I have a few sayings I’m known for.

One of them is, “It’s not about how much you lift, It’s about how much you LOVE Lifting.”

What that means is, lifting is about being passionate about something and doing it with fire.

Lifting is about setting goals to always be improving.

Lifting is about feeling good, and feeling good about yourself.

So, a couple months ago, or so, when I really took a look at some of my training, I came to realize I wasn’t following my own advice.

The whole idea about that saying is that you should be pushing yourself because you love lifting.

It has nothing to do with pushing yourself so hard that you reach your goals at the expense of everything and everyone else.

But, there I was, trying to reach some goals related to the Barbell Bench Press, and instead of getting closer, I was coming further and further away each session because the exercise was tearing my shoulders up, and leaving me in pain.

It’s now been the better part of this year, that I have quit Benching with the Bar, and moved exclusively to Dumbbell Bench Press. And although my numbers were completely embarrassing at first, I now feel like I’m living more in tune with my beliefs.

And, after a couple months, or however long it’s been, I’m starting to see some good increases, feeling better in the shoulders, and I think even seeing a bit of growth.

I LOVE LIFTING, but I think I was coming severely close to having the majority of my training SHUT DOWN due to the pain I was feeling in my shoulders.

I encourage you to do the same as well – by all means train hard – don’t just go through the motions in the gym.

But, if there’s a movement that is tearing you up inside, don’t feel the need to push through pain and suffer because of it.

Remember…It ain’t about how much you lift. It’s about how much you LOVE lifting.

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

P.S. Along these lines, I want to help you out as much as I can, to get you to your goals. And that means helping you learn to do your goal lifts properly and as safely as possible.

Get Introduction to Strongman Training AND Stone Lifting Fundamentals TOGETHER and SAVE $20! CLICK HERE or click the images below …

I was honored to be chosen to be this year’s guest speaker at the Opening Day ceremonies for the Towanda Little League.

Aside from giving a little bit of advice on baseball here and there, the points I tried to get across were:

(1) Baseball is about making memories you’ll remember the rest of your life.

(2) Baseball is about working hard and developing habits that will last you a lifetime.

(3) Baseball is about family, and we should recognize the efforts people make in our lives.

I hope you enjoy the speech, and if you’re looking for a motivational speaker for a get-together you have going on, or a strongman for your next party or celebration, please feel free to look me up.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

I want to take a minute to recognize somebody, named Mike Hagios.

I’ve known Mike for over a year now, and I want to give this guy a massive hand.

When I first met him, he was well over 300lbs and he had just recently decided to make changes in his life, his diet, and had just begun lifting seriously.

He just sent me a picture wearing the Diesel 3-Leaf Clover Shirt, and I was truly blown away.

 

It’s been a while since I’d seen him, and when I saw how trim he was looking, I was so proud of him for all of his dedication and hard work.

This dude not only hits the weights, but he routinely swims and has even started practicing jiu jitsu. Plus, he even has a group of people he trains with, and helps them with their training and weight loss goals, too.

On top of how well he’s doing with his diet and training, this fella ALWAYS has a smile on his face, and I’ve never heard him say a single bad word about anybody.

I feel honored that Mike ordered not 1, but 2 of the Diesel 3-Leaf Clover Shirts.

In fact, I’d say that Mike personifies EXACTLY what this shirt is all about.

You see, Mike doesn’t just “wish for weight loss.” He isn’t seeing his results because he’s “lucky.”

Mike goes after it and makes it happen.

Mike doesn’t need luck to reach his goals, because he puts in the work.

The common belief is a 4-leaf clover is good luck, because it’s rare.

Well, I say people like Mike are rare. Most people want everything handed to them, and they’re unwilling to lay it on the line for their goals.

The back of this shirt says “Who Needs Luck?”

Because, who needs to depend on luck, when your MINDSET, your MEALS, and your TRAINING are all where they need to be?

I know there’s a TON of you out there who approach training, eating and life in this manner, and you can show it with this awesome shirt.

Order yours TODAY and show people that with all you do, all your preparation, your discipline and desire, you don’t need luck to reach your goals!

Keep up the good work, Mike! Just a little ways to go until you reach your goal, brother – I know you can do it!

All the best in your training, Diesels!

Jedd

NO REGRETS

I posted this video on my Facebook wall a week or so ago, but I wanted to also add it here.

This video is by my friend, John Wojciechowski, a strength coach and grip sport friend of mine.

As you watch this video, think about this…

Every day that goes by, there are opportunities to improve, to get stronger, to get BETTER.

It may seem like we have all kinds of time to put the work in we need to, with each passing day, the opportunities to get better are sliding by.

We all need to make sure that we are taking advantage of the time we have.

That may mean sneaking in an extra workout, planning meals better, getting your water intake right, or any other number of things.

But it’s gotta come from inside YOU.

Your parents, your friends, your family, your partners can’t do it for you.

YOU know what YOU need to do.

Make your opportunities count. NO REGRETS.

Renew your commitment to your goals RIGHT NOW, if you’ve been letting distractions get in your way.

And if you need help getting back on the right path, send me a note and maybe I can help you.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Start Building Monster Traps, Shoulders and Upper Back Muscles

Question for you – –

How bad do YOU want to win?

How bad do YOU want to accomplish your goals?

Do you want it THIS BAD?

Read on…

As I was cruising Facebook last night, weaving back and forth between the nonsense about Tom Brady’s deflated balls and the lies about Bin Laden’s death, I found this gem, from my friend, Jared Fleming.

He said:

“So proud and inspired by my girl and her AMAZING performance at the USA Wrestling National Championships this weekend!!

Veronica showed more heart and internal motivation to win than I have ever seen in another person.

During her 4th match she broke her arm and tore ligaments… To the point you could see her arm was actually deformed.

She came back with 2 minutes left on the clock and WON the match with a broken arm and took 3rd place overall!!“

Can you believe that?

I actually had trouble getting to sleep last night because of this…

It inspired me so much, I got an adrenaline rush and wanted to train, but it was bed time.

I gotta get my beauty sleep, brotherrrrr!

Man, DIESELS, I hope this fires you up today.

I hope it motivates you to take your training up a notch.

It should make you want your goals even more.

Imagine having to finish a wrestling match with a broken arm.

No, not having to.

I’m sure nobody told Veronica she HAD to go out and finish the match.

She did that because of her burning desire for competition and savage hunger for excellence.

Let’s take a bite out of that today and apply it to our life, our work, our family, and our training.

What do you say?

Jedd

This touching guest post was written by Rick Walker, one of my long-time friends, and the guy who first got me into Grip. I hope you enjoy it.

As adults, we learn through our experiences that life is not a straight road, but a series of ups and downs, twists and turns, wrong ways and short cuts. We learn this through our own struggles and failures, our own bad choices, our own falls and climbs. A child should not have to learn about his own road at such an early age.

My step-son could just give up. At age 10 he has learned life has a way of getting messy. Life has a way of turning you up-side-down and shaking you. At age 4 he experienced the death of his father. Though he was only 4, the experience had, and continues to have, a profound effect on him. It is hard enough as an adult to lose your elderly parents, but to be 4 years old and have your dad there one day and gone the next, to see him lying in a hospital bed, to see him at his viewing and funeral, and to process exactly what is going on does something to the soul that can never be reversed. Yet he persevered.

By age 8, after much pleading by his mother and me, the school finally tested him and discovered he had a learning disability. He was struggling to learn to read and spell no matter how hard he worked at it and how much we helped him. The school had written him off as lazy, but we knew better. His test showed his IQ is high but his reading ability lags behind. He now has to leave his regular class room on a daily basis to get extra help in reading. He could have shut down. He could have fought against it and fell further behind, but he didn’t. He persevered. He works hard at his studies and is a straight A student. Perseverance.

The summer of 2013, his mom and I noticed he seemed to really be leaning up, was going to the bathroom often, and complained of being tired. He had just finished a great baseball season so we at first chalked it up to that. We put him on the scale and he had lost 10 pounds. 24 hours later he was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Life, once again, had dropped a major bomb on a 9 year old kid.
Most of this would break us. Most of this would leave us depressed, broken, and beaten. But this 9 year old kid took it in stride. He never shed a tear; he just looked at his doctor and said, “What do we have to do?” and, “Can I still play football?”

Perseverance.

It is not often that a father learns an important life lesson from his son. It is usually the other way around. He continued to train hard and prepare for his 2014 football season. Never once breaking to the sugar lows and highs, never once complaining about the 7 shots a day, about the constant checking of his blood, about the many blood tests he endures once every 3 months. He just persevered. At a time when I was fighting my own demons with my heart issues, this 10 year old boy was teaching me how to live. Week after week, workout after workout, he was showing me that success is not defined by never falling, but by falling over and over again and always getting back up. Always pushing forward. Always fighting back at whatever life decides to throw your way. He taught me to live for the moment, to live for today. He taught me that whatever the future may hold, we have this second right now to be a champion. He has made me a better father, a better husband, and a better man.

At the end of the 2014 season, his team finished with a 5-3 record and took the #1 team in the league, a team with a 7-0 record, to a dog fight in the second round of the play-offs losing by a score of 14-6. That same team went on to win the championship the very next weekend 31-0. They scored twice on us.

Casey scored 12 touchdowns, had over 800 yards rushing, and 60+ solo tackles. He currently squats 120 for 5s, bench presses 90 for 5s, and deadlifts 160 for 5s at a bodyweight of 92 pounds. At this time we are prepping for a December powerlifting meet where he fully intends on crushing the 10-11 year old 97-pound records that have stood since 2001.

At the end of the season, Casey also received the following awards: Academic Achievement Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Offensive Back MVP, and Overall Team MVP.

My son has become a man in a short period of time. Because he HAD to. He had no other choice. Give up and give in, or persevere. He chose, and chooses, to PERSEVERE. Day after day, workout after workout. He has a dream and a goal to one day play in the NFL. As a father I will do everything I can to make sure this amazing young man does just that.

Next time you are down and out over something, your training is stagnant, your life is stagnant, you hate your job, whatever it may be, think of this 10 year old boy and all he has overcome in his short life. Realize that it really isn’t as bad as it seems. And persevere.

#34 Casey J. Lettie Walker, 2014 Football Highlights

“Get busy living, or get busy dying.” – Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption

Thanks to Rick Walker for putting this piece together. -Jedd-

Hope things are going well.

Monday, May 5th, was a big day for me.

It marked my most important anniversary.

Hard to believe 6 years ago yesterday, my wife and I went to Chapel Hill, NC to get a tubal reversal so we could start trying to have a child.

JayCee is now 4.

So if you do the math, you’ll notice the pregnancy didn’t happen right away, despite my best efforts ;).

In fact, it was a long time between when we were allowed to start trying and when we finally got pregnant.

You know, I chuckle sometimes when I hear new trainees talking about how long it is taking for them to reach their goals.

“Oh, I have been training for so long, and I’m still not as big as I want to be…”

or…

“When will I finally be able to lift this or be able to do that…it’s taking so long to see results.”

Then I think back to the nights laying in bed wondering if I was ever going to be lucky enough to be a father.

Man, I lost a lot of sleep during that time.

(Little did I know I was going lose even more once JayCee got here – ha ha ha.)

So anyway, yesterday was a special day for us, and I sent my wife a dozen roses, with a card that said:

“Happy Anniversary. Thank you for giving me the best gift I could ever receive.”

The waiting was long, but looking back, I think it was a good thing, because I wasn’t ready to be a dad during that time anyway.

The waiting gave me time to grow up.

It gave me time to get stronger.

It gave me time to make sure the situation JayCee would be coming into was better prepared for her.

And that is pretty much what I tell people who get impatient about a lack of results.

Just like how I was still too much of an immature kid, who was in no shape or form ready to be a Dad, I tell them, maybe they just aren’t where they need to be in their training.

Maybe they aren’t disciplined enough.

Maybe they aren’t willing to pay the price they need to reach the levels they want.

Maybe, they just plain aren’t strong enough.

I’ll tell ya what, any time your training isn’t going the way you want it to, there’s nothing wrong with just focusing on GETTING STRONGER.

Putting more weight on the bar.

Doing the same weight for more reps.

Getting better this workout, than you were in the last one.

If you approach your training like that, then your goals will come sooner.

And when they do, you will enjoy them that much more.

And believe me, you will enjoy each goal you hit, .

Here’s to always getting stronger!

All the best in your training,

Jedd

P.S. In my efforts to help you get stronger, I have added a store to the website, and will be selling my own strength training gear.

The first item we are putting up is the Pinch Block Curl. <= Check it out, they are in stock starting this week.

Have you ever seen someone with a TON of Talent who looks like everything comes so freakin’ easy for them?

Have you ever been tempted to say, “Man, I have to work so hard to _______ but it comes so EASY for them.”

I have been hearing a lot of this lately, because of the “kid” I have been training with, Luke Raymond.

I put quotes around kid, because when I first met him, he was a new-hire right out of high school at the place I used to work and he was learning to operate forklifts.

That was 10 years ago. Now he is a Physical Therapist with a Master’s Degree.

After a couple of months, he’s already become a valued partner who has pushed me and helped me to improve while he has been tackling big goals himself.

For instance, he bent a Red Nail in his second bending session.

Luke Raymond Red Nail Bend 2nd Time Bending

To give you an idea of how awesome this is, I considered myself a damn good bender in my day, and it took me over a year of training to be able to bend a Red Nail.

This week, he bent one with just Iron Mind Pads and no rubber bands, matching certification conditions.

Luke Raymond Red Nail Bend IMPs and No Rubber Bands

He closed a #3 a few weeks back with a 20-mm Grip Contest set.

Luke Raymond #3 Gripper 20-mm Block Close

But to say all these things are coming “EASY” to Luke…

…well that kind of bugs the hell out of me, to be honest.

But of course, the jealous punks on Youtube and Facebook always have something to say…

“Sure, it comes EASY to him. He’s training with you.”

“Some people are just born with better genetics”

And other bullcrap stuff that I delete right away.

For people to discredit the work he has put in to do the things he has done is crazy.

It’s like someone saying a short person doesn’t even have to work hard to get jacked because they will just naturally build muscle easier.

Like if they just show up to the gym, the muscle will build itself.

Are you kidding me?

This week, he lifted the 50-lb Blob, another feat that normally takes people months if not years to accomplish.

Luke Raymond Blob Lift

But just because he’s accomplished these things in a fairly short time, does that mean that it all came easy to him?

No way brother!

People are only seeing a small percentage of what goes on in my gym…

…less than 1%, I’d say.

And they certainly aren’t seeing workout after workout where Luke grabs onto the Blob and it does nothing but chuckles in his face.

They don’t see when Luke has a frustrating workout and is clenching his teeth, taking deep breaths, and shouts in anger because of his frustration.

They don’t see that Luke has driven 30+ minutes 2 to 3 times a week just to be able to get another chance to work on the Blob.

They don’t see the nearly 3 hour workouts on the weekends when most of our friends are sleeping off a hangover.

They don’t see the assisted lifts, the eccentrics, the triples with other block weights, the holds for time with hex blocks…

All of that goes into why these gains are coming so quickly.

He is willing to put the effort in and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

I am a firm believe that good things don’t just happen.

PR’s don’t just happen.

Gainz don’t just happen.

People Make Them Happen.

YOU make them happen!

Believe it.

Hope you have an awesome workout today.

Jedd

Need help with bending? Nail Bending eBook

Want detailed instruction on Grip? The Grip Authority

Very quick post today for those who compete. Doesn’t matter what at.

I saw this video earlier and could not help but think about how this Jaguar hunting this Caiman is just like training.

Are You Up in Your Opponent’s Brain Case?

Are you training so hard that word of your intensity is getting out to everyone you could potentially face?

Are you taking your training to levels that would SCARE the people you would be facing?

When you attack, or when you go up against them, will you be so fast and strong that they are left trembling in fear?

Do You Have Laser-Like Precision Focus on Your Goals

Are you able to see exactly where you will be in 1 month, 2 months, or 6 months time, like a predator stalking its prey?

Are you able to get your work in, no matter what the conditions are?

Are you able to take that next step forward, even if the situation is not optimal?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, then you have work to do.

Take things to the next level. Don’t let anything stop you.

No excuses. No worries.

When things don’t go your way, so what – take it in stride and sink your teeth in.

And when you get to the platform, or the field, or the mat, you will be ready to snap your jaws tight on the brain case or vertebral column of your adversary and carry them away to eat at your convenience.

Make It Happen.

Jedd

A few weeks back, I invited my personal training client, Mark, to come train with me on a Saturday. He travels a great deal in his business, so that particular week he was unable to train with me at all, so i thought this would be a good way for him to get some work in.

That day, it was a great workout. We really got a lot of good quality work in, so I told him if he wanted to do that session with me each week, I would not charge him for the session, and he agreed.

This past Thursday morning, we were supposed to train together again, but his flight schedule got changed, so he wasn’t going to make it in. And so he called me on my cell while I was warming up and let me know he wouldn’t make it.

I normally train in the afternoon, so I almost said screw it and went back upstairs to work, but instead I hit the workout solo, and I am glad I did because it was awesome.

See why in the video below.

A little tribute to two of my best friends, Rick Walker and Mike Rinderle. Thanks for always having my back guys! I dedicate this workout to you.

Jedd

DIESELS!

It has been too long since we have had an Iron Masters Nomination up on the site, and I am just as much to blame as anyone else. The Iron Masters is something I started in 2010 in order to recognize the people over 40 years old who have been outstanding examples areas of strength and fitness. These men and women show that serious training for serious goals isn’t just for those in their teens and twenties, its a journey that lasts a lifetime!

Today, I have an Iron master that I have wanted to put up for a long while. It is Joe Mugovero from New London, CT. I first met Joe at Stronger Than All, a Strongman Contest in New Haven CT, in 2005, and he hasn’t stopped impressing me yet. The things that have impressed me the most since I first met him are his domination of two of the most widely recognized Grip Strength challenge implements, the Inch Dumbbell and the Blob, and his love for helping others enjoy strength training and fitness as well.

Today, I give you the most recent Iron Master, Joe Mugovero.

Joe Mugovero is a retired mailman with more than 41 years in the Post Office hails from New London, Ct. His early days had him competing in local fairs in the clean and jerk and then moved into powerlifting. One time 27 years ago he competed in a C&J contest on a Saturday and won the U.S bench press championships the next day as a sub-master.

Always attracted to strength in its many forms Joe tried bodybuilding, armwrestling, weightlifting, powerlifting, and some strongman. He considered himself a “jack of all trades, master of none“. After numerous injuries or lack of elite level ability Joe concentrated on the bench press and set numerous records in age group competition (40-55) all drug free. With more than 200 awards under his belt he permanently injured a disc in his neck which cut his left arm strength by 60%, days after setting yet another Ct. state record age of 52 with 445lbs.

It was only then that Joe turned to grip strength as a goal in it’s own right. Most of his life his left arm was more powerful than his right. Now with some serious training this would reverse…

After reading Milo magazine about a person from England who trained to lift the Thomas Inch Dumbell, Joe at about 58 started his quest to master the beast. He has fully deadlifted the INCH 687 times, sometimes doing doubles and once a triple. Every lift was witnessed by one or more members of the Breakfastclub Gym. In 2005 and 2006 he won the Rolling Thunder Championships at the Massachusetts State Strongman, beating guys half his age.

Joe on the Table with Tim Bresnan. Joe didn’t beat him, but it was a good match, he says.

Big benches are long gone now but he recently did a 330lb raw bench which he says took more hard work than the 500(single ply shirt) when much younger. Now he levers hammers, toys with the BLOB, pinches plates and does some hub lifting. Farmer’s walks with 235 lbs and a 200lb Atlas stone for 12reps over a 52″ high bar just last week.

Joe warming up on the Atlas Stones. He owns 28 of them.

Joe has been the meet director in four local strongman contests. He won the 2012 sledgehammer event against all age groups this year at the “Bash at the Beach” at Ocean Beach Park in New London, Ct.

Joe recently table curled a 123-lb dumbbell for 12 reps and preacher curled a 90lb dumbbell for 15reps. He has beat every member of the Breakfastclub Gym who put his arm on the table.

Joe closing the #3 Gripper. Can’t wait to see him certify in the future!

The only goals Joe has not achieved is pinching 2-45’s(has done 3-25’s)and certifying on the NO 3 gripper. He recently pinched 35’s w/16.35lbs extra so maybe soon and did close the NO 3 once a year ago.

Joe was the A.P.A chairperson for Connecticut from 1990-1995. He has been the meet director for at least 90 contests in weightlifting, powerifting, bench only, grip strength and strongman. He runs and owns the Breakfastclub Gym in New London , Ct. A small semi-private gym where the chalk flies, lifters curse and move big weight.

His biggest claim is not his own lifts but encouraging and making available strongman/grip equipment to Southeastern Connecticut trainees who have excelled in their own right. Joe won’t be remembered as the strongest guy walking local streets but just may be remembered as an ambassador of Powerlifting/Strongman/Grip strength promotion to the general public.

DIESELS, as I finish off this post, I have a grin from ear to ear because I’ve finally gotten the chance to post this up. Joe and I email back and forth regularly and he is always updating me on his Inch Dumbbell Domination, and I can’t wait to get the next one!

Now, it’s time for you to send in your Iron Master nominations.

It can literally be anybody, from a Fitness or Strength celebrity, to someone in a small town nearby, to even a relative. If they have inspired you in your training or have done so with others, send them my way. I can’t wait to hear from you.

All the best in your training and have an awesome weekend!

Jedd

P.S. I am traveling to Rhode Island tonight to meet up with Matt Ellis. I met him two weeks ago at a seminar and he is as passionate about helping people accomplish their goals as I am. I at breakfast with him one day and we hit it off right away, so we are going to be shooting a DVD together this weekend. If you are a “Thrower” or know someone who does, make sure you stay tuned.

Hello DIESELS!

Got something a little different for you today.

It started out like any other race…

I recently saw this video on Facebook somewhere and the thread it was on was blowing up. There were over 100 comments on the damn thing.

At first I did not know what the hell the big deal was. Why is everyone so excited about a 600m Race?

When I watched it, it became clear right away.

Check this out, it’s 2.5 minutes long but it’s worth it.

Big 10 Indoor Track Championship Heather Dorniden’s 600m Race

I’m betting there are not a lot of runners that come to my site, but that does not mean there are not some good take-aways here.

To me, this is the perfect example of being a MENTALLY STRONG athlete.

Could you imagine training your ass off for months and then right when your performance mattered the most, something like this happened to you?

It would have been so easy for Heather Dorniden to just roll around on the ground, start moaning about how “it’s not fair,” start blaming the other runners for tripping here, or any other number of excuses.

But instead she got back up on her feet with less than a lap to go and ran her ass off.

So, you need to remember this video. Whether you are doing a competition, a workout, etc – you need to go into it ready to finish even when the worst possible scenario takes place and rips your feet right out from under you.

By the way, even if Dornidan hadn’t won, this would have been an exemplary video of killer mental attitude, because if you watch the video again, immediately upon falling, she righted herself and just started digging for the pack.

She didn’t “jog into it.” She didn’t just “try to finish.”

She got back on her horse and went for the win!

That’s what it’s all about.

I hope you have a fantastic Fourth of July!

Jedd

I’d love to hear any stories you might have where you or someone you know came back from a huge setback and “Dornidened It” to come back and still do well. Leave a comment below!

Hello Diesels!

Several months ago, I put up a post here about having the right mindset for success in strength training, called Misses are Just Warm-ups. Go here to read it => Mindset of a Strength Training Warrior.

In that post I talk about why you can’t just give up if you fail to do something or miss a lift. You have to keep trying several times, because sometimes you’re only a few attempts away from success.

Success in Strength Training is based on many things, but one of the most important things is right inside your head.

And no, I am not talking about the brain as a part of the central nervous system, I am talking about the little conversations you have in your head before and after you attempt something. (more…)

My absolute favorite band of all time is Faith No More. The image above is the album cover for one of their albums, Angel Dust (1992).

Faith No More is famous for their song, Epic (The Real Thing, 1989), but they had many more outstanding songs, including the one I have posted below called, A Small Victory (Angel Dust, 1992).

(more…)

Diesel Iron Master – Nick McKinless

Hello Diesels!

I’ve got a very cool interview for you today. Check this out.
(more…)

DIESEL MINDSET – Part I

I was recently asked by one of the members at TheGripAuthority, what I do to stay motivated. What do I do if I fail at a lift. How do I keep going? How do I cope with failure when trying to get stronger?

Failure is a part of lifting. It happens and you can’t let it bother you.

I fail all the time. If I stopped my workout every time I failed, I would probably never finish a workout. I miss on Log Press, Farmers Lifts, Gripper attempts, Pinch Lift attempts – you name it and I generally fail on it at least once a workout.

Before I broke the record in the Two Hands Pinch, I must have failed in competition at least 4 times (it feels like it was 20 times, but it wasn’t). For each competition, I trained for months on end, traveled all over the country, had people I didn’t even know pulling for me to break it, contest promoters invited me to stay at their house so their wives could cook me a home cooked meal so I didn’t have to eat fast food. This was all to give me the chance to break the record and I failed multiple times.

I’d often feel bad because I let those people down when I missed the mark, but I’d keep it in mind that I had a lot of people behind me along the way, even if they weren’t there with me for each workout.

I train alone and have no one to push me to go downstairs and get going. I don’t have anyone here on a day-to-day basis to yell at me to get my ass in gear. It’s up to me. I just keep going, even though it is hard.

Whether you train Grip, Strongman, Powerlifting, Olympics Weightlifting, Kettlebells, Feats, etc, it’s all hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it – “The Hard” is what makes strength training great.

Sometimes, I think I get stronger because I don’t give up when I fail.

Sometimes, I think knowing that I am coming so close to success is what drives me to either get it on the next try, or the next try, or the next try…or I will get it the next time I train it.

But I don’t give up just because I miss it the first time.

Years ago, Clay Edgin, a fantastic Grip strength competitors from 2003 to 2006 (no longer competes), said that when he converted over to Strongman he always made sure to try a PR lift in Overhead Lifts (Log, Axle, etc.) at least 12 times because he felt he needed that many attempts for his mind and nervous system to be geared up enough to get it. He even put up a video showing himself missing time and time again and then finally getting a PR overhead Push Press after nearly a dozen misses.

When was the last time you tried something 12 times before finally getting it?

I think there might be something to this. I don’t have any research, just experience…

A few weeks ago I was training the Wrist Developer and failed on like Level 6. So, instead of giving up, I worked back down a level or two and began adding rubber bands along with the spring to work near Level 6, just to get the feel of the additional tension, and I ended up getting Level 6 when I tried it again.

Here’s the video…

Earlier this week, I had a very similar experience, although it was a bit different.

I was training the Wrist Developer again and missed Level 8, my current best performance on the Wrist Developer, which I did at Leg three of World’s Strongest hands.

It just didn’t feel right. The equipment felt heavier than normal. The joint felt like it was encrusted and wasn’t working properly, and I’d already done a ton of wrist work, so I began to wonder if I’d be able to get it.

Since it felt so damn hard, I backed off to Level 7 again, and to my surprise that felt much easier. Although Level 8 felt freakin’ impossible, I knew going in that I could get Level 7 because I’d been owning it for quite some time.

What happened next was crazy.

A lot of people don’t know this, but I speak Spanish. I have a crappy accent, and so I tend to keep conversations short, but I can make out alright if I need directions in a city or something like that.

For whatever reason, I started doing this positive self talk in my head in Spanish, and before I knew it I was speaking out loud. Rattling it off started getting me pumped, so I kept going and before I knew it I was yelling at myself to get Level 8. I felt much more awake – more PRIMED – than I had before, like the blood was pumping through my forearms and hands better.

The Wrist Developer felt lighter now, and sure enough I hit Level 8.

Then I hit Level 9 – a HUGE PR!!!!

I managed to get all of this on camera, and have been trying to upload it all week, but the sound has been messing up when putting it on YouTube. Finally tonight it came through right, so I wanted to share it with you all here.

I’ve been pumped up all week about this, and I wanted to share it with you along with part of my mind set in regards to my training. I think this can be applied to just about any training program, regardless of your goals.

Next time you fail, and you will, dust yourself off and try it again for me. Try micro-loading like I did with the rubber bands, or try whipping yourself up into a frenzy. Maybe even try the 12 Attempt Method. And even if you don’t get it after repeatedly trying, you’ll be building yourself up for the next time you train and maybe you’ll get it then.

Whatever you do, don’t just give up and quit – that’s the biggest mistake you can make.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Check out more videos on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL < = Go Now!

Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball | How to Bend Nails | How to Tear Cards | Feats of Grip Strength Explained | How to Build Your Own Equipment | How to Lift Atlas Stones | The Sh*t You’ve Never Seen | Sled Dragging for Athletes | The Road to the Record DVD

Haters Gonna Hate

Change Your Mindset

by Jim Smith, CSCS, RKC

I wanted to post this video as a response to my good friend Mike Bruce’s recent Facebook comment.  He stated he had received some hate mail the other day.

If you have an online presence, at some point, you’ve received hate mail.

But Mike’s comment really caught me off guard.  You would never think that he would get anybody posting anything negative toward him.

If someone is posting a negative comment on a video you posted or sending you an email with something negative you can bet one thing:

They are a miserable person and things are not going well for them.

We are inundated everyday with bad stuff in the news; floods, murders, kidnappings, bad economy and everything else.  Then we get to our job and people are miserable, we’re tired, we’re hungry and we have a ton of stuff to do.  The last thing we need is more negative “stuff” in our lives.

We need to change our mindset and turn all of this negative stuff around in our lives.

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Instead of saying

Why do I have so much stuff to do?

Say this:

Why am I so good at getting stuff done?

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Instead of saying

Why is this person sending me a negative email?

Say this

Why am I so good at inspiring others and helping them change their lives so they don’t feel negative anymore?

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It is a mindset change and once you make it, you will do great things.

If you receive something negative, what should you do?

• stay positive
• surround yourself with like-minded people
• be persistent
• keep your head high
• keep doing what you’re doing
• continue respecting others
• set goals for yourself and once you reach these goals, set new ones
• chase your dreams
• continue to inspire others
• give the people you train an experience when they talk to you, turn their day around
• never quit
• never have regrets

Imagine this…

There’s a challenge before you…

You’re the under dog…

The road ahead is long and bumpy…

The deck is stacked against you…

It’s an uphill battle…

Yet you remain confident.

You stay focused.

You keep your eyes on the prize.

You are determined.

You can make successhappen .

Never let the negative thoughts of others around you get in the way of your goals.

See it in your head.

See yourself accomplishing your goals.

See yourself hit your depth and come out of the hole strong for a successful squat.

See the ball flying out of your hand and into the receivers for a touchdown.

See it before it happens, and you’ll be that much closer to making it happen.

And make sure those around you see it that way too.

MAKE it a great day.

Jedd

Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball | How to Bend Nails | How to Tear Cards | Feats of Grip Strength Explained | How to Build Your Own Equipment | How to Lift Atlas Stones | The Sh*t You’ve Never Seen | Sled Dragging for Athletes | The Road to the Record DVD

My boy Zach Even-esh just posted this video that so closely matches my passion and philosophy, I just had to share it with everyone here on Diesel. Thanks Zach!!!

Leave your thoughts about your passions.  Tell me what this video means to you!

Diesel Iron Masters

With Independence Day being here, today’s Iron Masters recognition comes at a perfect time.

Today we meet LTC Nathen Acree Jr, who retired from the Army in 1995 and was recently recalled at age 59.

LTC Nathen Acree Jr

The nomination for LTC Nathen Acree Jr was sent in by his son, Austin Acree.
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

A few weeks ago, I posted that I wanted to start doing a formal recognition for the people who we all admire for their dedication to the craft of strength, health and fitness into their upper years.

This recognition, called Iron Masters, would be for anyone over 40 who trains with the iron, maintains a healthy lifestyle, and is an example that we can all look up to. If you’d like to read more about this, you can check out my original post on Iron Masters, here = > Iron Masters.
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Hey everybody, it’s Jedd. I hope you had a pleasant Holiday weekend, and that you have a peaceful Memorial Day.

I also hope your training is going well. I had an awesome time training Saturday. Some buddies, Mike Rinderle and Frank Snyder came over and we had an excellent workout. I’ve got some video clips that I will post up later in the week.

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Many of you know about my previous Pay It Forward article.

I posted about how fortunate I feel and how lucky I was to be in 3 major fitness publications in one month (back in Nov 2009).

Well, it has happened AGAIN!

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Hey everybody, thanks for coming by to check out the site. Today I have a post for you that I’d really like your opinion on. I hope you can take a minute and post a comment below before you move on to whatever else you have going on today.

Before we get into that, here’s a picture of me and my little girl, JayCee Lynn. She’s doing great and she loves to stay up every night and party.

Here’s a picture of her and me a week or so ago taken around 3 AM one night after giving her a bottle. I am so delirious in this pic, I don’t even remember who took it.

JayCee Lady and Me

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

When you’re confronted with an obstacle in life, what do you do?

Do you accept the outcome without interfering?

Or do you confront it head on and take charge?

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Hope

An open letter to all athletes from their coaches.

I remember the first time you walked into the weight room.  So cocky and self-assured, it made me smile.  I smiled at your child-like view of the world and your innocence.  It is these qualities that I hoped would never be taken from you.  It is also this view that I hoped to build upon and develop as you grew older.
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Lift for Haiti

It is so easy to get angry because of the stresses and struggles of everyday life.  I know, I have many things that weigh on my mind everyday.

But sometimes when tragedies happen, you find out what is really important.
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Vision Quest

No more bullshit.  We’re on a Vision Quest!

You and me.  Together.

I am going to work my ass off to make 2010 amazing for you.  That is my guarantee.

People always say, on “Monday I’ll start” or “When my next check comes in, I’ll join the gym”.

NO MORE!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Diesels,

Several of the Gripaholics that were going to be here today had to cancel out, so there is no live stream today, but we are in the process of scheduling more group training sessions soon, so please stay tuned.
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I was thinking the other night about how really lucky I am.

I know, I know, I’m getting soft in my old age.  Well, I’ve got a little secret for you.  I’ve always been just a big softy.  Despite how dynamic, agile and cool I might seem (that is sarcasm 🙂 ).

Something you might not know about me is that I grew up on a farm and never really had anything.  I worked hard everyday and got up early to feed horses, cows, chickens and a host of other animals before school.  During the summer I had three jobs and always wanted what the other kids had.
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Mongol General: Hao! Dai ye! We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?
Mongol: The open steppe, fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.

Mongol General: Wrong! Conan! What is best in life?

Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.

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I recently took a trip to Washington, DC and visited the National Zoo.  The funny thing is, the whole way down to DC, I only kept thinking about one thing.

Where and when can I train.

Many people would say, “You’re on vacation, take a day off!”  The fact is I am always busy and when I get a chance to train, that is “my time”.  That is my serenity!  (SERENITY NOW!) 🙂

I love training and I love hanging out with my training crew.  Is that how you feel?

Do you look forward to the workout all day?  What weight am I going to hit, or I am going to hit a PR on this lift today!

Well, to make a long story short, after this trip to DC, I will NEVER LOOK AT TRAINING THE SAME WAY AGAIN!

As you remember, I did get to train at Gold’s gym while I was there.  But, I really wanted to get some training in the day we went to the zoo.

Before going any further…

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS, I AM A TRAINED ZOOLOGIST.

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Andy Dufresne: Forget that… there are places in this world that aren’t made out of stone. That there’s something inside… that they can’t get to, that they can’t touch. That’s yours.
Red: What’re you talking about?
Andy Dufresne: Hope.

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I just uploaded a new video that I wanted to talk to you about.

Everyday you walk out of your door, everytime you turn on the tv, everytime you read a news story; you see it.

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Andy Dufresne: Forget that… there are places in this world that aren’t made out of stone. That there’s something inside… that they can’t get to, that they can’t touch. That’s yours.
Red: What’re you talking about?
Andy Dufresne: Hope.
___________________________________________________
I just uploaded a new video that I wanted to talk to you about.
Everyday you walk out of your door, everytime you turn on the tv, everytime you read a news story; you see it.
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by Joe Hashey, CSCS – www.synergy-athletics.com

Everyone that reads the Diesel Crew site is already passionate about strength training; there is no doubt about that! This article contains methods I have used in my own training and with my athletes to add a “little something extra” to the programs.

Let’s cut the small talk and get to the meat, here’s the list:

1. Real Primary Exercises. Choose a primary exercise that is a compound lift and is proven to help you reach your goals. If you are an Olympic lifter, then choose those. If you are a powerlifter, then get to benching, squatting, and dead lifting. If you are a recreational lifter (here’s where we get in trouble), choose something off the list above. Smith machine curls don’t fit. Activate the most muscles you can right off the bat.

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Sandbag Circuits For Combat Athletes

By Dustin Lebel

MMA is all the rage these days and its no surprise that more and more people want to train like their favorite fighters. The only problem is that most great fighters are great despite their strength and conditioning program…not all, but most. While putting together a great program for a combat athlete can be very complex as you have to take into account their technical practice schedules, past and current list of injuries, nutrition, their various coaches, recovery, and oh yeah – we need to get them stronger, more powerful, and in better condition while they concurrently improve their skills in their respective sport. Phew – training for combat sports is tough!

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Midnight, May 24th is the Day!

I can’t wait until AMD is released and I can get some sleep.  I was really hoping to have it done sooner, but I keep adding to it.  As many of you know who have bought my products, I am a perfectionist.  I want to make sure all of bases are covered and you have everything you need to reach your muscle building goals.

Post your comments below and tell me if you’re excited about the AMD release.

Thank you everyone for following us here at Diesel.

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