John Greaves III's Blog, page 10

From an Instagram Post

 

from an Instagram post to Phil Bennett when he posted a workout after a temporary hiatus

There’s nothing like having a storm blow through your life

and after it’s gone,

being able to stand and realize that though the chaff and flotsam blew away;

you stand unbroken in the stillness that follows.

Welcome back home.

 

follow Phil on Instagram at phil_completemma

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Alvin AVR Remoroza Keeps It Savage

Alvin Remoroza is one of the most determined young garage gym athletes whose story I’ve had the pleasure of learning this year! Despite being born with fingers not fully developed on one hand, Alvin has found his why and there’s no turning back! Find out how he stays consistent, his favorite place to find deals on equipment and how he got his garage gym to pay for itself!

AVR History

Alvin, you said you began working out in 2007, then took a break and came back to the iron in 2014. Why do you think you stopped being consistent in your training? What led to you taking that break?

I didn’t have the love I have for training then that I do now. I was doing it for all the shallow reasons. Plus there’s life too. Around that time I was going out and partying about three to four days a week! I was also pursuing other things as well and felt I didn’t have time for training.

You said you did random workouts at home when you quit, did you have a home gym set up or were those just bodyweight workouts?

Just a few random dumbbells which I did what I could with. Along with some bodyweight workouts. Also had one of them old school Total Gyms, Chuck Norris style! It allowed me to do a few extra exercises. But it was kind of a joke because I didn’t care about my diet and I would only workout out two to three times a week. Sometimes I’d [go] weeks without training. No consistency at all.

How Alvin Got His Groove Back

You said you caught the fitness bug in November 2014; why do you think this time was different?

It was different ‘cause one day I was looking myself in the mirror and realized “Wow! I let myself go!”

That was the actual thought running through my head at that moment. I then made a commitment to myself to get back into training and get in better shape. I was more serious because I had a stronger why. It’s also the reason that I developed a passion and love for training. So I try to absorb as much info as I can from everything I can get my hands on to optimize my training. Whether it be on nutrition, training, concepts, even training equipment. I started at the lower 260 lb. mark. A little over a year later I was down to about 215-220 lbs. Even better shape than I was in before stopping. The progress pic is somewhere on my Insta page.

What’s a training split like for AVR?

Currently I train about four days to five days a week. For the most part four days of weight training, two days of active rest; sometimes pure cardio/martial arts days and one full rest day. I’m currently focused on Powerbodybuilding style leaning a bit on the bodybuilding side but I like lifting heavy weights too so sometimes the struggle is real depending on the goal. Haha.

Do you plan to compete?

No plans to compete as of right now. Doesn’t mean I may not in the future. We’ll have to see. Training is an important part of my life but it’s not everything. I have goals in different areas of life as well and I give them all the attention required.

Did you immediately start training at home consistently or was there a mix of gym and home gym sessions?

Yeah, I just trained at home because when I got back at it, it was winter time & winters can get pretty cold and snowy where I’m from.

Your garage gym looks pretty well equipped. Break down what you have in Casa de AVR.

When I started I had a few fixed dumbbells along with some spin lock dumbbell handles that you load with standard plates. A cheap bench press along with some standard bars and weights. Of course that evolved over time and I got my hands on higher quality equipment & upgraded to Olympic style bars & weights among other things. As I learned to find better deals and incorporate some sales skills to make the gym fund itself I’m able to upgrade to more commercial grade dumbbells. I now have dumbbells that can go up all the way to 125’s. I made sure I had benches for both incline and flat exercises too. Those are the essentials. A power rack,  my dual cable system which is probably my most expensive purchase as I bought it brand spanking new! I knew I wanted to do cable variation exercises to really have that gym feel to my home gym. I also accumulated a pretty complete set of cable attachments. The lesser essentials like the leg extension machine as well as the leg Press/Hack Squat machine which I got for an amazing deal by the way came later for the same purpose. Variation.

So your home gym pays for itself. Could you elaborate?

I basically just sell equipment that I don’t need anymore. I’ve become pretty good at detecting good deals when it comes to equipment so I usually buy equipment for a really good price so when the time comes that I need to sell, I usually sell for a higher price than I bought them for. Sometimes I won’t sell equipment until I have my eye on buying something new. When I find a good deal I check it’s price and try to sell equipment I no longer use for that same price or more. Of course I make sure those who buy from me get a great value off of it so I do my best to make it a win-win. I always weigh prices and their value to see how I can fund my next purchase and see what sale I’ll have to make.  Sometimes when people sell me equipment it comes with extra they don’t need for free. Sometimes I sell those bonus items for a price. There is always someone out there willing to pay for a piece of equipment as long as it meets their expectation. There’s always a demand for any item cause they have value to someone else, basic economics right?

Where are your favorite places to find equipment?

This site called Kijiji is pretty big here in Canada. It has some amazing deals and where I got the bulk of my other equipment, especially free weights. It’s allowed me to accumulate well over a thousand pounds of plates. I pretty much have more weight than I know what to do with it. Comes handy on leg press though. I got some amazing deals through there on my sturdy flat/incline bench, heavy fixed dumbbells and my leg press/Hack Squat machine which I got for about a third of retail price labor included. It’s the equivalent of Craigslist for those of you in the States. Craigslist in Canada is terrible for deals. I also like this popular Canadian store named Fitness Depot where I got both my cable system and power rack, they have some of the best prices on training equipment in the country

Fitness Depot seems to only have two locations here in the States; maybe it will catch on down here eventually.You have some challenges because some of your fingers never fully formed. You mentioned that deadlifting is especially a challenge. Do you use straps when you do heavy pulling like shrugs, rows and deads?

Yeah, some of my fingers are shorter and it gives me trouble in deadlifts and bent over rows when doing pronated grip. Bar slips easier. I used to utilize straps but I wanted to strengthen my grip naturally since I have that disadvantage. So I just use wrist wraps more. I value safety first. It’s one reason I’ve never been seriously injured from training. I barely use straps now. Only when I’m doing barbell shrugs but even that is rare. I focus more on strengthening my disadvantages ‘cause that’s something I have control over.

How about some of the old time strongman one finger lifts, like ring lifts and two finger deadlifts? Have you ever tried to maximize your strength in the fingers you have that are fully formed? Maybe put the AVR name on some of the standing records?

No, I don’t really do any of that. I just try to strengthen them by doing exercises that complement grip strength like heavy pulling movements. It’s worked wonders for me. I may try the things you mentioned one of these days though.

If you’re interested in the finger lifts, I’d recommend reaching out to James Fuller and some of the guys in Strongman Archaeology on Facebook. It’s a cool place to see a mix of accomplished strength athletes as well as newbie physical culturists like me trying a ton of cool stuff! We limit ourselves too much to just the big powerlifts or even kettlebell movements. Getting stronger has no limits and I learn that the more I follow people who train at home and see the different ways they do it.

I’ll have to check those. I agree. We always have to learn from great people who offer tremendous value. There’s always different ways to do everything. As home gymers innovation is definitely one of our credos! There’s always new concepts and discoveries out there specially in the fitness industry. One way to keep up with them is to learn from the wisdom and experience of others through their work.   I’ve always been a huge believer in self education As Isaac Newton brilliantly said “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

What’s on your wish list for new gear for your garage gym?

It really depends on the space I have. If I had more space I’d get a whole bunch of Hammer Strength machines and all that. One of my main goals is to have a full commercial gym in the future. Hopefully near future.

Is this an expansion of training you do now with an established client base?

Yeah, that’s definitely a goal. How big it can get? The future will tell. I’m a believer of dreaming big but focusing on getting the little steps done that leads to that dream. Yes, it will be an expansion of training I do now and if time will permit with a client base in the future. Step by step.

Have you read my interview with your fellow Canadians at Kingdom of Iron? I like how their YouTube channel outlines the process they’re going through to start a gym from the ground up.

Yes, I read the interview. What they’re doing sounds interesting. I’ll have to check their YouTube channel to check their progress and follow their journey.

What advice would you give to someone setting up their garage gym or home gym for the first time?

Do your research! Never sacrifice quality for price because most of the time you get what you pay for. Know your budget and how big of space you have to work with. Start with the essentials I mentioned earlier. Get an FID (Flat/Incline/Decline) Bench or at least Flat to Incline bench to cover your bases. Always check for weight capacity especially for benches. You don’t want to pay more for something that you may quickly outgrow. I made this mistake once when I started and learned my lesson. You don’t want a bench collapsing on you while you’re doing a bench press! Don’t hesitate to buy things second hand as long as you get a decent deal out of it. Only buy what you need especially if you don’t have a big budget. No impulse buying!

For those newer to training have fun! Enjoy the process of everything. The training, equipment gathering, researching, etc. It’ll make you that much more passionate about fitness in general. Innovate and never be afraid to try new things. One last important thing is always have your physical safety in the back of your mind and let your body be your guide, not your ego.

If you had to go back and do it all over again, what would you differently whether it be in terms of setting up your gym or your workouts themselves?

Maybe just try to find better deals very early on in starting my home gym. I do my best not to have regrets about things that’s already come to pass though. I’m more focused on the things I can control. I have no regrets about my training because its help get me to where I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing. Your physique can be changed when you want it to. What you learn during the process that’s priceless.

Do you have any sponsors or anyone else you’d like to thank?

My first one will be to God for giving me the heart and ability to do the things I can do despite whatever disadvantages there may be. I feel blessed whenever I get in the gym and accomplish goals big or small. Even on the bad training days ‘cause I still learn something. Another would be a thank you to all those who support me and what I do in any way. I will always attempt to return the favor you can believe that! I’d like to thank you John and Garage Gym Life for your constant support and giving me the opportunity to share a little bit of my story with your supporters. You always got my support.

It’s my pleasure Alvin! I love helping people tell their stories. Where do you want people to follow your training and how can they get in touch with you if they want to ask you any questions about fitness?

I’m looking to get a website up in the near future. It’ll be a blog/vlog on a range of topics including fitness. I’ll have a future store up there too for future merch and training programs. Until then just follow me in social media and private message me. As I currently use those platforms blog style sharing different types of content. It’s the best way to keep up with what I’m up to. My social media is the same for everything. It’s AlvinRemoroza. Message me and I promise to reply as soon as I can.

This is for all my fellow Home Gymers, as I often say at the end of my YouTube videos; To all my brothers and sisters in iron out there: Keep being a savage and keep killing it in the gym!

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Rhapsody In Deadlift Major

Rhapsody

Rhapsody. There’s no other word for it. Because there’s nothing like pulling heavy deadlifts alone in your garage.

The rapid thumping of your heart as you approach the bar, you’re not really sure the bar will even move. The strain in your legs, hips and back; the immense pressure in your skull as you lift the bar each time are indescribable.

That’s when the thoughts start.

“Is it even moving yet? Did I misload the weight? Ah! There it goes! Stay with it, just keep pushing the floor away, don’t stop, made it! Hamstrings back, stay tight as you lower. Yeah baby!”

Oh! The feeling when you complete a set and your fingers slowly, painfully uncurl.  When your vision clears and no one is around to congratulate you.

Just you and the iron in a dimly lit garage gym. You can’t wait to do it again.

Rhapsody in deadlift major.

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Explore Physical Culture and Become Old School Strong!

Physical culturist James Fuller
Why Physical Culture?

It’s time to explore physical culture.

My goal is to be strong. Not strong twice a year in only two or three events that most of the world doesn’t care about.

Strong. Not strong as long as I’m wearing the right products and my song is playing.

Strong. Dave Draper pick up the car and hold it while my buddy changes the tire because the rental didn’t come with a jack strong.

Pick up my wife one handed and hold her overhead like Bud Jeffries or Arthur Saxon strong.

Fold a frying pan in front of you like Dennis Rogers strong.

Real world strong. Every day strong. No wristwraps no knee sleeves strong. I want to grow up to be like myself strong.

No excuses no exceptions.

Redefining Strength Athlete

I’m a strength athlete. I think too often we focus on the strength part and ignore the athlete part, or over emphasize athletic movements (jumps, crawls etc.) and forget about strength. The person I admire most in physical culture is Franco Columbu for his ability to compete in multiple arenas. I grant you that you can’t excel at one if you dabble in all but I’ve never been hurt for example, doing strongman lifts as a finisher. I have been hurt several times when I stuck to strictly powerlifting movements. And let’s keep it real. If you’re not poised to break a national or world record, you need to make sure that your weekend competition doesn’t destroy you for work on Monday.

Evidence for the Value of Cross Training

Compare the injury rates of those who only powerlift to the injury rate of people historically who cross train and you’ll see that it’s healthier to do multiple things. Look at somebody like Chris Rice who’s still breaking records in his seventies. He started as a fifth grader and competes in powerlifting, Highland Games and grip strength. I had the privilege of being the last person to interview the great powerlifting journalist Paul Kelso before he passed. Paul said he didn’t start getting injured until he tried to stick to just one sport.  Yeah, I hear you mumbling about accessory work. Sorry Homie, nobody can be intellectually honest and say that doing sets of fifteen with fifteen pound dumbbells on rotator cuff work can equal pressing three hundred plus pounds horizontally. Do you want to be that guy who can bench 400 but can’t do anything else? Is that why we started lifting so we’d have to make excuses for why we can’t do something?

Time to Go Old School

Over the past year, I’ve become more and more fascinated with the olde time strength legends who learned to do a huge variety of strength feats night after night without injury. You never heard of rotator cuff issues in the days of Arthur Saxon, Maxick, John Davis, John Grimek! So with that in mind, I now use my off season from powerlifting to explore other things for strength. It’s a journey filled with learning and as Bud Jeffries told me, “It could take years because there’s a million ways to be strong.”

So I guess I’m neither powerlifter nor strongman.

I’m a man.

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Race from Zero to Fitness with Pete Armas, Jr.

Race Junkie

Race junkie Pete Armas Jr. wasn’t always the picture of health.  Like his Instagram name suggests, Pete has gone from zero to fitness doing race after race on a fitness journey that started in 2012 when he was struck by a drunk driver while crossing the street.

Pete, thanks for the opportunity to find out more about your inspiring story. Here’s the brief synopsis of your accident in your own words:

That Saturday morning began like many before it. I woke up early for a walk before lifting weights at the gym. As I walked in the cool morning air, I felt happy. I had a newborn son at home, a business which was about to open, and my health. As I walked across the street, I felt nothing wrong. No impending doom. No eerie silence. I was walking and then…nothing. I never saw the drunk driver coming behind me at 40 mph. I heard nothing, saw nothing. I didn’t have a chance. I was hit from my left side and thrown unconscious thirty feet into the intersection.

Mercifully, I must have been out for several minutes. I woke up with a stranger over me yelling “Lie still! Lie still! You’re hurt!” Still groggy and confused I tried to get up. “Help me up” I said to him, and I heard my own voice sounding like I had the wind knocked out of me. And then…I felt it…Pain. Pain like nothing I’d ever felt in my life. My legs felt like they’d been dropped in a meat grinder. I wouldn’t wish that torture on my worst enemy. I must of passed out because when I woke up again, I was in an ambulance. The medics were talking to each other about which hospital to take me to. I was bandaged from head to foot, and they must have given me some of the good stuff because all I felt was a dull aching all over my body.

Click to view slideshow.

“What happened to me?” I asked one of the medics.

“You were hit by a car, man”.

Pete thought his days of playing with his kids were in the past

You’d think that the worst part of being hit by a car would be the pain. It’s not. It’s the fear, and the helplessness and the infinite questions that no one has the answers to. For three days it was not clear if my left leg would have to be amputated. Three…days… Thankfully, doctors had good news. They could save my left leg, and they were able to rebuild my knee on the right leg. But the questions still loomed. Would I still be able to walk? With a walker? A cane? Would I ever run with my son and play catch at the park? No one knew.

For two weeks I stayed at that hospital, with nothing to do but stare at the ceiling and wonder/dread about the future. This couldn’t be happening. I couldn’t let it. I decided that I was going to make a full recovery. There just wasn’t any other option.

That is a powerful story! How does it feel to read those words again and what emotions does it bring up?

I think it depends on the day. Most days I can retell the story without thinking much about it. Other days I feel like hiding in a dark room and crying like a child. Mostly I’m just thankful to God that I’m still alive and in one piece. :)Were you physically active before your car accident?

 Pete, were you physically active before your car accident?

I’ve lifted weights off and on since I was fifteen, but never consistently. A few months on and a few months off. I also enjoyed walks around the neighborhood of up to six miles, but that was about it.

What was your competition history before the accident and what has it been since the accident?

Before the accident the most strenuous competition I engaged in was video games against my brother! LOL! In the last two years I’ve completed three full marathons, three half marathons, a few 5K’s, one Sprint Triathlon and more Obstacle Course/Mud Run races than I can remember. I race one to two times a month, so basically if you tie a string around a bottle cap, I’d race for it!

You also have a physical job it seems. What do you do?

I’m a Hazmat Truck driver delivering medical gases to hospitals, clinics etc. Fitness plays a big role in that job because I’m moving heavy metal cylinders most of the day.

 You said on Instagram, “It feels like a lifetime ago, or some bad dream that I had. But alas, I know it happened because I’m reminded daily by my scars and remaining injuries”. You have foot drop in your right foot preventing you from being able to lifting it. How do you have to work around your injuries in your daily life and in the gym?

I can still do anything a normal person can do. That’s where my personal motto comes in: “My Handicap, is not a disability.”

You use a brace to help you run. Is it to stabilize your ankle and do you need to wear it to walk or just when you are training and competing?

I have different braces for different occasions. One for normal walking, a running brace, one for work. They keep my foot at a 90 degree angle so I can walk normally. I can walk without them, but I’m clumsy and often trip. I used to be very self conscious of my limp when not wearing a brace, but now I’m fine with it.

A lot of times we make decisions to change our lives find that the toughest part is that grey area after we’ve been training hard but before we see changes. You also said, “Yes, I was quite a mess, but God kept me breathing, and here I am. I’ve gone through much to get where I am today. Healing, depression, and more physical pain than I care to remember.” That would have stopped many people. What kept you going until you started seeing results?

What kept me going was knowing I had little choice BUT to keep going. My family was depending on me, so I couldn’t quit. It’s true what they say, you never know how strong you are until you have no choice but to be strong. That’s one of the points I try to drive home when I tell my story. Every person has that strength. EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON.

You took Pose Method Running classes after your injury. Honestly this is probably a good idea for everybody but was this something you’ve always wanted to do or something you felt was important because of your injury?

I stumbled upon the Pose Method while searching instructional videos on running. For those that don’t know, it’s a style of running that encourages a forefoot landing over a heel strike. Before I started running I had never heard of it. This style of running worked well with my running brace.

 How has taking Pose Method helped you?

It taught me proper running form which plays a big role in avoiding/minimizing injuries. There are many ways to run properly, but this taught me the core fundamentals. I love the sport of running, so I want my body to stay healthy so I can do it well into my late years.

Do you have coaches for any other aspects of physical training?

No coaches, but I’m a huge learner. I’ve got a small library of fitness books on running, lifting, nutrition, cycling, bodyweight exercise…you name it! Plus it’s so easy to find great content on the internet which can help you to learn.

What does an average training week look like for you since you’re constantly trying new things? Do you have certain foundational exercises that you never take out of your training routine?

I train four days a week. Tuesday and Thursday I’m up at 3am to lift weights before work, then run in the evening after the kids have gone to bed. Saturday and Sunday I’m up at 4am to do a long run or cycle ride before the kids get up and want breakfast. Weights get thrown in the mix at some point in the weekend. It’s challenging because, like most parents, raising kids is the top priority before fitness so fitting in everything can be tough. Especially now that I’m moving toward triathlon. Now swimming has to be added!

You know, I like that I see you training WITH your kids. A lot of parents say they prioritize their kids over fitness; I’m not saying skip your child’s school play because it’s legday (’cause we don’t skip legday) but I am saying that you need to say it’s equally as important. Like you wouldn’t skip a meal because they want to spend time with you, right? You’d share the meal! So I say our kids need to see that fitness isn’t an optional thing you fit in when it’s convenient but a necessity that you make part of your routine. That changes the family legacy.

I guess I never thought of it that way. I think maybe I was thinking of it in an ultimatum kind of way, like it must be this or that. Good deal!

Let’s talk about equipment. You had a post about using an old person walker you found at a yard sale for dips and other exercises. What else was in your early home gym?

Before our current house, we lived in a small townhouse that had a tiny backyard. Saving space was essential. I had the walker, an ab wheel, a door frame pull up bar, and a few weights. Most exercise at that time was bodyweight movements.

Now that you’ve got the space, what’s on your wish list for new equipment? Do you need any special machines to help you work around your situation?

No special machines are needed. I don’t have anything in mind for new equipment BUT, I’m always on the lookout for things I didn’t know I needed! Most of my equipment in my home gym is bought second hand so I check those types of websites often. Often times people buy equipment with the intention of using it but never do. It’s a shame for them and I wish they would use it, but if not it could mean a great deal on gently used equipment for you.

Okay, you don’t need special equipment so what do you do for legs? Can you squat, lunge, do deadlifts etc?

I can do any leg exercise but my favorite is deadlifts. It can be difficult balancing endurance sports with strength training though. For example, I try not to run after a hard leg session because I know the run won’t go well.

Makes sense.Do you train for races with a group or race with a group?

All of my training is done alone. Most of the people I know are not into running or triathlon. For the others, I wake up way too early for them. I’ve looked into groups but scheduling conflicts usually prevent any workouts. I do like online groups like The Garage Gym Life Facebook VIP Hangout and the Instagram community because it’s a way to stay informed on new trends and exercises.

You compete in such a variety of events! Do you have a yearly competition plan or do you just look about a month or so ahead and pick out events that look interesting to try?

I get emails from most of the big activity sites on the web and Facebook always has something to suggest. If it looks interesting, I’ll try it! Most races have early bird specials, and increase the prices as it get closer. I’ve signed up for races as far as a year in advance, so I have to keep my calendar app updated. For me, working out is the homework which makes racing the test, especially the obstacle races. It’s a great way to test every aspect of your fitness.

How do you adjust your nutrition when you’re training for an OCR vs training for say, a triathlon?

For me, there’s not a lot of fluctuation in my training nutrition no matter the event. Lots of carbs are consumed for the endurance sports and I always try it eat one gram of protein for every pound I weigh (I’m currently at 160 lbs.). Eating clean is what I strive for, but I can put away a medium pizza by myself if I choose to! Ha ha!

As I said, you have a pretty powerful story. You said, “My hope is to inspire others who may be going through tough times; that they may not only ‘get through it’ but be better for it”. Are you active in working to prevent drunk driving either formally or informally?

Only informally by using social media to share my story. I truly feel that The Lord gave me this opportunity to encourage others to use their inner strength to face the challenges of life. I’m just a regular guy with a regular life. If I can do it so can anyone. The second part of my message is, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. I was so lucky, but others have not fared so well.

Do you have any sponsors or people you want to thank?

My Wife stood by me when I was at my weakest. I don’t know how I could have made it without her. My kids for the motivation to go on when things looked their worst. The rest of my family for helping me get back on my feet. And anyone who has taken the time to hear my words and listen to my story. Thank you to all!

 

Thank you again John for helping me to share my story and my Garage Gym Life! You’re doing The Lord’s work by bringing the people together to share in what they love. God Bless!

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Pain Isn’t Living

I Wake Up In Pain

I wake up every day in pain. My right hip often seizes up on me and I have to spend time stretching in bed before I can get up without feeling like a maniac is going to work on me with the pointy end of a rusty spoon.  I knew that I wouldn’t be young forever but I’m too young to feel this old now.

I Live in Pain

I walk in pain. My wife says that she can hear me and our ten year old bully breed walking down the hall; both of our joints popping louder than old hardwood floors.

I drive in pain. Despite doing quad stretches before any drive that’s going to last over fifteen minutes duration, my knees start to throb after I’ve been in the car for too long.  Makes my daily commute a lot of fun. Sometimes I shoot video for the brand while I drive just to distract me from the pain.

Don’t Talk to Me about Hypermobility if you Can’t Touch Your Toes with Your Feet on the Ground

People talk about the dangers of hypermobility all of the time. Meatheads use it as an excuse to not stretch even though they spend tons every year on NSAIDs, compression sleeves, liniments and other mass marketed coping mechanisms to help them hide the fact that their physiological train wreck is drifting towards the station slowly. But stretching is the only thing that puts pain in time out for a short blissful time.

I Stretch and I believe

So I stretch. Even though it probably reduces what I can lift in the gym, I’m willing to trade a few pounds on the bar now for the hope that one day pain won’t be what wakes me. That I might be able to drive cross-country with my wife and not have to stop every hour just to return the feeling to my legs. That I won’t always be in pain.

Read that again because I mean it literally. I am always in pain. Right now, both knees are throbbing a silent crescendo under the desk as I type this sentence. That is not normal. In Joel 2:25, God promises, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer and the cutter, my great army which I sent among you” (ESV).

So I stretch. And I believe. And I hope.

That mobility now will return to me some of what an injury in boot camp and an unseen boot to the other knee in a bar fight stole from me.

Forever young? I’ll settle for just not needing so much aspirin.

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Jerad and Basma Penner: Canadian Super Couple

Who knew that Batman and Wonder Woman were Canadian? If you’ve been following Jerad and Basma Penner on Instagram like I have, then you definitely did! I’m a huge fan of this awesome super couple and I think everyone will be after they read their story!

The Origin of Jerad and Basma

Basma, you, Jerad and I have been exchanging likes and comments on Instagram for a great portion of last year so it’s awesome to do this interview with you! Your name is of Arabic origin and Jerad’s is derived from Hebrew, I think. What are your ethnicities?

Thank you for taking the time and consideration to interview us. You are right about our names; I am Lebanese on my father’s side and he named me after a princess in Lebanon. I also take a share in the Ukrainian and Polish I get from my mom’s side. Jerad, on the other hand, does not share a background with his Hebrew name. He is a bit of a mutt. Mostly German/ Russian from his father and English/Norwegian from his mother.

Jerad, I’m especially glad that you survived the squats with a kid on the shoulders incident last year. Are you still grounded or has Basma let you out of the doghouse?

Jerad is out of the doghouse; the children and he survived. I am anxiously awaiting his next concoction of a lift that involves our innocent children. Soon he will be cleaning them or some weird thing.

You didn’t have to wait long. Look at this!

The more involved they are in our athletics. The more interested they become. I think that is sometimes a fair trade for his antics.

This is sort of romantic and disturbing at the same time.

Barbell cleans with kids would make a pretty entertaining video! You guys always keep training fun. Tell me how long have you both been at it?

I have been at it since before Tristan was born, about 8 years now. We were at Jerad’s aunt and Uncle’s having dinner, I believe around Christmas. They had filled us in on Jerad’s aunt’s goal to complete a marathon in the coming May. Until this point I was a vacation or fad workout junky. I trained only to follow a fad or get ready to see my family typically. I thought, “Wow! I wish I could do something like that!” So I began my fitness lifestyle. Jerad has never had much appreciation for distance running but still he begrudgingly put up with my new fad.

Jerad has always been an athlete. He picked up a barbell in 10th grade and never looked back.

Talk to me about your garage gym. It’s pretty well stocked with weights and cardio equipment, what did you start it out with?

It all began 16 years ago when Jerad was unable to use the gym at school after hours because some teachers had changed their workout time. So Jerad convinced his parents to pick up the very same bench we are still using today. After high school, we used gyms for a while because we had no space. Then we used half of our basement in our first house and got a proper barbell set and power rack.

What have you added?

We slowly started adding as the training evolved. Now we have rubber flooring, an Olympic platform and blocks, bumper plates, strongman tires, chains, weight sled, adjustable dumbbells, dumbbell rack, kettle bells, box jump boxes, rowing machine, treadmill, assault bike.

My wife is always pushing for more cardio equipment in our garage gym while I’m always campaigning for new weights. Is there a tug of war between the two of you for what pieces to add to the gym? For example, Basma mentioned needing a Stairmaster in several posts. Is that at the top of your wish list for the next piece of equipment?

We have always had a tug of war over equipment purchases. I would say a Stairmaster or an assault self-propelled treadmill is at the top of my list. I am very good at adapting my workouts to suit what is available to me. Jerad because of his sport specific training not so much. So we go with what he needs to have and build from there. Luckily I’ve always had a love hate relationship with running!

You all appear to not train together too often because you’re sharing the power rack and the weights. Are you able to give each other pointers/feedback on training or would that be dangerous territory?

Jerad is always willing to help but withholds a lot because I do not want to hear it. He is excessively picky on form and the little things regarding a lift or sprint. Because of sports injuries he has to be. Also we do not share well. Since we do not have two squat racks we do not work out together. Also when we workout together it usually becomes foreplay and workouts can change really fast.

You know, many people may not realize how long you’ve been together because you are so passionate. You guys met in high school and graduated in 2004 before getting married. That’s awesome to see the passion still alive in your relationship this many years later! How do you two keep your relationship fun? Is it your fascination with seeing Jerad in leggings Basma?

Jerad believes the leggings help. And maybe they do. But a theory he holds close to his heart is our relationship continues to be great because God is at the center of our lives. And you can only fail in a relationship when you stop trying.

I realize that they’re Canadian but someone needs to tell them that this is not how to hike the ball in football.

Incidentally, I assume that because Basma calls you her “Thickness” that she came up with @jeradthethick as an Instagram handle.

Basma: Yep! I remember we were sitting at all you can eat sushi and it just popped into my head!

Did your kids come up with @mymamalifts?

Basma: Nope! I did that one too!

People always tell me that they don’t know what to buy me for Christmas/my birthday and I’m like, “I’ve been lifting weights and buying my own workout stuff since 1995! Isn’t it obvious what I’d like?” So how did you train your Jerad’s parents to buy you work out equipment like your bench?

Getting the loved ones in our lives to buy fit gifts for us was never a hard thing. Jerad’s family believes in spoiling you when they can. They have always worked off lists of wants written out and delivered to Mom. Then she and the rest of the family work off the list. So Jerad and I just put the fit stuff on the list.

Training for a Purpose

Jerad you compete in bobsled, I believe? When does your season start and how long is it?

I do compete in bobsled. As much as I can or will be allowed to with business and Family life. The actual season starts in October, running till end of February/March depending on races/travel. In house training in the ice house starts in July.

You’re not competing this year due to scheduling conflicts; how do you stay motivated to train knowing that you’re not going to be competing?

My motivation comes from a deep seated desire to be the best, most explosive athlete I can be. It was not until Bobsleigh, subsequently Olympic lifting, sprinting, power lifting, jumping, that I really discovered my athletic calling. For those 5 seconds approximately; at the top pushing the sled, I feel more fulfilled than at any other sport and that is why I train.

How has your training at home made you a better athlete?

My training at home has adapted because of the sport. So has our equipment. I would say the ease of access to what I need has made it convenient. Since I am all self-taught with the exception of shared information from coaches and fellow athletes. It actually may hinder or become an obstacle training at home alone.

Well, you seem to be jumping higher and getting faster every day. That’s usually partly due to good training and partly a side effect of adequate rest. How do you structure your weight room time to make sure you’re fresh enough when you hit the track?

When we start to get faster and more explosive it is a sign we are finding the formula for our bodies. As races approach you increase rest days. Usually a day out from the race you do nothing but hydrate and maybe light stretching. And the week before a meet or race you dial down volume but keep weights the same and keep intensity of each sprint the same.

Basma, you’re fairly lean despite the pictures of baked goodies I see you post.

I bake for the love of baking. I give most of it away to friends and neighbors. Despite my lean physique I do enjoy eating the baking a bit too. Usually while I am doing the baking!

But Jerad has to maintain his weight so the team doesn’t go over the weight limit doesn’t he? Do you have to cut back when Jerad is competing so he can stay within his regulation weight? Or do you just tell the pilot he’s going to have to cut back because Basma’s baking again and you don’t want to miss out?

Jerad’s weight is not a factor. He needs to be heavy enough to compete anyways. So he and his pilot enjoy my baking but as athletes fuel themselves for a purpose. They both seem to do fine. But someone once told me there is a science behind athletes and food vices. So I figure it gives us more in common with those elite athletes.

Basma, because you have a pretty awesome physique and you seem really athletic have you ever thought about competing in physique or maybe a performance event like OCR or CrossFit?

Thank you for the compliment! I have always been fascinated by physique. But after taking in The Arnold expo, seeing some of the competition there and knowing some people in my own circle who compete, I do not believe I would want to. The OCR circuit is something I have dabbled in a bit with the Spartan Races. I have completed a full trifecta. And I do enjoy them, but the anxiety of racing gets to me so I am taking this year off. Crossfit is practically a four letter word in our house, Jerad did a strict Crossfit program for a year and a half and after my disc herniated three years ago it is not something we are very supportive of. It’s also due to all the inexperienced people pushing themselves or being pushed by inexperienced coaches to do very complex things.

Fitness Motivation and Healthy Kids

Basma you’re a huge fan of Wonder Woman. Have you already seen her solo movie?

Yes! Wonder Woman is on the list of things to see ASAP! Jerad is the comic nerd but I do look forward to it.

Jerad, I know you enjoy dressing up as Batman. He, Captain America, Luke Cage and Black Panther are my favorites. Mostly because they all had to overcome adversity. Is Batman’s drive to develop himself to peak perfection why you like him so much?

Sort of yeah. Also the fact that he’s not super. He uses his abilities beyond what he should be able to do.

I mean, you didn’t dress up as a Canadian superhero like one of the members of Alpha Flight or the most famous Canadian superhero: Wolverine!

Yeah, I do love Wolverine, but so does everyone else now that he’s on the big screen. Everybody loves Batman too but he’s the most believable superhero.

We could have an entire conversation about comics outside of this interview! But let’s end with this question: As a father with daughters, I like that Princess Diana intimidates men who are unworthy of her and truth is both her defense and her greatest weapon. What qualities about Wonder Woman do you try to emulate and/or pass on to your daughter?

I believe it is more what she stands for truth and good over all else. I try to pass on that strong sense of self; never let people who do not deserve you, take advantage of and destroy you. The only one with that power is God.

As the parents of a young girl, how do you teach her to focus on being healthy and loving the fact that God made her the way she is instead of conforming to society’s notion of how women should look?

That is easier for Jerad than for me. He gives zero stalk to other people’s opinions and encourages our children’s individuality. We focus on not changing her natural desires for things like clothes, toys, colors, movies etc. At the age of four we haven’t seen the ugly head of peer pressure yet. But when we get to that bridge we will cross it. We focus on the more important issues: being a loving person, loving God above all, and understanding who she is and who she can become if she desires and it is in God’s plan. Like eating habits, we never discuss fat or skinny or attractive based on physical appearance. We let her, and Tristan for that matter, eat whatever they would like that is in the house. In moderation of course, but we believe restriction will ultimately create rebellion in certain areas. And if our children decide the fitness lifestyle is for them then we will help to keep them on track.

Brushing Off Haters

You two have a history of dealing with negativity related to body image. Jerad, Basma said that you were attracted to her rear end when you met in high school but she was always self-conscious about it.

Yes, her rear end is truly my Achilles heel when it comes to her physical attributes. Funny enough, I was never attracted to the female physique or bodybuilder types as a young man. Even a bit turned off by them. Basma has now effectively ruined non-athletic physiques for me. I only have eyes for her wonderful athletic curves. So much so that when we are watching a romantic scene during a movie I am usually critical and repulsed by the skinny folks on screen. Hahaha! Amazing how things change.

Well, now she has to defend her feminine but muscular physique from critics. How do you as her husband build her up when society seems determined to tear her down?

I may be her greatest Devil’s Advocate! I never talk down about her physique! (She does that enough.) But I challenge her all the time with her diet and her approach to training. As far as defending her, both of us realize that beauty is truly in the one doing the looking. So we do not spend a lot of time on it. We talk it out; rationalize where the comments or questions are coming from. And respond accordingly. Usually by talking up this wonderful woman and the culture she is a part of.

Men seem to be more intimidated by Basma than women are.

Basma, do you think that you intimidate other people because you’re probably stronger than them, or do you think their comments are because you are actually accomplishing your goals while they are afraid to go after their own?

Men seem to be more intimidated than women. Women are usually jealous of my success and afraid of me until they see my personality overflow. Some just do not understand. But then I do not understand some of their lifestyle choices.

You also had to deal with people pretending that your photos were of them so they could create fake profiles.

Of course Jerad wanted bloodshed or some other medieval outcome. Instagram and/or Facebook whoever makes that decision did nothing.

But you have to make sure that stuff doesn’t affect your marriage. A lot of women in your situation would have deleted their accounts or made them private. You chose to remain public and continue to represent our faith and be a healthy female role model to people who find you online. What gave you the strength to do that?

I did not want to lose my progress; the people I have reached, the friends I have made online. Jerad understands that they are on a different continent and therefore keeping my account up and running should not be an issue. Plus their content is not discriminatory or suggestive. So we keep an eye on it through a friend of ours as we have been blocked.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Is there anything either of you did when you started training that you would change if you could go back or do it differently?

Basma: Probably visit a physiotherapist to find out what I should watch for in my form. Maybe I would be able to avoid the herniated disc. Or even slow down on the running to begin with since that only added to my physique woes.

Jerad: Definitely not do CrossFit! Spend some time being coached through Olympic lifting and power lifting. Definitely find bobsled earlier in life and have already been in an Olympics.

Jerad, you don’t like CrossFit but if the Grid League called you to compete would you do it?

We might have to consider it.

In the meantime, what are your training goals for this year?

Basma: Leaner, more muscle and maybe a bit more shape in my lower half.

Jerad: Break 3.5 seconds in the 30 meter sprint. Jump 60 inches. Crack 5.2 seconds in a Bob push. Power clean 325 lbs. Deadlift over 600 lbs. Squat 500 lbs.

Do you have anyone you’d like to thank?

Both: We thank God, first and foremost. All things are possible through Him.

Jerad: My parents for the opportunities they gave me. All the athletes that share their lives and training on social media, that help us with benchmarks and goals for ourselves. Also a little thanks to pages like Garage Gym Life that give credit and recognition to every day, extraordinary people out there that deserve some moments to enjoy the light.

Basma: My sisters and my mom for showing me how strong of a woman I can be. And all the loved ones I found through social media; creating a healthy place where encouragement and criticism can be found.

Where can people follow your training or ask your advice?

People can follow or find us on Instagram

Basma : @mymamalifts

Jerad : @jeradthethick

The post Jerad and Basma Penner: Canadian Super Couple appeared first on Garage Gym Life.

Garage Coach Kai Teaches You How to Build A Full Body Workout in Your Home Gym

Why Do A Full Body Workout?

Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate lifter, a full body workout is always an great option. You can stimulate muscle growth 2 or 3 times a week and also work on your strength. If your workout time is limited, a full body workout spares time for your family, your business or other important things in your life without sacrificing your fitness goals.

Important Elements

But how to create it? What are the most important things? For this to be a full body workout, you need to be sure to cover all main body functions which are Push, Pull, Squat and Hip Hinge!

Examples exercises for each function include:

Push: bench press, military press, dumbell bench press, dumbell shoulder press, push press, push ups, dips

​Pull: All kinds of vertical or horizontal rows like pull/chin ups,  dumbell rows, Yates Rows , inverted Rows

Squat: squats, front squats, lunges and all other squat variations

Hip-Hinge:deadlift (sumo or conventional), romanian deadlift, hip thrusts, good mornings,

First Things First!

​Be sure to pick one exercise of each in your full body workout routine. If you want strength and muscle growth, vary the rep ranges and pick the most important exercise for your goals first. If you’ve got the time, feel free to put some isolation exercises or core training at the end of the workout to work on weak areas.

Sample full body workout:
Day 1

Squat: squats 5x 3-5 reps
Pull: dumbell rows 3x 6-8 reps
Push: dumbell bench press 3x 8-12 reps
Hip-Hinge: hip thrusts 3x 8-12 reps
​isolation exercise: barbell curls 3x 12-15 reps

isolation exercise:  french press 3x 12-15 reps

Day 2

 Push: bench press 5x 3-5 reps
Pull: pull ups 3x 6-8 reps
Squat: front squats 3x 8-12 reps
Hip-Hinge: romanian deadlifts 3x 8-12 reps
isolation exercise:  hanging leg raises 3x 12-15 reps
isolation exercise:  crunches 3×12-15 reps

​Day 3

​Hip-Hinge: deadlifts 5x 3-5 reps
Push: military press 3x 6-8 reps
Pull: Yates rows 3x 8-12 reps
Squat: lunges 3x 8-12 reps
​isolation excercise:  triceps extensions 3x 12-15 reps

isolation excercise:  scott curls 3x 12-15 reps

Like what you see? Show some love and follow me on social media: 

instagram.com/kaisgaragegym  –  facebook.com/kaisgaragegym

The post Garage Coach Kai Teaches You How to Build A Full Body Workout in Your Home Gym appeared first on Garage Gym Life.

Sorry Kids; No Picnics Today

Today’s a day of reflection for me. It’s not a day to have picnics. I don’t think there’s anything particularly wrong with picnics. It’s just not that kind of day for me. On this day, your mother and I take our family to Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield and we walk through the different sites, talking about the men who gave their lives here.  Yes, it’s a good walk. Yes, it’s a chance to inject some not boring conditioning into my garage gym existence.

It’s not why we do it. It’s a reminder. I know you might not understand why we don’t just relax and go watch fireworks like other families.  Why I insist on walking the battlefield and reading what’s on the monument markers.  Why deaths from a long ago war matter to me. Maybe this will help.

Twelve years ago, I was living a mostly normal life. Training in my garage four days a week, going to drill with my Marine Corps Reserve unit once a month or so.  9/11 had changed America in some fundamental ways but for me, the biggest change was my newborn son.  He was the son I would get to watch grow up from start to finish; no missed days. No milestones somebody else had to tell me about.  I didn’t know that in two months, we would be activated. That I would spend my next birthday at Camp Pendleton sharpening my skills for war.  That I’d do so much training in that sixty days, both with my unit and in the excellent base gym that I’d win a Gym Rat t-shirt.  I won’t even bother to tell you how many hours of training it took to qualify for that shirt. You wouldn’t believe me.  Just know that it took logging formation runs and other unit PT, plus daily trips to the gym to lift and run sprints on the treadmill to get it.

I didn’t know that in four months, I would be stationed outside the city of Falluja, Iraq.  The absolute worst spot in the Iraq theater. The place where American contractors had been executed and common criminals masquerading as revolutionaries terrorized the population if any of them had the gall to try to better their lives by taking advantage of the job training skills Coalition Forces offered.  I didn’t know that I’d get some of my most memorable workouts between mortar attacks in a cave hollowed out by heavy equipment with sandbags on top to keep out shrapnel.  That I’d do more bench presses than I remember lying on even more sandbags with dumbbells I’d “negotiated” my way into acquiring from a skinny but enterprising Iraqi who needed money for his family enough to drive to Baghdad and back with weights he couldn’t pick up alone.

I didn’t know that I’d get accustomed to running with a rifle slung across my body and lifting in the base gym with that same rifle stacked within arms reach, flak jacket nearby in hopes that I’d hear the mortar warning and be able to grab it before a stray shell pierced the thin zinc skin of the gym’s roof.  I didn’t know how motivated I’d get watching a Recon Marine bang out pullups with 45lb plates hanging from his waist that I’d decide to try it. Since I didn’t know that, I didn’t know that I’d only manage one with a single 45lb plate the first time but five  by the time I left Iraq.

Click to view slideshow.

I didn’t know that Marines will set up a gym anywhere they’re stationed for longer than a week and they don’t mind liberating equipment from anywhere previously owned by the enemy.  That’s how I ended up deadlifting in a dead man’s house still wearing my helmet and flak jacket. No I wasn’t the one who killed him. At least I don’t think so.  Our artillery shell craters were all over the yard but I can’t know if one that I aimed was the one that made the house vacant.

I didn’t know that seven months after I returned from Iraq, just as I was adjusting to a “normal” life, just as I stopped twitching so much in my sleep, just as my youngest son stopped crying out and reaching for your mother when I picked him up; I would be sent to Louisiana to help look for bodies and provide aid to displaced people in New Orleans.  I didn’t know that seeing the devastation there would hit home to me in ways that seeing destruction in Iraq didn’t.

I didn’t know but I could have told you that I would find ways to exercise there also. Including sneaking out of our camp and hopping a fence to lift weights in a deserted apartment complexes fitness center.  I didn’t steal anything and I cleaned up after myself. Hope they didn’t mind.

I especially didn’t know that my Marine Corps career would already be over by this time.  I didn’t know that your Aunty Sandra was so sick you see.  Didn’t know that your grandfather would ask me to stay home instead of redeploying so I could take care of her.

I didn’t know that my oldest son, the only one of you to live through all of my times away, would follow in my footsteps. That he would fulfill a pledge made as a four year old.  That what I thought was a childish whim wasn’t. That when he said, “I’m going to be a Marine!” he meant it.

Click to view slideshow.

So I can’t just go have a picnic today.  I have too many memories linked to everything I just told you.   The men who died at Kennesaw Mountain would have had memories too. Memories they couldn’t and maybe didn’t want to shake.  Devastation in American streets that they probably never imagined. Friends lost. Brothers, cousins dead.

I just cried because I remembered Pearce, Taylor, Sutherland,  Matthews, Donaghey and Cody Warren.

There’ll be no picnic today.  I hope you understand why. I have no regrets. But I hope you understand why.

 

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Push Up to Help Veterans Who Are Down with Will Downes-Hall

Will Downes-Hall has been doing 22 push ups a day, every day for over 300 days to raise awareness and end veteran suicide.  To Will, the plight of the men and women who pledged to defend their country and now find themselves in need of help isn’t one he can ignore.  Find out how he’s doing his part and how you can get involved or seek his help!
Will, I’m glad to talk to you finally! This issue hits close to home for me as I’ve lost several friends who served with me in the U.S. Marines, guys who made it out of war but got home and couldn’t handle the transition back. I couldn’t handle my old job in a cubicle when I got back and it’s by God’s grace that I made it through.
 It’s great to be interviewed by you and an honour to be featured on your awesome site! I knew you were a Marine veteran but had no idea of the difficulties you endured on returning home. I see now why you’ve supported my journey as you have. Thank you for that.
Well, having read your story from our initial email, I know that this is something close to your heart.

After suffering from depression on and off between 2010 and now due to a few tough years (marriage breakup, business failure and several relationship failures) it got me thinking what I could do to help others, not just veterans, to realise they aren’t alone in their suffering. So I started the hashtag #letscheckonafriend with the simple premise of just a quick call or a text, or even a smile to a shop assistant or total stranger, to let them know they aren’t alone. Too many people are suffering in silence.

We’re going to be running this story on Memorial Day here in the States. Have you come into contact with many veterans through doing this and being part of the Garage Gym Life community who you’ve been able to connect with the help they need?
Actually, not that many in person. I’ve been contacted by veterans from the USA more than the UK. I think over here it’s not as well publicised as over with you guys, although the stats are very similar for our veterans. We have the British tradition of the “Stiff Upper Lip” and it’s difficult for us to talk about our challenges. Happily, that is beginning to change slowly. And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have done a fantastic job of raising awareness of mental health issues with their Heads Together campaign.
In the future I’m hoping to get more social media things going and actually connect with and help people who can’t see a way to help themselves.
How long have you been working out?

My brother and I got our first weights set in our bedroom when we were 13. We trained to supplement playing rugby and athletics; I sprinted and he threw heavy things. He was a forward and I was a back! We actually opened our own gym in our home town about fifteen years ago. It lasted ten years til the recession hit. We set it up to give people who couldn’t afford a monthly payment somewhere to train. They just paid a small fee per session. It was called Grunter’s Garage, and became well known in the locality for being an honest place with a good atmosphere. It was a sad day when we finally had to close the doors.

How did you start the push up challenge?

I first saw an old friend from when I was a bodyguard doing the #22pushupchallenge  on Facebook and commented that it looked a great thing to do. And I asked him to nominate me. He did and the next day I uploaded Day One at the gym I train at. After 22 days I felt I hadn’t really challenged myself so I just carried on. That’s when it changed to #44pushupsfor22kill. Not only doubling the amount of push-ups but also because the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 45 in the U.K. is suicide, hence the number 44. Plus I was 44 at the time.

Soon after, Gary Rotbauer started #30forstrongminds to raise awareness of mental health issues in the civilian population, and asked if I’d help spread the word. Of course I would! So that’s when 44 turned into 52; 22+30=52!

Doing that many pushups can get tedious, do you ever vary the types of pushups you do just for variety’s sake? (dive bombers, Hindu pushups, side to side pushups, spiderman pushups etc.?)

Ha ha! Yes, I guess they get a bit tedious, especially for those who have to watch a minute’s worth of me bobbing up and down! When I first started on the challenge I did vary the push-ups, and did some fairly extreme sets! But now I’m on 52 reps there’s not much time to squeeze that many push-ups into a minute video! So, no I don’t vary them now.

 I’m sure that pushups and running aren’t all that you do. What does the rest of your current fitness routine look like? Do you do this in a commercial gym or at home?

Well, I train at the local 24 hour gym every morning on my way to work. Right now I just hit the weights on a five day split, one body part a day with some abs thrown in each day, and maybe a bit of cardio. I like to do all three powerlifting moves each week, and then plenty of accessory work. Although I’m now 45 I feel the best is yet to come, so I like to push myself as hard as a can each session.

A sense of community is huge in helping with depression. Is that what attracted you to @garage.gym.life on Instagram and made you such a passionate supporter of the brand even though you don’t train primarily at home?

Yes, I feel a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself is a major tool in dealing with mental health issues and PTSD related problems. Especially with returning servicemen who are used to that comradery within the military. I started following @garagegymlife initially because it was an eye opener for me to see so many people training at home. And to see people making amazing progress in home gyms of all kinds. But then it became something more. I realised how the internet made it possible to bring all these people together in a global community. I found it inspiring, and wanted to do my bit to help spread the word here in the U.K.

Yes, most people are under the false impression that most fit people work out in commercial gyms or CrossFit boxes; that leads to the equally wrong impression that you can’t make progress if you don’t train in a gym. Don’t worry, we’ll convert you into an active duty member of the Garage Gym Lifestyle yet!

Funnily enough my brother and I used to train in his garage before we opened our gym! It was great. And that’s where the name of our gym came from; Grunter’s Garage!

See? We’ve got to get you out of that commercial gym and into an at home set up! You already train by yourself but we’ll all be your virtual training partners! In fact, you should go train with Kyle Russell or Fayzur Rahman, they’re both in the U.K. with you! And I’ll send you one of our banners for free to hang up in your space when you are ready to have your own set up in the house again.
Although I do train on my own now, I like the environment of a gym with other guys and gals training hard all around me. I’m naturally very shy so it’s also good to get out of my comfort zone and mix with other people.  But never say never! It would be great to have some kit at home for when I can’t get to the gym. If Kyle, Joe and Fayzur want to train I’m always up for it!
But having owned a gym in the past, what would be your first piece of equipment you’d buy if you were going to start up today?

Great question! It would definitely be a squat rack and a bench. Oh, and Olympic weights, of course! If you can do the Big Three you’ll be ok.

As a bodyguard you must have had to work your fitness around the schedules of whomever you were protecting at the moment, what’s your go to fitness routine for when you don’t have access to a lot of equipment?

My go to routine would be a simple push-up and core workout. If I can have a bit of a run too that’s a bonus.

You hashtag several organizations in your posts that are dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and suicide in general. Could you give me their names and some background on how you picked those organizations?
As for how I chose those organisations; I guess I saw a lot of people supporting the large veterans’ organisations but not the smaller ones; some of them just one person doing what they can to raise awareness of mental health issues in their community. So I decided I’d do what I could to publicise them. They include;
@combatstress
@ssafa_armedforcescharity
@supportthewalk
@veterans_wellbeing
@ridefor22
@evenoneistoomany
@nosurrenderinc
@aptsda
@keepbreathingcampaign
@mentalhealthrecoveryservices
@beautifully_tarnished
@myptsdofficial
@helpforheroes
How can people follow you and what are some links to places where anyone reading this can get help if they need it?
 Anyone can follow me on Instagram. I’m @ffoxetrot and all anyone has to do to find some help is email letscheckonafriend@gmail.com and I will reply asap with information of where they can find the help they need. Incidentally, I’m in the process of building a website that will be a resource hub where people will be directed to whatever it is they need to help them deal with their challenges. As for Garage Gym Life; I’m now following a bunch of awesome people, and made some great friends, who are awesome garage athletes. And some of them actually follow me too! What you are doing is simply brilliant for getting like minded people together from all over the world. If it wasn’t for you all these people would still be training on their own. Thanks to Garage Gym Life we all feel part of a worldwide family! Long may it continue!
Where can people donate if they want to help support these worthy causes?

Anyone interested in donating can have a look on my Instagram feed for details of how to donate to these worthy charities or on the websites themselves. Or just message me and I’ll point them in the right direction.

 

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The post Push Up to Help Veterans Who Are Down with Will Downes-Hall appeared first on Garage Gym Life.