Please Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself
Please Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself

Everything in my life has been placed on hold for the past six years. I’m a shell of my younger self and here’s my story. I’m back!

The Dark Side of Personal Training
The Dark Side of Personal Training

I’m speaking to those well-intentioned trainers who miss the mark of our profession—internal and external health.

Weight Loss Strategies for a Strength Athlete
Weight Loss Strategies for a Strength Athlete

I’ve been heavy, lost weight, lost strength, and then piled the weight back on—more than once. Enough is enough.

Weight Loss Tips from Two Guys Who Lost 100 Pounds Each
Weight Loss Tips from Two Guys Who Lost 100 Pounds Each
Check out this interview with Vincent Dizenzo
Murphwatchers
Murphwatchers
One of my most read nutrition articles, updated for 2021
Why Your Diet Isn’t Working
Why Your Diet Isn’t Working

Are you tracking calories? If so, are you tracking correctly? What kind of cardio are you doing? Are you expecting to lose the fat fast? Super stressed? When’s the last time you had your hormones checked?

My Crappy Diet
My Crappy Diet

I have been a fat boy all of my life and have struggled mightily to be less fat. Here’s where I’m currently at in the sea of macros and micros.

Dropping Weight as a Powerlifter
Dropping Weight as a Powerlifter

This isn’t an article outlining how to drop the bodyweight. What I do want to talk about is the mindset and dealing with all of the change that is to come when dropping a lot of weight.

3 Major Principles of Weight Loss
3 Major Principles of Weight Loss

Don’t start at 60 minutes a day on the stair stepper. It’s not about losing as much weight as soon as possible. Remember, it is very hard to gain muscle so we don’t want to be too aggressive with our weight loss and sacrifice the hard-earned muscle we have.

LISTEN: Table Talk Clip — Are Cheat Meals Worth It?
LISTEN: Table Talk Clip — Are Cheat Meals Worth It?

It’s better to have one cheat meal a week than to go off of the program and eat on a day that you’ve burned off a lot of calories and now have taken in more calories than lost. Don’t turn a fat-burning day into a fat-gaining day.

WATCH: I am Vincent Dizenzo
WATCH: I am Vincent Dizenzo

“To be able to give back is a much bigger legacy than anything you’ll leave on a platform.” elitefts coach Vincent Dizenzo finds his calling in helping others by passing on knowledge, especially when it comes to dieting and weight loss.

Going on the Record with ATWR Holder Heidi Howar
Going on the Record with ATWR Holder Heidi Howar

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing and training with Heidi, and I can say with absolute certainty that she is the real deal, an ATWR-holding meathead who’s willing to do what it takes to become, and in her case, stay the best.

The Truth About Late-Night Snacking
The Truth About Late-Night Snacking

A calorie at 7:59 p.m. is the same as a calorie at 8:01 p.m. Whether you’re eating at 7:59 p.m., 8:01 p.m., or in the middle of the night, it really doesn’t matter. Instead, consider each of the 24 hours in a day to be equal in terms of importance… or simply the number of calories you eat in a day.

How to Avoid Obesogens
How to Avoid Obesogens

Obesogens are kind of exactly what they sound like: a chemical that can heavily contribute to obesity. Get to know some of them by name, learn how to avoid them, and potentially drop some body fat.

Infrared Saunas: Fad or Fantastic?
Infrared Saunas: Fad or Fantastic?

Are IR saunas really THAT beneficial? Do they truly have weight loss, detox, and anti-aging abilities?

Don’t Call It a Comeback
Don’t Call It a Comeback

I was beyond grateful that Dan Green still welcomed me to compete at Boss of Bosses V (a fantastic event) this year. Strap in and pay attention if you like a good drama.

Begin Your Journey to Become a BAMF Wrestler
Begin Your Journey to Become a BAMF Wrestler

I am excited to share highlights of early discussions that Steve Konopka and I have had as we work to turn our shared vision into a reality, helping athletes along in their journeys to become BAMF wrestlers.

The Obese Body and Exercise
The Obese Body and Exercise

What I try to offer here is information to both coaches and obese people about why and how to exercise — different reasons than the conventional assumption concerning weight loss — considering some of the difficulties inherent in the condition.

The Top 5 Guidelines for Fat Loss
The Top 5 Guidelines for Fat Loss

I hate to speak in absolute terms but there are certain rules that simply can’t be broken.

WATCH: Fixing Dave Tate — The 10-Week Update Discussion
WATCH: Fixing Dave Tate — The 10-Week Update Discussion

Dr. Rusin returns to the elitefts headquarters to get an update on Dave’s progress through two training phases.

No Planned Cheat Meals
No Planned Cheat Meals

As I am approaching my 29th week of this body recomposition, I have had no planned cheat meals. This might sound crazy and restrictive to a lot of people, but there is a method to the madness.

Considerations for Strength Athletes Losing Weight
Considerations for Strength Athletes Losing Weight

You’re going to be tired, you’re going to lose motivation, and you’re going to feel yourself going backward sometimes. That’s why it’s important to develop these skills and plan for the difficult times.

Being Skinny During the Season of Weight Gain
Being Skinny During the Season of Weight Gain

Life changes as our goals change, and life sure has changed a lot for me. My excuses of the past that let me go to extremes and live in excess during the holiday season are now gone.

Keeping My Promise
Keeping My Promise

Like most powerlifters, I’ve always bought into the old adage “weight moves weight”, and as my numbers grew, so did my ass. No matter how fat or out of shape I got, 40 was gonna be the turning point.

Ways to Sneak Cardio into Your Training
Ways to Sneak Cardio into Your Training

Following one, any, or all of these suggestions is a solid way to help prevent packing on some holiday pounds and to keep your strength gains strong.

Find a Real Gym
Find a Real Gym

Here are several reasons free weight training coupled with a real gym can be a superior alternative for a female trainee.

Are You on Track?
Are You on Track?
Apple announces the release of the Series 3 Apple Watch. This may satisfy all of your Watch hopes and dreams.
WATCH: Blast from the Past — The Beginning Stage of a Diet
WATCH: Blast from the Past — The Beginning Stage of a Diet

How many carbohydrates do you need in every meal? Should you consume more on training days than rest days? How many grams of protein are necessary? These actually aren’t the questions you should be asking.

Meet Report: RPS Connecticut States — From SHW to 198
Meet Report: RPS Connecticut States — From SHW to 198

It’s been more than a year since I last competed (not counting the unsanctioned and unseasonable non-invitational last December) and announced that I would be taking a step back from chasing the biggest bench possible.

Why I Need to Make a Change — The Plan
Why I Need to Make a Change — The Plan

Change is difficult but can hold great rewards. Here’s how I’m going to make it all happen.

WATCH: Dr. Eric Serrano SPS Presentation — Eating for Size and the Problem with Protein Shakes
WATCH: Dr. Eric Serrano SPS Presentation — Eating for Size and the Probl...

In the first part of his presentation, “Sports Nutrition for Peak Athletic Performance”, Dr. Serrano discusses nutrition for muscle gain, and shares several health concerns and issues with protein supplementation.

2016 United States Strongman Nationals — 3rd Place Finish
2016 United States Strongman Nationals — 3rd Place Finish

Two months ago I made the decision to compete at United States Strongman Nationals with the only goal of qualifying for Pro Women’s World’s in October.

Adaptive Thermogenesis  — The Beauty and the Beast of The Biggest Loser
Adaptive Thermogenesis — The Beauty and the Beast of The Biggest Loser

Starvation Mode is the not-so-accurate term for your body’s reaction to extreme caloric deficits. What price do you pay for rapid weight loss?

How Powerlifting Saved My Life
How Powerlifting Saved My Life

Years of self-destructive life and eating habits led me to 430 pounds and a combined diagnosis of pre-diabetes and hypertension. I had two options: make a change or die.

Operation Be Less Fat: A Year In Review
Operation Be Less Fat: A Year In Review

I started 2015 with a plan. Like most plans, it had to change throughout the year. I learned a lot and have even more to accomplish.

Shelby Starnes Q&A: Insulin Resistance, Contest Prep, Keto, and Blowing Your Diet
Shelby Starnes Q&A: Insulin Resistance, Contest Prep, Keto, and Blow...

Direct from the minds of aspiring physique athletes, these questions zero in on common (yet complicated) dieting dilemmas.

At What Weight Are You “Attractive”?
At What Weight Are You “Attractive”?
New research proposes the amount of weight a person needs to lose or gain in order to change others’ perceptions of their appearance.
5 Tips to Come Down A Weight Class
5 Tips to Come Down A Weight Class

Aside from lessening my bench stroke, carrying extra bodyfat has really no upside. Consider these five easy steps I took to finally say goodbye to Fatville.

Cheat Day Delusions
Cheat Day Delusions

You’re going to need to meet a very specific criteria before you can indulge on a day full of crunchy, salty, sweet, rich, and savory taste-bud bliss.

Potential Risks With Intermittent Fasting?
Potential Risks With Intermittent Fasting?
Every nutritional choice you make has repercussions. Intermittent fasting is no exception, what are you potentially risking?
Are These Subconscious Habits Keeping You From Losing Weight?
Are These Subconscious Habits Keeping You From Losing Weight?
Incorporate these simple, yet effective, techniques to manage your weight.
Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption with Contribution to Weight Loss
Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption with Contribution to Weight Loss
Does EPOC value cause significant weight reduction results?
Even Weight Loss Has A Dark Side
Even Weight Loss Has A Dark Side
Can an inefficient weight loss plan have long term repercussions?
How and Why I Dieted to 7-Percent Body Fat: Starting the Journey
How and Why I Dieted to 7-Percent Body Fat: Starting the Journey

Before determining the process I would use during this grueling path to the leanest I’ve ever been, I first had to ask myself, “Is there a good reason why?”

Contest Prep Dieting and Training Modifications From 21 to 11 Weeks Out
Contest Prep Dieting and Training Modifications From 21 to 11 Weeks Out

By adjusting macronutrient ratios and splitting workouts into twice a day, you can overcome the lack of energy from low-calorie contest prep. You won’t even have to do cardio.

The Fat and the Furious: A Complete Guide to the Most Misunderstood Macronutrient
The Fat and the Furious: A Complete Guide to the Most Misunderstood Macr...

Side-step the fat fearmongers and accelerate towards a healthier heart and better hormone profile.

Improving Strongman Performance through 65 Pounds of Weight Loss
Improving Strongman Performance through 65 Pounds of Weight Loss

The dietary principles Gallman learned after a painful injury resulted in a return at the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships.

A Simple Guide to Getting Shredded in 6 Weeks
A Simple Guide to Getting Shredded in 6 Weeks

As an active firefighter, Ken Whethem followed these nutrition rules to go from lean to shredded.

Dieting to Single-Digit Body Fat
Dieting to Single-Digit Body Fat

How I went from chubby powerlifter to shredded bodybuilder.

Six Months to a Leaner Physique and Bigger Total
Six Months to a Leaner Physique and Bigger Total

Use my steps to create your own strength and weight management protocol.

Rapid Fat Loss Principles
Rapid Fat Loss Principles
There are no easy ways to lose fat but these principles can help.
Understanding Ketogenic Diets
Understanding Ketogenic Diets
Do we need dietary carbohydrates?
Integrative Bodybuilding: When It Comes to Diet, One Size Fits One
Integrative Bodybuilding: When It Comes to Diet, One Size Fits One

Tell people what they want to hear and you can sell them just about anything.

Low Carb vs. No Carb
Low Carb vs. No Carb

I followed all of the rules and got huge. It was more fat jacked than truly huge.

A Lion in Iron: It's Not That Complicated (Part 4)
A Lion in Iron: It's Not That Complicated (Part 4)

If you have time to answer texts and play angry birds, then you are probably not meant for this.

No Bullsh*t: Obesity Is a Disease—What Are You Gonna Do About It?
No Bullsh*t: Obesity Is a Disease—What Are You Gonna Do About It?

Any life you live will require sacrifices, and no one is better than anyone else for making health a top priority.

I'm Too Young to Be This Damn Old: The Last Diet
I'm Too Young to Be This Damn Old: The Last Diet

I developed three wardrobes: medium, large, and too damn big.

Goals, Weight Loss, and Motivation
Goals, Weight Loss, and Motivation

So why aren’t you achieving your goals? Maybe you can tell me the answer, but no matter what your answer is, it is always the same answer.

Women, Training, and Misconceptions
Women, Training, and Misconceptions

Every day I hear things from women that are flat out untrue.

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