Spotting The Frauds: Charlatans & Cowards vs. The Real Deal In Fitness

If you're grinding in the gym, sweating through those reps, busting your ass and chasing that unbreakable mindset, you've probably crossed paths with the snakes in the grass of the fitness world. I'm talking about the damn charlatans – those slick-talking frauds who peddle miracles in a bottle, promises six-pack abs (yet doesn't have any real strength to back it up) and then vanish when the going gets tough. But here's the kicker: many of these numbnuts aren't just liars; they're cowards too. They hide behind filters, dodge real accountability, take people's money giving them false hopes and crumble at the first sign of pushback. On the flip side, the real motherfuckers in fitness? They're the ones who show up, deliver the hard truths, and lead by example. No bullshit, just results.

This isn't some fluffy rant I go on (hardly ever actually). As someone who's been around this a long time and powering workouts for years, I've seen it all. From garage warriors to being trained by and worked out alongside the pros, the industry is packed with gems and garbage. Today, I want to give you some insights into the stark differences between these cowardly so called "men" and the authentic powerhouses who actually move the needle. If you're serious about your fitness journey, strap in. We're exposing the fakes and celebrating the real. Let's crush this.

The Hallmarks of a Charlatan: Promises Without Proof

First off, let's define the enemy. A charlatan in fitness is that guy (or gal) who rolls up with a shiny Instagram feed (or lack thereof), flexing or even talking like he's god's gift to exercise, claiming they've cracked the code to eternal youth or superhuman strength. But dig a little, and it's all smoke and mirrors. These folks thrive on hype, not substance. Make incredible claims such as "Losing 60 KG in less than 2 months", I've seen these words.

Take their marketing tactics. Charlatans love the quick-fix narrative. "Drink 10 liters of water a day" or "Build rippling muscle" even though he looks skinny fat. Sound familiar? It's because they've mastered the art of preying on desperation. They know you're tired of the grind, so they sell shortcuts that don't exist. But here's where the cowardice creeps in: they never back it up with real science or personal proof. No peer-reviewed studies, no long-term client testimonials (the real kind, not paid actors), and definitely no transparency about their own failures. They use copy and pasted reviews from others and turn them into fake reviews for their products. 

Real people in fitness? They're the opposite. Think of trainers like Matt Schifferlee or Chrys Johnson – evidence-based beasts who cite studies, explain biomechanics, and admit when something doesn't work for everyone. They don't promise the moon; they deliver a roadmap. A real pro will tell you, "Hey, this program works if you put in the work. No magic here." Charlatans? They ghost when you ask for details. Cowards can't handle scrutiny. Not to mention they get off on hate.

And let's talk money. Charlatans are all about the upsell. They hook you with a book that seems promising (Even though it's a carbon copy of Matt Furey or some other author), then bombard you with "premium" courses like a membership site that costs thousands of dollars a year, or coaching that's overpriced and  not only underdelivers, but potentially cause more harm than good. I've seen dudes charging $500 for a "custom plan" that's just a generic template. Cowardly? Absolutely. They avoid real competition by building echo chambers – blocking critics and surrounding themselves with gullible people. Real fitness pros welcome debate. They thrive on it because their methods hold up.

Cowardice in Action: Hiding from the Hard Stuff

What really sets these charlatans apart as cowards is their aversion to discomfort – both physical and mental. Fitness can be brutal yes; it's about pushing limits from time to time, learning from mistakes, and emerging stronger. But cowards? They fake it till they flake. Say they can do 25 pull-ups in one set when they show only 5. Say things like step ups being a lazy man's training when they can barely do 10. Then again, a 16 year old girl can probably outwork him LOL. 

Exhibit A: The social media facade. Charlatans post pics at times that look like they haven't showered, do maybe 3-4 reps of an exercise and tell you that they can really do 50 but never show the raw, unfiltered grind. No videos of them actually saying the numbers thy claim or sweating through a tough set. Why? Because vulnerability exposes weakness, and cowards can't risk that. They act tough online but bail on real challenges. They cherry-pick winners (often plants or non existent customers) and ignore the 90% who fail because their advice sucks.

Real people? They're in the trenches with you. Take someone like Adam Sinicki (AKA The Bioneer) – that man's a bad ass for a reason. He shares his breakdowns, his ideas, his battles. It's raw, it's real, and it inspires because it's honest. Or look at Brooks Kubik; he documents highs and lows, owns his mistakes and knows adaptability when it is necessary. No hiding. These folks embody courage by showing that failure is part of the process. The other douche-canoes, make claims that drinking 35 cups of espresso and smoking Marlboros is healthy and never changes. Tell you to go extreme all the time and not let your body heal or truly recover.  

Another cowardly trait: Avoiding confrontation. Charlatans love to bash those that don't agree with their methods or make you have logical debates in vague terms but crumble when called out and couldn't handle a debate that even a 5th grader can beat them at. The real badasses, they can debate but also listen to what you have to say, you may go back and forth but regardless of the outcome, they'll be shaking your hand or even saying thank you and give you props.

And don't get me started on accountability. Charlatans dodge refunds, ignore client complaints, and shift blame: "You didn't follow it right!" Cowards can't admit fault because according to them, they're right even when they believe 2x2=5. Real ones? They offer guarantees, follow-ups, and revisions because they believe in their work and willing to work with their customers or clients.

Real people also emphasize sustainability. Charlatans push extremes: diets that are harmful to the human body, insane workouts that lead to burnout or injuries. Cowards don't care about long-term health; they want quick sales. Real pros? They build habits with starting points. "Track progress, adjust as needed." It's about lifelong gains, not fleeting highs or pushing to exhaustion without getting recovery.

In terms of community, real people foster growth. They create spaces for discussion, not worship. Charlatans build cults, expect followers to do as told as if you don't follow their commandments, you're a loser and a weak POS. It's sickening and degrading. 

Stark Contrast To Authors Who Either Publish Or Scam Those Into Believing Something Will Be Published

One of the things I've noticed in recent years is that when an author is about to write a new course or about to publish....Some will let you in on little details and even show a glimpse of what the possibilities are. Sure it's a tease, but they make it worth the wait. Others (and I'm not joking about this), will tell you one thing, then another and throw your brain around like a ragdoll with what they "plan" to publish but never actually do. There are those who put products on pre-order and keep them there for YEARS and still make people believe they should buy it when in reality, they're pushing people to invest in basically air. This is pure scamming and it has happened to many people. The ad copy is there but there's nothing behind it. 

Why It Matters: Empowering Your Journey

At the end of the day, the fitness industry is a battlefield. Charlatans and cowards clutter it with noise, making it hard for genuine voices to rise. But you? You have the power to choose. Ditch the frauds who hide and lie; align with the real ones who fight alongside you.

Next time you see a flashy ad, ask: Does this person show their work? Do they handle heat? Are they in it for you or their wallet? Choose wisely, and you'll crush goals like never before. We all need to make a living but there's a difference in investing that is worth it vs. investing in someone who couldn't deliver a pizza. 

If this resonates, share your stories in the replies, or hit me with questions (No Anons or you will be deleted). I'm here for the real talk. Let's build that unbreakable body and mind together. Be amazingly awesome.

The Motto "If You Ain't Squatting, You Ain't Training" Is A Myth

 Listen up, although I'm not very controversial, this article most likely will get flack and some words from the Peanut Gallery. With that in mind, let's see how this goes.

 You've heard it probably a few dozen times (me personally, only heard this from 2 people but I digress) echoing through the gym halls or by gurus, shouted by bro-scientists, old-school lifters or even bodyweight maniacs: "If you ain't squatting, you ain't training." It's that "sacred" mantra that's been drilled into our skulls like a barbell loaded with ego plates or those hitting an extreme amount of reps. But let's hit this with some realistic points of view—no bullshit, just straight facts from someone who's been in the trenches, crushing reps and training every single day. This so-called "rule" is nothing but a myth, a overhyped legend that's holding back more gains than it's creating. Today, let's dismantle it piece by piece, because true power comes from smart training, not blind dogma. Buckle up; this is gonna be a wake-up call that may be called out on which is fine (just no anonymous crap).

First off, let's take a step back to where this myth even came from. Squats have been crowned the "king of exercises" since the dawn of modern bodybuilding, even pseudo-bodyweight weirdos get in on it. Think about legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Ronnie Coleman—they squatted heavy, built quads like tree trunks, and dominated stages. Bodyweight guys will do hundreds even more than a thousand squats in training. Powerlifters swear by it for building raw strength, and CrossFitters treat it like gospel for functional fitness. Hell, even the military uses squat variations in PT tests. Why? Because squats torch multiple muscle groups at once: quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, even your back gets in on the action. They spike testosterone, boost metabolism, and mimic real-life movements like standing up from a chair or exploding in a sprint. On paper, it's a beast of an exercise. But here's the kicker—it's not the ONLY beast in the jungle.

Training isn't about one move. It's about consistency, progression, and listening to your damn body. If squats are wrecking you or just not vibing with your goals, ditching them doesn't make you a quitter—it makes you smart.

Let's break down why squats aren't the end-all-be-all. Number one: Anatomy ain't one-size-fits-all. We're all built different, folks. If you've got long femurs and a short torso, back squats might feel like torture, putting insane stress on your lower back while barely hitting your quads. Forcing it? That's a fast track to the sidelines. Instead, why not pivot to alternatives that deliver the same bang without the risk? Leg presses, for starters—load up that sled and fry your legs in a controlled environment. No spinal compression, just pure quad and glute annihilation. Or hack squats: They isolate the lower body while keeping your back supported. You can also do Step-Ups, Squat Variations that give a better outlook that doesn't give your legs or lower back fits. Isometrics are great for building tendon strength which you can find plenty of that here on the blog.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not anti-squat. I've done tons of them myself, hitting PRs that made me feel like a god like doing 1000 squats in 33 minutes or doing 500 Squats before a workout or even a hike, brutal stuff. But I've also evolved. Bands, Sprints, Animal Movements. They're killer for athletic performance too—think better jumps, greater speed and that explosive pop in sports. Then there's lunges and step-ups: Unilateral work that fixes imbalances, boosts stability, and carves out those teardrop quads. Bulgarian split squats? Nasty AF, but they torch calories and build symmetry without a rack in sight. And for the home warriors or those dodging crowded gyms, goblet squats with a kettlebell or slow bodyweight squats (Not Extremely High Reps) keep things functional and joint-friendly.

Care to talk science for a moment, because I ain't just spitting opinions. Studies from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research show that compound leg exercises like leg presses, Duck Walks and others can elicit similar hypertrophy (muscle growth) responses as squats, especially when volume and intensity match up. Hormonal boosts? Yeah, squats edge out in testosterone spikes, but consistent resistance training overall cranks up your anabolic hormones—Push-ups, Pull-Ups & other things included. A meta-analysis in Sports Medicine even found that free-weight squats aren't superior for athletic transfer if you're not a powerlifter; machine-based or plyometric alternatives can build speed and power just as effectively. Bottom line: Gains aren't squat-exclusive. They're earned through progressive overload, recovery, and variety.

But the myth persists because of ego and tradition. Vets with bad backs who crush hack squats and build tree-trunk quads. Even pro athletes sideline squats during injury recovery and come back stronger. Remember Kobe Bryant? He ditched heavy squats later in his career for plyos and unilateral work to save his knees—still dominated like a GOAT. Or Tom Brady (not the biggest fan of his but he did have a long and crazy career), focusing on functional strength over max lifts. These icons prove: Elite performance isn't tied to one exercise.

So, if squats aren't mandatory, what's the real key to training like a beast? Balance, bro. Build a program that hits all angles—push, pull, hinge, squat (or squat-like), and carry. Prioritize recovery: Sleep like a champ, fuel with protein-packed meals, and keep those joints loose. Track progress not just in pounds, but in how you feel—energy levels, mobility, confidence. And mindset? That's the ultimate power-up. Screw the "all or nothing" bullshit. If squats work for you, crush 'em with a fucking vengeance. If not, adapt and conquer like a man on a mission. I've seen too many folks quit training altogether because they couldn't "squat right." Don't be that statistic. Own your own damn journey.

In closing, the myth of "if you ain't squatting, you ain't training" is just that—a myth. It's outdated gatekeeping that ignores individuality, science, and smart progression. Training is about building a body that serves you, not bowing to some arbitrary rule and to those who are so dogmatic about it they'll call you a loser or a F*ggot (Don't trust those people, those are charlatans). So, whether you're under the bar or working your own bodyweight, own it with intensity and purpose. Crush your workouts, listen to your body, and watch the gains roll in. If this fired you up, hit that follow for more real-talk tips, and drop a comment (No Anonymous): What's your go-to leg exercise? Let's level up together. 💪 Be amazingly awesome.

Craftsmanship And Raw Power: Stronger Grip's Strength Over Metal

Strength and equipment come in many forms, but if you want to see something unique and bad ass, one place shares those common entities with extra flair for serious growth. What you may find, you may not see anywhere else—you'll see things that'll give you that raw, primal power that shakes the earth beneath your feet. You’re not satisfied with cookie-cutter gym gear or flimsy fitness fads. You want tools forged with purpose, built to transform you into a force of nature. That’s where StrongerGrip.com storms into the arena, swinging sledgehammers and shattering limits like a modern-day Thor. This isn’t just a website—it’s a battle cry for those who live to grip, lift, and conquer. strap in you crazy bastards, because we’re diving into the heart of what makes Stronger Grip the ultimate forge for superhuman strength, in the most unapologetic way possible.

The Forge of Legends: What Is Stronger Grip?

StrongerGrip.com, crafted by the metal-wielding maestro Ryan J. Pitts, isn’t your typical run of the mill fitness store. It’s a crucible where iron meets grit, and legends are made. This is the home of custom strength gear—tools designed not just to train but to awaken the beast within all of us. From monstrous sledgehammers to even fucking Jason Vorhees' machete, every piece is a work of functional art, built to push your limits and laugh in the face of “impossible.” Ryan’s creations aren’t just equipment; they’re a philosophy: Grip it. Move it. Own it.

Think of Stronger Grip as the Colosseum of strength training. It’s where warriors go to arm themselves with tools that don’t just survive the grind—they thrive in it. Whether you’re a strongman, a martial artist, or a garage gym gladiator, this is your arsenal. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than wrapping your hands around a Stronger Grip tool and feeling like you could rip a mountain in half. Having several pieces made by Ryan, I can attest to this.

The Power of the Grip: Why It Matters

The real deal here—strength starts with your grip. You can have biceps like boulders and quads that crush concrete, but if your hands can’t hold the weight, you’re just a statue waiting to crumble. Stronger Grip gets this on a primal level. Ryan J. Pitts has made it his mission to forge tools that turn your hands into iron vices, capable of bending steel and crushing doubt. 

Take the GripMo, a versatile beast that offers three ways to train your grip, opening the door to countless movements. Plug in a loop, anchor a band, or just choke down on its rugged surface—it’s like having a dojo for your hands. Or how about the BandGrips Handle and BandAnchor? These bad boys turn resistance bands into weapons of mass construction, letting you hammer your forearms, shoulders, and core with relentless intensity. The response from the strength community? “Super positive,” as Ryan himself put it, and that’s no surprise. These tools don’t just build muscle—they build might that even the old timers would be proud of.

And then there’s the Machete from Friday The 13th, used for training like the Indian Clubs, it's a thing of beauty that's so massive it makes Crocodile Dundee’s knife look like a butter spreader. This colossal of a club isn’t just nuts to use; it’s a challenge to your very soul, daring you to pick it up and prove you’re worthy. If you're a classic horror fan, you're in for a nightmarish good time.

 Stronger Grip embodies that spirit for the iron and those who go outside the norm. Every piece of gear is a lesson in resilience, a reminder that strength isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and downright spiritual. Ryan J. Pitts isn’t just a craftsman; he’s a strength alchemist. His blog posts on StrongerGrip.com are like war chants for the iron-hearted. The man writes with the passion of a Viking poet, and you can feel the fire in every word. It’s not about selling gear—it’s about inspiring you to become your own legend.

This is where Stronger Grip stands apart from the sterile, mass-produced fitness world. It’s in your face. It’s real. It’s for those who roar at challenges and fight against mediocrity. You don’t just buy from Stronger Grip—you join a movement that has been going on for nearly 2 decades.

Tools That Forge Of The Norse Gods

Want To Talk About Gear? Stronger Grip’s lineup is a hall of fame for strength nerds. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

Epic Sledgehammer: A Hammer so colossal it demands respect. Perfect for strongmen and women who want to test their mettle.  

Barrel Clubs: A set of grip-training masterpieces with endless versatility. Your forearms will thank you—or curse you. Either way, they’ll grow. Remember the Club challenges by wrestler the Iron Sheik? These bring back a classic with a new perspective on building power with fierce animalistic strength. 

Burger Grips With Hooks: Turn pulldown machines into a nasty upper body strength assault. Simple, brutal, effective. Or hook them to regular barbells and get a unique look at what grip strength is all about. 3.5 & 4 inch Grips available. 

Barbarian Army Strength Sword: Swing this, and you’re not just training—you’re channeling ancient warriors.  

Custom Creations: From unique trophies to functional metal art, Ryan’s custom work is as badass as it gets.  

Each piece is handcrafted, not churned out by some soulless factory. That’s the Stronger Grip difference—every tool has a story, a purpose, and a challenge embedded in its steel.

Join us Strength Seekers

Stronger Grip isn’t just a store; it’s a call to arms. It’s for those who see heavy ass hammers and the like and think, “Challenge accepted.” It’s for the misfits who train in the rain, who grip harder when the world says let go, who laugh when the bar bends. Ryan J. Pitts and StrongerGrip.com are your allies in this quest for functional strength that would make even the gods have their jaws drop.

Stronger Grip isn’t for everyone. It’s not for the faint of heart or the casual gym-goer who’s happy with a 20-pound dumbbell and a smoothie. It’s for those who crave more, who live for the moment when their hands grip iron and their spirit soars into the universe. It’s for the strength seekers, the power chasers, the might makers.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to Stronger Grip, grab a tool that screams “epic,” and start forging your own legend. Don't just be amazingly awesome, be epically awesome.

Stay strong, stay mighty, and keep gripping the impossible.

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Opening Your Own Pandora’s Box

          

What are you really afraid of? Are you scared of finding your true potential, something holding you back or do you have something to hide and you don’t know how to come out of your shell? Many people have some of these and some have all of them but in the end it’s all about what you want out of it. Your true potential is within yourself and whatever influence got you to open up it gets you into a world you didn't realize was out there.

            In your mind there’s a million things going on but what happens to the most important thing that you forget to use, your ability to use your mind as if it will give you opportunities you didn't think had. It’s really all in the mind, we all have it, some of us overuse it, some hardly use it and some just know how to use it and make it work for them. If you stay in the same spot, you won’t move forward. It takes practice and progression, it’s not like you go from a weak runner to a marathoner overnight or go from someone who’s afraid of heights to climbing Mount Everest. Open up gradually.

            To really unlock your true potential, you have to go outside of your comfort zone but again be gradual, give yourself time and push it and give yourself a chance to go a little further each time and before you know it you're doing things you didn't realize you didn't know you could do. I know what it’s like to be afraid. When I broke my legs, for a period I never thought I'd walk again, I was scared and felt depressed for a bit but I went out of comfort zone and slowly changed my thinking and built myself up without having a thought or care in the world, I fought my way back even when I didn't want to because if I stopped completely, I would be like most people who didn't care anymore. The true secrets are within your soul and not from a book/cd/dvd or always a seminar.

            The real secrets to unlocking your own Pandora’s Box are found within all of us. We have levels of potential that even ourselves can’t grasp but how we choose to use it is up to us and if you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to make it work for you and have it work for the rest of your life. It’s a box full of things you've never thought were there and if you knew what was in it, you most likely kept it hidden and tossed the key somewhere and never wanted to come back. It could be anything, your past, your development to becoming strong, your style of writing or ability to handle stress whatever is in there, you can use it in a positive manner and learn from your mistakes and take control of your life on your own terms.

            Give yourself a chance to become the person you want to be, nobody knows your body, your soul, your livelihood and the way you think more than you do and when you have a hold on it, nobody can take it away from you and you have more power and fierce strength than you've ever had before or since. See what’s inside or keep it locked up, up to you but you always have a choice.