Jon Carter

It’s easy to see progress on a daily basis if not weekly basis when you start losing weight.  It’s because our bodies are not used to the amount of exertion that we are putting it through, so the fat just melts away.  Over time, our bodies adapt… very well.  You gotta shock the body and do different types of workouts.  Even then, it gets harder and harder to see results. 

So what do you do?  I’ve got three rules for you that will help you see the results you want… but trust me… you’re not gonna like it. 

Rule #1. Stop weighing yourself! - You’re not gonna see immediate results in weight gain/loss.  You need to understand that the body can fluctuate plus or minus five pounds on a daily basis, so just because you weighed in at 160 today and 165 tomorrow doesn’t mean you’ve gained five pounds of fat or muscle, your body is just fluctuating.   

If your goal is to lose bodyfat, this is extremely important!  Most of us associate weight with fat… so not true… muscles, bones, water, fat… it all factors in.  You need to focus on fat not weight!  If you goal is to gain muscle, this is important to you too.  You don’t gain five pounds of muscle overnight… it’s damn impossible!  It takes time and a lot of effort!   

If you just have to weigh yourself, the first of each month is the best day.  It’s a new month and a new start.  Pick a day (preferably 1-28 so you can do it on the same day every month) and designate that date as your “weight date.”  

Rule #2. Chuck that mirror! - I won’t lie… I was one narcissistic bastard when I started losing weight.  I would look in the mirror EVERY DAY!  Then when I started not seeing results I would get pissed.  So, I took a towel and covered the mirror.  Then when I was used to not using the mirror so much (just to shave and brush my teeth), I got to where I would only stand in front of the mirror fully clothed. 

If you’re upset that you are not seeing results… never stand in front of your mirror in your underwear, naked, topless… whatever… put some damn clothes on!!!  Dress like an eskimo if you have too!!!  The mirror can be your enemy, even though the person standing in it on the other side might be your best friend.  

Rule #3. Only ”pose” once a month! - Use your “weight date” to also take your progress pictures.  It’s the same principle as the mirror. The longer you go without looking at yourself the more you will see the results.  Nuff said. 

As long as you remain loyal to your workout plans, meal plans, and follow the above three rules to heart… you will see the results you have been waiting for when you look at the side by side differences from month to month.  

Eat Clean, Eat Lean, and Train Like a F****** Machine!!! (T.L.A.F.M.!) 

Jon “The Rare Breed” Carter   

Everytime I hear about the importance of Water, I can’t help but think of "The Waterboy"  Bobby Boucher (played by Adam Sandler).  Naturally, everyone knows that water is good for you, but not everyone knows how water can benefit you when you are working out.  Studies show that dehydrated athletes lose 15%-20% of their potential power compared to hydrated athletes.  Hydrated athletes tend to bust out more reps during their workouts too. 

Consider this, the leaner you are, the more dehydration effects your strength.  I’m currently sitting at BFP of 14%, trying to work my way down to between 6%-8%.  So, naturally, the leaner I get, the more water I’m going to have to take in. 

My trainer Steve Poynter (Bodyspace: Stevep78, Website: www.fitnesspoynters.com) encourages me to drink 1 gallon of water a day, drinking half during my workout.  At first I thought that would be no big deal… I was wrong.  It’s hard!  I seriously felt like I was sloshing in the gym.  I feel more energetic now, but during the whole ordeal, I felt like soggy ass… but I pushed through it, and after it was all over, I felt like I got bigger pumps out of my workout than before.

Just something to ponder…

Jon "The Rare Breed" Carter

When I returned home on R&R Leave I had 9 days to prepare myself for a one-month "Bulk Phase."  I started transitioning my diet from a low calorie diet to a higher fiber and protein diet.  I also started a new stack on June 1st consisting of GNC Pro Performance Aomplified Creatine 189, Amplified Maxertion N.O., Triple Strength Fish Oil, and Animal Pack.  My meals now consist of a lot of bran, oats, raisins, and lean meats.  I am lifting heavier and trying to pack on a lot of extra muscle, because I am only "bulking up" for one month.  At the end of the month, I will start toning my body again in effort to shed more body fat and maintain some definition.  I have already gained about 13 pounds since I started at the beginning of the month.  Oddly enough, I have kept close to the same measurements on my waist and neck as I did when I was toning before (34.5 inches on the waist and 15.5 on the neck).  Hopefully, in July when I start toning again, all of this muscle will stay on and I will be able to shed away some of this extra fat.  When I figure up my body fat by the tape it says 16.5% and when I measure by the calipers its says close to 14%.  Anyways, I will post at the end of the month with some pictures and full body measurements.

 Jon "The Rare Breed" Carter

Rare [rair] –adjective
1. unusually great: a rare display of courage.
2. unusually excellent; admirable; fine: She showed rare tact in inviting them.

Breed [breed] –verb (used with object)
1. lineage; stock; strain: She comes from a fine breed of people.

Being one of a kind is something to be proud of. I am a rare breed and thus is why I have gone by that name for quite some time. I am an amature mixed martial arts fighter born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I have trained in Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Wrestling. I am a member of the U.S. Army and try to keep my body in top physical shape. Right now, I am deployed in Iraq, and I am taking this opportunity to start living a healthier lifestyle and to get my body in shape so that when I return to the states, I will be ready to resume my MMA training. Hopefully, I will be able to make a name for myself and in the process, become happy with my overall health and apperance.

My goals are simple… 10% Body Fat by December 31, 2009 and to be in the best shape of my life. After December 31, 2009, I plan to continue to maintain a high standard of excellence.

Keep checking in as I will keep updating my progress. I’ll catch ya on the flip side.

Jon "The Rare Breed" Carter