TRAVIS HOLLEY

Day 152 of 365: Seize The Day

2012-03-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

This one's going to be brief. I've had a crazy, non-stop day and I need to get my rest for the 12.2 Open WOD tomorrow....also known as, Snatch Fest 2012!!!

I want to wish the best of luck to all those that are throwing down tomorrow or during the weekend. For those not competing in the Open, I am sending y'all good vibes for a kickass workout that fills you full of positivity, power, and strength! Here's a little something to think about as you take on whatever tasks may be in front of you...

This is one of my favorites!

Day 151 of 365: Mix It Up!

2012-02-29T19:34:00.001-08:00

Guys!

You know that I am a big fan of constantly changing your work load stimulus. This is a great video of one of Zach Even-Esh's badass athletes showing us all how it's done! The beauty in this training style is that it is obviously very challenging, but it is a BLAST! Athlete's can't wait to get back in the gym when they are given the freedom to play a role in the creation of their own SWOD. This results in consistency and high intensity output. Exactly what you want from your athletes! Check out this video and try some of this stuff at your gym...plus some! Mix it up and have fun with it!

REMEMBER:

Zach Even-Esh will be in Austin on March 24th and 25th for his last Underground Strength Certification out of the Dirty Jerzee. It's going to be an OUTSTANDING experience!

Day 150 of 365: Where It All Started!

2012-02-28T18:46:00.001-08:00

It only seems fitting that on this, the 150th day of blogging, that I post the next STRICTLY STRENGTH PROJECT information and registration. This is where it all began. This whole "365 Days Of Strength" blog project was built on the foundation that my STRICTLY STRENGTH PROJECT provided.

Now, you may be wondering, "What exactly goes on in the SS PROJECT?"

First off, let me tell y'all how this has come about. I LOVE MOVING HEAVY SH!T. Period.
I love the intense rush you get when you blow through an old Personal Record(PR) in any lift, but specifically the slow lifts - Deadlift, all variations of Squat, and the static Presses. I'm sure we can all admit that it is addicting, right? Every time you grab that barbell, you want a new PR...you NEED a new PR!!! Unfortunately, it doesn't always work like that. Strength training is not quite a linear process, but I want to get you to uncharted territory with your slow lifts! I love helping others blow through old PR's more than doing it for myself! It's why I do what I do. To see the excitement on the face of someone that just added 25# to their deadlift is truly awesome!

So...now for the details.

STRICTLY STRENGTH PROJECT
The PROJECT is a unique opportunity to develop strength and weightlifting "know-how". Regardless of your experience level, weekly sessions are specifically designed to challenge, educate, and empower each individual - all while getting you STRONG!!!

PROGRAM INCLUDES:
*Baseline Strength Testing*
*Goal Setting*
*Nutrition Coaching*
*Mental Preparation Training*
*Periodization of Programming and Re-Testing*
**and, of course, RESULTS**

Each 8 week session is capped at 9 people - 3 groups of 3
Open to anyone, including non-CrossFit Central members
$400 if paid in full, or $225 if paid in 2 payments
The PROJECT will run 8 weeks ON/4weeks OFF
PROJECT meets once each week for 8 weeks
PROJECT session times are:

Saturday 6-7am
Saturday 7-8am
Saturday 8-9am

If you have any questions before getting started, you need to contact me ASAP!!!

travisholley@crossfitcentral.com
OR
on Twitter @Strict_Strength
Otherwise, enroll quickly, as spots are limited and will fill up fast!

I am stoked to get STRICTLY STRENGTH rockin' and rollin'!!!

STRICTLY STRENGTH PROJECT - SESSION 8

**REGISTER HERE!**
Starts Saturday, March 10th

Ends Saturday, April 28th

Day 149 of 365: Diego's Journey to SillyStrong!

2012-02-27T14:38:00.001-08:00

Many of you out there probably know Diego Centeno. This guy has a major presence in the social media world and is also one of the head honchos of PurePharma. This new company is quickly becoming one of the top fish oil producers(I LOVE this stuff! Check it out HERE), and recently started providing a vitamin D3 supplement.

Much of PurePharma's rapid growth and success is due to Diego's hard work and ability to make lasting connections with people. BUT, while working extra hard to build a successful business, Diego has admittedly neglected his fitness....

That's where I come in!

Diego and I have worked out an exciting deal that will ultimately see him getting is ripped and swole on...

and Diego will help me provide some new and valuable products that will expand the

STRICTLY STRENGTH brand and following!!!

Needless to say, we will both be making shit happen!

Look forward to the results!!!

Check out Diego's first day of STRICTLY STRENGTH.

Days 147 & 148 of 365: My Life

2012-02-26T19:15:00.001-08:00

On Friday night, some of the CrossFit Central boys went out on a "man-date" to go see the new movie,

Act Of Valor.

Let me just say that this is a badass movie for several reasons, but the one that stood out to me was the use of a poem that Tecumseh wrote.
The use of it in the film spoke to me in such a profound way that I later went home and researched the writing and found the complete version, which is even more amazing!

Every word that is written is truly how I feel life should be, and how I strive to live my life!
Please spend the time to read this and compare your current life to this beautiful image of how life should be. Push yourself to adopt these beliefs and ways of living.
Imagine how it could alter your life in such a positive way...

Not only your life, but those that you serve.

"Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his religion.
Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light,
for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools
and robs the spirit of its vision.
When your time comes to die,
be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."

Day 146 of 365: Just a Cool Video!

2012-02-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys---

Just wanted to share this badass video of some SICK old-school strength images!

Thought it would be perfect for those that train hard and heavy on Saturdays!

Go Make Shit Happen!!!

Day 145 of 365: A HUGE Thank You!

2012-02-23T19:18:00.001-08:00

Day 144 of 365: A Knarly Complex

2012-02-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Day 143 of 365: Strongman Sprint SWOD

2012-02-21T14:29:00.001-08:00

Check out the 2nd part of today's FireSWOD!

These men and women know how to work, and they bring it every single time we meet!

They inspire me, not only as their coach, but they push themselves so hard that when I'm feeling beat up and broken, I think of them and continue to push through!

Awesome job today, crew!!!

Big things are going to happen for us! Let's just stay the course and continue to grow and improve!

Day 142 of 365: More Greens...and Bacon, of Course!

2012-02-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Day 141 of 365: Food For Thought...

2012-02-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

Take this, and from it,

create massive momentum for the week ahead.

Day 140 of 365: Strongman Cert. Download

2012-02-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

I'm going to warn all of you....I AM F*CKING JACKED!!!

The Rob Orlando Strongman Certification that was held at CrossFit Central today was freakin' OUTSTANDING!!!

There's a good chance that, due to my excitement, this post may jump all over the place, so I ask that y'all hang in there with me on this one.

If y'all read my earlier post on the upcoming SM certification, you could probably tell that I was STOKED to be participating in this event! It's not very often you get to be in the presence of such an icon in the strength game as Rob Orlando. That was a major draw for me, but it was only one of the many amazing factors that went into creating such an amazing experience for me.

I learned some new stuff for sure....a lot of it I've been utilizing and coaching for some time now, but it was really powerful for me to be reassured that my training style/methods are right in line with Rob O's theory.

I posted the video above a couple days ago that illustrated the simplicity, yet pure effectiveness of his methodology. That video was reassuring for sure, but to hear Rob, himself share his position on training modes, methods, and philosophy was priceless.

I'll put it this way - it's like having one of your favorite coaches or teachers tell you that you're doing things right and that you're doing a great job!

Hopefully that makes sense, but all you really need to know is that I AM FIRED UP to pump out some seriously badass and powerful SWODs and blog posts/videos for y'all.

Rob's passion for the sport of STRONGMAN is radiant.

It is truly contagious. And the coolest thing is that he's doing it for all the right reasons. He's not about making money, or pumping out his name...In fact, he is probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys I've been around.

No, he does this shit for the same reason I do what I do.....

HE LOVES EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!

He loves being able to share the gift of strength with people, regardless of their current fitness/strength level. He does it to add value to the lives of others - a quality he shares with another idol of mine, Zach Even-Esh.

Not only that, but Rob's staff was top-notch!!! Their passion, enthusiasm, and overall energy was off the charts. All of these factors culminated into a unforgettable experience for each and every person there today. And, I can't forget to mention, the 57 other individuals that played full-out were OUTSTANDING as well. Rob and his staff said it themselves...Our group was one of the best that they have ever had! The skill and strength level of the group as a whole was only surpassed by our energy.

Plain and simple...this is one of those things that YOU MUST DO if you're serious about strength. You owe it to yourself, and to those that you affect, to sign up and play all-out.

Day 139 of 365: Curls For The Girls!

2012-02-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

During today's session with my long-time client, Mike, I decided that we would throw a new twist on some old school exercises just to make it a fun, yet still challenging SWOD to finish out the week.

It's interesting...I read a post on Facebook that someone wrote about how the bicep curl has become the "bad guy" in the eyes of CrossFitters. His point was the bicep curl is just as vital a movement as the deadlift or squat. Now, I'm not in total agreement here, but I do acknowledge the fact that doing curls is a super effective way of building upper-body strength, and has a positive effect on all other "pulls", including pullups, muscleups, strongman log lifts, and even assists in some phases of the Oly lifts.

Now, I will let y'all know that you are about to see this man do some bicep curls, but will a wicked twist. For those of you that are so stuck in your ways that you can't accept ALL training styles and exercises, and see them for the benefit that they provide, then go on your way.

You probably shouldn't be here anyway.

For those that are open to ALL methods and utilizing the quality pieces of each style to build the best all-around program...I hope you enjoy this!

Give it try yourself and let me know how it goes.

Day 138 of 365: PRs For ALL!!!

2012-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

This morning, the 7am STRICTLY STRENGTH crew crushed some sumo deadlifts. We started with a badass and challenging partner warmup, focusing on primarily bodyweight movements with a buddy carry tossed in the mix to start loading the body in prepration for the day's work!

We then moved into a dynamic effort sumo dead session of 10 sets of 2 reps @ 70% of their 1RM conventional deadlift.

I wanted each of them(and their nervous system) primed and ready to pull BIG loads QUICKLY!

It proved to work perfectly!

Every single athlete pulled a new sumo PR!!!

You'll get to see them knockin' them out in the video below, but I need to mention that every athlete in the MW 530am class - who did the same SWOD on Wednesday morning - also set new PRs!!!

All I have to say is...

THIS SHIT WORKS!!!

New session of the STRICTLY STRENGTH PROJECT(prerequisite for the SSClass) is starting soon!

Look for registration info to pop up very soon!

Day 137 of 365: Simply A BEAST!

2012-02-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

One of my distance athletes and blog readers sent this video to me today, and I thought it was worth sharing.

It's purpose is pretty simple: To open your eyes to what is possible.

This dude is a straight-up BEAST!!!

Not to mention, he's entertaining and has a great attitude about his training.

Check it out and drop some comments on my blog or on Facebook.