A Playout That Turns Boys Into Men & Little Girls Into Strong Women

Many playouts can be challenging and having variety brings a great element of using your brain and your nerves to take in strength & endurance you didn't realize you had. To me such a playout is using a simple deck of cards that can be done in a variety of ways; you can go fast, go slow, do holds, modify and utilize different variations to your advantage and fitness levels.

A awesome playout with the deck of cards is just doing Hindu Squats & Hindu Push-ups. Just these two alone can get you in awesome shape and give you a level of conditioning second to none. The idea of this one is to beat the deck and go a little faster beating it each time but unless you're a pro athlete (Pro Wrestler or someone in Combat Sports specifically) you can only go so fast until you start to lose form and stop focusing on the breathing, the technique and paying attention to the body inside and out. At one point in time for a while I was doing 400 Hindu Squats & 250 Hindu Push-ups at a time with the deck and that wasn't always the best thing for me and ended up hurting myself due to over excitement and adrenaline not paying attention to my body. It's a learning experience and doing that high of reps is a great accomplishment but there's more to it than just hitting those numbers.

You can put any exercise you want with your own deck but don't just do repetitions and thinking that's the best way to get stronger; there is a line you don't want to cross and it'll either make you or break you if you don't pay attention. The deck I like best is the one made for students of Matt Furey and the exercises are Hindu Squats, Hindu Push-ups, V-Ups & Tablemakers. These 4 are the foundation for Combat Conditioning and can be done in great ways that don't always require speed. There have been playouts with this deck where I didn't go for reps but counted breaths or seconds with each card and that becomes a whole other ball game. Doing them in Isometric Fashion develops strength from another universal element and creating power you didn't think existed. It gives that extra spring in your step and puts you in a state of mind that is blissful, peaceful yet excitingly challenging.

You don't need the Matt Furey Exercise Bible to do these 4 exercises, you can put them on any deck you choose but how you apply them for the best intentions is up to you. I mean just the other day I did a total of 300 Hindu Squats  and 100 Hindu Push-ups, V-Ups & Tablemakers each and felt like a million bucks. It never gets easier but it does get more interesting once you're consistent with it. You can make it the most challenging Playout of your life or make it to where its not that difficult but yet still feel great. Make it play for YOU!!!

If you can't get your hands on that specific deck, here is a place where you can pick your own deck and have at it.....My personal favorite deck is here.

Why I Don't Train To Failure

In the past, I have pushed myself in gym sessions and even during certain bodyweight training sessions to the point where I couldn't move anymore in a particular exercise so in other words trained to the brink of failure. I looked at that as a sign of knowing what it's like to have that warrior mentality and pushing through pain and giving it all I got. All it really got me was in fact pain, not sore muscles but actual pain and still feeling the effects of some of those sessions to this very day in places like my right shoulder, ankles & even my elbows.

Going to failure basically means you do so much until you can't move anymore in an exercise like the bench press, deadlift, push-ups, squats or whatever. You keep going until that last rep is so freaking tough, ever inch hurts and its the ultimate struggle. Many take this as a sign that it means you'll get stronger next time around. Don't get me wrong this is true to a degree but for overall development from my own experiences and being around others who've done it, it can actually weaken you because when you go that hard, you're not just stressing the muscles, you're also putting even more stress on the joints and ligaments and the chances of anything tearing are greater when you do go to failure workouts.

Going to failure depletes your energy both mentally and physically afterwards or even during on some occasions and when your energy is depleted, this can lead to a series of problems and can take you out for often times weeks for complete recovery. The type of training ought to be giving you or help conserve energy regardless of how strong you are. This mentality for going to failure is usually by hardcore fanatics either in sports or the gym or whatever it is they're training for. Me personally I can't afford to get injured or something worse because I do have a job, a house I take care of and need to pay for things to help stay afloat when its needed. When you're injured, you can't do the things you want to do, recovering from injuries can be unpredictable and if you have a job where if you're injured and can't do the tasks, you're not getting paid.

I don't train to failure because I need the energy to stay focused in what I need to do. I hate not being able to train and when you don't have the energy to play with your kids, can't squat without feeling some form of pain, not move with efficiency; it'll make you miserable. You need that energy from beginning to end so the very things that are important in your are possible to accomplish.

There is a fine line between a few aches but severe pain is a miserable thing to have. Training to failure breaks down the muscles way too much and the recovery time can take longer than you'd like it to be. I play with exercises every single day and have for nearly 12 years ranging from 5 min. to well over an hour and still have energy to do things with the people I care about. Be smart when you train and train to conserve energy whether you're a beginner or advanced do what's best for you and make the most of it without suffering the consequences of overtraining and putting your body at risk. The body can only take so much regardless of how you set your mind to. The idea is be as pain-free as possible and have strength during and after your playouts.

Playout, Don't Workout.

Does Your Energy Lack These Days?

Have you struggled just to get your ass out of bed in the morning?

Ever feel a slump in the mid afternoon or just after lunch?

Lack the energy at night because of sitting and binge watching?

The truth is, this a very sad reality for many people.

Because of this we take in way too much caffeine from coffee and other drinks just to fight this off. Don't get me wrong, its nice to feel a buzz but after a while but that tends to slip and drop hard and makes things worse for you than you realize.

Plus you're doing this just to get some form of energy going and feel like a young kid, all full of hyped up spring in the step and have that feeling like you can take on the world.

Sadly, this isn't really that normal as you'd like to believe.

Our bodies are meant to have a plethora of energy regardless of our age.

What gets it to disappear and decrease throughout time? There are more than just a single factor and here they are......

*Over-Stressed
*Lack Of Sleep
*Hormones Are Imbalanced
*Problems In The Immune System
*Not Getting Enough Real Food
And so much more....

In Chinese Medicine, they talk about an idea of using Tonic Herbs. Unlike most medicine or other herbs for that matter, which the main purpose is to treat symptoms, these tonic herbs are meant to be designed for your health and support it in the best ways possible.

Your Root Energy & The Power It Contains

This amazingly POWERFUL formula can be taken everyday and the benefits just grow as you take it over time.

For that well-rounded approach that supports you deeply into the body, giving you energy that is packed with strength, check out the Phoenix Formula.

A mighty set of herbs packed into it such as Ant Extract, Pine Pollen, He Shou Wu & Shilajit work together synergistically to get you running and on the go.

What would it feel like to you to have energy that is 10, 50 or even a whopping 100% better than you can imagine and use it to get tasks done, play sports, be with your grandkids or better yet having that kind of energy with your spouse in the bedroom.

You don't need to take my word for it, just take a look at these amazing reviews on the formula that gave others something awesome


“I took this a few times off and on before realizing how much better I felt when I did take it. Six years of midnight shift up until my retirement left me exhausted and badly burned out, and this formula has helped my recovery more than any other sup I’ve tried.” – JC

“It’s like an energy shot. Working great for me.” – Inderjit

“I am on my second bag now, the results have been excellent…more energy and focus, better sleep and a nice libido boost.” – Bryan

“GREAT STUFF KICKS SOME MAXIMUM BUTT A LOT MORE REPS, A LOT MORE WEIGHT, STAMINA,PUMP, RECOVERY, WHERE’S THIS STUFF BEEN?AND LIBIDO WELL WE WON’T GO INTO THAT, MY WIFE IS VERY HAPPY I CAN SAY , THANK YOU” – Alfred

“Love this stuff. Gives me the power I’ve been envisioning myself with in a balanced, holistic way. Def some valuable stuff as in incorporates all the right herbs in a good mix. Tastes awful but love the effects.” – Ryan

Forewarning, very much so it doesn't have the best taste in the world but only because it's not loaded with Sugar or Artificial Ingredients. All of that crap tends to create issues in the root as it is.

Just pure and wholesome awesomeness.

So why not join these 5 men and literally hundreds more that are living with universal energy full of abundance. Go HERE NOW!!! 

New Product Release Nettle Root Tincture - For Prostate and Hormone Health

There is something new out, and you may be interested.
It is Nettle Root Tincture, spagyrically prepared and wildcrafted from the coast of Oregon.

Nettle Root is first and foremost known for its amazing ability to help restore prostate and hormone health.

It makes you pee better! If you have any prostate issues, where the prostate gets enlarged and squeezes the urethra, nettle root has been shown to help in all of the different ways urinary health is measured.

Beyond the prostate, nettle root acts on the hormones in a variety of ways, which can be beneficial.
Yet it is not just for those with prostate glands either, i.e. men. Nettle root can be great for women too. Several herbalists use it for women in helping to bring their hormones into better balance too.

Considering that men over 50 years of age have a 50% chance of having BPH, and men over 80 have a 90% chance, nettle root is a much needed ally in our modern day life.

Nettle Root Tincture great for optimizing hormone health in men.

3-Way Support of Hormone Health

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. While a limited supply of estrogen is necessary for men, most men these days have far too much. Sadly, some men have more estrogen than their wives! A number of compounds inside of nettle root have been shown to inhibit aromatization.Several other compounds like secoisolariciresinol, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid have also been investigated for this ability.

Then there is sex hormone binding globulin or SHBG. Nettle root lignans, such as (-)-3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, have been shown to interfere with the binding of SHBG to testosterone, the testosterone receptor, and the SHBG receptor.

Plus, nettle roots have been shown to have weak 5-alpha reductase inhibitor activity. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT or dihydrotestosterone and levels of DHT that are too high are implicated in BPH as well as prostate cancer.

If you're looking to optimize your health this could be the thing you have been waiting for.

Grab your first bottle today and save $5 if you order before May 12th

Free Acur-Ring Giveaway- While Supplies LAST!!!

Just got let in on a little secret!

Starting May 3rd the first 400 Orders will receive a FREE Acu-Ring from Lost Empire Herbs with Every Purchase!

What is an Acu-Ring you might ask? An Acupressure Ring is designed to massage out the tension in muscles and tendons in the fingers, and provides relief for fingers with stiff joints, poor circulation, or tiredness from repeated motions. It soothes sore joints, stimulates acupressure points, and relieves muscle tension.

Many of us use our fingers all day and often get cramps and maybe even stiffness. If this is you, you might consider taking them up on this offer and get your free Acu-Ring today.

Remember, this is a limited supply that will go fast! Act now!

Still Looking for the Perfect Mother's Day Gift?

In case you haven't already found the perfect gift for that special lady in your life(Mom), then there is something I want to share with you!

The Athena Woman's Formula is a strategically developed blend of 7 berries and herbs made specifically to help support healthy living for goddesses around the world!

For thousands of years, special herbs and superfoods have been used to give people an edge.

These herbs are taken long-term for radiant health in those cultures by many.

This new formula has been called “life-changing” by some.

What does it do?
Promotes More Energy*
Mental Focus and Clarity*
Supports Mood and Calms Anxiety*
Hormonal Support*
Metabolic Support*
Immune System Tonic*
Enhances Sex and Beauty
Supports Pre and Postmenopausal Symptoms*


and so much more...
grab a bag or two today $8 off (only $36.99 from 5/1-5/14), and don't worry this formula taste great too! A great addition to smoothies this time of year!

Rest Periods: How Long Do You Need Before The Next Set?

In my time of learning different forms of exercise, Playouts, programs & styles I have found that when it comes to rest periods, there's something bigger than you haven't completely seen yet. Most trainers would tell you that shorter rest periods are the key to developing muscles. In reality, its not good to generalize how often to rest between sets and not take into consideration what effects it has on the Central Nervous System.

You've heard of the tabata style HIT that is one of the biggest rages in fitness today or resting for no more than 30 seconds between sets. I'm going to tell you a hard to hear truth that will piss off a lot of people and hard to convince public on actual rest between sets or exercises......

Your body can only push so hard during an exercise and if you're told to go hard and then rest for an equal or shorter amount of time, that can create greater harm on your body than you can realize. That no pain, no gain line is bullshit plain and simple. If you're in pain during your training, you are doing something very wrong or you are forced to keep going even though your body can tear a joint or even worse break a bone in the process. If you're highly conditioned and your body can handle the stress, sure shorter rest periods can be ok but you at some point need to let the body recuperate. This isn't the military or training for competition and that's where many trainers are so damn stupid that they have convinced people to use this mentality.

Let me ask you something...Have you ever thrown up in a workout, passed out, bled, felt dizzy or felt that your energy is flat out gone somewhere between when you started and ended a session? I have done at least 4 of these things in my lifetime and its not worth your life to be in those situations. Its really about how an individual can truly recover and be efficient in their next set of exercise because here's a fact, if you're sloppy at any time during your session and you keep going, your body will give you a hard lesson in what its like to feel pain in places you didn't think pain existed in. If you rest too early, your energy can be depleted and you can lose the ability to recover at an optimal rate, however if you're too late to recover you're not giving the body the fuel it needs to feel the muscles. There has to be a balance there.

Here's an example of what i'm talking about; Hill Sprints: A powerful exercise where you run up a hill as hard as you can and then walk down the hill and repeat until you have done the allotted amount of sprints. The recovery process aught to be enough to where your breath is at a solid level and breathe deeply and calmly; if you haven't recovered enough, your run will deplete your energy levels and your speed will become way too slow and nowhere near the level you want it to be. Your recovery is what brings in highly oxygenated blood to your cellular tissue and builds up your hormone levels. Think of it this way, when you swim and come up for air, if you're not breathing effectively coming up and back into the water, you will be depleted and you can drown; same thing with exercise, if you can't recover you won't be efficient and you can get hurt or worse end up in the hospital with heart problems, kidney failure, floppy limbs and your chest will feel like a crowbar is hitting it every time you take a breath.

Rest is needed to get the most out of your session, the more conditioned you are, the greater your capacity is and resting at times mean just taking a few breaths and you're good to go, its all in determining what your level of fitness is at. When I do sprints, I use to do the 30/90 protocol which is better than the 30/30 or less concept in my opinion. There were times where I needed about 5 minutes or more to get into another set and be effective, others it could mean just a few breaths but I never truly bought into what someone else said because I'm very intuitive and have an understanding of my body and what I need to do to be great in the exercises I perform. Somebody can give you ideas and give you tips but in the end, it should come down to how much YOU need to be at your best. When it shoved down your throat, you can rest (no pun intended) assured that they're not looking out for your best interest. Most trainers today don't really know what the hell they're talking about and when you teach something you read out of a textbook more than teaching them to be intuitive they're not a real trainer. Through trial & error, mistakes & learning from others in the last 2 decades of being around fitness I can tell you first hand is that the more intuitive you are, the better.

A trainer ought to help students learn to rely on themselves and pass on knowledge that will give them a greater outlook that teaches about how to avoid injuries, utilize the ins and outs of being at your best from start to finish and teaching the value of recovery. I have exercised everyday for nearly 12 years, fought a few minor injuries and pushed myself in ways many can never understand but because of those experiences I have learned how to use my rest periods and be at my best whether it was for 5 minutes or more than an hour. Your rest is the key to how you perform at an optimum level. However long you rest is up to YOU not someone else.

Herb Of The Day: He Shou Wu

He Shou Wu is taken in order to slow down ageing, nourish Jing, strengthen knees, lower back, bones, muscles, tendons and fortify the blood.