Things I’ve Learned in 2012

So the 2012 year is over and gone forever. It was pretty tough. But a lot of good things happened either. The first thing I've learned (or just been reminded) is that there is no limit to human stupidity and naivety. There are apocalypses and different ends of the world almost every year. Sometimes several times per year. Why do all those sheepeople still believe that crap? I think, it's because people are too lazy to think. Do you really believe that end of the world will come in one day or one hour? If you analyze that "prophecy" you'll find out that the end of the world should have come due to displacement of the Earth's axis (well, according to the "prophecy" I know). Think about it a bit. Do you really believe that such HUGE process is possible in one day? The Earth evolved during 4.54 billions of years. So that all is crap. And you shouldn't believe it. I digress. Let's get back to my theme for today.

Progressive Resistance

I wrote lots of articles on this theme. It's one of the main principles you need to understand. And it works not only for training or nutrition. You can use it anywhere. Examples? Let's take business for example. You build your base one client at a time. You open new branches only after the first one is working good. When you can't do everything by yourself you hire new employees to make more. You provide new services only when your first one is working well etc. It's progressive resistance. If you want to learn new skill you need progressive resistance. If you want to learn guitar you need to learn hand placement first. You need to develop coordination. You need to learn how to play right. Then you can develop your skill further. If you want to learn how to play chess good you need to know how the pieces move, what are the rules etc. Then you need to learn basic rules of opening, middlegame and endgame. Then you can progress further. You got the idea. Progressive resistance is probably the most powerful weapon in your arsenal. Be wise. Use it. There is nothing impossible if you understand the principle of progressive resistance.

Protein and Diet

Another big theme for me. Many people say: "Protein is not that important". They can be right partly. I found out that protein is the most powerful macronutrient out there. At least for me (and probably for you too). Let me put it another way. High-protein diet + intermittent fasting = optimal nutritional approach for me (and for all the people with average-to-slow metabolisms). This is what works. Everything else fails. 5-6 meals per day - fail. High-carb - fail. High-fat - fail. Eating throughout the day - fail. But again, this is what works for me and probably will work for people with average-to-slow metabolisms. If you have fast metabolism and fail to gain size then forget about intermittent fasting and you will probably need much more carbs.

Regarding diet there are only 2 factors that matter most. Yepp, only 2. Calories and macronutrient ratios. Everything else matters much, MUCH less. Calories and macros should be your primary concern. If these bad boys are in check you WILL get results. If not it doesn't matter whether you drink water from plastic or not, no matter you drink diary or not, nothing matters much and you will probably fail.

Another topic is sugar. This mofo should be eliminated from the face of the Earth forever. Stop eating it.

Sleep

If you sleep less than 8 hours then you are in suboptimal state. You ARE losing possible gains.

Simplicity

I like the principle of Occam's razor. Cut all secondary to get to the primary. This principle helps me to see what is necessary and stay sane in this age of information overflow. Simple stuff works. Basics work. Learn the basics and then progress to more complex and advanced stuff but with simplicity in mind. Training programs and diet plans shouldn't be overcomplicated to work. Remember this.

Time and Discipline

Too many people don't understand such simple concepts. Besides hard work you need to put in time to get results. You need to be patient and disciplined. Work hard consistently and when it's time you'll get anything you worked so hard for. Be patient.

Excuses

Fuck them. Stay away from them. Never look for excuses. They make you weak.

Closing Thoughts

All this is simple stuff but it needs to be reminded. As for me, in 2012 I took my handstand training to another (much higher) level. I reached straight handstand and several different handbalancing tricks. Also my planche and planche push-ups improved big time. I learned 2/3 one-arm chin-up, reached claw fingertip push-ups and much more. The closer I get to my training goals the harder training becomes. There were lots of plateaus in 2012. Much more than before. But I know one thing - the harder you work for something the more you appreciate it when you get it. My training quest is far from over. It's 2013 and there are big things that wait. Let this year be better than previous ones. Thanks for reading and support. If you need help don't be afraid to ask.

Play rough in 2013!

Alex

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