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Confidence is not something we are born with—it is something we build. And how do we build it? Through adversity. Every challenge, every struggle, every uncomfortable moment is an opportunity to grow stronger. Whether in the gym or in life, the path to becoming your best self is paved with obstacles. The question is: will you avoid them, or will you attack them head-on? At Axis Strength Training, we know that true strength is earned, not given. You don’t grow by staying comfortable. You grow by pushing limits, by embracing discomfort, by seeking the next challenge. Think about it—when was the last time you got stronger by lifting the same weight, running the same distance, or doing the same routine? Progress demands resistance. That’s the same principle that applies to life. Each time you overcome an obstacle, you prove to yourself that you are capable of more. You unlock a new level, revealing the next, more difficult challenge to conquer. And so the cycle continues: struggle, grow,  repeat. The more you embrace the process, the more confident, resilient, and powerful you become. So here’s my challenge to you: Don’t just endure hardships—seek them out. Look for opportunities to test yourself, to break barriers, to evolve. Don’t shy away from discomfort; lean into it. The obstacles in your path aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones to your next evolution. Every weight you lift, every rep you grind through, every drop of sweat is a testament to your willingness to grow. And when life throws challenges your way, meet them with the same mindset. Slay your dragons, one by one, and keep climbing. Strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset. Train both, and there will be no limit to what you can achieve. Are you ready to level up?

Focus. Let’s talk about its power. I like to think of focus in two distinct ways. The first is a slow, consistent drip—like water steadily carving grooves into rock over years of persistence. It’s the kind of focus that compounds over time, where small, daily efforts accumulate into significant results. The second is an intense, concentrated stream—like a high-pressure jet that carves into solid objects almost instantly. This type of focus is powerful in short bursts, making immediate, impactful changes in a shorter time frame. Both methods drive progress. One relies on patient, steady effort; the other harnesses short-term intensity to create immediate movement. Neither is superior—both are effective tools, depending on your situation and goals. Looking back, I’ve used both. In my younger years, I often leaned into extreme, short bursts of focus to create change. I remember being teased by peers for going "all in" on new endeavors. But I learned that these concentrated efforts can move the needle in a big way. Take my financial journey, for example. At one point, I needed a reset, so I went all in on Dave Ramsey’s financial baby steps. I sold my car for a cheaper one I could pay for in cash, stopped eating out, and even clipped coupons—yes, I went that far! But in a short period, I saw real progress. That intense focus got me where I needed to be. Once I was financially stable, I transitioned to the slow drip approach, making steady, sustainable progress over time. This concept applies to any area of life—finances, fitness, family, or personal growth. The key is to get clear on what you want, commit to making the necessary changes, and take action. Whether you adopt a slow-drip approach or go full throttle with a concentrated burst, both methods will get you there. Most importantly, don’t let the judgment of others hold you back. The critics sit on the sidelines while you’re in the arena. Stay focused, commit to your path, and keep moving forward—one drip or one burst at a time.

Have you ever stopped yourself from doing something you truly wanted to do because of fear? You talk yourself out of it, using logic and common sense, only to regret it later. I think most of us have been there. At the time, we come up with all the reasons why we shouldn’t do it—convincing ourselves it’s the right  decision to back out. But if we’re being honest, fear is usually the real reason. We’re afraid, and rather than admit it, we disguise it as something else. Those who know me well might find this ironic. After all, I’ve jumped out of airplanes, bungee-jumped, and cliff-dived. I’ve climbed tall ladders in the fire service and rappelled from helicopters. Yet, despite all of that, I have a healthy respect for heights—to put it lightly, I don’t love them. Even though I’ve faced my fear of heights many times, it still  lingers. Recently, my wife, Martha, and I have been traveling more, visiting incredible places like Colorado and Utah. Thanks to Martha’s exceptional  navigation skills and thrill-seeking nature, we inevitably find ourselves driving along narrow dirt roads that hang over 10,000-foot cliffs. And when we finally get out of the car? We get to hike those same death-defying canyon edges. Now, you might think that after everything I’ve done, these drives and hikes would be no big deal. But that fear I worked so hard to overcome? It’s still there. That’s when I realized something important: I never actually got rid  of the fear—I just learned how to act in spite of it. One recent hike, which zigzagged up the side of a steep canyon with sheer drop-offs, was high on Martha’s to-do list. I took one look at it and thought, Nope.  I considered suggesting a different trail or just waiting at the bottom. Climbing that steep, exposed trail seemed reckless, and I almost convinced myself that I  was the smart one for not wanting to do it. But then I asked myself—why was I still afraid? After all the experiences I’d had with heights, why hadn’t I “cured” this fear? The answer hit me: You don’t always eliminate fear. You learn to move forward despite it. I remembered something crucial: I did all those other things scared  too. That’s what it’s about—feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Each time you push through, you build confidence. You prove to yourself that fear doesn’t have to stop you. So, I reluctantly followed Martha up the canyon trail. Step by step, my heart raced, my mind screamed at me to turn back—but I kept going. And when we finally reached the top? The view was stunning. I was glad I had done it. Fear doesn’t always go away. But if you push through it, you’ll find that what’s on the other side is often worth it. So the next time fear creeps in, remember this: Feel the fear—and do it anyway. -Jason axisstrengthtraining.com

The most important step in any journey is also the most difficult: the first step. And that’s exactly where most people fail—before they even begin. But why is that first step so hard to take? At its core, it comes down to fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment—both from others and from ourselves. When we consider making a change in our lives, whether it’s starting a business, getting in shape, or pursuing a new passion, our minds instinctively race to all the things that could go wrong. "What if I fail?" "What if people laugh at me?" "What if I prove them right when they said I wouldn’t make it?" Or even worse, "What if I let myself down?" These thoughts keep us stuck. Staying where we are feels safe . It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the water below, thinking, No way. I can’t do this.  We convince ourselves that it’s easier—safer—to keep our feet planted firmly on solid ground. But is it? Is staying stuck really easier in the long run? Does clinging to comfort truly protect us? Or are we meant for more? I believe we are meant to jump. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s risky. But it’s also worth it . Because the moment you take that first step—the moment you leap—you set a new world in motion. You begin to realize that you are the creator of your own life. You start proving to yourself that you can  face your fears, and in doing so, you gain the power to shape your future. What once felt terrifying soon becomes just another step. You adapt, you grow, and you get closer to your goals. Along the way, there will be more cliffs to jump from, more obstacles to overcome—but each time, you’ll be stronger. With every leap, you build courage. Life is funny that way. We convince ourselves that staying safe will protect us from failure, but in reality, the greatest risk is never becoming who we’re meant to be. So, this is my call to you: Start. Whatever it is you’ve been hesitating on—go do it.

Today, I turn 48 years young—and I feel incredible. Looking back on my journey, I remember the excitement of starting my career as a firefighter in my mid 20s. It was an exhilarating time, filled with the promise of adventure and the opportunity to serve. Over the years, I built a fulfilling career, made lifelong friends, and worked alongside some truly great leaders. Now, as I approach the later end of my 40s, I can’t help but recall the moments when I used to tease the senior firefighters about being "out of shape," hoping to nudge them into working out. Their usual response? "Wait until you're 40—you'll be fat and broken too." Well, here I am at 48, and I feel stronger and healthier than ever. So, what made the difference? Why do some people see their 40s as the beginning of the decline while others feel like they’re just getting started? It’s not about who had it easier or harder. I’ve faced my share of challenges—not only as a firefighter but also as an Army paratrooper, enduring years of wear and tear on my body. I’ve indulged in bad food and alcohol just like anyone else. But looking back, there was one key factor that kept me feeling strong and resilient: strength training . How Strength Training Changed Everything In my early years, I subscribed to the idea that cardio was king . After all, that’s what we did in the Army—running, push-ups, sit-ups, and grueling ruck marches. But when I joined the fire department, I noticed something: the veteran firefighters were big, strong, and powerful . They weren’t just surviving the job—they were thriving in it. After experiencing my first real fires, I realized that extra size and strength were assets. Lugging heavy hoses through smoke-filled buildings was no joke. So, I started spending more time in the weight room and running less. The results were immediate: Dragging hose lines became easier. My back and knee pain started to disappear. I felt more capable, not just at work but in everyday life. That’s when I went down the rabbit hole of strength training vs. cardio. Strength Training vs. Cardio: The Truth To be clear, I’m not against cardio. Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory health are essential , especially for a physically demanding job like firefighting. But what I discovered was that getting stronger actually improved my endurance . Because I was stronger: ✔️ I used less energy to perform tasks. ✔️ I didn’t breathe as heavily during fire scenes. ✔️ I could work longer without exhausting my air supply. In other words, strength training wasn’t just about building muscle—it enhanced my overall performance  and kept me pain-free as I aged. My Advice: Start Strength Training Now If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 20 years, it’s that strength training is the ultimate tool for longevity . It has helped me stay strong, increased my cardiovascular endurance, eliminated my joint pain, and kept me feeling amazing as I approach 50. So, if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond— start strength training now . Your future self will thank you.

In today’s world of social media and instant access to snapshots of other people’s lives, it’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap. We scroll through perfectly curated posts—flawless physiques, luxurious homes, expensive cars—and think, I’m so far behind. But here’s the truth: what you’re seeing online is a highlight reel, not the full story. Behind every polished post is a real person living a real life—complete with struggles, setbacks, and challenges. That perfect gym selfie? It doesn’t show the tough mornings, missed workouts, or days they didn’t feel motivated. That glamorous vacation photo? It doesn’t reflect the hard work, sacrifices, or stress that made it possible. Social media can be an amazing tool when used in a healthy way. But if you find yourself comparing your life to the filtered moments others choose to share, it can be damaging to your mindset and self-esteem. The next time you catch yourself thinking, Why am I not there yet?  take a step back. Remember, every person has a unique journey—complete with ups and downs, victories and struggles. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on the one person who truly matters: the person you were yesterday. At Axis Strength Training, we believe in the power of consistent self-improvement. Whether you’re working toward a new PR in the gym or striving for personal growth in your daily life, the only competition you need is with yourself. Aim to improve by just 1% every day. That’s it. Over time, those small, daily wins add up to monumental progress. When you compare yourself to others, you’re putting energy into something you can’t control. But when you focus on your own growth, you regain that power. Progress might be slow, but as long as you’re moving forward—even just a little—you’re winning your race. This mindset isn’t just for the gym; it’s a game-changer for life. Stop looking at the lanes of others and stay focused on your own. Set your goals, work hard, and celebrate your progress—no matter how small it may seem. Remember, what matters most isn’t how you measure up to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s how you’re growing, learning, and becoming better than the person you were yesterday. So let’s make a pact: Stay in your lane. Keep looking forward. Keep improving. You’re not in competition with anyone but yourself. Let’s get stronger together, one day at a time. -Jason

Finding ways to stay fit while traveling can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. Everyone’s approach will look a little different, but I want to share my perspective and hope it helps you stay active and feel good while on the go. In my everyday life at home, my routine is locked in: I work out every morning after writing and working on my business. Since I train daily, I don’t stress about squeezing in a workout when I’m traveling for just a day or two. I use those short trips as rest days, knowing my body is recovering and that I’ll be back in the gym soon enough. Longer trips, however, require a little more planning to stay active. Take my current two-week trip as an example. We’ve been hiking and climbing rocks most days, often trekking for 3-5 hours. These activities have been a great way to keep my body moving while also exploring the outdoors. On days when our hikes are shorter or we have less activity planned, I make sure to do quick workouts to keep my momentum going. Here’s an example: - At the Airbnb , I knocked out 10 rounds of 15 air squats and 10 push-ups. It wasn’t a grueling workout, but it was enough to maintain my strength and, more importantly, my routine. - At a park , we found pull-up bars and dip bars. I did 10 rounds of 5 pull-ups and 5 dips. This one was tougher, and I felt the muscle soreness for days! These short, simple workouts are effective for maintaining strength and staying consistent. Plus, they don’t take up much time, which means I can still enjoy the trip without feeling tied to a strict gym schedule. Nutrition also plays a huge role. We prefer to stay in Airbnbs so we can cook our own meals and stick to healthier options instead of relying on eating out. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. Remember, the goal while traveling isn’t necessarily to improve your fitness or hit personal records. It’s about maintaining momentum, staying active, and enjoying the trip. Don’t stress about missing a workout or taking a rest day. Do what you can, keep moving when possible, and enjoy the experience. I hope these tips inspire you to find a balance between fitness and travel. Stay active, stay healthy, and enjoy every moment of your adventure! -Jason

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and flashy trends, it’s easy to overlook the power of mastering the basics. At Axis Strength Training, we believe the foundation of long-term success lies in consistent practice of the “boring” fundamentals. It’s not about doing something new every day—it’s about doing the essential things well, over and over again, until they become second nature. The Struggle of Learning Something New When we’re learning a new skill, whether it’s a squat, deadlift, or pull-up, it’s completely normal to struggle. At first, things might feel awkward or frustrating. You might watch tutorials or read articles and think you’ve got it figured out—only to step onto the gym floor and realize your execution doesn’t match your expectations. This is where persistence comes in. The truth is, most of us get it wrong dozens, even hundreds of times, before we start to get it right. Improvement doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by putting in the reps. The Role of Repetition in Building Confidence Once you’ve learned the correct technique—often with the help of a coach who provides real-time feedback—it’s time to embrace the grind of repetition. Why? Because repetition builds confidence. When you perform a movement correctly, each good rep reinforces your skill. Over time, these good reps accumulate, and the movement becomes second nature. You’ll stop doubting yourself and start moving with ease and confidence. That confidence carries over into your workouts, your results, and even your daily life. Why the “Boring” Stuff is Actually the Most Important Let’s address the elephant in the room: strength training can seem “boring” at times. Repeating the same movement patterns—squats, presses, deadlifts—week after week, month after month, may not feel as exciting as trying something flashy or new. But this consistent repetition is where the magic happens. By practicing the same movements and gradually adding more resistance over time, you’re building a foundation of strength that lasts. These fundamentals are like the roots of a tree: strong, stable, and capable of supporting everything else. On the other hand, constantly switching exercises to “trick your muscles” might feel fun in the moment, but it often leads to slower progress. The truth is, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Mastering the basics and doing them well is what gets you stronger, fitter, and more resilient. Flashy Isn’t Better—Better Is Better We get it—doing the same thing over and over might not look impressive on social media. But strength training isn’t about looking impressive; it’s about getting better. Flashy doesn’t equal effective. Consistency, precision, and hard work are what drive results. So, instead of chasing the latest trends or workouts, learn to love the fundamentals. Squat deeply, hinge effectively, press powerfully. Then do it again. And again. And again. Reap the Rewards of Repetition The beauty of repetition is that it not only improves your skill but also transforms your body and mind. Each good rep you complete brings you one step closer to your goals. It’s the small, consistent efforts—the ones that might feel “boring”—that add up to big wins over time. At Axis Strength Training, we’re here to guide you through this process. With expert coaching and a commitment to the fundamentals, we’ll help you put in thousands of good reps, build confidence, and achieve the results you’re looking for. So embrace the grind, fall in love with the basics, and trust the process. Strength isn’t built in a day, but with dedication to the fundamentals, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

As a coach, it’s my mission to help others improve their lives through health and fitness. This mission started back in the 90s when I was a young soldier in the Army. One of my assignments was to help soldiers struggling to pass their PT tests. On paper, the task seemed simple—help them get fit enough to pass. But as we all know, simple  doesn’t always mean easy . I showed them the workouts they needed to do, joined them in training, and motivated them to push forward. But what I began to learn back then—and still see today—is this: the path to success doesn’t just rely on having a coach or a plan. It requires something even more crucial: personal responsibility. Fast forward to today. At Axis Strength Training, we’ve helped hundreds of people transform their health and fitness. And while I’d love to say we’ve helped every single person who’s walked through our gym doors, the reality is… we haven’t. Not because we didn’t try, but because personal responsibility—the willingness to own the process and put in the work—is a non-negotiable part of success. Back in the Army, I couldn’t understand why some soldiers wouldn’t give it their all. Then it hit me: they didn’t want to succeed. For some, failing the PT test was their way out of the military. No matter how much I coached, encouraged, or demonstrated, their lack of desire outweighed my efforts. And today, I see similar patterns. Many clients show up ready to crush their goals, embrace the process, and do the hard work. But some… well, they spend more energy crafting excuses than doing the work. And let’s face it—getting in shape is hard. Sticking to a workout plan, eating healthy, and making lifestyle changes aren’t easy. But that’s where personal responsibility comes in. As a coach with over 20 years of experience, I know how vital it is to guide, support, and educate. Coaches play a huge role in helping people develop healthy habits. But we can’t do the work for you. We can’t light that internal fire of motivation. That spark has to come from within. You must want the outcome more than you want your excuses. Everyone has obstacles—busy schedules, stress, family obligations. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is simple: the successful ones acknowledge their excuses, set them aside, and get to work. I’m inspired every day by the clients who take personal responsibility for their journey. They’ve got the smarts to hire a coach and the grit to follow through. These are the people who show us that it’s not about having a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, staying accountable, and doing the work. So, the next time you don’t achieve the results you hoped for, pause and ask yourself: - Did I take personal responsibility for my progress? - Did I let excuses steer me off course? Remember, you can either make excuses, or you can make progress—but you can’t do both.

Momentum is a powerful force in life. Whether you’re striving to lose weight, build muscle, or create a life you’re proud of, momentum plays a key role in your success. But here’s the catch: momentum doesn’t happen on its own. First, you have to start. Starting is often the hardest part. You’ve probably heard the saying, “An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion.” This principle applies to your fitness journey—and life in general. If you’re at a standstill, you need an outside force to get things moving. That outside force is you . Even the smallest step in the right direction can spark momentum. Once you’ve got that initial push, it gets easier to keep going. The problem is, many people never make it past the starting line. Don’t let that be you. Take that first step, and then ride the wave of momentum. Once you’ve built momentum, it’s crucial not to let it stop. It’s okay to slow down or adjust your pace when life gets busy, but stopping completely makes it much harder to start again. Instead, maintain a small level of progress—even if it’s just a fraction of what you were doing before. Take it from me. A few years ago, I was dealing with severe back issues from an old Army injury. Standing and walking were painful, and it would have been easy to quit working out altogether. But I knew the importance of momentum, so I didn’t stop. Instead, I adapted. I put on my workout clothes every day, found exercises I could do without pain, and stuck to them. When my back improved, it was much easier to get back to my regular routine because I hadn’t lost my momentum. I didn’t have to start over—I just kept building from where I left off. The takeaway is simple: 1. Start.  The hardest part is getting the ball rolling, but once you do, the process becomes easier. 2. Don’t stop.  Slow down if you must, but keep moving forward to preserve your momentum. These two principles can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. If you’re struggling to start or need help building momentum, we’re here for you. Book a free "No Sweat Intro"  at axistrengthtraining.com . We’d love to help you start strong and keep moving toward your goals.

Delayed gratification is a skill—one that can be developed through practice. At its core, it’s the ability to do the difficult thing now in exchange for an easier, more rewarding future. While many people opt for immediate comfort, only to face difficulties later, those who master delayed gratification choose the harder path today, knowing it paves the way for success tomorrow. For me, the gym became the perfect training ground for this mindset. Showing up consistently, even when I was tired, unmotivated, or busy, taught me to embrace the process. I knew that the effort I invested today—lifting weights, improving my conditioning, or cleaning up my nutrition—would pay off in the long run. And it did. This concept is woven into the very fabric of getting fit and healthy. Regular training demands discipline, especially on days when you don’t feel like it. Choosing fruits and vegetables over that extra piece of cake requires the same kind of resolve. Over time, these small, repeated acts of delayed gratification lead to better health, improved performance, and a sense of pride in your accomplishments. But here’s the challenge: in today’s fast-paced, convenience-driven world, the art of delayed gratification is harder to cultivate. Whether it’s ordering from Amazon and receiving it the next day or streaming a show instantly, we’ve grown accustomed to getting what we want now. This “easy-button lifestyle” often leads to short-term satisfaction at the expense of long-term well-being. The cost of prioritizing short-term pleasure adds up. Choosing junk food for instant comfort can lead to sickness and disease down the road. Spending money impulsively might feel good in the moment but can create financial hardship later. To build a better future, we must make intentional choices to tackle the hard things now—before life forces us to. This is where the gym becomes more than a place to work out. It’s a proving ground for building mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to delay gratification. You learn to show up, work hard, and push past discomfort—even on days when every fiber of your being wants to quit. You discover that the strength you build isn’t just physical; it’s a strength of character. Ask yourself: - Do I shy away from difficult situations? - Can I push through discomfort in pursuit of a greater goal? - Am I willing to face my fears and exceed my limitations to create a better version of myself? The answers to these questions shape not just how you look in the mirror, but how you look at yourself as a whole. Learning to delay gratification starts with small, intentional steps. Maybe it’s completing a workout you don’t feel like doing. Maybe it’s choosing water instead of soda or setting aside time to prepare healthy meals. These little victories compound over time and lead to meaningful transformation. You don’t have to do it alone. At Axis Strength Training, we’re here to help you build not only physical strength but the life skills that come with it. Start developing the skill of delayed gratification today, and watch how it transforms not just your fitness, but your mindset and your future. Take the first step toward a better tomorrow. Book your free "No Sweat" Intro  now by visiting axisstrengthtraining.com . Let’s do the hard things today—together.

Today, I want to talk about something crucial for personal growth and success— keeping promises to yourself . How many times have you said, “This year, I’m going to get in shape,” or “I’m finally going to lose the weight that I have gained”? And yet, life happens, and those promises fall to the wayside. It’s easy to make excuses for why we didn’t follow through, but deep down, we know the truth: we broke a promise to ourselves. When this happens, it chips away at our confidence. We start to doubt our ability to commit, to achieve, and to overcome challenges. But here’s the good news: the opposite is also true. Every time you make a promise to yourself and follow through—no matter how small—your confidence grows. And the more challenging the task, the greater the sense of accomplishment. Every obstacle you overcome builds strength, not just in your body but in your mindset. Pay attention to how you feel when you honor your commitments versus when you don’t. After a failure, do you default to excuses? If you dig deeper and hold yourself accountable, you’ll often find that the true reason was a lack of persistence. To build lasting confidence, focus on doing hard things and seeing them through to the end. Start small. Make promises you know you can keep. Then, step by step, build your confidence as you tackle bigger goals. At Axis Strength Training, we’re here to help you develop the tools and mindset to finish what you’ve promised yourself. Whether it’s finally committing to your fitness journey or pushing past a plateau, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Take the first step today! Schedule your free “No Sweat” Intro by visiting axisstrengthtraining.com . Let’s work together to turn your promises into progress and build a stronger, more confident you. You’ve got this. Let’s make it happen!