For the record

The End Is Only The Beginning

craigpeugh — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:14:03 +0000

Well, that was a crazy thirteen weeks. How about a recap! I took to the task of training, and I use that term lightly, a gentleman of larger stature. No one thought it could be done. I however, being the competitive person that I am, set out to prove them all wrong. Turns out I was wrong. Not so much in what I was doing, but how I was approaching the problem.Now, I’m not going to bore you all with my theories on why failure from the start was almost guaranteed, but for the masochistic read up on the malfunction of serotonin . It’s really boring. So moving forward, I had lost my subject to circumstances that are hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. The whole hospitalization still confounds me. Then a week later I got a new client and everything changed. The “blog” became more of a potential tool for serious clients, rather than a half baked shot at hilarity. A site containing information for any client who wants to keep track of their goals, or compare what others are doing was becoming a reality. My new favorite quote comes from the CrossFit certification team: “We fail at our margins of experience”. Clearly, I was past my margins with Gargamel, but without the experience I gained from him, this evolution could not of taken place. As for Gargamel, I guess he’s the same. “Vodka soda, burger, bacon, cheddar cheese”.

Gargamel

Ahh..The bar

craigpeugh — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:05:15 +0000

Perhaps the greatest thing about the bar scene(besides the tequila) might be it’s uncanny nature to create webs of social networks. It is through this social network that ideas spread and individuals become members of groups, or evolve into the all encapsulating term of “regular”. You see, regulars all talk to one another on a daily basis, so it should come as no surprise that my work with Gargamel is no longer a secret. I was always expecting this. However I was not expecting the encouragement and genuine interest in this brand of fitness, in fact through this social network I have taken on a new client. And the great news, this person works they’re ass off. We have a real goal set for June and twenty sessions scheduled from now until then. Seem great, right? Yeah- here’s the catch- this is what people have been fooled into believing! Eat like this and get ready for some auto immune diseases. Trying to explain why this is true can be further researched by reading the grain manifesto. The challenge is getting one to reverse what they thought was good into bad, and what was once bad, into good. I realize at this point I must sound like a crazy person, but I challenge you to find a better way of eating.

Seriously, i have $1000 to anyone who can prove nutritionally and scientifically a better performance eating regiment. Any takers??

When The World Gives You Lemons, Make Lemon Cellos

craigpeugh — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:32:07 +0000

What happens when it all falls apart? When the universe decides to throw it’s weight around? Do we run? Give up? Or do we fight? Recently my friend and client, Gargamel underwent surgery for an enlarged hernia. Interesting, a person decides to change their life and not only does the psyche rebel, but the body does as well. What this ultimately has done is increase drug and alcohol consumption to higher levels than before the project started. Awesome. Now I do this!

I think back to my days of Drama School (not AMDA) and remember how we were emotionally stripped of all that we were. “Being rebuilt in the image of past personalities” is what they would say. What does that mean? I still have no idea, but i do have access to all those things that make me cry! Maybe this is a chance to rebuild Gargamel, he is after all at rock bottom. And if my guess is correct, at the bottom of his fifth Kettle One and soda. The time is rapidly coming when I walk away.

At this point if you haven’t already, listen to the song at the beginning of the post. Listen again

Shake Weight Off!!

craigpeugh — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:37:05 +0000

Every so often I’m floored by the brilliance of people. It’s almost as if life stops entirely and certain objects just shine. Thus my award for the most creative and innovative fitness product goes to geniuses behind The Shake Weight. Finally a fitness product that offers a one stop shop for all fitness goals. Just look at how the “natural movement” complements the motion of the hand. It’s almost instinctual. In fact I recommend this product to anyone who wants to tone and keep that certain person really happy. Developed by some really, really, funny people, the Shake Weight also make the perfect gift. Mother’s day is right around the corner and what better way to show mom you care then, giving a gift that will never go flaccid! But wait, there’s more. Guys, imagine the joy on your lady’s face while she shakes her way to fitness! Awesome! And the greatest thing about Shake Weight is it’s completely portable. Bored at a bar? Shake Weight! Waiting for the bus? Shake Weight! Join the new revolution.

Now It gets real…Like the Goonies

craigpeugh — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:46:30 +0000

Here’s a fun test for us all to do! Go around and ask people, friends, co-workers, significant others, strangers, really anyone who looks sane, this question- and see what they say. “Do you believe that doing a workout in 2 to 3 minutes, can surpass the benefits of mild to moderate exercise in excess of an hour?” Confused? This is the mild to moderate exercise I see people doing in the gyms for hours.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe that even the smallest amount of exercise can benefit any individual. However, we must accept the concept that time does not equal maximum efficiency. Compare the above video to this absolutely insane output of energy.

Now, I know there are very few people in the world that can display this level of athleticism, however know that it is possible to destroy a work out in two minutes and realize the excuse of time is no longer valid.

Which brings me to my Everest- Gargamel. After weeks of lectures, educating, shunning, and finally accepting that I’m completely over matched, I played my final card. A gamble to be sure, but before i get ahead of my-self and reveal what happened, it should be known that I really like this guy, he’s my friend…so calling him out and making him tear up was purely a means to an end. Basically calling someone worthless, fat, a drunk, and unable to change sucks, but it had to be done. Maybe I got through, because for the first time since the beginning of this I saw some real combative energy, so much in fact that Gargamel agreed to a workout with me in the gym. Back in the gym after three years- a victory for me.

Functional Movement

craigpeugh — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:02:42 +0000

This exchange took place last week. It focuses on functional movement and the theory behind the movements. I tried to get Chuck Sheen to play me and John Goodman to play Gargamel, however they were unavailable. Enjoy.

Now It’s clear

craigpeugh — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:24:55 +0000

I really like those super motivational posters that one finds browsing the shops of a run down strip mall. Far too many times, I’ve found my-self down in the dumps, unable to grasp the meaning of life. A sad state to be, no doubt. It sure is good that these posters exist to inspire folks. In fact, I’m so inspired I decided to make a special poster for my comrade Gargamel . See how the sun just breaks through the clouds, like some analgesic narcotic that makes everything better. (that turn of phrase is not mine- it’s from Adam Rapp’s amazing play Nocturne-read it.) You see, Gargamel struggles with what is called a “Drinking Problem”.

Clearly, I need to enlist the advice of an addiction specialist to adjust my training process. And what do you know, I just happened to run into such a person. My questions are in the vein of basic knowledge, as are the answers: “in order to progress in recovery, we also need to let go of some of our friends, some of our activities, some of our favorite places to relax and socialize, even some of our humor.” I felt at this point my need for answers would be better served if I asked more specific questions. It turns out, Gargamel is drinking out of fear. Fear is quite a powerful motivator, especially in this case, because it’s operating on two levels. First the fear of failure and it’s direct relationship with fear of success drastically plays into failing to making changes. Secondly fear leads to shame, and drinking in Gargamel’s case is shame based. If Gargamel can learn “that there is no reason for being ashamed of wanting to change his life”, then the real change can begin. Those clouds sure do inspire, don’t they.

Blogs that inspire me to do stuff and other stuff.

craigpeugh — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:59:44 +0000

This post is going to be easy fun and quick.

Blog number one RobbWolf.com. This is my go to site for all my Paleo information. Down load the free podcast if you care about your life.

Blog number two 27bslash6.com. As a designer to be this shit makes me laugh. Like this hahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Blog number three thelabelsayspaleo.com. People in Austin TX, who post special recipes for good, clean cooking.

Why do we fall…? Because you can’t get much lower than the floor.

craigpeugh — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:39:45 +0000

I woke up today to Wolf Parade’s hit song, Language City. A song that finds itself deep in the Russian clubs, high on cocaine, wondering if all this talk is for nothing. You know, “all this working, just to tear it all down.” Sometimes I wonder if it’s easier to destroy rather than create. Why are some people funnier dead than alive? Gee, what can the bark on trees be made of? Oh! I digress.

The past two weeks have been terrible in regards to the “project”. What with a holiday, the death of a good friend, being alone on Valentine’s day, and losing thirty-two grand-spundoinkle!, I’d destroy it all and get inebriated every day my-self. If this all sounds defeatist, it is. I can’t seem to compete with what triggers one to destroy all that they’ve started to build. I mean, how many time can I tell someone the differences between good fat and bad fat? How about a visual to illustrate. This is bad fat: CLICK . This is good fat:CLICK.

So, does this all point towards giving up? I don’t know, maybe. Thankfully getting drunk, falling asleep at the bar, then tumbling down, and cracking ones elbow really tends to put things into perspective. The view from the floor is surprisingly eye opening when the only place to look is up. I hope next week there will be more of a positive outlook on things. For now more JOY DIVISION.

By the way, for those who like fun music: Check out the Brooklyn band Yeasayer’s new album. It’s like if Gumby and Hercules had a kid and named him Gumbercules.

And we’re off, well sort of

craigpeugh — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:14:21 +0000

Well, after the first week of realizing how big a challenge it’s going to be to get this guy to change his entire life, I’ve decided to revise my plan. For some inspiration I’ve created a photo journal. This gives a better example of what Paleolithic cooking looks like. Obviously, I caught the fish with a stick, knifed the grass fed cow, killed the chicken with a blow dart and farmed the fruits and vegetables; because that’s what cave men did. (I didn’t do any of that). However I told- well, I guess he needs a name-how about, oh I don’t know… Gargamel! Yes! So I told Gargamel that he could get these and most items like this at whole food or on the interwebs. (Check out this great ranch) As he cannot yet hunt with the ninja like skills needed to kill.
I was surprised to see that Gargamel dove head first into the change of diet, because after all one has to lean-out before any real strength training can take place. Unfortunately I completely failed with my task of slowing Gargamel’s booze consumption as he got drunk and threw a slice of pizza at a woman wearing a red scarf singing arias from Carmen. I however, was in Boston watching amazing theatre, so I cannot be held too responsible for what has been dubbed “red badges of courage”. Anyway, our plan for the upcoming week is to dial in on the food consumption, start a journal of when and what amount of food is taken in, and maybe start a gradual cut back of the booze.