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If you want to know your future, look no further than what you're doing today. Your daily habits are already shaping your future health, wealth, and every other aspect of your life. We are what we consistently do. If we exercise regularly and nourish our bodies with whole foods, we will be lean and fit. If we consume highly processed foods and sugary drinks, we can expect disease and illness down the road. If we save and invest wisely, we secure financial stability, but if we live paycheck to paycheck, financial struggles are inevitable. So why would anyone choose habits that lead to future suffering? Sometimes, it’s simply because we don’t know any different—until now. Now, you have the power to make a change. Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage Through years of working with hundreds of individuals to improve their health and fitness, I’ve seen a common pattern: self-sabotage. Many people start building better habits that will help them live longer, healthier lives, only to derail their progress. Why? Because deep down, they don’t believe they deserve better. Somewhere in their subconscious mind, they’ve developed the belief that they are not worthy of success, happiness, or health. So, they unconsciously sabotage their progress, keeping themselves in a place that aligns with their limiting beliefs. This may sound strange, but I’ve seen it time and time again. You cannot rise higher than what you truly believe about yourself. How to Break Free Changing these deep-seated beliefs isn’t easy, but it can be done. The first step is recognizing your tendency to self-sabotage. Once you identify the pattern, you can choose differently. Start by changing the narrative in your mind. When you catch yourself thinking thoughts of doubt or worry, replace them with a new, empowering truth: - “I am strong.” - “I am capable.” - “I am worthy.” Beyond shifting your mindset, surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Seek out those who focus on growth and positivity rather than negativity and complaints. Negative people drain your energy—distance yourself from them. Immerse yourself in uplifting content. Listen to inspiring podcasts, read personal development books, and fill your mind with messages of growth and success. If your social media feed is filled with negativity, drama, or political arguments, take control. Either step away from social media or intentionally curate your feed. Engage with content related to fitness, health, mindset, finances, and leadership. Within a week, your algorithm will shift, and your feed will begin serving you instead of draining you. Your Challenge I challenge you to take action. Change the story you tell yourself. Surround yourself with positive influences. Only consume content that helps you grow. Small daily changes will compound into a radically different future. The choice is yours—make it a good one.

In the fitness world, we often hear that consistency is key —and it absolutely is. But before you can be consistent, and before you even think about increasing intensity, there’s something even more important: mechanics. Proper mechanics (technique and form) lay the foundation for everything else. Without them, all the consistency in the world won’t get you optimal results—and increasing intensity too soon can lead to injury. That’s why a structured approach  is crucial. And at every step of this process, having a qualified coach  can make all the difference. Step 1: Mechanics First—Master Proper Form Before anything else, you need to learn how to move correctly.  Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about moving well  so that you build strength safely and efficiently. Poor mechanics lead to imbalances, stalled progress, and even injury. 🔹 This is why a coach  is so valuable. A trained eye can spot small technique errors you might not even notice. A coach will give you cues, correct your form, and help you develop safe and effective movement patterns from the start. Step 2: Build Consistency—Make It a Habit Once you’ve nailed down proper movement, the next step is to show up regularly  and build training into your routine. Consistency is what transforms fitness from something you do occasionally into a lifestyle. 🔹 Having a coach  at this stage helps ensure that you're sticking to a structured plan, staying accountable, and progressing at the right pace. A coach can adjust your programming as needed, preventing plateaus and keeping you engaged. Step 3: Increase Intensity—Push for Progress Once mechanics are solid and training is consistent, now it’s time to dial up the intensity.  This doesn’t mean going all-out every session, but it does mean pushing yourself strategically. If you’ve been training consistently but aren’t seeing progress, consider: ✅ Lifting heavier weights ✅ Performing the same workout but at a faster pace ✅ Reducing rest time between sets ✅ Increasing the amount of repetitions 🔹 Even at this stage, a coach  plays a crucial role. They help you push your limits safely, ensure you're progressing without overtraining, and fine-tune your intensity levels for maximum results. Success in fitness follows this order: Mechanics → Consistency → Intensity. Skipping steps can lead to frustration, stalled progress, or injury. But when you prioritize form first, show up consistently, and then ramp up intensity , you set yourself up for long-term success. And at every stage, having a coach  helps you get there faster, safer, and with better results. So, ask yourself— are you moving well, showing up consistently, and ready to push a little harder?

To my Axis Strength Training family—I want you to know how proud I am of you. Proud of you for showing up, for putting in the work, for choosing to push yourself day after day. That’s the most important piece. This journey is about so much more than physical results. It’s about resilience, discipline, and the mental fortitude you build along the way. You learn who you truly are through the process—through the struggle, the sweat, and the small victories that add up to something great. You are in the arena, doing the work. That’s what matters. Don’t let the voices from the sidelines—or the couch—get in your head. It’s easy for others to criticize when they’re not the ones stepping up. Sometimes, they do it because they see your effort and it reminds them of their own inaction. Instead of rising with you, they’d rather pull you back. Don’t fall into that trap. Stay focused. Keep building. Keep learning. Keep growing. You are creating a stronger, better version of yourself every single day. You are in the arena. A true warrior.

Most people are striving toward a goal—whether it’s getting stronger, losing weight, or improving overall health. We all want results, and in the moment we decide to make a change, we’re willing to put in the work. But here’s the problem: We often bite off more than we can chew. We go all in, realize how difficult it is, and then decide we can’t stick with such a massive change. Sound familiar? The Fix: Start Smaller Instead of diving headfirst into a complete lifestyle overhaul, focus on small, manageable steps. Momentum is key. Think of it like rolling a snowball down a hill—start with something small, and as it moves, it grows. For example, if your goal is weight loss, don’t immediately jump into an extreme diet like carnivore or keto. Instead, start by adding 30–50 more grams of protein to your daily intake. This one simple adjustment moves you in the right direction and, more importantly, is sustainable for the long haul. The same principle applies to training. Instead of pushing yourself to complete exhaustion in every workout, aim for about 85% effort. This level of intensity allows you to make progress, stay injury-free, and remain consistent over time. Consistency Beats Intensity I get it—the “all or nothing” mindset is tempting. I used to be the same way. But over time, I’ve learned that what truly matters isn’t short bursts of intensity but what you do consistently over the long run. So, take the pressure off yourself to make drastic changes overnight. Instead, challenge yourself to pick a couple of small, sustainable steps that will move the needle toward your goals. Start rolling that snowball, and before you know it, the results will come.

We all have those days, weeks, or even months when stress feels overwhelming—like a pressure cooker with no relief valve, ready to explode. Managing stress can be challenging, and many people turn to alcohol, drugs, or food as coping mechanisms. While these may offer temporary relief, they often lead to long-term negative consequences. If you're going to choose a way to handle stress, why not pick something that benefits you in multiple ways? Strength training is one of the most effective ways to combat stress, anxiety, and depression. Not only does it help clear your mind and boost your mood, but it also improves your physical health—burning fat, building muscle, increasing energy, and promoting longevity. I encourage you to take a moment and assess how you currently manage stress. If your methods aren’t serving you in the long run, consider incorporating regular strength training into your routine. The benefits will be both immediate and long term. I know making changes can be easier said than done, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need guidance, send me a message—I’d be happy to help you get started.

Over 25 years ago, a platoon sergeant told me something that has stuck with me ever since: "Never rest on your laurels." At the time, I didn't fully grasp the weight of those words, but as the years have passed, their meaning has become crystal clear. He wasn’t telling me to ignore my past accomplishments. Instead, he was warning me not to let them define my future. It’s easy to look back and say, "I used to do this" or "I once achieved that," but if we stop pushing forward, we risk becoming stagnant. Our accomplishments should serve as stepping stones, not finish lines. This mindset has helped me continually pursue new adventures and challenges. There have been times when I’ve caught myself resting on my past successes, thinking, "That was good enough. I don’t need to push myself anymore." But then, I hear my platoon sergeant’s words echoing in my mind, and I shake off the complacency. I remind myself that there’s always another goal to chase, another level to reach. So, my challenge to you today is this: Reflect on your achievements with pride, but don’t stop there. Pick a new challenge. Set a new goal. Push yourself to accomplish something that, years from now, will make you say, "Wow, I did that." You’re not done yet. Keep striving. Keep growing. Keep writing your story. Make today count. I’ve been fortunate to experience incredible moments in my life, and I look forward to many more. And so can you. axisstrengthtraining.com

In the world of fitness and nutrition coaching, my job is to help others reach their goals. But how did I get here? Simple—I had coaches and mentors who guided me along the way, sharing knowledge that I now pass on to others. The first step to improving in any area is humility—the ability to admit that you don’t have all the answers. Growth begins when you acknowledge that there’s more to learn. The next step? Ask for help. Asking for help is not a weakness; in fact, I see it as a superpower. One of the biggest advantages I’ve had in life is my willingness to say, “I don’t understand—can you help me?”  I’ve learned so much, so much faster, simply because I wasn’t afraid to ask. And here’s the truth: most people love to help. If you take the initiative to ask, you’ll often find that the answers you need are readily available. So, here’s a simple three-step process to accelerate your progress in any area of life: 1. Admit  that you don’t know and need help. 2. Ask  for guidance from someone who has the knowledge. 3. Listen  to the advice—and most importantly, implement  what you’ve learned. Knowledge alone doesn’t create results—action does. The real transformation happens when you apply what you’ve learned consistently. If you’re looking to improve in fitness, nutrition, or any aspect of life, give this approach a try. You’ll move forward faster than you ever could through trial and error alone.

If you truly want to accomplish something—whether it's improving your health and wellness, changing your financial situation, or starting a business—you must start with a decision. Decide that this is what you truly want. Decide that the effort required to achieve your goal is worth it. No more second-guessing. No more excuses. Just a firm, unwavering decision to go after what you want. But deciding is only the first step. The next is commitment. When you commit, you're all in. No half-measures. No quitting when things get tough. Commitment means embracing the process, even when it takes longer and is harder than you expected. It means showing up when motivation fades, pushing through setbacks, and staying focused even when the results aren’t immediate. It may sound too simple—just decide and commit—but simplicity does not mean easy. There are no shortcuts, no magic hacks. Real, lasting change is hard. It will challenge you, test your patience, and demand resilience. So what? Do it anyway. See it through. If it were easy, everyone would be fit, financially free, and living their dream life. But they’re not. Most people choose comfort over challenge. They take the easy road, where the crowds are thick and progress is slow. Be different. Stand apart. Take the hard road. The road that leads to real transformation. Decide. Commit. Succeed.

Being grateful for what you already have is a powerful step toward attracting more of what you want in life. When we shift our focus from what we lack to what we appreciate, we open the door for abundance. I believe we get more of what we focus on. In previous posts, I’ve written about the power of focus and how it moves the needle in our lives. But this tool works both ways—if we dwell on the negative, we’ll attract more negativity. Focus is a powerful force, and with that power comes responsibility. What we choose to focus on can either propel us forward or hold us back. If we’re constantly looking outward, worrying about what others are saying or doing, or dwelling on past frustrations, we aren’t making progress. Likewise, when we fixate on what’s “wrong” in our lives, we unknowingly invite more of the same. Instead, we must train ourselves to focus on the positive. By recognizing and appreciating the good around us, we create space for even more good to enter our lives. We can even shift our perspective in seemingly negative situations: - My car breaks down?   GOOD!  I get to replace a part that will now last for years. - I sprained my ankle and can’t run that 5K?   GOOD!  This gives me time to build upper-body strength while I heal. - My child got in trouble at school?   GOOD!  This is a valuable lesson that may prevent bigger mistakes later in life. The truth is, we get to decide how we perceive things. We can choose to see obstacles as setbacks or as opportunities for growth. Yes, sometimes we have to dig deep to find the silver lining, but when we do, we take control of our lives rather than becoming victims of circumstance. If you want more positivity, strength, and success, focus on the good in every situation. The more you train your mind to see the good, the more good you’ll attract. Focus on what you want , not on what you don’t  want—because whatever you give your attention to, you’ll get more of.

If I wanted to lose 10-20 pounds between now and summer, here’s exactly what I would do. First, I would eliminate any chance of backing out by hiring a coach. Yes, even though I know what to do, I would still invest in personal training and nutrition coaching. Why? Because accountability is key. I still hire coaches to help me in areas where I want to improve, and this would be no different. To ensure my commitment, I’d pay upfront—removing the option to quit. Next, I would follow my coach’s guidance to the letter. No second-guessing, no half-measures—just execution. Daily Habits for Success: - Start each morning with a glass of water  and a high-protein breakfast—at least 30 grams of protein. My nutrition coach would be invaluable in helping me fine-tune this. - Strength train at least 3 times per week . My personal trainer would be there to make sure I show up! - Stay active on non-gym days.  Whether it’s a long walk, an at-home workout, or just keeping busy around the house, movement would be non-negotiable. - Cut out (or drastically reduce) alcohol and calorie-containing drinks.  Liquid calories add up fast and offer little nutritional value. - Prioritize whole foods, especially protein.  My nutrition coach would remind me of this constantly, and I’d make sure to follow through. If I stuck to these simple strategies, I have no doubt I’d reach my goal by summer. And yes—this process is simple. But simple doesn’t mean easy. The hardest part is staying consistent, which is exactly why I’d hire a coach—to hold me accountable and ensure I follow through. The truth is, most of us know what to do. But without accountability, sticking to it becomes the real challenge. So, if you’re serious about hitting your goals this summer, ask yourself—who’s holding you accountable?

Strength training isn’t just about aesthetics or being stronger than the next person—it’s a powerful tool for healing, both physically and mentally. Its benefits go far beyond muscle definition and heavy lifts. Let’s dive into why strength training is one of the most effective ways to improve overall well-being. Strength Training for Physical Healing One of the most obvious benefits of strength training is its ability to alleviate physical ailments. Chronic back pain, knee pain, and other persistent issues often improve with consistent strength training. I’ve experienced this firsthand and have witnessed it countless times over my 20+ years in the fitness industry. Building strength not only supports injury recovery but also prevents future pain by improving mobility, stability, and overall function. Mental Health Benefits: A Natural Antidepressant Strength training isn’t just about the body—it’s equally transformative for the mind. The positive effects on mood, anxiety, and depression can be felt almost immediately. In fact, the longer I’ve been in the fitness field, the more I’ve noticed that many people come to the gym not just to get fit but to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity, especially strength training, is one of the most effective ways to regulate mental health and boost overall well-being. The Fountain of Youth: Strength Training as We Age Who wouldn’t want to feel younger than their years? Strength training is like a fountain of youth, helping to counteract the effects of aging. It keeps us mobile, strong, and capable, allowing us to maintain independence and vitality as we grow older. From improving posture to enhancing joint health and increasing energy levels, the benefits of strength training make aging a far smoother and more empowering process. More Than Just Muscles At the end of the day, strength training is about much more than looking good or lifting heavy—but let’s be honest, those are pretty great perks too! More importantly, it’s a lifelong tool for healing, resilience, and overall well-being. So if you haven’t yet embraced strength training, now is the perfect time to start—you might be surprised at just how transformative it can be.

In today’s digital world, we are constantly bombarded with flashy shortcuts to success. Social media feeds are filled with headlines like “The One Hack You Need to Transform Your Life”  or “The Secret Daily Routine of the Ultra-Successful.”  These claims are designed to grab your attention, promising an easy path to fitness, wealth, or happiness. But here’s the truth: there is no single hack that will change your life overnight. Success isn’t the result of one magical trick—it’s the culmination of thousands of small, consistent actions over time. The Problem with Quick Fixes The biggest issue with these so-called hacks is that they create a false sense of simplicity. They make it seem as though one specific action—taking a cold plunge, meditating for five minutes, or following a billionaire’s morning routine—is the golden ticket to achievement. However, those who are truly successful didn’t get there because of a single habit. They reached their goals by doing countless small things right, day after day. The Power of Small Wins Instead of searching for the one  thing that will change your life, shift your mindset to focus on the many small things you can do consistently. For example, let’s say you see successful people raving about their daily sauna sessions or ice baths. It’s easy to believe that these practices are the secret to their achievements. But in reality, those habits came after  years of discipline in other areas. Before they added saunas and ice baths to their routines, they were already waking up early, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and maintaining productive work habits. Where to Start Rather than investing time and money into the latest trending hack, start with small, sustainable habits that lay a strong foundation. Here are a few places to begin: - Prioritize Sleep  – A well-rested mind and body perform better in every aspect of life. - Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods  – Fuel your body with whole, balanced meals to sustain energy and focus. - Move Daily  – Whether it’s a short walk, a workout, or stretching, consistent movement adds up. - Set Simple Daily Goals  – Accomplishing small tasks each day builds momentum and confidence. - Limit Distractions  – Reducing mindless scrolling or unnecessary tasks allows for deeper focus on meaningful work. The Big Picture Success isn’t built on a single action—it’s the result of stacking numerous small wins over time. The next time you’re tempted by the latest life-changing hack, pause and reflect. Are you already mastering the basics? Are you consistently making small improvements? Instead of chasing shortcuts, focus on the fundamentals. Build good habits, make smart choices, and keep moving forward. Over time, these small wins will accumulate into something far greater than any single hack could ever promise. Start small. Stay consistent. Success will follow.