In this recent video, me and Belinda Benn demonstrate 5 AV body-weight, upper-body exercises. I do the advanced version and she then does the intermediate version of each move.

The 5 AV Exercises Are:

1 – AV Inverted Row
2 – AV Dips
3 – AV Shoulder Press
4 – AV Push-ups
5 – AV Pull-ups

Joey Spots Belinda on AV Pull-Ups

Click the PLAY Button Below to See the Full Training Session:

Ok – So, What’s the Big Deal About Asymmetrical Variance?

Asymmetrical Variance (AV) taps into the body’s natural multi-dimensional movement patterns instead of forcing it into rigid, 2-dimensional movements which is typical of conventional gym equipment and generic fitness routines.

AV creates deeper and faster muscle stimulation to produce changes to your body in shorter amounts of time – and with less stress and strain on your body. AV allows you to take a basic body-weight exercise, such as the push-up; for example – and then apply the principle of natural AV body movements to create several exercise variations of that one body-weight exercise.

With the variety in muscle pattern movement and fiber recruitment – the training effect happens with less training volume and less repetition of similar movements. So, for what you’d get out of a typical ‘weights & machines’ type workout in 7 or 8 sets – you’d accomplish in 3 or 4 sets via AV training (and, with less repetitions too).

Less reps and sets means shorter workout times and major reductions in joint aches and overuse injuries. All while getting results in shorter time spans.

Yes – VERY sweet…

Got some thoughts or comments about the video or the AV Technique of fitness training? Then post below, please…

Your trainer for life,
- Joey Atlas

You may remember, just over a year ago, I introduced you to a new friend, Belinda Benn. Since then we’ve developed a powerful friendship and synergistic working relationship…

Not long after we crossed paths, Bel started working on a BIG project – and asked me for some assistance along the way. Our complementary philosophies and styles made it a natural fit.

She Reveals Her Secret

What she has done over the last 10 months is something most people would never even attempt to acheive – BUT, her passion to help others and her own personal transformation are so powerful, it would’ve be an absolute sin for her to keep this all a secret.

What she has put into http://www.YouGetLean.com is above and beyond what you could imagine…

Watch the video below to hear her reveal part of her amazing “Aging In Reverse” story and then go here to see the amazing photos with the other 6 stories of “Aging In Reverse” INCLUDING Bel’s own younger sister, Alison. The before and after photos start about 1/4 down the page – BUT do NOT miss Bel’s “before photos toward the top – so you can actually see the proof of “Aging In Reverse”, starting with her own personal example..

See you here – and please share today’s blog post with anyone you know who can use the inspiration and helpful information.

Your Trainer for Life,

– Joey Atlas
ps – if you have any questions for Bel, please feel free to post them here for her: http://www.BelsBodyBlog.com

Visit You Get Lean after watching this video:

2: Jack was up until 3am last night working very intensely on one of the most critical parts of your MAG-Factor Fitness System.

I watched the early demo of it first thing this morning and I was blown away – thinking to myself; “This is what nobody has – yet EVERYBODY needs. When everyone sees this is the foundation of the MAG System they are going to know in a flash that all their prayers have been answered…”

We will have your demo video of this ready and posted within the next few days – so keep your eyes on your inbox. You’ll want to see this – no matter what. And until we send you that update – we want to have some fun with you….

3 – Fun is an essential part of enjoying life to the ‘Max’, so let’s have some fun here…

The first person to guess (or come closest to) what the next MAG-Factor update video is going to reveal, gets a $25 Amazon.com gift card (HINT: it’s one of the critical tools we are building as part of your MAG-Factor Fitness system).

AND – the 3 people with the best guesses/ideas (which might be built into the MAG system) will each, also, get a $25 Amazon.com gift card.

SO – post your guesses below and let us know what YOU think the next update video is going to feature as a a critical part of The MAG-Factor Fitness System. The 4 Amazon.com gift certificates are up for grabs right now!

Wanna Be a Winner? Then Type Your Guess Below!

$25 to spend on Amazon is always a sweet little treat, right?

Your MAG-nificent trainer for life,

- Joey Atlas

1 – My Question for You
2 – You Asked for This

I Want to Hear From You…

Click Button for Your Free Copy of My Private Notes

So – after you read my private MAG-Factor Notes… You’ll want to do this:

1 – Go ahead and share the document with the rest of the world

2 – Grab your spot on the VIP List (your private link is in the notes above) for all MAG-Factor updates we’ll be sharing in the next few weeks – and for the official opening of ‘The MAG-Factor Movement’

3 – Share your thoughts, feedback, input, questions and anything else you want to share in the ‘comments’ section below…

…Big things coming to you as 2012 gets closer… Your fitness will never be the same…What you’ve been needing is on the way…

Your trainer for life,

- Joey Atlas

My Question For You

353 COMMENTS!! I must have touched on topics that hit home for many readers…. About 4 dozen of those comments are actually my replies to specific questions (so you may want to go see if I answered you

But before you do – I need to share what came from all that insightful feedback… And what’s in store for the future…

It’s extremely rare that a blog post of any sort gets several hundred replies. So, when this happens – people like me pay attention, and then contemplate.. and then brainstorm… and then talk to a few people who have the smarts to help make sense of everything…

So – I spoke with 2 people I trust the most:

1 – My local friend Jack Born who is not only a multi-talented genius but he is also a top quality friend and brilliant consultant.

2 – My fitness colleague, and ultra-wise friend, Belinda Benn ( http://www.BelsBodyBlog.com ) who sees things most others can’t see and understands how to give people what they are wishing for.

We all agreed – based on the 300-and-something replies on that blog post, and what we know from our studies and experience, there are 3 key elements people need in order to reach their fitness goals and KEEP them forever.

Those 3 critical Fitness Success elements are:

1 – Motivation
2 – Accountability
3 – Guidance

Right now I am calling this The MAG Factor… I got that by taking the first letter of each word.

Maybe you can think of a different name – and if so – please feel free to share it in the comment section below.. But – back to the point here. The MAG Factor is obviously what most people are saying they need…

And everyone is right!

Because without Motivation, Accountability and Guidance – You get nowhere… You keep spinning your wheels… Staying in the same frustrating place…

You keep riding the fitness roller coaster throughout your entire life. On Off – On Off, etc.. and so on.. Never reaching and keeping your goals… NOT GOOD

You must be asking yourself…

“How is Joey going to give me the 3 key things I need to finally solve my lifelong fitness challenges – and get me to my best potential?”

Don’t worry about that – because I have the answer – and when it’s done and ready you’re going to be the first to know.

This is something unique and special - Far from just another workout program or eating plan. As a matter of fact – those will be secondary to this concept.

You’ll have more than enough workouts and eating plans. I’ll make sure of that. But, most importantly…

You’ll have those elusive, missing pieces of the puzzle…

This is literally the “missing link”…

It’s what you don’t get with all other offerings out there… But – it’s what you need the most.

With those 3 key elements, you’ll reach all your goals and maintain them for life. And it’s all going to be based on my methods. I am making the intangible – tangible and concrete.

I’m taking things to a whole new level here – as I see it’s what is needed the most.

This is what life is about.

Aiming higher and taking action to get there. My main goal is to help as many people as possible and this is how we’re going to do it.

Do you want to be included?

Do you want the things you have not been able to get elsewhere?

Share your thoughts, answers and comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going because I know it’s an important one – with a powerful outcome which awaits all of us…. One which will allow you and me to… LIVE to the MAX…

Your trainer for life,

- Joey Atlas

“What do you want from me?”

In other words: “What is it you do not have – that you wish I could give you?”

“What is lacking in your fitness, nutrition and mindset arsenal that you would like me to help you with?”

Post your answers below in the comment box, please…

The reason I’m asking this now is we’ve been getting inquiries asking when I plan to come out with a new program or what plans might I currently have in the works…

Well – I do have a few in the works – but I want to hear from you and I want to make sure I’m focusing on what your deepest needs are… Not just now – but also looking into the future.

I’ll share a few of these here – but I still also want to hear from you in the comment section.

1 – A new program focused on serious fitness training at home with no traditional gym equipment. This is based on a combo of how I train and what I’ve coached others on, via private coaching sessions. This is a very simple – but extremely unique, fun and effective approach to working-out with results that knock your socks off.

2 – A complete exercise series focused on playground fitness training. This is also a very unique method and makes all other playground workouts look like.. ummmm – child’s play. Trust me on this – I showed my brother some of the exercises on a local playground in Rye Brook during our Summer visit to NY – and not only was he impressed – but he started looking at the playground(s) from a whole new perspective.

3 – A “Joey Atlas App” – many people asking if I’m coming out with my own app for clients to use when they are on the go. I am researching this now – but would like to hear if you are also interested in this. And if so – what would the ideal Joey Atlas App look like to you? What would be in it? What would you wish it had?

4 – Would you be interested in a monthly Q&A Coaching Call? You send me your specific questions – I answer them, in depth, on the coaching call. And you also get to listen to the recording as often as you wish.

I have some other ‘secret’ ideas in development, but I can’t share those just yet

I appreciate you being here and allowing me to help you in your quest for optimal fitness and quality of life. This is part of what defines “Living to the Max”…

I look forward to everything you have to share in the comment box below… Nothing is off limits. If you’re thinking about it – I want to hear it. Let your imagination run…

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

In 1999 I moved from New York to Florida. To get away from the cold & snow – and to be in warm sunny weather (most of the year) AND to be near the ocean.

Since being down here – the beach has become our # 1 favorite place to be on the weekends. When I have the kids – they don’t even have to ask, they just know it’s beach-time. And when I’m solo – I’m usually at the beach, especially now – since I started surfing a few months ago… Which is the focal point of today’s post…

I always enjoyed watching surfers. I NEVER knew how physically demanding it is, nor how challenging it is. And more importantly – I had no idea how much fun it can be and how rewarding it is for the soul… So, I never considered trying it.

I don’t know if I sub-consciously assumed it was too late for me to learn, or maybe I wouldn’t enjoy it.. I don’t know…

But about 4 or 5 months ago – I started getting these little “hints, signs and nudges”. Messages from my surroundings fueling my curiosity to see what it feels like to surf.

- I was talking to a soccer dad at one of Darah’s games – and we end up on the topic of surfing and how much he loves surfing the beaches in our area…

- One day, at the beach, while eating my lunch – a surfer couple sat about 10 yards in front of me and they started stretching and preparing to hit the waves…

- Another day, while at the beach with the kids – and watching some surfers, my two older ones said something along the lines of “How come you don’t surf?” or “I’m surprised you don’t surf.”.. I don’t remember their exact words – but they added to the mix for sure.

IMPORTANT NOTE: as all of this is unfolding (above) – keep in mind NONE of my kids had ever touched a surfboard. None of them had ever surfed.

There are some other ingredients here which played a BIG role in me finally following this voice inside me – to give surfing a try. I will share those in the future as they will take us down a whole new path of ‘Living to the Max’.

So, I wanted to start this journey properly…

And the only way to do that was with a veteran instructor, a master surfer. I already happened to know one – as the guy who edited most of my early dvds back in 2005/06 – is also a top-notch surfer and an awesome teacher, Mitch Kaufmann

Joey and Master Mitch

Mitch promised he’d have me surfing in 20 minutes. He was wrong…

He had me surfing in about 4 minutes!!!!!

See that smile on my face in the photo below? (btw – BIG complements to my son, JoJo for taking the pictures on my first surf outing). …that smile is more than me just having fun…. there’s a lot that smile represents.

To put the photo into perspective – I had just ridden a pretty long wave and JoJo took the shot as I came in and the wave was dying out. PERFECT.

Joey's First Surf

This is where things get good.. REALLY GOOD…

When JoJo, Alexa and Darah saw me doing this – saw how much I loved it, saw and felt the fun… THEY WANTED THE SAME… Fast forward a few weeks and I hit the beach with JoJo. He’s 15, very athletic and will try anything. We go out on a pretty rough day – a challenging day to try surfing for the first time.

But – after seeing me get out there. He has no fear. He goes…

He fights to get out there – the waters are choppy and stirring. The current is giving a strong pull north. He’s working hard – realizing the challenge. He gets tossed a few times. But doesn’t give up – he gets even more determined…

After a just a few tries – BOOM – he’s up and surfing…

With the same smile you see in my photo above. We look at each other with fist pumps and thumbs up. AWESOME in many ways.. (I don’t have pics of him surfing yet but will have some later in the summer – when we get back from our New York trip).

Next – it’s Alexa’s turn.

She’s 13 and ready to try just about anything. So, I take her and Darah to the beach – with my surfboard. Two of Alexa’s friends meet up with us there. They ask if they can take the surfboard to the water, etc.. I say, “of course”… and I give Alexa a few pointers and then I just watch from the shore.

Jackie and Emma (Alexa’s 2 friends) hold the board steady (they are in chest high water at the time). Alexa gets on the board. She knows to hop up when the wave starts pushing the board. A sweet wave comes, Jackie and Emma give the board a little push…

… and UP SHE POPS!!! First time ever!!!

Check her out:

Alexa's First Surf

Next it’s Darah’s turn.

She’s almost 7. VERY high energy and fearless spirit. She LOVES the ocean and can play in the waters for hours on end… I get her a 7-foot, soft-top board (safer for kids to learn on).

I bring her out. I hold the board. She gets on – gets her balance without holding onto me… And then…

Darah's First Surf

…a perfect wave comes in – I give the board a little push and BOOM – she’s cruising as if she had done this 100 times!!!

Truth be told – this photo is actually Darah’s second time out as her first time was a week before and I didn’t think of asking anyone to take a few pictures for us. BUT – she was doing perfectly right from the start!!

Darah's First Surf

So WHY AM I SHARING ALL THIS WITH YOU?

At age 41 – I decide to start surfing. (‘LIVE to the MAX’) …my kids feel the enjoyment and see the fun I’m having. And without pushing any of them – they all wanted to do it too.

And are all doing it now!!! …Knowing they are all starting young is an incredible feeling. They have so many years of surfing fun ahead of them. And so do I… I’ll be sure to share some of our adventures with you in the months and years to come.

I share this all with you in hopes of possibly sparking something inside you – to take your life to another level or simply add a new dimension to it. Not just for you – but for those around you. Those closest to you.

That is how you lead by example – that is how you lead by LIVING.

I hope you enjoyed this post as a lot of time and energy have gone into it. I would love to hear your thoughts, your comments and even your story which may be similar to mine above. Feel free to share all you wish in the comment section below.

And PLEASE feel free to share this with anyone you know who will appreciate it. That would mean a lot to me.

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

Looking great and being internally healthy is the key to life.

Internally healthy can be categorized two ways:

1 – Physical/Biological/Physiological
2 – Mental/Emotional/Spiritual

My primary focus in talking about Metabolic Syndrome is: 1 – Physical/Biological/Physiological (Even though there is certainly a connection to #2. We will save that for another day.)

If you’re into living a healthy and fit lifestyle – then you surely have heard the term “Metabolic Syndrome”. The problem is – a strange confusion surrounds this major health issue and what it means to you, your body and your health…

Syndrome X is the medical ‘slang’ term for “Metabolic Syndrome” and all the medical conditions which are listed as part of its definition. It is associated with overweight/obese people in every country. In the USA – some studies estimate 25% of the population as having Metabolic Syndrome…

There are several major health organizations who have their own, slightly varied, list of criteria for what classifies a patient with Syndrome X.

For the most part they are all very similar and offer the same conclusions and recommendations.

BUT on a lager scale – there is a major point of confusion – and what I share below will help you make sense of this life killer…

Most people never stop to think if Metabolic Syndrome is something which causes all the medical conditions – OR – if the medical conditions are the result of something(s) – and the conditions are simply given this “group name/label” of Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X.

Here’s the summary on that. Please understand, this is my perspective, based on my academic studies, clinical hours, and one-on-one time with clients over the last 23 years…

Metabolic Syndrome is the result of poor lifestyle habits and choices. A result of self-neglect. A result of believing “doctors and medications” are supposed to keep me healthy and in-shape”.

To be more specific – you are most likely to give yourself Syndrome X:

- If you do not exercise properly, on a consistent basis.
- If your nutrition habits are based on empty calorie foods with weak nutrient profiles
- If you drink excessively
- If you are a smoker
- If you lack proper sleep

Those are the biggies – and many people can easily write “GUILTY”next to at least 3 or 4 of those. Hence the high rate of people who have given themselves Metabolic Syndrome.

So, what does it look like?

Here’s a photo for a simple example.

Metabolic Syndrome X

For more examples just observe people next time you’re in a public place. At least 25-30% of them will be obviously overweight and out of shape. That’s what it looks like on the surface…

Going below the surface:

A – Your hormonal functions are all out of sync and out of whack, most likely on “low” setting
B – Testosterone/estrogen (depending on gender), growth hormone, thyroid hormones all suffer
C – Blood lipid levels enter the dangerous zones
D – Blood pressure escalates into the disease ranges
E – Your sleep patterns are thrown off and the quality and depth of your sleep decline
F – Cholesterol levels and ratios are pushed into the “high risk” category
G – Elevated glucose and insulin levels (diabetes)
H – You become a walking time-bomb with a very limited quality-of-life. Period.

End result (while you are still alive):

1 – You have no energy
2 – You are moody
3 – Your sex drive and desire are in the dumps
4 – You are depressed
5 – You can’t keep up with your kids or your grand-kids
6 – You age so much faster
7 – You can’t do the things you used to do
8 – THE LIST GOES ON….

I highlight all this because, most of this, most of the time is AVOIDABLE. But – it’s up to you to take responsibility for your own body, your own health – your own total well-being. NOBODY can do this for you. NOBODY.

Your life is in your hands. You make of it what you wish.

I’m not sure where you are at right now in your life – as I write these posts for so many people…

You may have perfect control of your body, mind and health. Or, you may be trying but still struggling to find the right “solution”. Or, you may have already given up and let outside forces dictate the choices you make at your own will – with little hope to turn things around.

Stay tuned for a follow up to this post as I will provide some insight and direction no matter which stage you are at – even if you have lost hope and are already suffering from the Syndrome. I will be pulling together info and resources on actions steps, growth hormone effects, sleep improvement and libido enhancement – just to name a few.

MAKE NOTE: There is hope… But for now, if you want more details on Metabolic Syndrome I have linked directly to a great page on Wikipedia.org featuring a deeply detailed entry on all aspects of Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X. If you are interested – here is the link:
Metabolic Syndrome on Wikipedia.org

If you know anyone who will benefit from today’s post – PLEASE feel free to share it. Many people can use this right now. And I appreciate you helping me get the word of health and fitness out there… And if you have any comments or thoughts – please post in the ‘comment’ section below…

“LIVE to the MAX…”

Your trainer forever – your trainer for life,

– Joey Atlas

“If you are new here, I welcome you to “AtlasVille” and want you to come back for more. Sooooo……”

For the last 3 years or so – I’ve been sleeping on a very basic futon. As part of the major life transition I went through – it was simply part of the program…

This futon is actually pretty good for an occasional 20 minute nap, but making it my place of rest was a challenge. It eventually became my enemy… So…

A few weeks ago – I realized it was time for change…

I wasn’t sleeping well. I was having odd aches and pains, not feeling well-rested the next day, and just not at the top of my game the way I know I should be…

I knew it was the lack of deep, restful sleep on a proper bed… This had to be reversed.

And I knew there was only one way for me to do this…. It’s called “Tempurpedic”!!

If you have one yourself – you know what I mean – But if you don’t, I will tell you, for me, there is no better way to get a deep, restful sleep as compared to this incredible technology.

I super-sized it, of course – so I have this “ocean” of sleeping space on the MOST comfortable surface I’ve ever sprawled out on.

I couldn’t wait to crawl under the covers the first night, to feel the support, the cradling of my muscles-joints-bones and my soul, the “healing” power of this unique mattress. I awoke feeling like a new man.

- Certain aches and pains were GONE the next morning…
- My energy levels and alertness are humming…
- My workouts are even more fantastic…
- I even look “better rested”…
- My dreams are even better!!

Sleep Well - Live Well

Last night was night #2 – and tonight will be night #3… I look forward to every evening of sleep; ….now another one of life’s simple, yet powerful gifts…

The futon has a new role now. It has become the couch in my family room

So, “what’s my point in all this”, you may be asking yourself…

SLEEP is essential to a high quality of life. I mean, deep, restful, restorative sleep. If your sleep is less than ideal – it could be causing so many other issues for you – in all areas of your life, both internally and externally.

One of the most important processes which happens while we sleep is: hormone regulation

The better you sleep the better the hormonal processes. Period.

And as we all know – the hormones are responsible for just about anything connected to your metabolism, energy, skin texture, physical performance, immune-function, libido, etc…

For a deeper academic look; here is an article from Medscape.org
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Hormones and Metabolism

Proper sleep enables you to ‘LIVE to the MAX’

Poor sleep is a slow, steady and cumulative sacrifice which ages you quickly and prevents you from excelling in other areas of your life.

Stay tuned for more on the “sleep-hormone-quality of life” connection… More to come.

Have any questions or thoughts about today’s post? Feel free to use the comment section below.

Your trainer,

— Joey Atlas
M.S., Exercise Physiology