No Excuses

Unless you know me personally, you will never truly understand my commitment level and relentless nature.

I NEVER make excuses. If something didn’t get done, it’s my fault. If something didn’t work, I start over. Excuses are what make our world weak.

If you are to succeed in this world, in whatever you decide to do, you need to eliminate excuses all together.

Your actions won’t always go as planned, but you will learn from your mistakes and continue to move forward.  Because when your actions do go as planned, your commitment to success only increases with that victory, no matter how small or large.

Much of my desire to succeed in this world stretches beyond the fold of my explanation in a blog post.  Some day I will take the time to share it all with you, maybe in a book or something.  (Isn’t that an idea!)

What I can tell you is that in 21 months since starting this journey I’ve come to plenty of truths.  But I’ve also realized you too can succeed and build it your way.

The way I run my business will always have an edge to it. It’s what made me who I am today.

When I worked for the man I couldn’t be who I really am and was once told “to portray myself as who wanted to be, not who you are.”

WTF are you serious? That person is lucky they didn’t say that to me today because they might have been put in a rear naked choke!

It’s the same reason that a person I continue to lean on and admire, my business coach Pat Rigsby, has gone on record to tell others “don’t try to be the English Brothers.”

And he couldn’t be more correct.

Be WHO YOU ARE and DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

My bro, Robert and I do things our way. Sure we find what works and stick to it. What we don’t do is offer things watered down or half ass.

Our clients know this, they see it, they understand it, know what we expect from them and they perform.

There’s too many “wannabes” and “copycats” in my industry. People who want to be famous, want to do what this guy has done, who want the easy start, they want to become “an expert” without ever having worked with a client.

Hell some of them call themselves “experts” because they know they “science” yet never have worked in their own laboratory to create real world results.

That’s why this industry is flooded with shitty programs for sale all over the internet.

Gain 10 lbs of muscle in 4 weeks, Lose 21 pounds in 21 days, Get Six pack abs without dieting.

Hell, I don’t even know if those are programs for sale, but you understand where I am going with this?

If you want to become a success then do what others won’t.

Start training those who you want to work with, even if the money isn’t there yet.

You want to work with athletes? So start by offering your services for free and recruit a female team to train. Talk to the parents.

After all every strength coach wants to work with the football team. So be different. And parents are the decision makers in these child’s lives.

Looking to start a boot camp? Then do it! What are you waiting for? The perfect facility?

Seriously? I started in a 400 square foot dance studio back room and karate studio inside an energy company’s building!

With 15 people paying me!

And NOT ONE boot camps with more than 8 people.

Want to lose 10 pounds? Then start by exercising and cut the shit out of your life!

Want to compete in a bodybuilding or figure competition. Then start tomorrow. If you don’t know what to do seek out those who can help you.

Look you can continue to make excuses for why you haven’t done it or you can go out and become the person who made it happen.

What are you waiting for?

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

Tyler

PS – A special thanks to my client and good buddy Joe Csida for sharing this video with me today!

Posted in Blog, fitness industry by tyler | 8 Comments

No Excuses

Unless you know me personally, you will never truly understand my commitment level and relentless nature.

I NEVER make excuses. If something didn’t get done, it’s my fault. If something didn’t work, I start over. Excuses are what make our world weak.

If you are to succeed in this world, in whatever you decide to do, you need to eliminate excuses all together.

Your actions won’t always go as planned, but you will learn from your mistakes and continue to move forward.  Because when your actions do go as planned, your commitment to success only increases with that victory, no matter how small or large.

Much of my desire to succeed in this world stretches beyond the fold of my explanation in a blog post.  Some day I will take the time to share it all with you, maybe in a book or something.  (Isn’t that an idea!)

What I can tell you is that in 21 months since starting this journey I’ve come to plenty of truths.  But I’ve also realized you too can succeed and build it your way.

The way I run my business will always have an edge to it. It’s what made me who I am today.

When I worked for the man I couldn’t be who I really am and was once told “to portray myself as who wanted to be, not who you are.”

WTF are you serious? That person is lucky they didn’t say that to me today because they might have been put in a rear naked choke!

It’s the same reason that a person I continue to lean on and admire, my business coach Pat Rigsby, has gone on record to tell others “don’t try to be the English Brothers.”

And he couldn’t be more correct.

Be WHO YOU ARE and DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

My bro, Robert and I do things our way. Sure we find what works and stick to it. What we don’t do is offer things watered down or half ass.

Our clients know this, they see it, they understand it, know what we expect from them and they perform.

There’s too many “wannabes” and “copycats” in my industry. People who want to be famous, want to do what this guy has done, who want the easy start, they want to become “an expert” without ever having worked with a client.

Hell some of them call themselves “experts” because they know they “science” yet never have worked in their own laboratory to create real world results.

That’s why this industry is flooded with shitty programs for sale all over the internet.

Gain 10 lbs of muscle in 4 weeks, Lose 21 pounds in 21 days, Get Six pack abs without dieting.

Hell, I don’t even know if those are programs for sale, but you understand where I am going with this?

If you want to become a success then do what others won’t.

Start training those who you want to work with, even if the money isn’t there yet.

You want to work with athletes? So start by offering your services for free and recruit a female team to train. Talk to the parents.

After all every strength coach wants to work with the football team. So be different. And parents are the decision makers in these child’s lives.

Looking to start a boot camp? Then do it! What are you waiting for? The perfect facility?

Seriously? I started in a 400 square foot dance studio back room and karate studio inside an energy company’s building!

With 15 people paying me!

And NOT ONE boot camps with more than 8 people.

Want to lose 10 pounds? Then start by exercising and cut the shit out of your life!

Want to compete in a bodybuilding or figure competition. Then start tomorrow. If you don’t know what to do seek out those who can help you.

Look you can continue to make excuses for why you haven’t done it or you can go out and become the person who made it happen.

What are you waiting for?

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

Tyler

PS – A special thanks to my client and good buddy Joe Csida for sharing this video with me today!

Posted in Blog, fitness industry by tyler | 8 Comments

Our Failing Society

It’s amazing to me when I look back and think of all the people who doubted my “idea.”

I mean hell, I was 26, unhappy, overworked, burnt out and had lost my way.

People would ask me “well what if you fail?”

Fail?

 Our Failing Society

I can remember negotiating my current location with my landlord about moving into a 2600 square foot facility, with no past business experience.  He had plenty of doubts, which is understandable in his situation.

Yet, he used those same words that our society has seemed to embrace.

My father was standing directly next to me when he said, “Well, what if you fail?”

Before staring at him with a confused look on my face, I can still hear my voice utter my response.

“You will never use the words, “Tyler English” and “Fail” in the same sentence ever again.”

You see at the time, he, like so many others didn’t know me for who I truly am.

Failure wasn’t an option. Failure still isn’t an option. Failure will never be an option.

In our society today too many people are afraid of change, afraid of commitment and afraid to find success. We have become too attached and ok with being comfortable that we have forgotten what it takes to work for something. We have forgotten that any true goal be it personally or professionally takes a good amount of hard work.

We seem to overlook that achieving something you want so desperately WILL NOT happen without the proper mindset.

I remember reading a newsletter by my good buddy Zach Even-esh and he was talking about the “Pussification of America.” Man, Z couldn’t have more on point.

As a society we have become straight up weak-minded!

jedi mind tricks boobs demotivational poster 12623065082 300x258 Our Failing Society

We are afraid of stepping out of our little wonderful world, out of our familiar surroundings and out of the “comfort zone” we have morphed into.

See that’s the difference between the clients I see on a day-to-day basis and those of who use another means of physical fitness.

My clients have discovered what hard work truly is.

What it means to step out of familiar surroundings.

What “getting out of your comfort zone” actually entails.

 Our Failing Society

There were days I was afraid to make a commitment, afraid to take a chance and afraid to move out of my “comfort zone.”

Those days are LONG gone!

Today, if I see something that I know will only make me better, my clients better, or my business better; it’s a no brainer, I go for it!

I continue to invest in my business, invest in my health, invest in my knowledge and will continue to seek out ways to get better. These commitments have become a part of my life.

For me, life will not pass me by having lived with regrets.

My “comfort zone” doesn’t exist anymore.  The problem in our society is we settle for being average.

Who the hell wants to be average?

Do you? Or do you want to leave your mark?

 Our Failing Society

I’ve become ruthless in everything I do.

For that reason right there, many of my colleagues, clients, family and friends respect the decisions I make.

But the same way I have earned the respect of so many, I will continue to lose touch with others.

Society will always have them. Those who question and doubt. Those who don’t understand why I do what I do, others that see something wrong with it and a better part of a society who just will never understand it.

For me, that’s not my concern.

For me, my focus, is finding the next opportunity to allow me to leave a lasting mark on a society that is too scared to leave their lasting footprint.

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

TE

Posted in Blog, fitness industry by tyler | 2 Comments

A Little Sacrifice

While the rest of America spends the day “indulging” I spent the better part of my morning finalizing new offerings for the clients of Tyler English Fitness and eating my perfectly calculated macronutrients meals.

I know pretty boring in most people’s eyes, yet for me, it signifies just how far I’ve come.

You see, unlike the majority of the population, I train for something and consistently work towards something. You can call it what you want, but the world of physique enhancement i.e. Bodybuilding, takes a unique individual.  Being a successful Fitness Professional, in an industry full of wannabes, takes even greater commitment.

Everyday I encounter questions from personal trainers desperate to be a successful boot camp owner and aspiring bodybuilders, figure competitors and the average fitness enthusiast who just wants to look like one.

My question to all of you out there that fit into that classification is:

Do you really know what it takes?

It’s not like Bodybuilding is my full-time job. It’s just a hobby that I tend to be really good at.

My full-time job you ask?

Well, I don’t really have a job, as I fired my boss as what now what feels like ages ago and started my journey as a business owner, fitness professional and entrepreneur some 21 months ago with $500, a plan and a dream.

Sometimes I will tell you however it can feel like I have 2 full-time jobs.

Bodybuilding in it’s own shape and form can be treated like full-time job and running a rapidly growing fitness business takes a lot of time and energy.

I’m often asked: How do you do it all?

In a word.

Dedication.

 A Little Sacrifice

I don’t half ass anything I do and if I do something I do it 110%, 100mph, with all my heart and soul.

Has this required a good amount of sacrifice?

Absolutely.

Has it cause me to sacrifice the “other things” guys in their later 20’s are doing?

Sure, if that’s what they want to be doing. But my old definition of a good time isn’t what I consider a good time today.

You can say I have grown up, matured or maybe I got bored with it all.

The way I live my life now I am constantly accepting exciting opportunities and new challenges. Each of these opportunities and challenges requires a new amount of hard work and dedication.

In what has seemed like a very fast 2 years I have expanded my personal network beyond my own belief. Become friends with some of the industry’s brightest minds while becoming recognized as a respected fitness professional, successful business owner among these same peers for being “real” and practicing the art that I teach daily.

IMG 65521 1023x739 A Little Sacrifice

If you told me two years ago that I could pick up the phone and call “The Underground Strength Coach” Zach Even-Esh, to ask him for advice, or that I would have almost weekly conversations with Pat Rigsby because he was going to be my business coach, or that Jason Ferruggia and I would become friends, or I would visit Louie Simmons at Westside Barbell because my good buddy and fellow Mastermind member A.J. Roberts trains there, I would have laughed at the thought.

 A Little Sacrifice

 A Little Sacrifice

LouieSimmons A Little Sacrifice

Rob and I at Westside Barbell with Louie Simmons

Let’s not forget that at least 3 times per year I travel down to Louisville, Kentucky where I just so happened to be surrounded by a Mastermind Group full of the brightest minds in our industry. Many of which have become like a second family to my brother Robert and I.

That’s an abbreviated list of the “who’s who” in the Fitness Industry that I am humbled to call “my network” and more importantly, my friends.

Before 2008, I was a partying 20 something, who had a job as personal trainer, who was an amateur bodybuilder and went where the wind blew him.

Since 2009, I’ve grown to be a Fitness Professional, Entrepreneur and Professional Bodybuilder who knows EXACTLY what he wants out of life.

With that comes dedication, commitment, drive, hard work and plenty of sacrifice.

So ask yourself this.

When the rest of the world is following. Will you lead?

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

TE

Posted in Blog, bodybuilding, fitness industry by tyler | 7 Comments

Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

I’ve been competing for over 5 years now and it still is amazing to see people transform their physiques. One thing that remains a constant in the Natural Bodybuilding World is the amount of female physiques that grace the stage at each and every competition.

In my line of work Personal Trainers hear all the excuses as to “why” someone can’t do something.

It’s too hard.

I don’t have time.

I can’t do that.

I don’t want to eat that.

Yet, no matter where it is, what competition it is, or who it may be, there remains so many influential people in the Bodybuilding World and more specifically in my organization. One of the best parts about being a natural competitor is talking to fellow competitors from our amateur division, the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation (INBF) and our professional division, World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF).  Over the past 5 years I continue to meet some of the most inspirational, driven people.

Recently I had the honor to interview INBF Figure, FitBody and Bodybuilding Competitor Gina Stone about competing, life and how she does it all as a single mother.

 Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

Tyler English: Gina have a beautiful daughter, Brooklynn, and as a fitness professional I hear it all the time about balancing being a mom, work, working out and just life in general. What has made you successful at creating balance with all of these interchangeable parts?

Gina Stone: Balance is definitely key and although it can be very challenging at times, the trick for me is to plan each day in advance from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to bed.  There are days that you just can’t do it all… even though I like to think I’m superwoman, I have to remind myself that I’m not. So those days when I’m feeling burnt out or just overwhelmed, I try to look at the big picture and figure out what is most important today and things that can wait til tomorrow.

For those moms out there who may feel “selfish” by doing something solely for you, don’t!  One of the best thing you can do for your child is to do something that encompasses you and only you.  This will make you a better person and a better mom by adding something so special and positive to your life.  Your child (no matter how young) will see this and will respect and appreciate you for it.

Tyler English: How did you get into competing as a figure competitor?

Gina Stone: I was thinking about competing for about one year before I moved forward with the idea.  I love setting goals and completing them, always challenging myself and pushing forward.

Tyler English: What made you want to compete as a natural figure competitor?

Gina Stone: The less chemicals we put in our body the better.  Knowing that the outcome is nothing but hard training, clean nutrition, dedication and personal commitment makes me feel a sense of accomplishment without any “shortcuts”.

Tyler English: How did you start working with WNBF Pro Bodybuilder Bill Murphy aka “Murph?” (LOVE THAT DUDE!) haha

Gina Stone: I love Murph!!!! What a story, at the time I was working for LA Fitness in Stoneham. I stopped by Filipes Nutrition in Woburn and mentioned it in passing like, “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about doing a show, blah blah blah.”

So he said if I really want to do one, he had the perfect guy for me: Bill Murphy.  I said sure, I’ll talk to him.  Right then and there he picked up the phone, dialed and hands the phone to me.  (I’m like, I said I’d talk to him. I didn’t mean RIGHT NOW!)

I made an appointment to meet Murph that week (yea like I had time for that!).  He looked at me, pinched and prodded me like the human caliper he is, and he told me there was a show coming up in November… we have 9 weeks. Let’s do it!

I’m glad I didn’t put it off.  Procrastination is one of the worst things we can do to ourselves when we really want to do something but are scared.  Don’t make excuses!

My first show I “shouldn’t” have done.  I started training in September for a November show.  During that 9 week time frame I had to go to court for my divorce/custody case, switched jobs and took a pay cut to work closer to home, moved out and lived alone with my daughter.

To recap: divorce, new job, new home, new life.  Three huge life-changing events all during the time I should be focusing solely on training, nutrition and competing.

Moral of the story: If I can do it during the most stressful time in my life, anyone can!

 Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

Tyler English: How long do you prepare for your shows?

Gina Stone: First show prep time: 9 weeks. NE Classic prep time: 12 weeks.

I spent the last 6 months, after my first show, focusing on building muscle.  When I first met Murph, we were 9 weeks out from the first show and I went to him already lean due to stress and other factors going on in my life.  He put me on his nutrition plan and although I was eating more, every 2 hours, and working out the same time length, I managed to drop 10 lbs and get completely shredded. He completely flip-flopped my style of training and educated me on what really works.

Tyler English: What is your favorite part about competing?

Gina Stone: My favorite part about competing is seeing the metamorphosis take shape. Setting goals and achieving them.  I do these competitions for myself, no one else.  Many people get caught up in the drama of who made top five, who looks better than who, who “should have” won, shoulda woulda coulda.

If you get caught up with all of that than you’re missing out on what truly makes these competitions amazing, the personal journey.

It’s such a mental and emotional challenge on top of physical, but I like the idea of squeezing in as many shows as I can in one season.  For me it’s not just about placing or winning, it’s about the journey and knowing I gave 100% everyday until the second I step on that stage.

Most of all I love meeting awesome new people who share my passions.

Tyler English: What shows have you competed in?

Gina Stone: 2010 INBF Natural Connecticut Championships Ms. Fit Body: 2nd Place

2010 INBF Natural Connecticut Championships Figure Medium: 5th Place

2010 INBF Natural Connecticut Championships Heavyweight Women: 5th Place

2010 NE Classic Novice Figure:  4th Place

2010 NE Classic FitBody: 4th Place

2010 NPC Rhode Island Open Figure: 5th Place
2010 NPC Rhode Island Open Bodybuilding: 3rd place

2009 INBF Monster Mash Novice Figure: 3rd Place
2009 INBF Monster Mash Fit Body: 4th Place

2009 INBF MuscleTech World Championships Open Figure: 7th Place
2009 INBF MuscleTech World Championships Fit Body: 7th Place

Tyler English: Where do you see yourself on stage in 3 years?

Gina Stone: I would love to see myself competing as a pro within the next 3 years.  It would be an honor to step on stage with the pro women, they look truly remarkable and are an inspiration.

I have been making some really great connections and created networking opportunities that I could only make by competing in this field.

You never know what can happen 3 years from now, but I have some really exciting things that I am working on right now that I can’t wait to share with everyone.

As soon as I can talk about it I will share the news, but it goes to show you that even as a single mom at the cornerstone of turning 30, persistence and determination can reawaken dreams that you never though could come to fruition.

 Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

Tyler English: How long have you been training (in general?)

Gina Stone: In general what feels like forever.  I took a weight training class my sophomore year of High School (14 yrs ago) and was hooked on pushing weights and pushing myself physically.  Once all my girlfriend’s saw the muscle development and were like “I want your arms” I knew I’d never put a weight down again, lol.

Tyler English: What type of training split to you do?

Gina’s Weekly Training Split:

Monday:  bis/tris & legs

Tuesday: shoulders

Wednesday:  back/chest

Thursday:  cardio

Friday:  bis & tris

Saturday: legs

Sunday: rest or just cardio

 Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone Gina Stone: Unless I’m 2 or less months out from a show I do all exercises 4 sets/ 6-8 reps.
Closer to show time I switch to 2 sets/ 6-8 reps because of time- I need to spend more time on cardio closer to show and can “slack” a bit when I’m further out icon smile Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone – I can’t believe I just used the word slack.
The above routine has worked WONDERS on building the mass I’ve been after in a short period of time- all super heavy weights too- like I mean 6-8 til absolute failure- if I can do even 9 reps I automatically kick up the weight.

About 8 weeks ago I started training bis/tris and legs twice a week, mainly because I want to be a monster, lol.  I noticed a HUGE difference by training those two body parts twice a week.

Biceps and Triceps can be trained easily twice a week because the muscle is smaller… the reason I started doing legs twice a week is because it’s always been the HARDEST body part to train and I’ve never been satisfied with how they look… and I really want to look like a freak. (which is a good term in this industry, lol)  I’m finally starting to see the new shape and muscle definition I’ve been after.

Tyler English: What is your favorite workout?

Gina Stone: LEGS!!!

I always do one warm-up set per body part, 4 sets of 6-8 reps to failure.

If I can do 10 reps, I stop and add more weight. Everyone who has seen me lately is SHOCKED at how much muscle I put on over the winter.  This is why: if I can push more weight, I do.  No sense in wasting my time- I’m not looking to maintain, I want to get better and better with each season.

Gina’s Sample Leg Workout

Smith machine squats

Rear lunge (on smith machine)

Hack squat

Leg press

Calf raise (on leg press)

Leg extension

Leg curl

Deadlifts (on smith machine)

Calf raise (standing or sitting)

Tyler English: What advice to you have for any mothers out there looking to compete? Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

Gina Stone: Just do it!

First, make sure your spouse or significant other is supportive, if they aren’t, find a new one! (j/k)

Seriously though, the last few weeks before show time can get physically as well as emotionally and mentally draining.  A strong support system will help give you the “oomph” you need in the last few weeks.  A best friend, supportive co-worker, training partner, trainer or coach anyone can work as a support system. That person does play an important role throughout your journey and helps keep your head on right, and reminds you just why you signed up to compete in the first place.

Some things that work for me and may work for other single mom’s out there:

1) Plan each and every day in advance, even if you have to plan out your entire weeks or 2 weeks at a time! (I’ve done it and it makes the day by day much easier)

2) Make the cooking fun and try to incorporate the kids if they are able to help. My 3 and 1/2 year old loves helping me, so I give her tasks that she can handle like wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil, and separating almonds in 1/2 oz piles.  (I tell her to count out 10 almonds, it’s approximately 1/2 oz, so I get my portion and she works on her counting)

GinaandBrooklynn Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone

Gina and Brooklynn

3) Find a gym w/ a daycare room so you can bring your little tot with you- no excuses!

4) Ask your trainer for plyometric routines or at-home exercises that you can do in case there is a day or two when if you can’t make it into the gym, especially if your child is sick.  Gotta keep moving when you’re prepping for a show!

5) Always look forward to training (even if you’re body isn’t).

6) Never make excuses. Don’t use your child or anything else such as time, work, money, etc. as an excuse.

7) Rise above the opinions of others. Women with muscles are strong, beautiful, powerful and sexy! People who have an opinion otherwise usually are intimidated or jealous… Just keep doing ya’ thing and be humble.  Do it for yourself and no one else.

icon cool Building a Sexy Physique with INBF Figure, Fit Body and Bodybuilder: Gina Stone Make yourself accountable and responsible- Hire a pro to create your nutrition and training program. This will help with keeping you on track.  Although the competition seems miles away, it gets closer everyday, and the timeline sure moves fast!

9) Idealization in everything you do!! There are no limits.

10) Never compromise your dream. Remember that this is a commitment.  It’s a lifestyle.  Things don’t go back to “normal” after the show is over.  It takes a special individual to be a fitness competitor but I do believe we ALL have the qualities inside us to compete. If you have desire, determination, persistence and commitment, than you can be a fitness competitor.

Tyler English: Thank you Gina for your time! You have an amazing story and I am sure there are many women and single mothers out there that can use your story as inspiration and motivation in their own lives. I want to wish Gina the best of luck as she is taking her Personal Training Certification Exam today and in her pursuit of that Professional status I think we all know she will obtain!

27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

Yes, it’s July 5th Summer is in full swing and you can be sure the beaches are packed today as people take advantage of the “off day” in celebration of Independence Day. Much was the case yesterday, as I ventured down to the shore after doing a little shopping and cruising in the Jeep.

You can expect many people to take full advantage of this string of hot weather that has hit the Northeast. After all I know Connecticut and most of the Northeast is expecting temperatures in the 90’s all week!

Yesterday was a quiet day Sunday as usual, I had planned to meet up with my brother at the Rhode Island shoreline but the combination of a mild headache in the morning from my lack of water on Saturday (yes even I slip up) and the late night from watching UFC 116, didn’t mix.

Saturday, I only drank one gallon of water where I usually have two gallons per day and during contest prep if I stay up past 12, the next morning is ugly.

So, to say Sunday morning was a rough go, is an understatement. But I still got up ate, drank a little too much coffee and cooked, prepared and packed up my meals for the next 3 days. I picked up my cousin Justin to head down to the Clinton Crossing Outlets, actually the only for two stores I go there for are Under Armour and Nike.

One thing I was telling my cousin on Saturday afternoon was that I’ve been so busy working on my building my business and training for my next competition in Indiana in 30 days, that I hadn’t been to the beach yet this Summer. Justin, just coming off of his surgery last Thursday to repair a frayed labrum, hadn’t been either. Well, for the two of us, that was until yesterday afternoon.

After 2 hours of shopping (my max!) we headed down to the Connecticut Shoreline.

The next hour of my life I would gladly take back in a heartbeat!

Now both my cousin and I are quite confident in our physical appearance. Granted, I may be better looking then him, but hey I’m Italian and he’s Polish, it’s a given!

italy 300x203 27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

Italian Women are Better Looking Too!

Now on the other hand there were WAY too many dudes out there who should have either put a t-shirt on immediately or just stayed in doors.

Part of me wasn’t really that upset that I was only getting the beach for the first time all season. Every year I think to myself, “maybe this is the year my generation will change” and every year I am once again subject to the pure disregard for personal health and body, displayed by men and women of my age demographic.

So I know there are plenty of you guys out there that don’t want to look like the overweight officer worker.  As I know there are plenty of beautiful women out there who don’t want to be placed in the same category as the sloppy drunk girl at the bar, who just so happens to be hanging on that same chunky officer worker. Most of the time this episode involves some kind of disturbing behavior or wardrobe malfunction on the females part.

high fat diet makes you stupid and lazy 300x198 27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

Some locals who had their eye on my cousin.

For those of you that want to do everything in your power to avoid this classification, I put together a list of 26 ways for men and women to build a body that will turn heads at the beach, in no particular order of importance (but rather ironic I started with nutrition.)

1. Prepare Your Daily Meals – Too many in my generation respond with, “ I don’t have time.” What happens when you have your own family? The pure reason for not preparing your food is laziness and convenience. Just think how convenient it is to already have your food with you.

2. Shop on the Outside of the Grocery Store – Everything you need to get started is here, from fresh produce, both green veggies and fresh fruits, deli meat, fish, lean proteins to name a few. These are strong foundations, build on them.

3. Limit Alcohol Content – I know, I know, WTF! Hey, it’s empty calories and consistent alcohol consumption or binge drinking destroys your metabolism. Oh and ladies, constant alcohol consumption will AGE you faster than the stress of being married with children!

4. Exercise a Minimum of 3 Times Per Week – Aim for 3 workouts consisting of both strength training and high intensity cardio.

5. Drink More Water – It’s number #1 natural fat-burner. Shoot for half your body weight in ounces, minimum.

6. Consume More Lean Protein – amino acids are the building blocks of muscle.

7. Get off the Treadmill and Get Creative – Cardio is not the end all be all, but if you think your cardio must be on a machine you need to kick yourself. Hill Sprints, Kettlebell Swings, Bodyweight Cardio, Sled Drags, Plyometrics, Band Sprints, Ropes, Farmer Walks, Sandbag Carry, are just a few ways to get creative with your “cardio workouts.”

exerciseyourdoingitwrong 27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

8. Lift Weights that Weigh More Than Your Head – NEWSFLASH “The human head weights 8 Pounds and this is something I see too many women still doing. Unless you want your body to resemble the average Jazzercise enthusiast, please lift heavy shit!

9. Perform Total Body Workouts – Yes, GENTLEMAN this includes you too, follow a 3 day a week full body split, Upper, Lower, Total or even more simplistic perform an Upper Body Push, Lower Body Day, Upper Body Pull for starters.

10. Squat More – Ladies, I know you like a nice heiney and Guys the ladies like a man with a nice butt. Just Sayin!

11. Deadlift More – My favorite total body exercise, still can’t find one I like more.

 27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

12. More Push-ups and All It’s Different Variations  - All the Dumbbell tricep extensions in the mirror and lateral shoulder raises won’t do what the combination of push-ups can for your arms.

13. Sleep More – There is a direct correlation with lack of sleep and weight gain.

14. Eat Every 2-3 Hours – Your body is a machine, it needs fuel and it needs fuel every 2-3 hours if you want to build the body that turns heads.

15. Stay Active 4 -5 Times Per Week  - Work on doing some recreational activity or movement 4 – 5 times per week. This can be hiking, swimming, biking, and walking the dog, to name a few.

16. Hire a Professional – And I am not talking about a Therapist. If you don’t know what you should be doing in your workouts, then GET HELP! Granted many of the Personal Trainers suck out there, but I have many colleagues all over the Country. If you need a reference let me know!

17. Train in a Group – Look Professional Athletes and Elite Level Olympians train in groups. There is something to be said about the social support, atmosphere and intensity brought about by training with others with a common goal.

18. Join a Boot Camp – If your looking for the fastest, most effective, most cost-effective way to hire help, train in a group, and get your fat ass in kick ass shape then a Fitness Boot Camp is more than likely your answer.

19. Don’t Go on a “Diet” – Look I preach the importance for putting Nutrition first and foremost. Though, with the recent Hollywood buzz about these Extreme Fad Diets it has gotten way out of control. Make small incremental changes and build a sensible nutritional plan.

20. More Intensity – Increasing the intensity in your workout is all too often overlooked. Each and every session should be treated like your last. Make the most of it! Your Metabolic Rate will repay you later by burning unwanted calories all day long.

21. Eat Out MUCH Less – You have NO IDEA how much of anything is in a meal you eat out. Better yet, see # 1.

22. Learn How To Foam Roll and Do It 3 Times Per Day – Increased blood flow and injury prevention are just a few benefits of this technique known as Self Myofascia Release or foam rolling.

23. Sprint Don’t Run – Would you rather look like a Sprinter or Long Distance Runner?

 27 Ways to Not Look Like a Slob

24. Avoid the Scale – Use a variety of measurement options to track your progress. Clothes, Energy, Strength, Food Journal besides just weighing yourself. Pick one day a week and weigh yourself on it first thing in the morning.

25. Download an App – Today’s Smartphones are loaded with Workout Applications, Nutrition Journals, Cookbooks etc. My personal favorite is the Men’s Health App and Workout Muse App.

26. S.U.M.M.E.R. – Shut Up Move More Eat Less, was first brought to my ears by my colleague and Corporate Boot Camp Guru Greg Justice, and it all makes SO MUCH sense when it comes to my generation. Many talk too much, eat too much and don’t move enough. Start workin’ on it! ASAP!

27. Set a Goal – In my line of business I see this WAY too often. A person will start a journey without a means to the end. Set weekly, monthly and year long goals. Revisit these goals. Revise these goals. Track your progress. This one step alone has helped me get where I am today both personally and professionally.

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

TE

The Reinvention

It’s crazy to think that a little over 6 months ago, I was in the hospital having emergency surgery for appendicitis.

It was the early afternoon of January 3rd, 2010 I started to experience ridiculous pains in my lower abdominal region. I figured it was just from watching my boy Wes Welker tear his ACL and MCL, during the Patriots final regular season against the Houston Texans. After all, I am super passionate about my Boston sports teams, my boxer’s name is Bruschi, and seeing that in the final game of the season, didn’t help!

As the day continued, the pain didn’t subside. I couldn’t move from the sofa and it didn’t get any better Monday, which just so happened, was the start of the first phase of Farmington Valley Fitness Boot Camp in the New Year.

I didn’t however ask my brother, Robert, to cover the morning sessions. No my stubborn ass decided to battle through a restless night’s sleep that accumulated all of 90 minutes!

So that next morning I battled through and taught our 6am and 7am sessions with increasingly pulsating pains in my lower abdomen. Following the 7am class I called my brother and told him he needed to come in to the gym because my pain was getting out of control.

He and I co-taught our 9:30am boot camp and then headed over to my place to watch the first part of NBC Connecticut’s 2-part feature on Farmington Valley Fitness Boot Camp.

After watching the feature at my place, Robert (Rob to all of you) wanted to know if I was going to be ok, again I said “I am fine, it’s just indigestion or some shit.”

Well, only a half-hour after he left I couldn’t stand up straight. I was doubled over in pain. After calling some of those people in my surrounding network for advice, my mother, my assistant and my brother, I loaded up Bruschi in my Jeep and drove myself to Med Help.

The diagnosis? They didn’t know… but feared the worse. To quote the Doctor, “If I told you that you needed to go to the hospital immediately which hospital would you go to?”

So? WTF? Am I going to die?

He “feared” it could be appendicitis and my appendix may “burst.” I immediately drove to the emergency room and called my Bro to tell him what the hell was going on.  After all, my dog was with me and I didn’t want the little guy to be stuck in my Jeep forever. So Robert came and picked him up and I sat in the waiting room in ridiculous pain and was able to watch our feature once again on NBC Connecticut.

After a fun 3-hour wait in the Emergency Room (good thing my appendix didn’t burst), I was admitted. After a series of tests, one in which required the doctor to push on the area in pain but required my abdomen to be relaxed. So the Doctor said to me with his Indian accent, “can you bend your knees, your abs are too firm,” which made me laugh. he told me I needed emergency surgery to remove my appendix.

So after a long day of increasing pain I went into surgery after 11pm with a group of female nurses surround me icon wink The Reinvention and woke up in serious pain early Tuesday morning with my female nurses gone and to my disappointment some dude as my nurse.

 The Reinvention

I was quite pleased when I was sent home later on Tuesday afternoon (after of watching the 2nd part of our feature, our Grocery Store Tour on NBC Connecticut).

The next week was absolute hell. Not being able to sit up, upset stomach, my appetite went to shit, I was in constant pain. The gave me pain meds, but if you know anything about me you know I refuse to depend on that shit as I view it as poison. I took my meds for 2 days and refused to continue loading my body with that pharmaceutical bullshit.

I had dropped down to 172 pounds! Hell, I compete at 175 and walk around at 185. The surgery had caused me to loose over 10 pounds in only 10 days. It only got worse after my visit to see my surgeon.

 The Reinvention

He told me that I could not lift anything over 5 pounds for the next 6 weeks! No weight barring movements what so ever, even bodyweight exercises for fear of abdominal stress and the possibility for a hernia.

I thought well there goes this year of Professional Bodybuilding competition, no working out, no teaching boot camp, man this SUCKS!

The next month and a half were by far some of the worst weeks of my life. I ate like shit, slept like shit, and now that I think back on it was definitely suffering from some levels of depression.

I struggled with no teaching, not eating right, lost focus on some parts of my business and my own well-being. Even after returning back to teaching boot camps, my mindset wasn’t the same. Not having the ability to lift heavy iron, drip sweat from intense workouts, and feel the euphoric aftermath of a brutal strength training session was draining on me.

After 2 weeks I returned back to my doctor, he told me exactly what I didn’t want to hear. I had to wait 4 more weeks.

But the stubborn Italian got the best of me. I tried to get back in the gym only 3 weeks later by performing an Upper Body Push Workout at our gym. Well, I couldn’t vertical press 115 pounds, I could horizontal press worth shit and even got stuck attempting to rep 185 on close-grip bench (normally a warm-up weight for me). My bro had to pull it off me and tell me to “just take it easy.” Not so “easy” for me. I was completely frustrated.

I worked hard over the next month to put the weight back on I had lost. I felt the worst I had every felt in my off-season. I had serious doubts to whether I would compete in June, a goal I had set for myself before the New Year.

After 6 weeks of moderate training I knew I needed to change everything. I needed to go back to the drawing board. I made a promise to reinvent myself, my training, my diet, my recovery, and my work habits.

The re-launching of this blog was a major step in that direction.  So here I am reinvented and reinvigorated as a Fitness Professional, Business Owner, Fat Loss and Muscle Building Expert and Professional Natural Bodybuilder.

On June 5th I took home 5th place in the Heavier of two Pro Divisions in the WNBF Pro American in Marlborough, Massachusetts. I came in my best ever against a group that included many “true heavyweights” and I held my ground as a true middleweight and the youngest in my division. I had the best combination I have every put together of  symmetry, size, muscularity and conditioning. This is only the start. I have 2 more competitions over the next year where I plan on turning more heads.

BeforePic The Reinvention

10 Weeks Out at 189

DSC 11681 1024x687 The Reinvention

10 Weeks Later at 176 on stage at the WNBF Pro American

Unlike some “so-called experts” in our industry, I am who I am because I practice what I preach, work in the trenches day in and day out, and have submerged myself into being the best at what I do.

This blog is my way of sharing it all with you.

Thanks for reading the first of many more to come.

(Sorry for the long post, future posts will not be so winded!)

Work Hard, Train Hard, Live Better,

TE

Triple Threat Muscle…He’s Baaack!

I’ve been studying my buddy Jason Ferruggia’s work for over four years now. The man is a mad scientist when it comes to muscle building.

I got to know Jay back in 2006 after I had been competing as an amateur bodybuilder, truly not knowing where it would take me.

Then in 2006 his product Muscle Gaining Secrets was a major reason I transformed the way I train.

Growing up I was not your typical hardgainer, but I was quite skinny as a youngster. In high school I weighed in at 115 pounds as a freshman and only 130 pounds as a junior.

Don’t get me wrong I was a three-sport athlete making the varsity squad in soccer, wrestling and baseball as a freshman. I had an athletic body type but was by no means more then a bunch of “skinny muscle.”

I began training in 1998 and I gained 28 pounds in 18 months. By the time I graduated college in 2004 I had packed on 47 pounds of muscle in 6 years.

Impressive in many of my friends and family’s eyes but I only packed on 19 pounds in college thanks to what I call the “Three B’s” that every young male falls victim to during their four years that being BAD FOOD, BABES and BOOZE!

After graduating college I first competed in bodybuilding in 2005. From 2004-05 I was following your typical bodybuilding routine full of way too much volume for a person like myself.

  1. I was a skinny guy.
  2. I was an athlete.
  3. I don’t do steroids.

In 2006, I began following Jay’s Muscle Gaining Secrets but for only 4 months before I was to compete again. (check out my performance at my one and only show in 2006)

I jumped back on my eating schedule after my 1 show in 2006 and jumped from 169 to 206 following Muscle Gaining Secrets!

IN 3 MONTHS!

After taking all of 2007 off to train hard I won my WNBF Pro Card in September of 2008, after only three years of Amateur competition. (This was a small show I won the week before winning my Pro Card with the WNBF.)

TylerEnglishPro Triple Threat Muscle...Hes Baaack!

A few weeks ago I told Jay my bro and I were going to be in Watchung, New Jersey and wanted to come by his Renegade Gym to train and talk shop.

Jay realizing my passion for training, took it one step better. I received an email on Thursday March 19 from him asking to take a look at his new program Triple Threat Muscle.

Well I had just landed in Louisville, Kentucky for a 1-Day Business Coaching with my good buddy Pat Rigsby and I was starving.

So, I ate right? NOPE!

I couldn’t stop reading! Before I knew it I was 38 pages in and reading about “Finishers” and being someone who hates cardio I was loving what I was absorbing!

Look if you’re a looking for the way to pack on slabs of new muscle without spending every waking hour in the gym.

Triple Threat Muscle is for you!

If you want to look like GSP after he beat down Dan Hardy.

 Triple Threat Muscle...Hes Baaack!

Triple Threat Muscle is for you!

If you want to look like a BEAST (Like my bro!)

 Triple Threat Muscle...Hes Baaack!

Triple Threat Muscle is for you!

Just be ready to work your ass off!

Jason is an “in the trenches” Strength Coach who practices what he preaches and has helped countless dudes pack on a shit ton of muscle.

Hell, I am one!

My bro Rob and I got to experience Jason’s training methods first hand last Monday night at his Renegade Gym in the “Dirty Jerz” and now my bro is harassing me for Triple Threat Muscle.

You see both my bro and Jason are coming off pretty bad injuries (they both tend be stubborn knuckleheads) and have a handshake to reach 230 by May.

Following Triple Threat Muscle, I am going to be hanging out with two BEASTS at the Pearl Jam concerts in May!

It is awesome to say the MAN is back!

Time to Get Better!

Tyler English, NASM-PES, CPT

PS – Triple Threat Muscle is practically begin given away! It’s on sale for $47 until Thursday! Pick your copy up here => Triple Threat Muscle

Posted in Blog, Muscle Building by tyler | 1 Comment

Donovan’s Den: The Irish Strength Club

Robert and I are on our expedition from our facility, Tyler English Fitness, in Canton, Connecticut to Louisville, Kentucky for our 2 day Mastermind Meeting on Thursday and Friday with some of the best fitness minds in the biz.

Yesterday, Sunday, we started our day at 5am and were on the road to Lawrenceville, New Jersey for our Kettlebell Athletics Certification with Jason C. Brown and Pam MacElree.

Well, 1 wrong turn and 1 wrong high school (we showed up at Lawrenceville H.S. instead of the host school Notre Dame High School some 3 miles apart.

Can’t tell you how happy I am that we had this great opportunity yesterday.

Notre Dame High School can teach every high school athletic program a thing or two about youth strength and conditioning and athlete development.

Notre Dame High School, in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, has developed a weight room that is exactly what every high school should aim for!

large text56554 36208 Donovan’s Den: The Irish Strength Club

But, this wasn’t done over night.

In his 11 years at Notre Dame Head Strength and Conditioning Coach John McKenna has done a phenomenal job developing a great program and building the weight room to what it is today.  It is a second home for all of his young athletes. Many of which come back later on in their lives to share how their experience at Notre Dame helped shaped the person they have become.

thumb text56710 32570 Donovan’s Den: The Irish Strength Club

Coach McKenna strives to provide his athletes the best. He often organizes workshops and programs for coaches and athletes alike, putting all the proceeds back into his weight room.

“If you see something you like….grab it, use it, study it, believe it, master it, benefit from it, then pass it on and always remember to give credit.” UNKNOWN

That quote truly defines the man that Coach McKenna is and the reason he has built the foundation for what is The Irish Strength Club.

large photo62936 483062 Donovan’s Den: The Irish Strength Club

Here is an excerpt I pick up off the schools website about the Notre Dame weight room.

“In the basement of Notre Dame is Donovan’s Den. The weight room is named after Keith Donovan a 1988 graduate. The weight room is a place where people of character go to push themselves past their limits. The variety of equipment from free weights, hammer strength ground base equipment, kettle bells, sandbags, sleds, strongman equipment, flex bands, and cardio equipment gives every person entering the weight room an opportunity to achieve their fitness goals. The room is run on two principals, the first being John Woodens (Two Sets of Threes)  Honesty 1. Never lie 2.Never cheat 3. Never steal. Adversity 1. Don’t whine 2. Don’t complain 3. Don’t make excuses. The second is based on Seven things to do. 1. Be true to yourself 2. Help others 3. Make each day your masterpiece 4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. 5. Make friendship a fine art 6. Build a shelter against a rainy day 7. Pray for guidance and count your blessings every day.”

This is what it is all about!

Over the past 3 months I have submerged myself into the development of our youth fitness program. It is something I have always been very passionate about and want nothing more then for the youth of Farmington Valley and parent’s of these youths to have a safe, fun and effective place for their young athletes to get better in every facet of their personal development as an athlete and young adult.

The young athletes of Notre Dame High School already have this and we want the same in Canton, Avon, Simsbury, Farmington and all of Farmington Valley.

Tyler English Fitness is launching our Youth Fitness and Strength and Conditioning Program effective May 3rd.

Contact us at farmingtonvalleybootcamp@gmail.com for more details.

Get Better,

Tyler English, NASM-PES, CPT

If The “Why” Is Big Enough

If the “why” is big enough then we can always find the “how.”

Have you ever heard this before? If not then you should listen up because I am going to tell you a short abbreviated version of “my story.”

You see from the time I became a gym rat (sometime between Junior and Senior year of high school) I thought about what it would like to own my own gym.  I began working out at the local Bristol Boys Club weight room.

Then my skin and bones bro Robert (yes, he use to be all bones, no meat) discovered the weight room. We began to talk about one day owning our own gym.

Then our lives went in 2 different directions. I went to college for four years and he shortly after would join the United States Marine Corp.

In college I became involved with the Recreation Department and worked as the Strength and Conditioning Supervisor in our gym aka “The Bubble.”  This was just the start!

My good buddy Matt who was a 1st Team All-American pitcher had been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th round of that year’s draft. He asked me to help him drop the 20 or so pounds he had put on since the last season before he left for Spring Training (Matt enjoyed what most college dudes enjoy, BEER!).  I began working with Matt and the entire pitching staff in preparation for their upcoming season. It was my Junior year of college and I could already feel it. My calling was going to be in the fitness industry.

After graduating college I would work in 3 different gyms in 6 years, at one point working some 75 hours per week (and being paid for 40), train some 300+ clients in 6 years and still didn’t own my own gym.

Something needed to change!

Through the help of my Dad, I started my own business.

Tyler English Fitness was born and Connecticut’s Most Elite Fitness Program: Farmington Valley Fitness Boot Camp would lead the way.

Fast forward to March 30th of 2009, I needed more space, the two locations I was renting space in were becoming crowded. Business was growing rapidly so with a little more help from my Pops I opened my own warehouse gym.

Tyler English Fitness had a home.

KBSnatch40KGlockout1 If The Why Is Big Enough

Nothing beats training at YOUR OWN GYM!

Rewind back to September 2009, my brother, Sergeant Robert P. English was able to serve his time in the Marines and come home to work side by side with me.

There is a lot more to this story that you will get to know in time. Just understand that hard work pays off, having a passion for something means a lot, striving to be THE BEST at what you do WILL SET YOU APART!

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that YOU CAN’T do something.

I had a large “why” that for me included becoming the “Fitness Expert” in my area and I didn’t know how I was going to do it.

But the “WHY” was big enough and thanks to that I found the “HOW.”

So what are you waiting for?

Go make it happen!

TE

Posted in Blog, fitness industry by tyler | 3 Comments

What You Can Learn From Olympians

These past two weeks I have been traveling quite a bit.

I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico at my buddy Rocco Castellano’s Fitness Celebrity Branding Summit with my colleagues BJ Bliffert and his wife Kori as well as David “The Irontamer” Whitley and his wife Mandy.

Yes, I was the odd one out. Sorry no marriage for me in the near future!

wedding crashers2 What You Can Learn From Olympians

Last weekend my travels kept me in Connecticut but a last minute invite by my good buddy Curtis Mock of Gym Success and FitBiz Television I ended up at Ryan Lee’s Continuity Summit. It is here I connected with new friends like John Romaniello, Vince Delmonte, Joseph Arangio, Joel Marion and old friends like Mock, AJ Roberts, Scott Colby to name a few.

If there is something that has remained a constant in my growth over the past year, it is investing in my education as both a fitness professional and business owner. It is at each of these seminars I am able to create these new networks, new alliances, and allowed the opportunity to form new friendships. It is each of these avenues that allow me to continually grow both personally and professionally.

So while on my travels I unfortunately, unlike most of North America, was unable to watch the Gold Medal Hockey men’s game between USA and host Canada. Besides an update on my connecting flight home by our Flight Attendant regarding USA’s late 3rd period goal, I missed the entire game, but it got me thinking.

Many of you need to take a page out the book on what it takes to be an Olympic Athlete.

Seriously think about this for a second.

We can learn a valuable life lesson from these same Olympic Athletes.

Skier What You Can Learn From Olympians

These athletes eat, sleep and train for an event they only get to compete in once every 4 years. Yet, they don’t hesitate to invest in their training and ultimately their body.

In my own circle of friends that include bodybuilders, figure competitors, models, bikini competitors you will find many that are just as dedicated.

We put forth the investment of our personal time, money, dedication and hours of work for the ability to take our physiques to an ultimate level only to be judged subjectively for one day.

ArnoldSchwarzeneggerPicture What You Can Learn From Olympians

Why is it that we invest in 401k’s, stocks, cars, real estate and you name it but the thought of investing in your own personal fitness is something we consider an expense?

An expense? Really? Seriously? WTF?

What fun is life, if the tool to help you truly maximize your self-worth doesn’t function properly?

Think about that for a second.

How valuable is YOUR OWN LIFE?

Think about your return on investment for making positive changes to your nutrition habits, working out a regular basis, losing body fat, gaining lean muscle, having more energy and…

LIVING A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE!

Do you still want to ask about the price?

How about PRICELESS!

Get Better,

Tyler English, NASM-PES, CPT

Posted in Blog, bodybuilding, fitness industry by tyler | 2 Comments