Monthly Archives: February 2011

Raul Cruz Guest Host • Chest, Shoulders, Tris

Thanks Cruz for stepping up and filling in. One World Transformation is about everyone – man, woman, young, old, trying new things and getting in the gym with a community by your side.

We’ve got participants from around the world, and I know they’re grateful that Raul Cruz was able to step up to the plate and lead by example with his routine.

There will be times when I can’t make it to the gym. But the journey must go on. That’s when we turn to you – the legends of the TLR, and everyone else who calls this place home. Together we’ll get the job done.

One world, baby!

Peace, Kevin

[youtube=

Calling The Levrone Formula Facebook Winners

These videos are from Friday, Feb. 25. Uncut, unscripted. Calling up Byron and Cindy to check in on their progress. They are the Facebook winners, and our job is to give them the information and support they need, directly, to arm them with the ability to get in shape.

We have also been communicating via email and many of you are lending support and friendship on the forum – over 2,000 posts in the Byron and Cindy sections. Thanks to those who are rallying to these sections – it is time well spent.

This phone call is to make that personal connection, answer questions, and create that extra layer of accountability to an “authority figure.” The accountability is VERY REAL and personal. This ain’t no dress rehearsal.

When I was training for shows, I had a clear responsibility, which made training a foregone conclusion. Once we accept that we MUST train, it actually becomes easier…when all room for doubt or failure is removed.

We can already see this happening with Byron and Cindy. They are inspiring thousands with a bold beginning and early progress. But the toughest road is still ahead.

I believe the forum is a huge factor for Cindy and Byron to take responsibility. They are reporting from the front lines and posting pictures. It’s got to be giving them strength & resolve – the same strength it has given so many of us on TLR.

Today is chest/shoulder/triceps day. Stay tuned.

Peace,

Kevin

[youtube=

[youtube=

One World Transformation • Uppin’ The Ante / Back Workout

Maybe it’s cause the Arnold’s next week and old instincts are taking over. Or maybe it’s cause with all the hard work the past several weeks, I’m ready to up the ante.

Whatever the reason, today was a full blown back workout that took me back to the old days.

There comes a time when you have to go for it, you can’t baby yourself any longer, and you move to the next level. But when you try these bent over rows for instance, if you are not experienced, make sure you don’t hurt yourself – start with weight you can handle and focus on form. If you feel any unusual pain in the lower back, stop.

I spoke to the Levrone Formula Facebook winners Cindy and Byron, and I recorded both conversations. Those will be posted tomorrow.

Big shout out to my old friend & US Marine “Big D” for his time and awesome camera work today. This was a big, old school back conditioning workout, straight up – maybe Big D had something to do with that, too.

Peace

[youtube=

Hyper Extensions, 4 sets  of 40 reps

Assisted Wide Grip Pullups, 4 sets of 20 reps

Bent Over Rows, 4 sets of 6-8 reps

Lat Pulldowns Supersets, 4 sets. 1 set = 12 reps front, 12 reps back, 60 seconds rest

Bonus Move: Machine Rope Pull for Lat and Lower Lumbar, 4 sets, 20 reps

Want to thank TLR Patriarch Rick from Fresno for the recent videos he posted on the forum. They inspired me. Good to see you training Rick. 46 year old man banging out dips on pieces of wood in his home gym. Nobody captures the spirit of the iron path like Rick – keep it up man.

Here’s a surreal vaccuum pose from TLR Chief Of Staff Raul Cruz, a preview of Levrolympia. Frank Zane ain’t got nuthin on this vaccuum. Clearly we’re all in for quite a show this year, and my work is cut out for me.

One World Transformation • Single Leg Training

Once again, this past weekend was a tough one, having lost a few friends. However, both men would have likely wanted us to keep training, and that’s what we’re going to do.

Single leg training – if you’ve never done it, here’s your chance. Most athletic moves are done on one leg at a time, so there are plenty of reasons to try this out, and mastering this will definitely help you improve your squat and balance. Execute this correctly and be careful.

Peace,

Kevin

[youtube=

[youtube=

One World Transformation • Back & Biceps w/Roger

Note: This video is from Friday. It was a hectic weekend and with President’s Day and no school I’m booked solid, however, still training chest but will not be able to post video. See chest from last week and train chest today, next video is Wednesday, leg day.

Bodybuilding is not merely a program written out on a page. Bodybuilding is in the doing. That’s why no matter how sound the science is behind your workout, it won’t do you any good if you don’t actually train with uncommon intensity and dedication.

Of course, this isn’t always easy. It requires doing things that get you pumped up and psyched up. Trying new things, taking on new challenges. Otherwise  training stagnates and you start missing a workout. Then another. Next thing you know, you’re back to square one, or worse. Who among us has not gone through this?

That’s why I’m humbled and energized today by Roger in this video. I believe there is something to learn from everyone – and Roger, a 63-year-old ex-Navy Seal and cancer survivor is no exception.

You might think some of these moves are useless if you’re looking to pack on real mass. But to pack on ANY mass, you first and foremost have to SHOW UP. And to show up at the gym day after day, year after year, you have to be excited to be there.

Roger’s amazingly impressive physique tells that story. The story you won’t find in lifeless programs, sets and splits written on a page alone.

All bodies tell a story. Each of our stories for this year are being written now, and Levrolympia in April will be our chance to share them.

One world, baby.

Peace,

Kevin

[youtube=

This has been a painful and heart-wrenching weekend. First Clark Jackson who I mentioned in my last post; and then my IFBB colleague Frank Hillebrand (below), an outstanding bodybuilder and a first-rate human being. I am heartbroken in hearing about this tragic news, and so are many others. My deeply felt condolences go out to Frank’s family.


RIP, Clark Jackson

My friend and colleague Clark Jackson, whom I had the honor of knowing for 20 years, has passed away the morning of February 19th. Having suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease for the past five years, Clark carried himself like a champion, with dignity, until the end. He is an inspiration, a friend and a brother of iron. He will be missed and remembered. God bless Clark and his family.

Levrone Report Classic Leg Video

For various reasons I will not be able to post my footage of the single leg training from today. But you still need to train, so here’s a leg video to get you fired up. This is a hardcore workout going into Week 8 of the original Levrone Transformation, posted back in July of ’09.

Back then I was just thinking how psyched up I was that I was able to live up to my promise and put on 40 lbs of muscle in eight weeks, naturally, without drugs. TLR was new, but even back then I knew it would be an endless transformation.

Since then, hundreds if not thousands have transformed their bodies and attitudes through the work we do here every day. There are hundreds of workout videos in the archives, they are all 100% free, real and from the heart. I had a lot of fun making this video, pushing my legs like the old days. Enjoy.

[youtube=

I enjoyed talking with Cindy at length yesterday about her detailed nutritional plan going into her transformation. I will also talk to Byron this week – according to his log he has been lifting like a madman. Be sure to check both their logs on the forum.

I also had a chance to speak to TLR legend rob3980. He’s been ripping it up on the forum and I thought it was high time we had a man to man talk about what he’s doing, so I gave him a call. If you work hard and post often, you may eventually get a call from me.

Rob, I’m posting your new video for all to see. There is no turning back now, brother. Guys, Rob’s transformation is getting pretty intense so if you want to be inspired check it out.

[youtube=

One world, baby. The secret ingredient is Y-O-U.

Peace,

Kevin

One World Transformation • Antwaun Smith, Chest/Shoulder/Tri

Professional bodybuilder Antwaun Smith is in the house. Sometimes it helps to get another perspective on the old standbys many of us have been doing for years. It’s great to do it in a gym we both call home.

It’s no surprise that Antwaun shares a lot of my techniques. He’s my nephew and I’ve been sharing techniques with him for a long time.

However, it’s interesting to see the differences. Antwaun does 8-12 reps on flat bench. I usually do 6-8 reps. Plus, Antwaun takes a wider grip on bench and behind the neck press.

You’re gonna find differences at any level. Top athletes put their stamp on things. Once you master the basics, feel free to listen to your body, your instincts, find your own path.

Great sculptors and painters sometimes use different techniques, different tools, to bring their vision into reality. Bodybuilding can be similar in this way.

We all have different weak points and injury potential. Therefore, it’s okay to strive for a personal approach to what you emphasize, what grips you use, and what exercises you gravitate toward. That’s the artistry, the best part of bodybuilding, in my opinion.

Antwaun did a great job, so thanks, Antwaun.

Guys and girls, I’m hoping you’re taking what you can use and training alongside TLR. This is week four of the One World transformation. I have thrown tons of new stuff your way, so you should be changing it up and keeping your workout fresh, shocking the muscles and seeing gains. I know I am.

Looking forward to checking in with Byron and Cindy tomorrow.

Peace,

Kevin

[youtube=

One World Transformation Week #3, Friday, Cardio & Biceps

Banged out 45 minutes cardio and hit the gym for back and biceps. Today we did something a little different for biceps. See if you can get through it. It really starts getting tough near the end. Anyone can start. Only the few, the proud, can finish.

Byron and Cindy have exploded out of the gates with cardio workouts and providing with me detailed reports of what they usually eat. I am reviewing their info carefully and will have their plans devised by Monday. They are both posting on the forum so check it out and give your support.

One world, baby!

Peace,

Kevin

[youtube=

[youtube=

New Forums Set up

GC mentioning being a psychiatrist got me thinking that we need a new forum.

Click on the forum tab and scroll down to a new section called TLR CONNECTIONS.

There will be two forums: Global Career Interconnect and Local Training Partner.

Looks like rob3980 already found that second one – he’s from Wisconsin so I guess congratulations are in order for that Packers Super Bowl victory.

These sections are for members only and have a specific purpose for business networking and local connections.

This is not a sales portal or a place to pitch your retail business in an unsolicited manner. This is a place to meet people, discuss career paths and make connections for freelance or employment opportunities, trade or get professional advice and form business alliances with like-minded brothers and sisters of the TLR community.

We have a uniquely positive and ethical group here, but no online community is ever completely safe of weirdos.

I will always move mountains to keep you and your anonymity safe, please contact me if you run into any issues. I am obligated to say this: any relationships you form are 100% at your own risk. However, I really feel some of you will get a lot of this feature if used correctly.

45 minutes of cardio this morning and back and biceps today. Gonna shred those biceps into ribbons and record it this time. TSSHHH-BAM!!

Kevin

16 visitors online now
11 guests, 5 bots, 0 members
Max visitors today: 20 at 09:27 am EDT
This month: 282 at 05-02-2013 06:16 pm EDT
This year: 475 at 02-18-2013 06:02 pm EST
All time: 1091 at 04-26-2010 05:59 am EDT