Lessons of Excellence
I love to hear stories like this...stories of excellence. Chef David Chang
Stay in Touch With Me on Twitter
I seem to be spending more time on Twitter these days, so if you'd like to see what I'm up to, or contact me faster, go ahead and follow me here, http://twitter.com/StephenCooper
Rotating Carbohydrates to Lose Fat
Why So Much Personal Information?
I'm often asked why do I have a blog attached to my "business" site.
My thinking is that you as a potential client would like to know a little about me as a person before you hire me. You may have looked through the pages and read the testimonials, and know that I have a ton of experience and that I take my profession very seriously. So we can get that "stuff" out of the way.
I was going to hire someone who would be coming into my home 2-3 times a week, I'd like to learn a little more about that person.
Such as...does this guy understand what it's like to have a busy life with a job and kids while still trying to find the time to work out? Well, I share those things with you here.
And I'm very honest with you. If I blow it and eat something bad, I'll share it here. If I've skipped some days, I let you know.
I'm here, "exposing" myself in the hopes that you see that I am a real person just like you.
I have my hands full just like you...
with a job
kids
spouse, etc.
People often see me as some type of super human...and think that all I do is train and eat. I'm just like you.
I Totally Agree
...Hugh MacLeod of Gaping Void.com
V.I.P. Clients Can Now Schedule Online
Are You Living The Life You Desire?
Most of my clients train with me for fat loss. As we work on that goal, I try to instill in them almost a warrior or athlete type mentality.
Zero in during your session and crank up the intensity.
It Was 1 Year Ago That I Received My Level 1 Certification with CrossFit
My first CrossFit workout was in September, 2005...and my life has been forever changed for the better.
In August of 2007, I finally got my Level 1 Certification.
Here are a few pictures that were taken were taken in Valencia, California, at CrossFit Valencia,
I can tell you that they worked us hard over that weekend, but it was well worth it.
Save $5.00 Off Vitamins at iHerb.com

I just got an email special notice where you can save $5.00 off your order. That may not seem like much, but they already have really good prices, so you'll save a little more.
I've been ordering many of my vitamins from them for a couple of years now, and there shipping is as efficient and fast like Amazon.com.
I usually search by dosage and price which makes it easy to buy what is the best value for you.
To get the 5 bucks off you'll need this referral code PER153.
20% Off To Brazil
Just got this notice from my friends at The Island Experience. I was there about 3 years ago, and it was incredible!
When is the last time you’ve taken a deep full breath of tropical goodness? It’s amazing how blossoming rainforest flowers tickling your nose makes you forget the car exhaust from the traffic jams you’ll leave behind.It’s almost Spring at The Island Experience where nature’s colorful array takes on a whole new level of Beautiful. Where pristine rainforests seem more perky, more green, and more alive. Where blue skies take Blue to a deeper and more meaningful level. Where tranquil waters just seem a little more still, more present.
The weather on the island right now is fantastic. The island feels fresh and the temperature commonly reaches the mid 80’s. There are plenty of sunny days to enjoy all of nature’s wonders. In fact this is probably the driest time of the year.
Come detox your body and de-stress your mind. There still are a few spots left this Spring to have your own Island Experience. And for those who can make it this August 31 – September 6, you’ll need 20% less money to enjoy your island adventure – and that’s even better than less traffic!
Until then, be safe, find your joy, and thank you once more for your continued interest in our program.
All the best,
The Island Experience Crew
Stephen and Samba Dancing
Well it's only taken me 13 years of training...but I am finally creating my first online fitness product.
I know you are saying to yourself "why rush into something like this"?
I've seen tons of products that are available online, and many are quite good, but there always seemed to be something missing.
Many of the programs out there seemed like they have been geared for younger woman who want to be more "masculine". I'm not sure if you know what I mean...but I will try to explain.
Most of what I see online or in magazines tends to preach to women that in order to be "beautiful" they need to be leaner and of a smaller dress size.
Some women may strive for this, and so be it...but I don't see it as being healthy to say the least.
I think that I can speak for most men in saying that we don't find bony, muscled women very appealing. The media creates this "anorexic" ideal that is both unhealthy, and unachievable.
The program that I am working on encourages women to keep their curves, yet lose fat and get healthy.
I am collaborating with a long time buddy of mine who is one of the top personal trainers in Brazil. He and I met at a personal training conference in Orlando over 10 years ago, and we have remained close friends ever since.
Our project is called the Brazilian Beach Body Workout.com. (It's not live yet.)
We are first working on the version for women. Our goal is to create a system whereby women can train according to our workouts and eating plans and lose fat and tone, yet not build bulky muscles or lose their womanly shapes. Imagine toning up those trouble areas, yet remaining feminine.
We are in the process of writing the e-book, and will be recording the videos soon. (Hmmm make note to self...may have to go to Brazil to record those videos.)
We will be creating a version for the men too. This version is for men who want to be lean and athletic, let's say like Brad Pitt or a volleyball player rather than a body builder.
You can be included in our pre-launch efforts by signing up for "stay in touch" newsletter at:http://brazilianbeachbodyworkout.ning.com/ Please know that the members site is free, and we have not added any of our logos or artwork, etc.
And no, you will not see me doing any samba dancing on these videos. (That'll be in a separate product entitled 'How to Dance Like a Gringo" by Stephen Cooper.)
I'll keep you posted,
Personal Trainers...They're Only After Your Body
Tire Throws
My First Attempt
So for my first attempt at the 100 yard challenge....I only made it 53 yards. Looks like I'll have to practice some more.
What’s the Power Wheel Challenge?
I just read about this challenge over at Monkey Bar Gym. The challenge is that you try to crawl 100 yards while strapped into the Power Wheel.
The Power Wheel happens to be one of my favorite pieces of fitness equipment. My clients, for some reason, have other "words" for this torture device.
I have no idea how close I'll get to completing the challenge, but I'll let you know how it goes.
The 10 Secrets of Highly Productive People
Other than exercise one of my passions is learning about successful people. I put this 30 min video here as a tip to help you get more from your day. If you can be more productive at work and life...you'll have the time to exercise too.
It's all related.
You Need to Get Honest with Yourself
Where are you in relationship to your fitness goals?
And where are your going?
We've passed the half way point of the year, so now is a good time to evaluate where you are at.
Is your system of training working?
Identify where you at and what you are doing. Take massive action, get help, get your goals crystal clear, and get moving.
Start today by taking one step towards your goal.
You are in charge, and no one else is going to do this for you.
Today's workout:
Train hard for 60 seconds, active recovery cardio 60 seconds.
deadlift/cardio
dumbbell rows/cardio
split squats/cardio
incline dumbbell press/cardio
plank hold/cardio
overhead squat/cardio
tubing rows/cardio
dumbbell push press/cardio
push ups/cardio
Friday
Today's Workout:
Run for 10 minutes stopping to do 20 air squats each minute.