JaYmZz...

We're Having a Heat Wave.....A Tropical Heat Wave!!

2009-02-01T11:42:00.004-06:00

Awwww man, is this one of the greatest days of the year or what...SuperBowl Sunday. I hope I don't get arrested for saying "SUPER BOWL". To make things even better, temperatures here is Wisconsin actually got above freezing. We may even hit close to 40 today. Yeah!!!

So, I'm my 18th hour of an ESE (Eat Stop Eat), and I'm going down to do a Light Day Abs workout called 6 Minute Abs. It's a Bodyweight circuit that I am certain will kick my butt a bit (and my abs), but I need it.

I'm also on day 28 of my 84 day transformation challenge. Things are going great, and I am well past that mental block of just going through the motions, and actually working it during my TT workouts. I also noticed some other people's workouts on the TT Forums and decided I need to step it up a bit. I'm not in this to win it, but it would be nice.

I cam across a video today on the TT Forums. And it basically sheds some light on the Wii Fit. Everyone seems to look for the easy fix to their weight loss goals, and now they seem to have found it in the Wii Fit. Now if it comes down to you doing a workout on Wii, or sitting on you Butt, by all means do the Wii Workout. But come on people, do you really think it is going to get you that firm, lean, fit body with abs popping like never before...? Check it out here...

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Baby It's FREAKING Cold Outside...

2009-01-13T20:28:00.003-06:00

Pretty freaking cold here today, and it's supposed to get worse as the week goes. Fun, fun! But you know, in a weird way, I think it toughens you up a bit. I have a brother in law down in New Orleans that keeps razzing us about our weather. It is tough, but really, life goes on. It is nice and toasty warm in my workout room downstairs!!

Workout A:

Warmup Circuit 2X: Y Squat 10x, Pushup 10x, Stickup 10x, Mountain Climbers 10x, Lunge 10x, Waiter Bow 10x, Spidrman Climb 10x

SS1:3x
Shoulder Press Pushups 10x
Step Ups 12x per leg

SS2:3x
1 leg RDL's 8x per leg
Swiss Ball Mountain Climbers 10x per side

SS3:2x
Inverted Row 12x
Wide Grip pushups 20x

Interval Workout A: Easy Pace was at 3, hard at 8 on the treadmill.

Workouts have been going really good. I had a busy weekend, so I missed my Saturday challenge, but I did it on Monday instead. My main goal right now is to stay 100% on track with the workouts, diet will come. It hasn;t been horrible, but it hasn't been great either.

Metallica was in town last night. I kind of missed not going. It's been a long time since I've seen them or wanted to see them, but times are tight, and I need to stay GAZELLE INTENSE so I can live like no one else!!! Talk to Dave Ramsey if you have any questions about that!!

Yeah Yeah My Friends.....

2009-01-06T19:35:00.005-06:00

Day 3...

Ended my workout with a little Death Magnetic from Metallica. It is amazing how they can still just jack me up after all these years!! Awesome!

Workout A: Only did Supersets One time through just to get back in swing of things, per CB's recommendation.

Warmup Circuit 2X: Y Squat 10x, Pushup 10x, Stickup 10x, Mountain Climbers 10x, Lunge 10x, Waiter Bow 10x, Spidrman Climb 10x

SS1:
Shoulder Press Pushups 10x
Step Ups 12x per leg

SS2: 1 leg RDL's 8x per leg
Swiss Ball Mountain Climbers 10x per side

SS3:
Inverted Row 12x
Wide Grip pushups 20x

Interval Workout A: Easy Pace was at 3, hard at 8 on the treadmill.

These Turbulence Training workoouts feel incredible as always.

Click Here to Give them a Try!! It costs less that $5!! What do you have to lose other than you spare tire!!!

Day 1...Back On My Fit Lifestyle Track...

2009-01-04T15:53:00.005-06:00

Today is Day 1 of my Turbulence Training Transformation Contest. I've put more weight back on than I originally thought, and now I need to rock this out big time. I would challenge anyone with weight loss as a NEW Years Resolution to join me.

Simply click here to join me in this contest!!

Beginning Weight: 186
Goal Weight:175-ish
Abs Contest Goal Weight: 166 (June Only)
Current BF%: 21%
Goal BF%: 10%
Abs Contest Goal BF%: Under %10
Waist size across navel: 37" geez...what happened.
Transformation Goal Waist Size: 31"

I'm really disappointed in myself, and I can't believe how this snuck up on me. Well, yes I can, I just shouldn't be kidding myself.

Workout Details:

First day, and so far so good ate clean and worked out. I will start my Workout A of the BW500 (Belly Off Version) tomorrow, but I decided to do the challenge of the BW100 challenge today as a sort of warmup. Crazy what a few months will do to ya of not working out. OUCH!!

Workout Day 1:

BW100 Challenge of the BW500 workout:
Warmup Circuit 2X: Y Squat 10x, Pushup 10x, Stickup 10x, Mountain Climbers 10x, Lunge 10x, Waiter Bow 10x, Spidrman Climb 10x

BW100:
Prisoner Squats 20x, Pushups 20x, Jumps 20x, Chinups 5x, Lunges 20x, CG Pushups 15x
Completed in 5 Minutes.

I may not be posting this stuff on the TT Forums all the time, I will be posting in my BLOG. At least that is the goal #1.

A Great New Years Eve...

2009-01-02T09:35:00.007-06:00

Last day of vacation today. Will probably take down the Christmas tree and then get ready for our CAMP OUT in the living room tonight. I promised the little guys we would do that during their Christmas Vacation, so tonight is the night.

Just got done watching the movie Tropic Thunder with Benn Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. Hilarious!! The big surprise in that movie was Tom Cruise who I think may have stole the show!! It was great.

It's so funny to see all these commercials for workout equipment and for joining health clubs right now. Everyone;s resolution is to be healthier in 2009, but how many actually follow through with it. I will admit, I fell off the wagon a bit too the last few months, But I am ready now to tackle this, and get back to basics with nutrition and working out. Anybody that doubts me I challenge them to join me!! Let's do it together!!

Erin and I and the kids had a great New Year's EVE. We went to our neighbor's house and I drank WAYYYYY too much. Of course the topic of working out came up again when one of our neighbors said she wanted a 6 Pack. I asked her, "Of what, Miller Lite?" She laughed and said, "No, I've never had a 6 pack stomach and I want one". She recently gave up a lot of sugar foods and even high fructose corn syrup in her diet and lost 10 lbs. She has been working out too, but the 6 pack just isn't happening for her. I told her Turbulence Training will get her there in less than 12 weeks, and she will have a rockin' 6 pack by the time she and her family go to Mexico in March. So, I challenged her, and told her I would send her a link to TT, and she should really give it a try. So, let's see if she is up to the challenge.

I WILL be posting more in here, and I need to come up with a good format for posting workouts and progress. I hope I get some followers in here too.

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-31T07:56:00.005-06:00

So, I haven't been here in a while, and I need to post some stuff. I'm mixing this page up a bit. I will be generally posting workout stuff on here and making this more of a workout journal page. I will also be posting on the TT Forums, but I need to keep my BLOG updated.

I am getting back into the Turbulence Training workouts strong in the next week. There is another transformation contest, and we need the $$, so I am hoping we place in the Top 3. Erin is also doing the contest and I think she has a great shot as well.

The TT forums are a great tool to use for inspiration and overall advice. You can definitely develop some nice friendships in there as well.

On a personal note, I have some Resolutions I need to share on here.

RESOLUTIONS 2009:

1. Be a better DAD and HUSBAND. Not that I'm not a good dad and husband already but I have the most wonderfull BEST Friend in my wife, and she deserves the very best. My kids are awesome, and also very challenging. I need to find the patience within my inner self and hold onto that all the time while raising them.

2. Eat healthy. The last few months have been awful. I need to get back on track.

3. Be diligent with workouts. I have the best trainer in the world, Craig Ballantyne, and I need to use his talents and his Turbulence Training system to the fullest. Not only for my health, but for my wife and kids.

4. Professionally, I need to step it up. This economy will cut the FAT in companies, and you need to be at the top of your game just to hold on to your job. I will be extremely busy after the 1st of the year, and I need to nail these next few projects.

5. Achieve Financial Peace. Some may ask "what the hell does that mean". Well, there are so omany things that it means. But right now to me and my family, it means to know where every penny is going by budgeting, and sticking to that budget. Getting some bills paid off. We, like the rest of America, like STUFF. We need to adjust our priorities, and buckle down. My good friend Dave Ramsey will get us there!!

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Day 84...!!

2008-08-16T08:55:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah, it's been cool doing this Turbulence Training Transformation Contest, but I have to admit, I'm ready for it to be over. This summer has been grueling horrible for the diet and workouts. I mean, I still worked out, but not as dedicated as I should have been. We are still going through a renovation of our basement, and that has taken it's toll on our workouts as well. But, I did the contest as more of a support to my wife who absolutely rocked it!! You can see her photo's on this site, and she looks amazing!

This Fall, I can really start to dig deep again, and really sculpt my body utilizing the TT workouts. I think I have a really good feel for how to get control of my body. It's just a matter of staying with a plan.

While a number of our friends and family have shown interest in this workout program, and are even currently doing it, I'm still finding a lot of people are really skeptical to try it. I'm not sure why, especially after they have seen the results we have achieved. I think they are having a hard time committing to a program, and enjoy doing ther routine that generally isn;t working for them. I guess, if that's what they are happy doing, that's cool. Great day today, I'm excited to get outside and enjoy the weather.

Uhhhh...this is even worse!

2008-08-10T10:24:00.005-05:00

Why do I keep torturing myself? Well, I guess it's just part of the grieving process.

We actually went up to Green Bay yesterday and enjoyed the Packers training camp. It is such a great experience up there, and they have really turned it into a wonderful very affordable family event. It was very weird without Brett there, almost the feeling after a death, but with each passing day it will get easier. I thought Aaron Rodgers looked great in practice, as did his backups both Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. We'll see how it goes in gametime situations.

The kids had a lot of fun too with a huge tent they had set up with games and football throwing stations, and big blow up trampoline type stuff, it was great. we had lunch at Curly's Pub right in Lambeau, and had a great seat overlooking the practice field. The entire event is FREE to the public, and is really just a lot of fun. The kids got to do some HIGH FIVE's with the Packers as they rode by on bikes, and even got an autograph from a rookie. Great day. As my 4 year old would say, " Good Times, Gooooood Times"!!

Uggghhhhh....This HURTS!!!!

2008-08-08T17:23:00.003-05:00

I don't even have anything to say...a picture is worth a thousand words. Or in this case, NO WORDS!!

Erin's Transformation.....

2008-08-05T20:29:00.010-05:00

Check these out...but don't look too long!!

Erin and I are doing a transformation contest over on TTMembers. This is the big contest that pays out $2000 for transforming your body utilizing the BEST FAT LOSS Secret on the planet. OK, that sounds a bit gimmicky, but it is true. This is the best system and Erin found out the EASY way. Check this out...this could be YOU!!

So, this is Erin back on April 13th before the contest started. Looks good, but a maybe few "squishy" spots.

This pic is the official start of her contest May 4th. Still looks great, with a few less "squishy" spots.

HOTT Mama!! This is the end of her contest on July 26th, and she lost only 3 lbs, but did an amazing transformation on her body. GREAT JOB E!!

Tough Day To Be A Packer Fan...

2008-08-05T19:51:00.002-05:00

Well, it finally looks like the Brett Favre years in Green Bay are officially coming to an end. It was a sad day back in March when he retired, but with everything that has transpired here in the last month, this is much worse.

Now, I have been a huge Packer fan and Brett Favre fan and everyone knows that. From my Green Bay Packer License plates, to Favre jerseys, to season tickets, it's been incredibly fun the last 16 years. But this last month has been especially hard for all Packer fans. Brett just did not handle this situation right, and the Packers did not either. You could just tell from the beginning, nothing good was going to come of this. This past Sunday, when his plane landed, the Packers welcomed him back, I thought "great, we get one more year of #4". Well, it just never developed into what we had all hoped.

I think the Packers are making a huge mistake. Brett Favre gives you the best possible chance at a championship from a pure football standpoint right now. Does it suck for Aaron Rodgers, absolutley. But you know what, Aaron Rodgers has not earned that starting position, Brett Favre has. It would be very easy to pull Aaron Rodgers aside and say, " you know, we're sorry, we weren't expecting this, sit tight, you will be our guy. But right now, this is still Brett's team, he's earned that spot. If you needed to be sensitive to Aaron Rodgers, and you really feel he is your future, offer him a contract extension, and have him sit tight.

There is a lot more that went on behind closed doors. There was a lot more said than we were made aware of.

So, my prediction...Aaron Rodgers will be hurt by week 4, and the Packers season will be in the tank. They have no experience at backup, and they will just fall apart. Our only hope is in Rodgers backups Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. We can only hope Rodgers can stay healthy this year. Ted Thompson, as much as I think he botched this Favre situation badly, has built a very good football team, and they should be OK.

So, hang tough Packer fans, this is just the beginning of the Favre saga!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-15T09:09:00.003-05:00

WOW, Have I been slacking or what. Last time posting in here was back in May?!!!

Well, basement renovation is going well. Thanks Scott!! Crazy weather around here the last week. We got over 12" of rain in the last week, and my basement held up pretty good. TT workouts have slacked a bit, but not too bad. I've been averaging probably two a week.

So summer is un-officially here, and the picnic's have begun. We had a block party in our neighborhood for the first time since we built here. It was fun until the tornadoes rolled through!! Yep, one hour into our First Annual Block Party, the tornado sirens went off, and we all scattered back to our house for the next 3 hours. WE did all end up getting back together toward the end of the night, and still managed to have some fun. A bit wet, but fun. Thanks to Jessi Wrench for settig up that party, but especially to Shane and Amy Wolfinger who ended up with the whole neighborhood in their house!!

So during the party, one of my neighbor and friend asked me about this Turbulence Training. Asked me if the e-mails I had been sending were scams. He said, he didn;t think I would send him anything that was a scam, but he still was a bit skeptical. I assured him this was no scam, this is a real workout program. He said he did want to try it, so I encouraged him, and if he needed any help to ask me and I would walk him through his first workout.

So, for all the skeptics out there, I will say "THIS IS NOT A SCAM."

Happy Fathers Day to all of you dad's out there!!!!

First Shirtless Pool Party Since Turbulence Training...

2008-05-26T08:58:00.007-05:00

Happy Memorial day!! And thanks to all who serve and put their lives on the line for us. This is their day!!

We went to a great pool party yesterday at our good friend's the O'Shea's. With busy lifestyles, kids, careers, we don't get to see these friend's as much as we would like to. We have seen them a couple of times since I started Turbulence Training, but yesterday was my first real test. Yes, the shirtless test. They have an awesome in ground pool we were in with the kids. Quickly Turbulence Training became the talk of the party. Everyone was asking what I do, and how can they do it. Some have already purchased Turbulence Training also, but haven't quite committed to the workouts and nutrition changes they need to make.

I discussed with them what I do, and that it really isn't very difficult. You just need to eat mindful, watch the calories, and do the workouts 3X a week. Everyone seemed very impressed with my results. In fact, one wife said to her husband, "you need to do what Jim is doing".

It was great to get that type of feedback, and that kind of support.

Click Here for Turbulence Training

Quick Weight Loss Tips...

2008-05-22T19:58:00.003-05:00

Craig Ballantyne of Turbulence Training offers up some great Weight Loss Tips...

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Busy Fun Filled Weekend Ahead...

2008-05-22T09:08:00.009-05:00

So, I have quite the busy and interesting weekend planned. While we still have our basement rec room project going, (Thanks Scott for all your hard work) we also have my niece's graduation this weekend as well. A BBQ at some friends on Sunday, and probably just some rest and relaxation on Monday.

However, the most interesting part of my weekend actually starts on Friday afternoon, when I will be having a scheduled call with Craig Ballanytyne of Turbulence Training. It should be quite an interesting phone conversation discussing various details about the Turbulence Training workouts, but most of all the TT philosophy.
So, here are some of the questions I will be asking and discussing with Craig.

- What are the best interval training exercises?
- Can you build muscle on a Turbulence Training?
- Why is working out only 3X per week beneficial?
- How exactly does Turbulence Training maximize Fat loss?

I'm sure it will be a very educational conversation, and kind of fun too. I feel I owe him a lot of gratitude for developing a system that I feel really is the best kept secret in the fitness industry.

I will be posting his answers to some of my questions next week. Have a great weekend!!

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Some interval training basics...

2008-05-13T09:48:00.005-05:00

I just got a message from Craig Ballantyne about interval training. It's funny because I was just having this discussion with some family and friends on Sunday afternoon regarding why interval training is better than long slow cardio sessions FOR FAT LOSS. That's a very important point. People get mad at me when I say interval training is better than cardio...FOR FAT LOSS. FOR FAT LOSS being the key words here!! Long slow cardio sessions are great if you enjoy it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going for a nice long run or jog. Read this message I got from Craig and you decide...and then watch the video at the end which will show you exactly how to do your interval training sessions.

======================================
Re: The Best Way to Do Intervals
======================================

If a trainer tells you there's a best way to do interval training,
they are lying.

Research shows that intervals are powerful for fat loss, but there's
never been a "head-to-head" study comparing different lengths of
interval workouts.

But that's good news. It means that all types of interval training
workouts will work to help you burn your belly fat.

In addition, for distance runners, intervals of 2-5 minutes are
very helpful for improving performance. But for fat loss workouts,
I tend to use a nice simple 30 second interval length for fat
burning benefits.

Plus, if you do intervals on a cardio machine, its very easy to
stick to a 30 second interval timing, followed by a 60-90 second
recovery at a much slower pace. If the intervals were any shorter,
it would be tough to change the settings on the machine fast enough.

Any type of this interval training for fat loss is likely better
than slow cardio, and allows for faster workouts.

Intervals are still the best for fat burning cardio workouts,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training

Click Here For Turbulence Training

First Step In Transforming Your Body...

2008-05-12T14:06:00.004-05:00

Ok, so a ton of you have joined Turbulence Training! Nice job taking that first step in transforming your body!! For those of you that haven't joined yet, take a look at some of these videos to get an idea of what it's all about. You are right around the corner from that beach ready shape just in time for summer.

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Fitness at a whole new level...

2008-05-11T11:26:00.004-05:00

So when I finished the Belly Off program on Men's Helath, I really thought I was fit. In fact I technically was per the experts at Mens Health and the benchmarks they put together for determining where you wrere fitness wise. But since, I have continued on with Turbulence Training, and have become even more fit. 50+ pushups without stopping, 11 good form chinups among other things. My fitness level is just increasing and going to a new level.

I have since established a new goal for myself. I would like tomaintain my current BF % of 12%, but increase some lean muscle mass. Craig Ballantyne is training me to increase my daily calories, as well as some sets. I'm also at looking at coming up with a nice plan to get this lean muscle mass, but maintain my current BF%. Should be interesting and I am up to the challenge.

Stay tuned, you will see my progress here as well as on the TT Forums.

Stay Strong!!

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Last Day of the Turbulence Training Sale!!!

2008-05-07T15:11:00.004-05:00

Turbulence Training is ending their 3 day sale tonight at midnight. NOW IS THE TIME!!! Watch the inspiring video, and then ORDER TT here: TT Birthday Bonus Sale

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Now Is The Time...

2008-05-04T21:52:00.004-05:00

Challenge yourself today. Stop making excuses. Ask yourself, "Will I regret doing it, or NOT doing it".

I've challenged my sisters to join Turbulence Training with me. Erin is already rocking it out on the TT forums, and has formed a nice support group around her already. I challenged my sisters because they all have shown a lot of interest in doing these workouts, but haven't committed. We all have this tendency in us (we get it from out dad)to talk a big game, but then never follow through. NOW IS THE TIME!! Not tomorrow, not next week ,next month, next year...but now.

After I put that challenge out to them, I actually thought how cool it would be to have all of us doing this healthy fit lifestyle together in a public forum. I know Erin and I are one of the first husband and wife tandems in there, but then to have 3sisters in there also, would be incredibly cool. You have the support of all the awesome people in the TT forums, and then your own siblings. It wouldn't get any better than that, and most certainly your fitness goals would be right around the corner. I really hope they follow through, and join in on the lifechanging experience. It will be fun and very inspiring to others.

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Transformation Contest...Starts Today...

2008-05-01T20:52:00.002-05:00

I've been busy with basement refinishing, and poor drainage in my back yard. So, I have just been catching up on some TT stuff. When I read an e-mail from Craig that was incredibly inspiring for me!!

--------------------------------------------------
Kekich Credo #4...

"Real regrets only come from not doing your best. All else is out
of your control. You're measured by results only. Trade excuses and
"trying" for results, and expect half-hearted results from
half-hearted efforts. Do more than is expected of you. Life's easy
when you live it the hard way...and hard if you try to live it the
easy way."

****
And here's my interpretation of how this success secret applies to
your fat loss program...

-> Who are the ones on the cardio confessional every Monday? The
people who did not do their best on the weekend with their diet.

-> Most people fail to control themselves, and end up only with
regrets. They trade minutes of pleasure (i.e. fast food) for days,
weeks, months, and years of regret. Do not be like everyone else!

-> Focus on quality workouts, not quantity. Focus on planning ahead
to overcome obstacles, rather than trying to "out-cardio" your bad
diet. You'll never succeed that way.

-> Always hit a personal best in each workout. This guarantees
progress for both fat burning and muscle building.

-> Fat loss is easy once you understand how hard it is...and it's
hard if you think it is easy.

That's the Truth About Fat Loss.

If you accept that in order to lose fat, you must...

1) Plan and prepare your nutrition in advance

2) Follow a professionally designed, structured workout routine that
is more intense than anything you'd put together for yourself

3) Get social support from others who have gone through the same
trials and tribulations that you face

...then you will succeed.

I promise you that,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
--------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the inspring words Craig!!

Best of luck to all of you!!!!

Click Here For Turbulence Training

Transformation Contest Rules...

2008-04-27T21:56:00.003-05:00

Rules of the 2nd
Turbulence Training
Transformation Contest

1) The 2nd Turbulence Training Transformation Contest starts May 1st to August 23rd, 2008. All transformations must start and finish during this time period.

The final day to enter is Saturday, May 31st, 2008. Each entrant has 12 weeks (84 days) to complete their TT Transformation.

2) To be entered in the Turbulence Training Transformation Contest, you must use Turbulence Training workouts for all 12 weeks to achieve your results.

3) You must take before and after photos on Day 1 and Day 84, respectively. The photos must include your face and a newspaper from the current date in order for your transformation to be entered into the contest. There are NO exceptions.

4) By entering this Contest, each winner of a contest prize consents to the use of his/her name, and/or photograph in any publicity carried out by the Contest Sponsor and its advertising and promotional agencies without further notice or compensation.

5) Photos can be posted in the TTMembers.com Transformation Forum or can be entered by email (see details below).

It is highly recommended – for your own results – to keep a training journal in the Turbulence Training Membership forum (don't forget, you get 3-6 months free access to the Turbulence Training Membership site when you order Turbulence Training).

Recording your photos, workouts, and nutrition will dramatically increase your chances of losing fat and reaching your goals because of the power of social support found on the TTMembers.com forums.

6) In addition to providing Before & After photos, each contestant must write a 300 word essay on their before and after success story.

7) The Transformation Contest will be judged by a panel of experts, including but not restricted to: Craig Ballantyne, Brad Pilon, and Holly Rigsby.

8) The Contest Sponsor's rulings are final and without appeal in all matters related to this Contest and the awarding of the Prizes. The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.

9) Entering by Email

To enter photos by email, send to:
Support (AT) TurbulenceTraining.helpserve.com

All entries become the property of the Contest Sponsor and will not be returned.

Contest Sponsor, its advertising and promotion agencies assume no responsibility for lost, stolen, delayed, damaged, illegible, incomplete, postage-due, garbled or misdirected entries or entries that have been submitted through illicit means, or do not conform to or satisfy the Contest Rules or for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any entry to be received or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website, or any combination thereof including any injury or damage to an entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from playing or downloading any material in the contest.

10) The Contest Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, cancel or suspend this Contest should an external circumstances arise which are beyond the reasonable control of the Contest Sponsor.

The Contest Sponsor is not responsible for any errors or omissions in printing or advertising this Contest.

The Contest Sponsor collects your personal information for the purposes of registration, program evaluation and to keep you informed about The Challenge. The Contest Sponsor may, if consent was given during registration, also contact you from time to time with information about other ways you can lose weight.

The Contest Sponsor will not share any personal data about entrants with any other party. The personal data collected for this Contest will not be used for any other purposes unless entrants provide explicit permission as indicated on the entry form. For more information about our privacy practices or to obtain a copy of our Privacy Policy, visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com.

By entering this Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Contest Sponsor and their respective employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns, advertising and promotional agencies from any liability for any loss or damage of any kind to the entrant or any other person in connection with this Contest or participation in any Contest related activities, including but not limited the taking of a urine test or, if declared a winner, the use or misuse of a prize or any portion of a prize including personal injury, death or property damage.

This Contest will run in accordance with these Contest Rules, subject to amendment by the Contest Sponsor. Contest Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, amend, modify or terminate this Contest or the Rules at any time in its sole discretion and without notice.

Entrants must comply with these rules, and will be deemed to have received and understood the rules if they participate in the Contest.

__________________
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training for Fat Loss

Click Here For Turbulence Training

GOAL WEIGHT ACHIEVED!!

2008-04-24T10:50:00.005-05:00

Posted on the TT members forum...

While most of you were doing Craig's TT Transformation contest here on the TT website, I was over on the Men's Health Web Site doing Craig's Belly Off program for 8 weeks. A modified TT BW500 program I believe.

Starting Weight: 197

I never took before pictures, and I never took measurements simply because I never thought I would stick with the program. Well, 12 weeks later, here I am, dedicated to this system more than ever, and I achieved my goal weight of 175!!

During these 12 weeks, I've actually accomplished a lot more than just weight loss. Numbers that were actually more important to me than anything when starting this program. Blood pressure readings that were border line high at 140/80. Cholesterol readings in the mid 200's. I can now say my BP is consistently 120/70 or lower, and my cholesterol has dropped below 200 to 180. My doctor said these results were "drastic changes" from diet and exercise alone in such a short period. I am now a fit and healthy man!!

Craig's Turbulence Training program's are so much more than just fat loss. It's a life changing experience, physically and mentally. I can't THANK YOU enough for providing this program, the tools to achieve my goal, but most of all the support you provide. My wife and kids would also like to Thank You for giving them back a healthy husband and DAD.

Thank You!!

JimN - Sussex, Wisconsin

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Spring Has Arrived...

2008-04-21T21:41:00.006-05:00

Ahhh yeah!! Finally some great weather, and it looks like it will be nice for most of this week. Great weekend. Actually was able to get outside and do some yard work, hit some golf balls, play some baseball with the kids. It feels great!!

I started my new workout yesterday. I had to do a test run of all the exercises to see where I max out at. It was pretty tough, and the workout will be crazy tough tomorrow morning. I'm actully a bit nervous about it. The TT workouts almost always make me nervous. Everyone now is noticing how different I look and how fit I look. I am happy with my weight right now, but still have my goal set at 12% body fat. Still have this small layer around my belly that needs to be gone by summer. I'm figuring another 6-8 pounds should get me to the 12% goal I'm looking for. Maybe then that 6 pack will be popping!!

The next Transformation Contest starts in a couple of weeks. Erin will be doing it, and I am too. I wish I would have gotten in the first one, because I think I would have had a chance to win it, but oh well. Erin, I think has an excellent shot. She only wants to lose 10-15 pounds, but she could really tone herself and look phenomenal, and win some cash. It would be great for our basement renovation!! GO ERIN!!

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My Inspiration and Motivation...

2008-04-19T21:34:00.005-05:00

So, I recently added some pictures to this blog, and to my forum posts on TTMembers.com. Generally people see a picture of Brett Favre and they just think, "Oh, Ok, Jim's a Packer fan and a Brett Favre Fan". But I really posted those pictures for a reason. I didn't just post a picture of Brett Favre just because of being a Packer Fan, or because of being a Brett Favre fan. The picture on this site and in my forum posts of Brett Favre are a bit of a symbol. A symbol of everything that this lifestyle change stands for, and for everything Brett Favre stood for. His toughness, his abilities, his gift, his pure love of football. No matter what life threw in his direction, he bounced back and just kept on...and never quit.

As a Packer Fan, Brett Favre was a part of my life for 16 years. My wife and I just started dating when he started playing with the Packers. We married, built a house, had 2 kids. But yet every Sunday, we flip on the game and there was number 4. A man that just absolutely gave it his all every game, and just never quit. As our life changed, so did his, but one thing was constant. He was passionate, tough and never quit or let anyone or anything stand in his way. But most of all, he simply just loved to play the game.

So on his retirement day, grown men cried. Everyone in the state of Wisconsin and maybe even everyone in America will remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard Brett Favre was retiring from the Green Bay Packers. It was a sad dayto see someone go that brought so much joy to us for so long. So, Thanks for the great run, it was fun while it lasted!!

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Don't waste your time doing crunches...

2008-04-19T20:25:00.004-05:00

Craig Ballantyne from TurbulenceTraining.com offers a great ab workout. Get that Six Pack popping in time for Summerfest!! And I don't mean that Miller Lite Six Pack!! Enjoy!

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How Crazy Is this TT Stuff...

2008-04-17T20:37:00.006-05:00

Alright, I have to admit I am a bit addicted to this Turbulence Training lifestyle. But it could be worse right? I mean, I could be hanging in bars, drinking, smoking, binge eating afterwards, only to go home and lay on the couch and watch TV. Well, I guess I do still lay on the couch and watch TV, and it's usually after a good TT workout and I'm so spent, I can't do much else for a while. That's why sometimes I'm amazed when people kind of look at me funny when I tell them what I am doing. I've lost 20 pounds in 11 weeks. I dropped 3-4 inches from my waist. I have a 2 pack right now, still working on the 6 pack. And I am in the best shape of my adult life.

Am I crazy?? Is this TT stuff for real? I mean does it work? Well, I guess I'm living proof that it works. The only hting that Craig Ballantyne can not guarantee me is that I commit. You must commit to the lifestyle or you will fail. I believe any workout system will work to a point as long as you commit. But how easy is it to commit when we have careers, busy lifestyles, kids, and just everyday living we need to do. And that's where Turbulence Training steps in. If you commit to 3x a week, 45 minutes, eat right, and get a good support group surrounding you, all of your fitness goals are achieveable. Just MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

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Whacking the little white ball...

2008-04-16T22:35:00.004-05:00

Oh yeah, golf league officially started tonight and it was awesome. Considering I took a year off from league play, I actually played pretty well tonight. Shot a 48 at Ironwood in Sussex, and it's actually a pretty tough course. So, I was happy with the way I played.

I am still on my off week from TT and it's actually tough. I feel like I'm missing out on something. I did a light workout last night, and it actually felt kind of good to not be going at full intensity. Oddly enough, the workout felt great, and I even broke a sweat. I finished it up by walking briskly on the treadmill for almost 20 minutes.

I'm still throwing around the idea of doing the Transformation Contest. I suppose I have nothing to lose, but I am so close to my goal weight, I'm not sure i could win. Although, I do still have the last layer of fat I need to burn off to get the washboard I'm so close to. So, I'm sure I'll do it, and it will be good inspiration for Erin if she decides to do it.

Packer Schedule is Out!!!!! Click Here for a printable schedule.

Nothing like New Orleans on a Monday night, and I'll be there!!! I can't wait.

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TT Transformation Contest...VOTE NOW!!!

2008-04-16T20:32:00.008-05:00

Click Here To Vote on Transformation Contest Finalists

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Great Night Last Night...

2008-04-12T10:31:00.004-05:00

We had some friends over last night, and we had a great time. This was a good friend I went to high school with that had a heart transplant 10 years ago. He is my age, 37, and really taken life to it's limits since the transplant. The sad part is that I have a tendency to forget about how it really does still affect his lifestyle.

He and I went to pick up the Pizza (yes it was my off night), and while we were waiting for the Pizza he proceeded to tell me he ended up in the hospital for 5 days with a sinus infection! What??!! Huh?!!! A sinus infection?? So, he told me the whole story of anytime he comes down with a fever, they instantly put him in the hospital for fear that he may be rejecting the new (10 year old) heart. He also said that when he gets sick like that, it's not like a "normal" person that may just lay around and maybe miss a day of work, he is completely wiped out...for days.

I guess I see this healthy, energetic, athletic guy. A guy who has since the transplant bowled a couple of 300 games, plays on several baseball teams (not softball, baseball), throws his kids around just like any "normal" 37 year old dad would, and it really made me think again that this guy lives with this every day of his life. He as well as all of us, are so thankful for the extra gift of life that God and his donor gave him. He is living life to the fullest, but yet he still has to deal with the thought that this is still a transplanted heart every day.

We do all tend to forget about the transplant. And that is what he wants. He doesn't want us to worry about him. That extra gift of life has affected him tremendously, but it has also affected those who are close to him tremendously as well.

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Best Shape of My Adult Life...

2008-04-10T10:10:00.008-05:00

Craig Ballantyne and a bunch of fitness expets at Mens Health created this standard to test your level of fitness...

Where do you rank?

Vertical Jump (inches)
Out of shape = <16
Average = 16-18
Fit = 19-23
MH Fit = 24+

Chinups
Out of shape = 0
Average = 4
Fit = 8
MH Fit = 9+

1-leg squat
Out of shape = 0
Average = 1
Fit = 3
MH Fit = 6+

Pushups
Out of shape = <20
Average = 20-34
Fit = 35-49
MH Fit = >50

Mile
Out of shape = 10 minutes
Average = <8minutes
Fit = <7minutes
MH Fit = <6minutes

When I first looked at this back in about week 4 of the Belly Off program, I thought oh my God, this can't be right?! Looking at it now, in week 11 of my workouts, this appears to be completely in line. I have actually been using this as a gage for my progression.

Here is how I rank:

Vertical Jump: TBD
Chinups: 12
1 Leg squats: 4
Pushups: 50+
Mile Run: 8 minutes ( Not a fan of distance running at all)

I still need to test myself on the 1 leg squats, and the vertical jump. I think the vertical jump I will fall into the fit range for since I played a lot of basketball and actually worked on increasing my vertical growing up. I leg squats...probably not so good. But I'll get there.

I will be completing the 4th week of TT For Fat Loss Intermediate next week, but I'm actuall going to use next week as a bot of an off week. Reducing sets and intervals. Still keep the same weight, just reduce the intensity of my workouts.

Then I am going to the Original TT workout. Everything I have read on this so far it should be a real kick in the BUTT!!

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Bodyweight Workout & Crazy Weekend...

2008-04-07T14:59:00.005-05:00

Tough crazy weekend. First I did the BW501 Challenge on Saturday. Of course, these Saturday challenges always kick my butt and this one was no different.

Threw a great party Saturday night for my mom's 70th B-Day. Had family in from New Orleans, Florida and various places in the state. Was a huge surprise for my mom, and a great time. Drank a bit too much beer, but actually ate pretty clean. Yesterday was a rough day for eating. First, a bit hungover so I am always craving carbs on hangover days. Then my wife bought bakery for the house for all the realtives that were staying with us. We cooked brats out on the grill, had some chips, and finished the day off with some leftover birthday cake. Ughhhh....this is why the scale was showing a 3 pound gain this morning. No worries though. I know this is only a minor set back. I wil have that 3 pounds gone by the end of this week, as well as another pound hopefully by next Monday. I am still about 10 pounds away from my goal weight.

So, I posted on the TT forums today how I have been getting some negatives vibes and comments from some family members regarding my new healthy lifestyle. Now, there have been several positive comments as well, but sometimes I feel like a bit of an outsider when they make a comment or give me a look of "why are you doing this". I suspect this will be short lived as this becomes more and more of a lifestyle change for me rather than just a FAD.

I really have all the support I need from my wife who has been absolutely awesome thru all of this. While she is doing the TT for Women, she compliments me all the time on how proud of me she is for what I have accomplished so far. She always thinks she needs to lose weight, but I think she is just fine, beautiful inside and out. And she understands the health concerns I have with my family history. A dad dead at 69, and me with my thyroid pushing my cholesterol and blood pressure to borderline high levels. But since starting the Turbulence Training programs, I now have very healthy levels for my BP, Cholesterol, tryglicerides, blood sugar, everything is great, and I hope they will get even better. These were really the numbers i was looking for. I achieved my goals in that area, now everything else will just be a bonus. I would certainly like to have the 6 pack by summer, and I'm not far off. I just really need to push thru this next level and work hard at it.

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Bodyweight 501 Completed...

2008-04-05T11:21:00.003-05:00

Today was the BW501 Challenge. I don't know why, but I always get really nervous before these Saturday challenges. I actually think I may make the workouts more difficult on my self by actually psyching myself out. Anyways, I finished in 27 minutes. It was extremely difficult, but not as hard as the 500. Maybe I'm just in that much better shape too.

My plateau has ended also. I'm down 2 pounds from last week and feeling great. I didn't hit my goal this week of getting below 180, but I'll get there. This weekend is tough too with dinners, parties to go to, and I'm sure the alcohol will be flowing. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, diet is by far the most difficult part of any transformation. Although, I will say that it has gotten easier to turn down junk food more and more. I did have a cheat meal last night of a Fish Fry, beer battered with french fries and potato pancakes. It actually didn't taste as good as I thought it would. I should be able to eat pretty clean the rest of the weekend.

Have a great weekend!!

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A Bit of a Plateau...

2008-04-03T09:04:00.004-05:00

I've been experiencing a bit of a plateau here the last couple of weeks. It is frustrating, and I want to get under 180 before the weekend. What I found with my body is I really need to keep moving on my light days, or I will plateau. My job basically calls for me to sit at a desk all day. I get home and find myself "Blogging" or posting on the Turbulence Training forums and only doing 20-30 minutes of interval training. I need to get up and move more, and I know the weather getting nicer will help with that.

The 501 Challenge is this weekend...these challenges make me nervous. They are tough!!

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Jan.28th Belly Off Crew Losing Steam...

2008-04-01T22:05:00.004-05:00

So all my boys from the Belly Off crew are losing a bit of steam and some motivation. Cravings are hitting hard as well, and frankly, it's just tough. I really don't know what to say to them because I am experiencing some of the same feelings. New workout, new challenges, and I've plateaued a bit the last 2 weeks also.

The best thing I could come up with was how far we have all come in our fitness goals. How we struggled with spiderman pushups back during Belly Off among other things. How many guys do you know that can rip off 50 pushups, or 10 chinups, or run a 6 minute mile. Keep focus on the goal at hand. Stay strong!!!

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Interval Training...

2008-03-31T09:17:00.013-05:00

Now let me tell you something about long distance running...I hate it. Growing up I played a lot of sports. Not necessarily organized sports, but you know the back yard, playground, street ball type of sports. The kind where you played for respect, not a trophy. The kind where you ran up and down a playground court, or sand lot bases, or even just in the street. I never liked long distant running and I still don't, because I feel the Interval Training I do takes me back to my youth. Maybe in more ways than one...

Interval Training...
High intensity running or biking or any type of cardio for a short time, followed by a low intensity period, and then back to high intensity.

So, yesterday was my light day of activity. My wife and I took the kids and the dog down to the playground. The weather here has been awful lately and it actually wasn't too bad yesterday. Kids were playing on the equipment, the dog was a bit bored, so I decided to run intervals with my dog while the kids played on the playground equipment. Now, I have a Pug and Beagle mix (Puggle), so she's not your typical running type of dog. However, I was impressed with her, and once she understood what I was doing, she really got into it. People around the park I think thought I was crazy, but she was having fun and I was having a blast, and getting some good interval cardio in at the same time. Not to mention, she could probably lose a few pounds as well.

So, now Mocha, my 10 month old puggle has been introduced to Turbulence Training.

Good Times!!

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Lead by example...

2008-03-30T10:10:00.009-05:00

Lead by example...
One item that probably gets overlooked when changing lifestyle and taking on a new way of life in terms of eating right and exercising is how it effects others around you. I'm starting to see a change in my 2 boys who are only 4 and 6 years old. Instead of seeing me on the couch watching TV after work, they come down stairs and enjoy spending time with me during my workout. Usually, they are riding scooters, playing with trucks or shooting some hoops, but every once in a while they will get right down on the floor with me and pound out some pushups!! My 6 year old will even do the Biggest Loser workout video with my wife. Now we just need this winter to end, so we can get outside and do some more activities. Kids need some good guidance early on when it comes to exercise and nutrition.

Lead by example...
My parents never lead by example when it came to diet and exercise. They both drank, smoked, ate poorly, and it ended up taking my dad's life at 69 from diabetes, and heart disease. My mom is currently fighting her own health with COPD, more commonly know as emphesema, chronic lung disease. Whatever you want to call it, her lungs are not in the greatest shape from smoking for over 50 years. She still has crazy energy, and can keep up with my 4 and 6 year old, so she must be doing something right!!

Lead by example...
Lately my family has taken an interest in Turbulence Training as well. Seeing the transformation in me, and my passion for this system has really perked their interest. My wife is doing TT for Women and loves it. My mom-in-law is also doing TT for Women at 60 years old!! She says that when she first looked at the workouts, she was a bit intimidated. She had sore joints, sore knees but since starting TT, it has all gone away. My wife has been battling some illness this winter with colds, sinus infections, bronchittis you name it. Now she is over all of that and she is deep into the workouts now. Seeing my transformation has inspired her, but now she is ready to see her own transformation.

My sisters have taken an interest as well. Although, they haven't quite committed yet, I did walk them thru a demo workout down in my basement the other night. Yes it did intimidate my one sister, but the other was ready to take it on...let's just see if she follows through.

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Turbulence Training BW250

2008-03-29T17:03:00.006-05:00

So, I did the BW250 today, pretty tough. I finished it in 11 minutes. I probably should have done some Interval Training after, but we had family coming over for lunch and a get together this afternoon. Played some baseball outside with the kids, so I'll do some intervals maybe later tonight or maybe tomorrow.

The family that came over hasn't seen me in a few months. They were a bit shocked to see how great of shape I was in. Of course I gave them the whole Turbulence Training workout explaination. They were all very intrigued. Still waiting for the weather to break a bit more to really get outside and do some running or biking. Even just walking the dog would be good, but the roads are still all full of sand from all the snow we got this year.

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Blog...Day One

2008-03-29T11:05:00.004-05:00

So, I guess I am new to this blogging stuff. In fact, I never thought I would ever be posting on anything like this. Now here I am...

Approximately 9 weeks ago I stumbled across a workout program on Men's Health called Belly Off. While I have been looking for a program for sometime now, this one really intrigued me. I think because there was no need for fancy equipment, no gym membership, it came with meal plans, and every day was planned for me. My workouts were planned, my meals were basically planned. All I had to do was simply follow the plan.

Well, I followed the plan, completed it and found myself 15 pounds lighter and in the best shape of my adult life in just 8 weeks. The program developed by Craig Ballantyne has you out of your comfort zone, and in maximum fat burning zone. The bottom line is, you will work your butt off...and your belly off, and any unwanted fat off!! While I was stuck in tradiotional boring cardio workouts for a long time, his program is a combination of bodyweight exercises followed by interval training, using minimal equipment and all in just 45 minutes 3 x a week.

The Belly Off program is designed around Craig's Turbulence Training principles. Since Belly Off, I am now following Craig's TT workouts. In just one week I have lost an additional 2 pounds, and am still on my way to not only my goal weight, but my overall fitness goals.

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