What is Best in Life?
____________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________
As I get older and wiser (much wiser than I was when I was younger) I often go back to this scene from one of my favorite movies, Conan the Barbarian.
As I guy I have a passion to be the best, “to crush my enemies”. Now if you are a women reading this post, I am about to do the unthinkable in the man’s world.
Let something out of the vault.
I remember at speaker at an NSCA event many years ago talking about how you have to treat AND motivate male athletes different than female athletes.
In athletics and team sports here is a truth.
When a team loses, a guy is still happy if they themselves played well. Women are only happy if the team, as a whole, played well.
Why?
We got the testosterone.
It makes us do crazy stuff sometimes, like drive like a madman toward a goal or a task. This can be great if your passion is helping others.
For me, this means being a good Dad, being a good friend and always try to help others reach their goals.
But sometimes it isn’t easy. The kids drive you crazy, your friends have their ups and downs and sometimes people don’t want to be helped. You have to be certain and relentless in the wake of all adversity.
Think about Conan pushing the Wheel of Life around for years. Think that was easy? I don’t know if you know this but the story of Conan was real, that sh*t actually happened.
So what is my point? Life isn’t fair, life isn’t easy, life isn’t certain.
The ONLY thing you can be certain of is you only get to do it once. So you dominate, go for your dreams and kick ass.
Never quit, never surrender, just kill it.
Try to let actions speak louder than words, I’ve got two videos I want to show you.
First one is Gary Sansiveri coming back for his second installment of his never give up, train your ass off video series. In a previous post I talked about how Gary has had a ton of medical problems, yet continues to defy the doctors and everyone else because his spirit is too strong.
The second is a personal one for me. It is tackling a big hill after a recent training day. The hill was pretty intimidating and I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But sometimes, you’ve got to man up and HAVE NO REGRETS!
After watching the video, I have something important for you to do.
What To Do Next!
So I have a surprise for you.
I want you to comment below about something you are passionate about, something that makes you a better person or something that you want others to say about you.
If this post reaches 100 comments, I will randomly select 5 lucky commenters and give them my renowned 2-Disc Combat Core DVD set for FREE.
Rules: There are ONLY three.
1. You have to be in the first 100 commenters, so be quick! and
2. The post must have at least 100 comments.
3. Only 1 post per person.
Post away and let’s win some DVD’s!
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- Pay It Forward
- Vision Quest 2010
- It is Not the End…Finish Strong!
- UFC 94 – BJ Penn Training for GSP
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Tags: arnold, conan, core training, go for your dreams, hard work, inspiration, meaning of life, muscle building, never give up, respect, strength training
September 15th, 2009 at 5:58 am
I didn’t make it to the basketball team even though I’ve been training really hard since before the summer holidays and when I got back I didn’t get picked to be in the team and my coach told me what I needed to work on and I have been working on those things everyday. Many of my teammates and different coaches doubted me or still do but I have improved a lot since then working on some aspect of my game everyday whether its in the gym or on the court. This is not the first time I have not made it to the team and I will keep trying. I’m quite confident I can make the team next year if I keep training hard because my coach and teammates say I’m the most athletic in my grade and the best offensive player but defensively I’m not so great so I need to work on that.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Hi and greetings from UAE (in the gulf region of the world)
I get the newsletter but it’s hard to order overseas especially from the middle east. My husb won’t let me use any american credit cards to order so I can’t get anything by mail! I need something I can get free off of the internet that I can use. I am female aged 52 and just lost 45lbs just by sheer effort and sweat. I did this by aerobics, cardio (initially)then dvds including belly dancing and others! I need to get more dfinition andget rid of these hips and upper arms. I can’t fit into clothes comfortably and I know there is no such thing as “spot reducing” but there has to be smething I can do about them and these granny arms! Any suggestions? I do have free weights at home in kgs. My skin needs tightening and have tried some non-surgical ways to do this but to no avail!
I hope this will get to y’all and maybe I’ll get some responses! Thanks! Aisha Arayssi in the emirates!
September 15th, 2009 at 6:19 am
conan…great movie! the old man, pretty tough. your hill “sprint” was more like a hill jog, big hill tough. unfortunately i live in florida there isn’t a hill close to that size around. aside from the testosterone issue, evolution has a lot to do with why men are happy with individual excellence. only one man leads the pack, just as in nature.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:25 am
awsome man keep up good work
September 15th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Hills are a great polishing mechanism. Nothing like thinking you are doing well and then have your lunch handed to you. Nice that you found one so obliging.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:31 am
train and always gradually go see the weight increase, and you little by little going to grow, while others stay the same charge and size. and you get to hear ….. “Drugs”!
September 15th, 2009 at 6:41 am
test but i can not post
September 15th, 2009 at 6:44 am
What is best in life?
That sounds like the subject of a philosophy test.
How about I change the question into “what is the goal of a man?”, or “what is the purpose of mankind?”
And the responses are infinte…
But my reply would be: we are living to achieve our goals. We need goals or dreams and then focus on them until we reach those goals.
After struggling, loosing, being down, beaten up… we just stand up again, learn from our mistakes and keep on going to reach those goals.
Then they become closer and closer… we can almost touch them with our fingers…
And they we reach our goals. We remember the times we were struggling to get to them, but finaly we reached them. What we thought impossible couple times ago is just reality now.
This is what is best in life.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Somtimes you need a kick in the ass and a reminder of what is really important in life. This article did just that for me.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Mountains are really great. Once you start your journey to the top it is overhelming that in the next hours/days you will finally prove yourself your are capable of defeating your weaknesses. After hours of free climbing with nothing between you and the ground it is a great feeling to reach the top.. looking around and having not limits.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I’ve got a couple of hills similar to the one in the video and they’re within walking (running) distance from my house. Think I’ll incorporate them into my workouts today. Great idea, thanks for the inspiration.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:01 am
What is best in life?
Living each day to the fullest, always accepting new challenges and pushing yourself each and every day. Create goals for yourself, and once you achieve them, set the bar higher and higher. Finally, always strive to be a better man, never pass up an opportunity to help someone and be content with who you are not what someone wants you to be.
This is whats best in life.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:14 am
hi smitty,i am proud of my biceps strength. i can do cheating hammer curls with 65kg wt in rt hand. i want to be renowned as the one with strongest biceps!
September 15th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Hill running is awesome. I still remember this hill on my college campus that we would run for conditioning. I wish I had a hill like that in my backyard.
Even better is the sand dune climbing.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:33 am
In the end it is how we lived and what we leave behind for our children that matters most. Balanced goals like Smitty mentioned are what will satisfy in the end. Don’t forget that life is made of many parts.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Wow….That is definately a hill. I would like people to say I persevered against all odds, no matter how long it took, where I was, or what I was doing. I kept true to my goals and saw them through.
One of my many mottos: A goal is an extension of who you are and to fail to follow through, is to fail yourself, in the end.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Hey Smitty. That hill was crazy! I am passionate about my training. I love to lift weights and I love training for MMA. I have not missed a workout from lack of motivation or boredness in over a year. I started serious lifting and training when I was 16 and i am now 18. I hope to some day open my own gym and be successful.
Born To Train!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Hi Smitty, does Dixon’s 3 repetitive comments count as 3… or only 1
HAHA!
September 15th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Smitty you and Conan ROCK! Awesome post and you can never be more true!
Acheiving our goals no matter what at any cost. Once they are reached you set new ones. Once you stop setting and working toward goals you are dead.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:13 am
The military made me passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle of fitness combined with nutrition for 23 years. Now I am passionate about going to the next level of fitness to make sure I stay a healthy and fit civilian
September 15th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I think best in life is to find something you’re really good at and love to do!no matter what it is!
And I/we see and read it everyday,on every post that you guys on Diesel crew have found that!
You inspired me to perfect my training as a hobby and hopefully someday as my job!
And the great thing is you’ll never get perfection,that’s why you have to push yourself every fu**in’ day to accomplish your (daily) setted goals!
Great Job!!
p.s. the mobility and activation stuff on AMD is wauidiwiwau ^^
p.p.s. sorry for my english,I’m from germany and spread your word here every time I get the chance to!!
Greetz & Thanks
September 15th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Hi Smitty, I am proud to say at 42 years young I am still among the fittest and strongest in my gym where the majority are half my age, in a sport that retires most at 30.Once you have given blood, sweat and tears in any sport and still continue to pursue your dreams you can be proud.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Another great blog, great to see the old ones do so well. I’m 66 and do very well my self
Thanks
September 15th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Awesome finisher! a real character builder. thanks for posting video
September 15th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Smitty,
OK, Dixon is cheating!!! Dude that hill was legit! Thanks for posting it-it is motivating me to sprint the hill I use with my athletes TODAY!
For those who know me or follow my posts on my website then you know I am passionate about hiking and backpacking trips. There is nothing more rewarding than hiking and conquering long gradual and in places steep climbs with a 50 lb + backpack on your back to reach the top. The reward comes after you reach that peak and are able to see the views from the vista and know that not that many people get a chance to experience that; it is very gratifying.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Family first, training second. Everything else is a distant third. Thats whats best in life.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Very inspiring videos!!
Keep Strong!
September 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Gary’s a beast. Good to see other guys 40+ kickin’ ass & not doing Pec-Deck crap….
Next time you guys run the hill, put a weight vest on…:)
September 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I want to be known for my dedication to making everyone around me better.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Definitely motivating stuff. I love all of the information given on this website and can’t wait for what else will be posted. Great resources and great people.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:25 am
When it’s all said and done, I’d like others to say that I was the type of guy who’d give you the shirt off of my back, no questions or reciprocal favors asked. Every day, I see scores of reminders of people being selfless and generous not for the sake of rewards and time under the spotlight, but simply because they have a passion for something burning deep inside and a desire to serve others, not because it brings them glory, but because it they are people of character, dignity, respect, and will do what’s right whether the world is watching or they are isolated on a deserted island.
Whether it’s the brave men and women of the American military or people sharing their knowledge on websites like this one, examples of those who willingly do for others come in many forms and on countless scales. The common thread is that being selfless and so willing to serve functions as fuel for that inner fire that drives you, and it creates momentum that cannot be stopped. And that type of momentum is contagious. Where once you may have had a group of folks who felt timid, lost, and uncertain of how to cope with the challenges and uncertainty of tomorrow, you now have a mighty force driven to serve others, help them reach their own personal pinnacle, and in the process ascend to their own peaks. I hope that when my hourglass has finally run its course that people will be able to look back on my life’s work and say, “Now there was a guy who brought a smile to each day and never hesitated to share his knowledge and help others to be their best!” Thank you, Smitty, for being part of that fuel and for helping me to get a bit better each and every day.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:40 am
At the end of the day, I have worked hard for everything I have. I have played fair and hope that others around me share the same feeling of accomplishment that I do. I cannot make their day for them since everything is treated through personal perspective.
Passion for whatever we do is contagious and will help others focus if they catch the vision. I always have given 200% to my goals. It doesn’t matter if that is in the gym, work, home, wherever.
The really challenging thing for me is being my own worst critic. I see the details and how they are different from the desired result. I have to keep my perspective focused on the steps between where I am and the end result and measure little successes along the way to keep track that I am progressing in the right direction.
Everything is progress. Some progress is away from the goal so road mapping is important to me as well.
Thanks for the mental pushes that help me stay focused!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Mongol General: What is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:14 am
At the age of 60 and still playing softball at the top level I am hitting the ball with more authority. Thanks
September 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I am passionate about being the leader of my family. It doesn’t matter if it is manners, emotional behavior, attitude or fitness. I will be a role model for my wife and children!
My families overall view on life is shared with so many of the people that interact / work out with us or our children. To be able to get up every morning with a smile on your face and lead a workout group is just a pleasure. To see the improvements that our friends and family make in turn is the reward.
I love the inspirational posts and forward them to friends often.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
There a lot of things that get me going in the morning. #1 is having an angel sleeping next to me that I would give my life for. #2 Doing something I am passionate about; be it training myself, a client, being a good fire fighter/paramedic, husband, son, brother, and friend.
The most recent thing (in addition to #1) that has been motivating me since last week and will for the rest of my life is that I AM GOING TO BE A DADDY!
Knowing this has changed my whole outlook on life. I have a new reason to live and I must stay mentally tough and on a righteous path so that I can be great father to my child as my father was to me.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Smitty-
You should get a heart rate monitor and see what it reads at the top of that mountain. I was getting 200s out of my prowler so that hill would be interesting.
What am I passionate about? That little bundle of joy coming in 7 months!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Awesome video Smitty.
Your partner can move. He’s like a ninja.
I’m running some hills this weekend. Thanks for the motivation brotha.
Jesse
September 15th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I am totally blown away!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:37 am
What is best in life?
Having a family, being a husband, the day of and every day after my son was born, it is the greatest feeling being a father. Also though I would have to piggy back off Conan and say to crush your enemies, ha! When you reach a goal or accomplish a mission you know 100% you did your part in this green machine.
Semper Fi,
Adam
September 15th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Hey smitty awsomee videoss!
they got me pumped up!
that is a hill! that looked brutal!
lets put all our passion into what we want in life!
love the message, keep rockin it!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:55 am
great post, killer hill!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:58 am
That NSCA presenter makes a good point. Training my clients, sometimes you forget that women need to be motivated in a different way than men.
When it comes to my own training, I try to light it up every time I am in the gym. I’m a high intensity junkie, and I feel like it has carried over to my everyday life. It takes a certain type of personality to wake up every day and not be satisifed until you have pushed your own limits, whether physically, spiritually or mentally. Those of us who constantly push ourselves in the gym will develop that same characteristic in other areas of our lives, and I think the world needs more people who are not satisfied with just passing by; there are too many of those already.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Conan is without a doubt one of the more memorable ever. The thing is we get to jump many years off the wheel and just get the result and than ride it home. In real life you have to find satisfaction and motivation every time you wake up early to train or feel your body tired and stiff. It is the every day doing which makes things tick and not the grand battle scenes.
Conan is a great movie and a good motivator but it is over in an hour and a half. Making the time everyday to do what works and having enough awareness to change and adapt will pay up more than a dramatic rush once a week or one month every year. You never know when a loved one will need picking up. You have to be ready all the time because when the fire starts or bullets starts passing by no amount of bravado is getting you to the other side of the road.
Do the work, everyday even if you manage only a few minutes, find a way to make it count.
Sharon
Systema Israel.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Great video and article. Very inspirational.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:21 am
The part about woman needing to be trained differently than men is a very valid point. Eric Cressey had a great article on what I learned about training females, and Valerie Waters * celebrity trainer* wrote one as well. After listening to an interview with her on the strength coach podcast I realized even though we want the best for our clients sometimes we loose track of what they really want.
I am a trainer myself and find myself doing that as well. Not everyone needs to be as strong as I want them to be.
I’m passionate about training and helping people improve their performance. I try to study as many different kinds of material as possible, from all sources of real practical educational sources.
Diesel Crew is a great resource, the first video in the vote series was great for helping correct form for exercises I train my client with all the time and the second video was a great alternative to using the rope if for some reason I couldn’t use my sled.
Keep it rocking diesel crew!
September 15th, 2009 at 11:25 am
cheeeeeeeeyah
September 15th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I recently started playing ice hockey. I am 36 years old. The other guys on the team refer to my line as the “young line”. The other 2 guys on my line are 24 and 30. I train with them daily. I have become kind of their personal trainer. It feels great to be older than a bunch of guys on the team and be faster, stronger and have more stamina than most of the guys on the team.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Brandon Roy of the Portland Trailblazers said this, “Stay Hungry; Stay Humble”. It gets no better than that.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I’m with the Mongol. When you’re present, everything falls into place (which includes crushing your enemies, killing a hill sprint, or knocking out the last five yards of an overhead lunge).
September 15th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
100% agreed….complete domination is always in order
September 15th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
great job, keep it coming!
What is best in life? Finding contentment at the spot God has put you in right now, while never giving up hope and striding for better things in the future.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
You stated in the video to always push yourself after work and on Saturdays. I agree, but you should push your physical, mental, and emotional limits all day every day. Practicing this state of mind is a better habit to form then just turning it on after work. What good is an athlete with the emotional capacity of a 10 year old?
Nice hill sprint!
September 15th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Hill running after leg day… this is certain death.
Sounds like fun.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
# 52, +1
How you live you days, is how you live your life
September 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
What is best in Life…To be in the middle of a great kettlebell workout, and have my one year old come crawling up: wanting to PLAY- time to put down the KB and pick up little Brock and crank out some reps with him, and listen to the sound of his laughter!!
September 15th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Awesome job on the hill!
Excellence is never an accident. It is always the direct result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
I am 59 years old (60 this December 30th) and believe I will always be an athlete and train like a warrior. I have also been a Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetic for 48 years.
I live by the motto of my priorities in life of The Four F’s: Faith, Family, Freedom and Friends.
I always get compliments on my level of fitness, most individuals feeling I am 20 years or less than my age.
I strive to learn something new each day and challenge myself each day with a new workout.
Thank you for the valuable information you offer all of us and keep it coming.
Take care of yourselves.
Steve
September 15th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
From Cormac’s Instructions to Cairbre. Good old fashioned Celtic wisdom.
“O Cormac, what is the worst thing that you have seen?” said Cairbre
“Not hard” said Cormac. “The faces of foes in the rout of battle”
“O Cormac, what is the sweetest thing that you have heard?” asked Cairbre.
“Not hard” said Cormac.”The shout of triumph after victory, praise after wages, the invitation to the pillow of a lady.”
September 15th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
man, conan the barbarian is the real deal. they don’t make films like that anymore. Crom!
something that i remember from childhood that made me a better person – playing football in the park. there was a bigger kid who was bullying the smaller kids, including myself – pushing kids around, knocking the ball out of everyone’s hands. i didn’t want to play. my dad pulled me aside and told me, “doesn’t matter how big he is, you get back in there. win or lose, you stand up for yourself”.
we lost the game, but i stuck it out. i played my hardest. i remembered afterwards, i looked at my dad standing off to the side. he nodded at me. i think i made him proud.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
This is a great post for myself personally because I’ve been kinda down lately without being able to train fully because I tore my ACL but this inspires me to really train whatever I can and to have more of a killer instinct when it comes to working out. I can’t expect others to just give me what I think I need I have to take it and earn it.
Once I’m back fully I’m not going to waste a second and I’m going to always work on getting better, stronger, faster fitter.
Great post!
September 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
My first passion is to teach my two children the importance of strength, not just physical strength but also strength of character, integrity and will. I can show them by experience how important it is to be physically strong and how it can help them to set goals and to overcome any obstacles in attaining those goals. The smile on my 10 year-old daughter’s face when she flipped the “baby tire” (about 100 lbs) for the first time was priceless!
For the past year and half I have been working (after my regular job) as the strength/conditioning coach for our high school varsity/jv football, basketball, baseball teams (I work as a physical therapist). This has become my “dream job” and my other passion in life. I hope that one day years from now one of my athletes will say that his life was changed in a positive way by the training/coaching/mentoring that I have been privileged and entrusted to provide.
The Diesel site has been a valuable source of information about training and rehab, especially core, shoulders, ankles. I’ve learned things from the articles & blogs that aren’t taught in PT school – nothing beats real-world experience! Thanks for all the great stuff!
September 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
What’s Best In Life … Helping others become health, fit, and strong enough to crush any enemies they may face in life. Seeing the Vikings led by Farve
CRUSH the Packers and hear the Lamentations of their Fans.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Great stuff. I rediscovered the Conan quote a few days ago and have been using it since for both training and life. Keep up the good work and let’s break 100 comments.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
All your tips has showed me a whole new world of training. And I´m proud of the things i have acomplished with your help and posts. Thank you..Greatings from Norway
September 15th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I am passionate about running hill repeats, doing something that others would not volunteer to do, that they think I’m nuts to do. Thank you for reminding me of the Conan quote.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Ryan Goldbach
I love that analogy of Conan. Guys and girls are so different in the weightroom. Getting them motivated is such a great challenge though. I’m always looking for new tricks. Thanks Smitty.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Guy Jones
Hi Jim, I tried to post a comment but it was blocked due to me not having my javascript cookies enabled. Great post tho, as I tried to say its my favourite quote. I belive that it was Tamudjin, Ghengis Khan who first said it, and he conquered 2/3 of the worlds land mass. So he cant be wrong.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
My dad taught me to always finish what I started.
I never quit anything in my life thanks to his influence.
He played catch with me, took the family on life memorable trips to Disneyland, watched all my games and matches (wrestled, played football and baseball in high school) and provided the tough love that a lot of kids today do without.
One of my favorite quotes: “Those men that fail don’t realize how close to success they were before they gave up!” Stick with it! Maintain a strong conviction to your dreams and goals.
I had the privilige and honor to train and train with Henry Cejudo, Olympic Gold Medalist at 121 lbs.,Freestyle wrestling, last summer and what a commitment that young man made and will always be an inspiration the me. He truly experienced and made happen the American Dream.
I have known Henry for nine years and what a fireplug he was. Get up at 5 a.m. to train, to lift, to run.
I trained with him for four years and he was the type of athlete that didn’t need to be told how hard to go. His middle name is “INTENSEITY.”
September 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Always thank those around you for THEIR hard work. It is their hard work that helps keep me passionate about what I do-and as a result, helps me achieve my goals.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I’m passionate about teaching. About teaching people to live longer, be healthier, know themselves, find and know God, and eventually find joy in teaching others.
For any of you who haven’t read his stuff, Dave Tate has written a great deal about passion and, honestly, the stuff is life-changing.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hi jim, i been following your website and your training videos all this year, and i get great results improving mi game.
i play rugby for mi college UMAG and i was always injured and sore but following your posts and videos i improved mi technike and move up the weights i lift this year and gain 11 pounds… and as a results mi game is on the rising… so well i been playing that i could get into the union´s rugby team to play in the nationals… and for that a must that you for inspiring and teaching me to train hard but injure free.
thats all i got to say right now
best wishes
Ricardo Saquel
Punta Arenas, Chile (The south end of America)
September 15th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Thanks so much guys for your hard work, you guys are LEGENDS!!! You’ve help me gain so much strength in such a short time I thought it was impossible but SO true! Keep up the AWESOME work guys!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
To succeed in whatever goals you set.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
KILL IT JEDD, Keep up the Grind
DO or DO Not , there is no TRY, (YODA)
“[Luke:] I can’t believe it. [Yoda:] That is why you fail.”
September 15th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Over the years i have become the person i think i needed to be, through failures,shortcomings and attempting things i didn’t think i could do or others didn’t believe i could do. I have always thought that those three things make you stronger and the victories just make you appreciate the struggle and are just basically “the fruits of your labor”. with out the failures, sweat, blood and tears winning would mean absolutely nothing and you would never appreciate it. I was going through the fire academy several years ago, broke my arm and had to drop out, but not by choice, well i re enlisted, got voted academy lieutenant and graduated top of my class, had i not endured the “failure ” from the first session it would have been just another day but it meant much more that day!!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Sup Jedd, love the Diesel Crew. I am actor (part-time athlete). I am a Crossfit trainer and recently feel in love with 5-3-1 method by Jim Wendler. In my profession, it’s easy for people to love you when you’re famous and getting good roles. It’s hard to keep going especially when you get a 1000 no’s for every yes-and when you get one Yes you gotta make sure you’re damn good and ready to make the most out of it because you don’t know how long it will before the next one.
I’ve found that no matter what bullshit I deal with, it’s the hard work in the gym, and the discipline to stay consistent that drives me to be successful in my goals to be not just a working actor-but one that leaves a good impression on people. Your posts and video are part of that treasure chest of positive motivation I draw from to kick my own ass and stay on the path because many are called but few are chosen. Keep up the good work!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
My small hills are going to get much bigger, thanks.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
It is pushing to a new level, taking your body and mind to higher levels. Being in Law Enforcement I see people down and out, in the worst situations, no money, no food, dieing of deadly diseases, car accidents etc……
For me it is being extremely thankful for what I have and what god has blesses me with.
For me it is not sitting on my ass making excuses, it is about “killing it” every time I work out.
For me it is winning the fight and coming home to my wife and daughter every night!!!
Thanks Smitty and my Family thanks you for your dedication to the fitness and Law Enforcement Community.
Peace
September 15th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Jim that was great, I’ve been waiting for the hill sprint video. That was great, Brad was yelling at you to keep it up on the first hill, then after his first run the camera was shakin’ pretty good, then he was shot after his second run and the ol man had to do the 3rd run to prove a point. As a 41-year old dude, I had to appreciate that!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
What am I passionate about?
The dedicated life, the hard life, the kind life, the ideal life, in which you perpetually better not only yourself, but also to aid everyone else to do their best and to amend and to elevate the circumstances of everything else as well.
“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”
[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]
September 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Nice analogy in comparing Conan to the desire to continue to press forward despite all of the obstacles in the way. Keep the videos coming, good stuff!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I have to admit that those words spoken by conan were words that I lived by. Recently, I have gotten married and have three kids. There are certainly changes in ones priorities. Where before I wanted to be the biggest and strongest to get the attention of others, now I want to be the person that people want to be emulate. Not only the strength of muscle and body, but the strength of character and courage under fire. I especially want the admiration of my wife and children. If I can inspire them to be there best then I have accomplished what I think is best in life.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I hit rock bottom with injuries , my only passion in life , music in my life was sports and the instrument was shattered and battered by injuries, thats when i found u guys and i can give 100% credit (my effort is nothing compared to ur work’s ingenuity, nothing beats that seriously ) to you guys to help me get me out of that abyss ….motivation , zest , and achieving targets u guys at diesel have made it a discipline to train smart and hard…i have refueled my passion through you guys and am back where i belong in the field playing hard .
thanx from India — Sidharth
September 15th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I am passionate about overachieving. If i am going to do something, i must give it a 110% effort or it was not worth doing it in the first place. It drives me crazy when people expect something but don’t want to work for it. This is something that is not just for exercising, it is the same way people should feel about everything they do, and it drives me crazy me when people do not feel that way. I know i am a bit extreme but there is nothing i can do about that, atleast no body can ever say that i do not give me best at whatever i am doing, good or bad !!!!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Jeff, jrensch@gmail.com
“Well, speaking of hills, I ran (okay lots of walking) up the Foothills fire trail to where it met Los Trancos preserve yesterday, then ran back down, total misery but somewhere in the middle I felt nothing but joy — the ochre colored ground, the little pink flowers in the middle of the fire trail, the oaks at the side of the road and the houses sooooooo far down and sooooooo far away. So that was my goal, not the finish line but that amazing place in the middle of nowhere. You can only get there through sweat and pain.”
September 15th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Lisa Anderson wrote:
I have to tell you… I have finally found at almost 52 years old my true passion in life. I am so blessed in so many ways..4 amazing wonderfully healthy kids (2 boys,2 girls) a husband who has loved me for over 27 years and still puts up with me! 3 years ago as i was facing my 50th bday and overweight by and out of shape by over 75 lbs I decided I was NOT going to turn 50 and be fat and 50. In today’s society (or any society) turning 50 was bad enough.I used that as my motivator and I have to tell you…every damn day I was in the gym pushing and lifting and running and kicking my ass hard…I would ask myself..”How bad do I want it”…I still ask myself that same question almost 3 years later… and 75 lbs less…and the answer is always the same..I WANT IT BAD! The challenges, the journey…the sweat and yes even the tears are so worth it. LIFE is all about LIVING and being the best you can possibly be. It might have taken my 50th bday to bring that to my intention…but as the saying goes..better late than never. So 3 years later I am a certified Personal Trainer..I teach bodysculpt classes and cycling at my gym… I am getting paid to do what I love and what I am passionate about. I am here to represent the “over 50″ crowd and inspire them along the way that it is NEVER TOO LATE to live a healthier lifestyle. It is NEVER TOO LATE to hit your first “10″ on the treadmill. It is never too late to flip a tire or push a sled or realize that the only limits we have…are those we put upon ourselves. I DO CHALLENGE MYSELF EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE…I have people ask me why? Why do you push and train so hard? the answer is simple… Because “TODAY I CAN”…we don’t know what tomorrow will bring…but TODAY I am strong and healthy and I can do whatever I put my mind to do. THanks Smitty… LIfe is so good and I always say…”I am the luckiest Girl I know.” Lisa (atlanta, GA) ohhh..and yes.. I hope I get one of those DVDs..hahahaha… consider it an early bday present… i am a faithful follower and I love what you do… I will be turning 52 on 9/28 and I am damn proud of what I am accomplishing and able to share with others!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I have to admit that I just started watching your videos about 2 weeks ago and they are very inspirational. I love the raw training system guy’s use and advocate. At 49 years of age I am presently in the best shape of my life. That was after being told that I would never be lifting again or could do any strenuous activity again due to being diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis in the cervical area of my spine. That was all it took to prove the medical profession wrong. In spite of the downfalls and setback I have had over the years, I still keep pushing myself to the limit and never settling for anything less of myself.
The video with that hill reminds me of a hill that is very similar to one that is located down the street from me. I have already done sprints up it, although I have not tried sprinting up it, after a heavy leg workout at the gym. After watching the video it has inspired me to attempt the hill this week after hitting my legs hard with some squats and lunges.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Luv your stuff Smitty, you are an inspiring individual!
As a soon to be 53 year old I really like to see the older guys going at it.
I’ve haven’t been active for decades and I appreciate the motivation your work provides, I need all I can get to keep plugging away attempting to regain fitness. My recovery is not what it once was.
Keep bringing it Jim, you’re a winner, and you help others to be winners also!
Thanks heaps and bunches,
Dan
September 15th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Something that makes me wanna train better is the thought that someone will always be better than me. Last year i came in 3rd for the 4×1 at districts to think that there are already two teams that can beat me drive me crazy. however that’s not even best in the state. Once i make it to states which i fully intend on doing so, i plan on beating out the best of the best not only in the state, but soon the east coast, and then the nation. Hard work, it’s where it’s at.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
This sort of training really makes you feel alive so its no surprise that people of all ages are giving it everything once they start. Keep the vids coming as they are great inspiration and help add variety to my workouts. You will only stop learning if you choose to.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Ice Bath…. tonight after running…. My legs tingle!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Thanks for the great clips Smitty!! I am always inspired by people who live their passion which I see you doing!!!
I love learning and I get to do that every day when I teach! The students that I teach come from such diverse backgrounds that when I take the time to get to know them I get to know my Self even better.
I also like to focus on what I can do for me and be my best. I find that when I focus on what others are doing and trying to crush them it takes away from my experience.
I am also passionate about living an abundant life!!
Thanks for the inspiration Smitty!!! Cheers, Michael
September 15th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Started training with kettlebells consistently in March, June comes I am competing in KB Sport. I love it. Then the Dr. tells me I have kidney cancer @ 38 years old. Well had the surgery, took a sabbatical, and am training KB all the time, going for hikes. Still have a long way to go to get in shape, but I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. Oh, out on a hike last week, in the middle of nowhere (really nowhere) , in the parking area is a Huge Tire ! Let’s just say it had my name on it…uh it’s no longer in the parking lot
Keep the videos coming, Card Tearing book is great, just made a few implements to help my grip.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Doubt, Fear, Failure, Mediocrity, and Complacency are all daily victims of mine. Everyday I attack them with a murderous, unstoppable onslaught that leaves nothing left but victory, domination, and continued progress toward that unending journey of Warrior perfection….
September 15th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Powerlifting is the ultimate double edge sword. And it might be how we shoul all treat life. If you lift good you know you can do more. If you lift poorly then you know you could have done better. You are always left wanting.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
You have to admire a man with a goal and tehre is only six places left. I guess I have to post one to make sure it gets to 100!
September 15th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Well I was ordered to go to this web site by my Sgt and post in here and have to say that I am liking what I find. Good luck on your 100 post goal. I just got back from the gym so its protein time! I shall read some old posts and articles now.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Smitty, as usual, very inspirational. You and Jed always seem to help keep me off the couch! I’m not sure it’s wisdom but goals are nice but the journey there is a hell of a lot nicer. May everyone who visits this site get out there and achieve, trust me, the couch gets boring after a while!
September 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Al Heinemann – Terminal City
Health- of family and of self. Physical, mental and “spiritual.”
Family
Friendship
Self-respect
Respect from others
September 15th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
keep doing what you are doing man this is motivating me beyond words “what is best in life” for me it is seeing my family happy and healthy wctching my boys compete , and training
September 15th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Jim Davis
To succeed when others tell you that you can’t; to continue fighting to the last breath, the last moment, and the last chance; to give everything you’ve got in pursuit of your dream, and to achieve it . . . only to find that it gives you another dream to pursue. We always need goals to reach for and mountains to climb; without them we stagnate and wither. Whether the pursuit is academic or athletic, business or pleasure, the desire to improve is at the core of all we are.
I’ve been asked by many of my friends and family why I hit the gym so hard at age 55, going after a bodybuilding competition next July, after arthritis surgery in my shoulder, a quad tear from hiking, a biceps tear from a fall in the garage, and major back surgery two years ago. It’s simple. I can SEE improvement with every workout, with every day. My body is responding and growing at a time in life when most men are sitting on the couch doing nothing. I’m healthier, stronger, and happier than I’ve been in years!
It’s the improvement that motivates me. This is the best thing in life — being able to constantly grow and improve, in any number of areas of my life!
September 15th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’m 103. Great shares!
September 15th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Looks like I’m 104. Rats, missed being in the first 100 comments.
Well, here are my comments anyway.
I’ve had my ups and downs over the years about my weight & physical condition. About 5 years ago I decided to do something about it. My youngest brother got married then & I didn’t like how I felt or looked when I looked at the wedding pictures. But it took almost 4 years just to lose 10 lbs.
Toward the end of last year I decided to get really serious about getting into better physical condition and to hopefully avoid having to take the usual meds as you get older. So in January of this year I changed my attitude and my exercise program. To date, I’ve lost 20 lbs and only have another 10 lbs to reach my final goal weight.
For me the best thing in life has been my ability to improve my life and to see that it is possible to do the necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. Not only do I feel better about myself, I also look better.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Hey Jedd Here.
I must tell you everyone – I am speechless. You have really blown me away with these 100+ comments. Unthinkable!
DieselCrew.com truly is a community and I appreciate you all for visiting each day! Thanks again everyone!
-Jedd-
September 15th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
My observation on life, is that people fear discomfort. They want to sate themselves with luxury. When all you know is increasing levels of ease, any exertion causes physical and mental discomfort, which people will pointlessly try to buffer against. The result they experience is an ever shrinking environment in which they can participate in. And this is my explanation for the popularity of shopping as a method to lift the spirits. When you shop, you are surrounded by smiles, everyone is happy to see you and you are treated well. Such artificiality can never truly satisfy us.
I believe that you can never control your environment, and you should not waste your time trying. You need to conquer the inner self. You need to master your emotions.
I believe that we should seek out discomfort. Discomfort is the way to broaden our horizon. Reflect on how you feel after a hard training session. Is it not true, that satisfaction is easy to come by? What are the changes in your senses? Aren’t pleasures heightened? Don’t you feel the tinniest ripple of breeze flutter across your face and isn’t the scent it brings a delight? Has the sky ever been bluer, the clouds ever more emotive? Has time stood still and annoyances dissipated? It is then you perceive that it is the simple things in life that hold meaning. The taste of water; the sun on your skin; the hot shower that follows, and the touch of cool sheets that night. Isn’t discomfort really the path to luxury?
September 15th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
When I was much younger I use to run hills like that to get in shape for soccer season. In fact our favorite was called Billy Goat Hill and it was on a golf course. So we would play and run 18 holes and work our way up to 36 holes a day.
Now I’m like Gary, at 57 just trying to keep the body moving and staying strong. You videos and website help keep me moving and work. Keep it up!
September 15th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
G’Day Guys,
Love the posts, keep them coming. I just recently challenged myself by starting my own gym business. I am taking a huge risk with all the standard bills that you have to pay and starting it in a rural area. But i’m super psyched and i want to extend my thanx to the Crew, Ross E, Zach E, and Joe D for helping me achieve my dreams.
PS damn you cookies
PSS we have a super awesome hill out the back of the gym.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Hey Smitty and the gang, make sure you note that not everyone read your challenge correctly as they didn’t write about what they are passionate about (ok so I’m back at school), but there are rules?
Personally, I am here because I am passionate about strength and fitness, this makes me tick. I wanna be as strong and fit as I can be. This desire has been rooted deep inside of my heart since I was a young boy, always wanting to test myself on bags of cement, stones anything really that looked like it could but maybe couldn’t be lifted. Later on I became a thrower reaching a good level, so my goals switched to wanting to throw the farthest and still be strong and fast. Since a near fatal car crash in 97 I built myself up again and I’m still learning everyday about physical conditioning and looking for a new challenge for testing myself (even at 35) Aside from my family, this is what I’m passionate about. Continous physical and mental development
Rob
September 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Hello Jim and friends. Jim is certainly right there when he said that the best thing in life is your family and good friends and right after comes training with heavy iron. I’ve realised that the hard way this autumn after having to face a divorce from my wife. Anyhow, good riddance
now I follow Jim’s speed and strength training tips and put them into work with my doughters and their handball team.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Hey Smitty,
I just wanted to say that I voted for this clip, and what do ya know, 109 comments! anyway, I have a hill out here in Fayetteville, AR called Cleaveland Hill. it leads right up too the U of A campus. Anyway, I want to make a video of me runnin up it sometime, just to show ya how wimpy that berm was in yours! lol
September 16th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Dude, that sounds scary.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:53 am
What is best in life? Getting free shit from Smitty.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Haha, that is best!
September 16th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Better late than never…Life is one rep at a time. Remember, “Hard work beats potential, when potential won’t work hard”!!!! Take care from Garage Ink Powerlifting…Niko
September 17th, 2009 at 3:51 am
I started working out with the old Joe Weider exercises back in 1965 when I was a skinny 15 year old, I use to get bullied all the time and decided one day that I didn’t want to put up with that anymore. I did the exercises and started to show some muscle and wasn’t as easy a target as I had been. That was the impetus for me to volunteer for service in the Army where I went from 115 lbs to 155 lbs. Alot of pull ups and push ups during basic training added to the base I had built doing Joe Weider’s program. I was not as big or as strong as others. I was 5 nothing 100 and nothing compared to everyone else, it’s still the case today, even though I have added 30 more lbs. I am 60 years old survived almost getting killed in Vietnam, a car wreck coming from California to Colorado where I was moving back to in 1976. In those days there were no gyms to go to unless you were a high school or college athlete, so I would do push ups etc. used the old cable contraptions, you name it I tried it. After working odd jobs and just not getting anywhere I decided to go to college and went to Jr College in California for 3 years. I transfered to a 4 year college in my hometown in Colorado. I had a daughter and son by then and went to school full-time, worked at a work study job at the college. When I graduated I went to work in California in the fitness industry, I worked for 24 hour fitness, the San Jose Athletic club and opened up a 1.5 million dollar YMCA facility as the strength coordinator. I list all of these events in my life because, I want to show that if you never give up, work hard, and believe in yourself, you can accomplish your goals. I still live that, in the last 5 years I found pulmonary embolisms in my lungs and had to start taking blood thinners. I was taken off of them about 3 years ago for a year and one night I felt nauseous and went for a drink of water and collapsed with a thump my brother recalled. I was taken to emergency after I came to and the doctor said I had an enormous blood clot lodge in my heart but since I worked out and did cardio, etc. it dislodged itself, the doctor said it would have killed a sedentary person. Needless to say I have to take blood thinners for the rest of my life, and I value each day I wake up and get to breathe another day. Live life to the fullest, and never give up!!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:59 am
[attempted to post this the other day but couldn't get it through so I emailed it...Smitty asked me to add it anyway]
Great stuff Smitty!
Are you training or are you trying? A question we must all ask ourselves from time to time. The guys in the videos would not be pushing themselves to the limit if they were just “trying” to make progress. You’re either training or trying in my book and those who train will succeed while those who are just out there “trying” are doomed to repeated failures.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:06 am
The best thing in my Life is my wife. She helps me train harder when I need it or take it easy when I should. I have gone thru five back operation, with the sixth coming soon. She is the one that has helped me, impowers me, and makes me want to be a better person. My seven year old helps me by wanting to be the best dad that I can. He also gives me the drive to want to make him proud of me. I will say that all the information that you have given me helps me to reach my goals. My goals were set for my family and myself. Thank you for helping me.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
do what you are passionate about in life and do something for each day until your dreams have been fulfilled
September 17th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
You know what coach? I´m posting late so i don´t care if i win or not, what´s important to me is that hopefully you´ll read this, if you do, that´s enough reward for me.
First as i´ve been a long time student of you and the crew´s methods i feel, if i may, as a part of the family. So i´m confident enough to share with you that i´ve suffered depression, anxiety and panic attacks for some part of my adult life, this is somehing that i do not wish on anyone and the process of recovery can be an overwhelming struggle at times.
Through good times and bad on thing does stick, and is always there for me: THE DISCIPLINE OF STEEL.
The discilpine of steel has given me strenght, it has given me hope, it was given me health and power. Power and discipline to face challenges in the face and despite of fear. Power and discipline to look at myself objectively and accept when i´ve wronged others and must bow my head and ask forgiveness, power to love myself power to love others and give unconditionally, to be thankful for God´s many blessings in my life and understand that only through love compassion, belief and persistence you can reach all your goals. Power to know your limitations and yet no be defined by them, power to be willing to look silly and enjoy it.
The discipline of steel keeps me going when i´m scared to go on, the discipline of steel is what defines a true and gives meaning to a barbarian of God as i like to think of myself sometimes, and the discipline of steel coach Smitty is what makes it possible for thousands of guys like me to be able to share, regardless of where we might live in this world, the same passion for strenght both mental and physical strenght that only comes when praying to Crom for strenght when under the bar facing massive weight and having the courage to tell him in his face: grant me this lift, and if you don´t listen…the hell with you i´ll pull through anyway!!!!
God bless you and the rest of the crew!
September 17th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Thanks for sharing bro and thanks for your long time support!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Great work! Only the best from Diesel Crew!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:49 am
OMG that is such a good hill n its all grass!!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hey bro!
Somehow I couldn’t comment on your “pain hill” vid, so I thought I’d send it to you this way. I agree hills are great, they bring the good kind of pain that most people aren’t willing to do. I love em’ (and my clients have learned to love/hate them too)!
Also, thank you for sharing so much info with all of us! I’m grateful and am learning a ton! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the inspiration!
Gary
September 18th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Dude I dont care that its over 100 I am still commenting thats some gnarly shit!! Congrats bro that would have whooped my ass too. I gotta make a video of the giant hill that I want to make it all the way it, its HUUUUUUUUGE and the end of it is at about a 75% incline or something.
Again killer blog post you guys are killing it!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Thanks Matty
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Great stuff Smitty!
I am most passionate about all things related to performance enhancement and strength/conditiioning, learning and teaching others (and myself) how to overcome obstacles. Heck, I read exercise physiology studies for fun and love it.
I would also throw in some kiteboarding, hanging out with friends and my fiancee too. Love ya Jodie!
rock on!
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
http://www.ExtremeHumanPerformance.com