as;

    “Oh, I hate exercise…”
    “I’m not into fitness and working out…”
    “Eating healthy is boring…”
    “I need my wine….”
    “I work all week, why would I want to hike in nature on the weekend…?”
    “I don’t like to sweat…”
    “Oh, she’s a real health nut…”
    ETC…

    And from a physical surrounding perspective, there are endless places of consumption that literally surround us at every turn, such as;

    – Restaurants and food buffets
    – Bars and snack food/drinking establishments
    – Dessert shops (ice-cream, chocolate, candy, cup-cakes, etc..)
    ETC….

    There is more supply than what we actually need, let alone the quality of what’s on display. But I’m not blaming the elements that make up the matrix, I’m calling for people to ‘wake up’ and take responsibility for their own thoughts, choices and actions.

    I’ve done this myself, against tough odds, so I KNOW it can be done. Even by YOU.

    Let’s dismantle ‘the matrix of negativity’…

    Here are some examples of “the matrix” in action in our daily lives:

    1 – People We Look to As Leaders and Examples of Behavior Mislead Their Followers

    This is horribly rampant on social media. For example, the amount of ‘perfect’ bodies and ‘health gurus’ spewing absolute nonsense is deeply frightening to say the least. More on that in a future blog post, I promise.

    But for today’s article, let’s take a very simple example:

    Most people, especially students, assume school teachers are ‘smart’. But many of them keep stashes of processed foods and sweets in their classrooms to give to their students as treats and rewards.

    The students ‘assume’ the smart teacher wouldn’t feed them harmful foods and therefore the students generally assume these processed food items are “ok” for them, sending the quiet message that this is what they should also shop for and feed themselves when not in school.

    Not good a good lesson.

    On the other hand, hats off to the small percentage of teachers who are “aware” enough to stock only healthy foods and treats for these purposes. And even more so to the teachers who share/teach the reasons why they supply healthy foods instead of unhealthy ones for their students.

    2 – Parents Who Sit and Watch Their Kids Practice

    Soccer practice, baseball practice, gymnastics practice, tumbling practice, football practice, dance practice, lacrosse practice, ALL practices…

    I’m stunned at the number of parents who just “sit and watch” their kids practice several times a week – and at the same time complain about their own personal fitness, their body, their energy, their health issues, etc….

    Your kid doesn’t need you to watch them practice. They DO want you to watch their games, but practice? No, that can be YOUR time.

    YOU should make creative and worthy use of that time FOR YOU. Exercise while your kid practices. Listen to some upbeat music, or listen to The Fitness Whisperer Podcast while you go power-walk. Or find a playground nearby and do one of the fitness training sessions from the Free FIT for LIFE Fitness Program.

    Your child would rather you ‘invest in yourself’ so you can be healthy and AROUND for them years to come from now, hopefully around to see your grandchildren, and even able to play with them!!

    But that’s not likely to happen if you continue on the sedentary path combined with harmful eating habits. It’s not rocket science. It’s cause and effect. Simple.

    DO NOT get stuck in THE Negative MATRIX with all the other parents who “pull up a chair” and sit… Rather, be the one who steps out of the negative matrix and into your positive matrix. It is very possible you will meet a few other people in the Positive Matrix, and maybe even influence a few others to ‘make the shift’ with you.

    3 – Your Social Circle Is More Interested In Happy Hour and Joking About Their Lack of Fitness

    Your current group of friends is one of the strongest zones of the matrix that surrounds you. This can be good – but more often, it is not.

    The collective mindset and habits of that group of people are the elements that have DIRECT influence on you.

    This isn’t personal, it’s simply an observation of time-tested, and proven, human nature. Generally speaking, humans prefer to be lazy. On top of that they also prefer social activities that passively bring immediate rewards and instant gratification. Naturally, that is eating and drinking.

    It’s not hard to figure out why the majority of the population is overweight, horribly out of shape, and battling endless health issues.

    Sitting, eating, drinking… Repeat daily – and you have the ingredients for living in constant misery, depression (a major issue in the matrix of negativity), premature aging and health decay.

    The evidence of this is highlighted by the rise of disease and deteriorating health of humanity as a whole. There’s no need for me to cite references and research studies on this. Again, as I mentioned up top – just observe what you see when you’re out and about in your daily routine. The proof is overtly obvious.

    Sure, you may love your current friends and their company, BUT, if you’re ready to make a personal shift toward a positive mindset, lifestyle and healthy, life-enhancing outcomes – then a change in who you surround yourself with and who you are connected to is most likely in order…

    And don’t see that as an obstacle – but rather as an essential stepping stone on the path of personal growth, self awareness and positive evolution toward your best potential.

    Just because booze-bars exist and happy hour is on their social media ads, doesn’t mean you have to go and be part of what is best for their business, and best for your friend’s short-term fixes and emotional band-aids (daily or weekly numbing with alcohol is a temporary band-aid for many)….

    And Another Observation About “The Booze”

    Quite often I’ll find myself running into the local supermarket to get some fresh veggies, fruit, salad items, etc… (this is part of my matrix of positivity)..

    And when my food-shop drop-in happens when lots of poeple are heading home from work (around 5:30/6pm-ish), they are also stopping in to get groceries… And SO MANY people are stopping in to get their daily dose of alcohol (in Florida, most supermarkets sell wine, beer, spirits)…

    Men and women alike, placing some crappy foods on the checkout belt, along with a few six-packs, or a few bottles of “their vino”… Clearly out of shape… Guys have their odd-shaped bellies hanging over their snug belts, and women usually wearing outfits baggy enough to hide everything under”, or sometimes just wearing whatever they can squeeze into, not really caring how it all looks…

    I don’t say any of this judgmentally. It’s simply observational… Observed in a loving way, and I’d be more than happy to hand any of these people my materials for free, if I knew they wouldn’t be offended by the gesture.

    “Just as easy as it is for these people to make their daily purchase of booze and bad food and then go home and eat it – is as easy as it could be for them to find a fitness activity they enjoy and go do that instead. And then eat a healthy, life-enhancing meal after that…”

    Again… Simple. (I’ve gone through this and done it myself, so I KNOW it can be done.)

    YOU must choose what is best for you and what will lead you to the outcomes you desire. Let’s move toward doing exactly that by exposing one more aspect of the matrix…

    The More Insidious Aspect of The Matrix of Negativity for Us to Master

    Constant intrusions on your time and mental space have become ‘the norm’ because of technology and because people allow it to happen.

    When you consider random phone calls and texts, of which probably only a small percentage are of real importance or meaning, we realize these common distractions result in time wasted on unnecessary communication – time that could be spent in productive, life-enhancing, enjoyable activities.

    Then, when you throw in Facebook, Instagram and any other social media that eats up your personal time, WITHOUT you benefitting directly – you can easily start to see how the matrix of negativity is keeping you pinned down.

    “The road less traveled is filled with less travelers because it does require self-discipline, self-awareness and self-management – but those who go there are living a much happier, fulfilling, peaceful and rewarding existence…”

    It’s your choice now. You have full awareness. I have shown you what you need to know.

    Which path will you travel?

    Which matrix you will live in?

    As I wrap this up, before I give you the “Action Steps”, it will help if I put this into context for you…

    It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon as I finish double-checking this, one I could have spent at the beach, stand-up paddle-boarding, but there’s tomorrow for that. So, I’ve just spent most of the day, tucked away in the corner of my local Starbucks, across from the SCULPTAFIT Studio in Saint Johns, Florida, writing this post…

    Why? Because I care. And I am “able”. I’ve been given a gift and it’s up to me to use it. Likewise, you’ve been given the gift of life. Will you abuse it, or will you use it constructively and get the most out of it in the most positive ways?

    I want to positively impact YOU and anyone else we can get this in front of. I know people need a helping hand, the proverbial ‘life-saver’… Let’s make this article save some lives. Text it to a friend… Use the share buttons below. Share it however you wish.

    Action Steps to Break Free from the Matrix of Negativity

    1 – State your awareness of “The Matrix” that surrounds you
    2 – Admit how you’ve let it influence and impact you in negative ways
    3 – Identify the aspects of the matrix you will change and the reasons why
    4 – Claim your actions steps and PLACE them in your schedule, on your calendar
    5 – Review your progress daily at the end of the day and at the start (keep a simple pen/paper journal)
    6 – Aim for gradual improvement, each day, week and month, NOT for perfection
    7 – Observe the Negative Matrix evolve into a Positive Matrix, that surrounds you and supports you, as it becomes your ‘norm’.
    8 – Return here to share your progress, observations and breakthroughs in your Matrix of Positivity, in the Comment/Reply box below…

    If you enjoyed this, and/or if it has positively impacted you, please post below, so I know I this was time well spent, not just for me – but also for YOU.