I'm finally free!

Today is a day I'll never forget.

For about the past year and a half I've been blogging and writing e-mails on a dial-up connection because high speed was not available in my area.

It would take me about 2 hours to get my tips and blogs out to you, what would take about 20 minutes to do took most of my time just waiting for the stuff to upload.

I love sharing tips, success secrets, new things coming up in the pipeline but I was starting to dread going to the computer because I knew I had to sit there and wait. But still I did it. I felt I had a responsibility to you, the many people on my list.

All that changed today.

I will wait "no mo".

New technology released 3 weeks ago has freed me and it feels good. I'm finally connected on high speed.

A great guide to begin Martial Arts training

Seeing the difference in speed, efficiency and functionality of my new system makes me realize how students who come to us for the first time from some other martial art background can't help but realize the painful difference in our school and somebody elses.

There's no wasted time, a strong focus on conditioning and getting you fit, a broad range of products to help you develop yourself both internally and externally, and an atmosphere of positive support from all students.

Everything is spelled out in black and white in this book.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. When you order that book you receive 2 free gifts. A tool we use to accomplish any goal you set out to reach and a free Orientation DVD to get you acquainted with the foundational principles of our system. Enjoy.

It's Louse Time! Get Rid of Mood Swings

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome.

(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.
Today's lesson is: Walk with strength not your weaknesses
Here's a check list to do just that:

• Find the tools necessary to have balance in your life.
• There are certain things that work and some things that don't.
• You never get bored when you feel good.
• Not being aware will get you hurt.
• When you don't listen to your own basic needs it will become unpleasant.
• Increase your confidence and peace of mind.
• Find an outlet for your stress and frustrations.

We're all searching for "the More". More health, more happiness, more love, more success, more discipline, more peace...

There's no better feeling than to be in a quiet place, aware of your breath, and turning all your attention inside of you. What better way to do this than through Meditation.

A few minutes of daily self-reflection will make a huge difference in your mood throughout the day.

If you wish to become a daily meditator but don't know where to start, the first step starts here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Almost lost my left hand

When I was 14 years old I had a bad accident.

I wasn't supposed to be able to move my left hand ever again. Looking back on that event I'm happy I have the freedom today to use my hand 100%. Doing Double Stick drills, Bo Staff and Chi Sao just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have my left hand!

We had just moved into our new school on Isabella St in Ottawa. Side kicking gyproc walls, basically breaking everything we could with baseball bats, sledge hammers and kung-fu.

When it came time to take out big glass windows out of their frames that's when it happened.

I was pulling out a 3 foot by 3 foot piece of glass with Christian. Both of us carefully nudging and slowly sliding it out of it's frame when suddenly, it broke in half and fell directly onto my wrist, 20 pounds of it.

It's only later I would realize why my hand was saved when the doctor explained to me why.

Most people's reflex would be to pull the arm away after being cut but I didn't. If I would of, the razor sharp glass would of sliced the main vein and crucial ligaments and tendons in my wrist.

There's an exercise we do in our strength training kits that always reminds me of that day. It's called Isometric Press Out. That's what I did out of pure instinct. And it saved my hand.

Maybe the exercises we show won't ever be used to save your hand like it did mine but it will definitely make you stronger, tougher and more flexible.

Our strength training system is very progressive, meaning it takes you from where you are, no matter what your level of fitness, and helps you build strength and endurance at your own speed. If you're starting out you should get the basic kit. If you're more advanced you should get the intermediate one.

Everytime I look at my scar I think: "Never let go". When I feel like quitting in any area of my life I just look at my wrist and keep going.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. I'll be releasing exactly one week from now the Advanced Strength Training Kit. Check your inbox for details very shortly.

Life is too short

This morning, as I write this, I realize the fragility of Life.

How some people's time here is too short.

Such is the case for my friend and business partner, Sifu Alain, who's father passed away late last week. The service is today from 2 pm to 5 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm in Montreal at Urgel Bourgie, 1120 Jean Talon East if you happen to be in the area.

For those of you who wish to send messages of condolences to Sifu Alain and his family, please send them here.

Today's e-mail is a reminder to seize the day, live life to the fullest, take a chance, do what you love, and cherish the moments you have with the ones who are most dear to you.

Sifu Martin

A few ruffled feathers

Looks like I ruffled a few feathers about my Marion Dewar e-mail a few days ago. Getting a few angry e-mails.

The thing is, I was angry when I wrote that e-mail.

If I can help just one person not fall and not die, I'm willing to take the risk of being criticized as an opportunist.

I'm just looking out for the people who are still alive.

Why avoid the problem when we can face it head on?

A tragedy yes, and my heart goes out to the family of Mrs. Dewar, accidents like these can be avoided and I'm trying to help the best way I know how, and that's training in martial arts.

A break-fall can be learned in 2 minutes and there are many other ways to build awareness when you're training.

Like I said before, it is primordial that you master yourself.

Be strong, be fit and be aware,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time! Find a Teacher

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self-starters, Welcome.
(if you're not (new) jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train andthe kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: When the student is ready the teacher will appear

Ever since I was a little kid, say 6 or 7 years old, I always knew what I wanted to do. I was talented artistically and drawing and painting came very natural to me so I would make drawings of myself doing what I wanted to do.

I have binders full of the same old kind of drawings, all relating to the same thing. Thinking back to that time I think of W . Clement Stone's Quote that goes something like: "Concentrate upon a given desire until that desire becomes a burning obsession. ..."

It really did become a great obsession.

You guessed it, it was becoming a kung-fu instructor just like my father.

Like most people starting something new, I remember not being very good at it. As I write this, one moment flashes through my mind that I'll never forget.

The main house I lived in most of my life is not far from where I live today. Lots of things happened in that house. Lots of things that would set me on the course I'm on today.

Our basement was THE place for all sorts of things. Hockey, hide and seek, labyrinths, video games, weight lifting, kung-fu training, you name it.

The reason why I'm so stubborn and determined today is due in large part because of my big brother, that some of you know as Sifu Stephane who runs the Orleans School.

As with all brothers, there are some arguments, some pushing and shoving and some fighting.

This one time we were sparring with my dad's old pair of boxing gloves. These were 8 ounce black and gold gloves that were hard as rock which we still have to this day. Anyway, he ended up landing one on my nose in the basement and I started crying, I was about 9 years old at the time.

I remember crying and hitting our old punching bag we had hung up in the basement (we also still have that bag to this day, people who've been to our training camp got to hit it) and repeating to myself and screaming out loud, one day I'll be good (although it sounds better in french: "Moez aussi je vais aitre bon un jour, tabarnac!"

All this to say we all start at the bottom and we we need someone to push us to do better. Students need mentors, coaches, Sifus, to help guide the way.

Some people look at me and think I was always the way I am today. Wrong.

I put in the hours. I made the mistakes. I went through the aches and pains of starting something new just like you are doing.

I cannot imagine someone ever going at it alone without a teacher by your side.

That's why the Inner Circle was created to help you stay strong and motivated in times of doubt, it also works hand in hand with your class training to help bring out other qualities that are still un-tapped.

Become a member today.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

What if Marion Dewar practiced martial arts?

As you might of read Marion Dewar, ex-mayor of Ottawa, fell on her face in Toronto and died from internal bleeding, she was 80 years old.

I ask myself could it of been prevented?

Are the skills you're learning in martial arts more valuable than you think they are?

Hopefully, if you're like me, your martial art consists of balance training, agility training, body awareness training, focus training, proprioception training, senses development, and break-falls.

All common drills we practice in FSD.

Like I've written in the past, martial art training is more than something you do for a few months and call it quits.

A simple break-fall could of saved her life, a technique that can be learned in a few minutes.

I understand the reality that we all get older. But you can choose HOW you age. You can invest in PREVENTION.

Learning skills that can help prevent all too common accidents when you get older.

If you're not already training, you need to get to work now.

The training I was mentioning earlier is just a glimpse of what you'll learn in our schools.

Click here to get started.

Mastering yourself takes on a whole other meaning when tragic things happen to good people,

MASTER YOURSELF,

Sifu Martin

Who do YOU surround yourself with?

Woke up at 5 am to board a plane today, flying over Toronto and heading for Tampa with my Dad for an important seminar.

Coincidentally I came across an ex-student who's an inspector at the security check point who tells me he'll be back shortly with his niece and nephew.

Once I board the plane I run into yet another student, she happens to be one of the flight attendants.

All this back to back. Weird.

Reminds me how far you can go with the right contacts. Who do YOU surround yourself with?

Birds of the same feather flock together.

Are you surrounded with high achievers?

People you can model who are doing and getting the results that you want in your training. Things like endurance, flexibility, speed, power and choosing the right food to fuel your body.

If you have any hope of developing outstanding health, strength and success find someone who's living those goals now.

Become part of our inner Circle group where each month I coach you through advanced workouts & drills, nutrition, and personal development to get you where you want to be...FAST.

It's easy and you get 2 surprise gifts just for signing up today.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Beating the Fall downer

I peeked outside this morning to see how the leaves on the trees are already starting to change color.

Reminds me of people and their cycles.

How some people start losing their pizzazz, motivation, vitality and enthusiasm for taking care of their health just like how trees lose their bright green colors and shed their leaves in the fall.

After losing their drive, many months go by and eventually (maybe) they get motivated again to re-start training and taking care of their health. Usually continuing this weird behavior all their life unable to stick with a training program.

Spring sees Nature's re-birth but you don't need to wait until spring to get back in shape. You need to maintain the momentum created this summer to keep you motivated all year round.

Seasons can change on the outside but what you feel inside should never change. I've created some powerful associations yet again this summer. Associations that will keep me motivated in times of lazyness and wanting to brush off an unwanted training day.

When you feel your internal leaves starting to shed crank up that summer sun and lay down some station training cards like I do. Get yours here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Think back this summer of your favourite physical activity, maybe our training camp, a memorable activity involving sports played among friends, or a special solo neigong training session outside. Find something and use it as fuel to stay focused and motivated for the rest of the year. There's still time to beat personal records you've set for yourself.

It's Louse Time ! Stick to your Dreams

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome.
(if you're not (new) jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his british accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: Stick to your Dreams

No matter what your situation is, you can accomplish anything you desire.

If you have a DREAM, you can make it a reality.

A dream keeps you motivated, especially in times of doubt when things aren't going as planned and you feel like quitting. It'll help you get through a difficult phase of your life because you keep your focus on the big picture. The VISION you have for yourself.

Patenaude's Schools of Martial Arts is but a dream my dad had when he was 14 years old.

His peers didn't share the same vision though. He remembers quite vividly one of his teachers in school screaming at him: "You'll never amount to anything!", don't you wish your kids had that same kind of encouragement? Still he stuck to his dream.

It confirms what he's been saying for 3 decades: If he can do it -- so can you.

No matter how distant your dream seems to be right now, apply some "stubborn persistence" into the mix.

You just need to believe in yourself.

If you're unsure of what you really want to do, ask yourself:
What do you want to accomplish? What do you think about most?

What's EASY for you to do?

What doesn't seem like work?

Whatever that is THAT'S your dream and you should pursue it.

Some people around you might not agree. You might be criticized but you have to be immune to it. No one can control your destiny -- only you can.

Once you know what you want, stay persistent and keep this saying in mind: "The nose of the bulldog is slanted backwards so he can continue to breathe without letting go."~ Winston Churchill

Be like the Bulldog,

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Ex students making a comeback

This past week I've been speaking to most of our owners and got similar feedback from a lot of them concerning ex-students.

There's been a flood of them coming back.

One student in particular was my father's very first student in a church basement of Ottawa, he's now training in St-Leonard.

Some say they always wanted to come back, for some it's something my dad said that stuck with them, many bring their kids into the school to get them started, others realized how good they felt when they were training and want to get that feeling back again, or some tried something else but weren't satisfied.

Some were gone for a year or two and can't help but notice how things have evolved. Although the core principles of our system have not changed, the drills, the training strategies, the curriculum is in constant evolution and will always keep on evolving.

One thing you get when you're a part of our school is a guarantee you'll be learning nothing but the cutting edge in physical training, self-defense, and personal development.

If you're one of our ex students and feel like starting back again but wish to be prepared for your comeback, pick up a station training kit so you can build your endurance and strength in less than 30 days so you can get back to training the way you used to.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. I know alot of our ex students are still subscribed to my list but now live too far away like Vancouver, France, Manitoba, or Costa Rica. Just want to let you know I appreciate you keeping contact with me and our organization and maybe our paths will cross again some day.

If there's anything you need consult our product section or better yet stay connected with me by joining the Inner Circle. A monthly subscription to advanced workouts, nutrition, and training techniques covered in newsletter form and DVD that can be shipped to you no matter where you live.

Where did all the nutrients go?

If you read any kind of magazine on health and nutrition, you already know most of our food is lacking the essential nutrients they once had.

Today I'm going to reveal my trust worthy source for health and vitality. An expert I've been following for many years now. I wouldn't recommend him to you if I wasn't 100% satisfied with his recommendations.

He's an anti-aging specialist with almost 30 years of experience in the field of health, wellness and preserving your youth.

A lot of doctors don't like him and would like to keep him quiet because what he reveals is often the total opposite of what the mainstream (drug companies, and doctors who've been, how should I say? Bought by those drug companies to push their drugs, etc...) is recommending in the areas of heart health, cholesterol, high blood pressure drugs, and the list goes on and on.

Some of his recommendations will cost nothing, can be bought at the local health food store, they won't cause dangerous side effects (like most drugs out there), or will offer a much wiser alternative to some of your ailments associated with aging or for those who lead a very active lifestyle.

I'm always looking for ways to help you improve your martial arts, your fitness, your flexibility and expand your way of thinking. A lot of it starts with nutrition and how you fuel your body.

My father always tells me: "what you keep diminishes and what you share multiplies". I'm sharing this info with you so you too can have an edge when it comes to training and helping your body recover and perform at a peak level.

The first thing you should invest in is Fish Oil. Not just any kind of fish oil but the very best I've come across in years. Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, promotes heart health, memory, energy, focus, soothes arthritic pain, is loaded with vitamin D (a vitamin most people are deficient in), this one has no after taste and comes lemon flavored.

Go here to see what I'm talking about and if you need any more info.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

I would be dead

That's how I would feel inside if I didn't train in martial arts.

I can't imagine even for a second not doing what I do.

Alot of people ask me or even maybe you've had the same question asked to you: "Why do you train so hard" or "How are you able to stick with your training program for so long?"

I guess some people think it's unusual to actually follow through and stick with something.

Most will jump from one activity to the other and never build any kind of substance in the areas of strength, flexibility, skill and speed.

No results can be acquired with the "Grass is greener on the other side" mentality, especially when you're not maximizing what you're doing at the present moment (stretching, strength training, speed training, balance training, martial art training, etc...) .

There's a saying my father shares in his seminars that goes like this: "Failure in life is keeping one foot stuck in the future and the other in the past, all the while you're pissing on the most important moment of all: the present."

Avoid making the above mistake or else you will never get results no matter which martial art you study, which training program you follow or which fancy equipment you happen to buy.

If there isn't a consistent, disciplined, progressive effort given every single workout, the flame for training will extinguish.

Consistent, Present moment, Mini-Improvements. That's the secret.

Even if it's a centimeter lower in your splits. An extra rep in your push-ups. Holding a strength position for one second longer, 1% less fear in sparring drills. Find something.

Remember, adding just one push-up a day consecutively with each passing day for the next year will add up to you being able to do 365 non-stop push-ups in a single session by the end of the year.

Conquer haste. Enjoy the journey to mastering yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. There is a system we use to monitor daily improvements, it comes free when you order a copy of our FSD Training Guide. Here's the link.

It's Louse Time! Better to prevent than to heal

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self-starters, Welcome.
(if you're not (new) jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his british accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: Better to prevent than to heal.

It's an age old equation: Success is 98% preparation, 2% perspiration.

Alot of people brush off martial arts training by saying: "One day I'll start training" or "I don't really need to learn how to protect myself, I'm not a violent person".

No one signs a contract stating that you'll never be attacked or you'll live until "X" day.
I'd love to say that the world is a non-violent place but unfortunately it is.

From the Manitoba Bus incident to just this past week, 4 house invasions by armed assailants in Ottawa. And that's not counting everything else that doesn't get published in newspapers or covered by the media.

Even Police officers after the Montreal North Riot spanning 15 blocks of mayhem got the officers thinking about continuing and maintaining their training in the areas of personal protection and conditioning. Why do I know this? Many of them joined our program after the event.

What would you do if you were put in those similar situations?

You can't get in a fetal position and wait until someone comes to save you. You'll have to take matters in your own hands.

Knowing how to defend yourself or your family is a skill you never wish to use or experience but the knowledge is there if you're ever threatened and that preparation will give you great confidence if the situation ever arises.

Never get caught un-prepared, Do not push to tomorrow what can be started today. Here's a link to our school page if you haven't gotten started yet.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Pain is good for you?

You want to avoid it at all costs I'm sure but some pain is good for you.

Let me explain.

Pain puts everything in perspective.

Here's a list of the positive things pain can do for you.

It makes you learn faster and not repeat the same mistakes twice.

Pain identifies your limits and when you need to surpass them.

It identifies a weakness in one or many different areas of your body that needs to be strengthened

Pain, like any challenge in your life is only temporary.

It tests your resolve and how hard you really want something

Pain makes you work harder, faster and more energetically

Emotional Pain strengthens your spirit and helps you realize you can always do better

Pain makes winning bitter sweet.

Pain for some is failure. Understand that: "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." as quoted by Henry Ford.

How else could we experience so much pleasure and gratitude if we never experienced pain?

We couldn't. From being toddlers to grown-ups, pain is a great teacher considering you're ready to learn the lesson.

Avoid making costly mistakes early on in your martial art training, learn it the right way, right away.

Start with our Book on how to develop a Rock Solid Martial Art Foundation which is loaded with insights and principles that will save you the pain of learning them through trial and error like we have.

Be Master of Pain,

Sibok Martin

P.S. It also comes with a free copy of our New Student Orientation DVD, detailing the concepts and techniques required to excel in your martial training.

The Life of a Martial Artist

Man I love being a Martial Artist!

But I realize there are very few of us.

Less than 1% of the population practices Martial Arts.

Such a small amount of people get to train their mind, body and spirit on a weekly basis.

So few benefit from the confidence it helps bring out in you.

The character development that pushes you to do better every time. The focus and awareness it gives you in such a short time.

The self-discipline you acquire that makes you realize your outcomes depend on you and the choices you make. Finally realizing your health and fitness is a responsability you have to accept or suffer the consequences.

Let's not forget how it centers you. In a world filled with useless distractions, training in Martial Arts fills a need to find peace and serenity at any moment. Realizing every breath is a miracle. As well as each new day when you wake up is a chance to learn something new and experience something different.

To feel good in your skin. To make your body stronger with stretching and conditioning.

To improve the inner workings of your machine. You can do more with your body than what you were born with.

Training in Martial Arts increases your reflexes.

Almost like doing a "systems check" or a "wire check" on a computer, doing the different speed and reflex drills test how well your nervous system is linked to your brain with in turn will lead to better balance and coordination.

Your body is made to be pushed beyond its current level. It will adapt to whatever you expose it to. Both in the positive or negative.

From becoming efficient at over sleeping, finding clever ways to avoid things you fear, will still function (at a much lower level) despite poor eating choices and lack of exercise or the body will become looser and free of stiffness if you stretch it, will take you from weak and frail to strong and sturdy, will increase the bone density in many body parts because of the demands you subject them to in martial arts, will increase muscle definition to support the movements you are not accustomed to doing in the beginning.

The list of benefits are too long to include in a single e-mail.

If you're a fellow martial artist I'm sure you feel the same way and proud to call yourself one, if you're not yet, we've made it easy for you to become one or at least dip your big toe in the water to get a feel for it.

Go through our list of 22 schools to find a location near you and fill out one of our VIP forms for a 30 day Pass on us.

If you're already a student, I'll see you in class and be proud to call yourself a martial artist.

I leave you with this quote today from Michael Altshuler.

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot"

Get to it, Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

What's in our kids food?

Whenever I have free time, reading is the first thing that comes to mind. I would rather educate myself than to lay still in front of the Zombie Box.

I was reading an article yesterday from researchers of Calgary University examining 367 types of foods destined to kids.

Being a parent, as soon as someone mentions any research on food and how it effects kids, I'm all ears. Even if you don't have kids, this e-mail today warns you not to trust food companies and expect them to have you and your family's best interests at heart.

The results of their research showed that out of the 367 types of foods analyzed:

70% of the products examined contained too much sugar. (What a surprise)

23% had too much fat

17% contained way too much sodium

89% in general contained too much fat, sugar and sodium.

63% of the products boasted their high nutritional value on the package.

If we can only control 2 food poisons of our society it's: sugar and salt.

If you cut out these 2 ingredients from your diet or your children's diet, you can avoid potentially serious health problems in the future.

They are both very addictive and will require some massive will power for most people to kick it out of their diets. I'm still amazed at the record breaking line ups for donuts and coffees as the breakfast of choice of most people. Disgusting.

Food Manufacturers now have a new ingredient. It's cheaper and is used in 1000 thousands of products: Corn Starch. Next time you buy any product and scan the ingredient list you'll surely find that poison on it.

Stick to fruits and vegetables, grass fed beef (considering you're a meat eater), nuts and seeds, plenty of water and a dynamic fitness training program as taught in our strength training kits.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. If you want to know more about What I eat, How I train, and What I think, consider joining our Inner Circle where every month I share with you via newsletter and DVD, insights on Nutrition, Training Programs and Personal Development delivered right to your front door.
Sign up here.

Enjoying the fruits of your Labor?

I came across these tidbits of information about labor day over on history.com. As with alot of holidays, most people, including myself don't really know the history behind each holiday.

When you read the facts below you can't help but respect how hard people worked in those days for so little.

12-hour workdays, 7 days a week, were standard in America in the 1800s - and even children worked.

The National Labor Union began fighting for an 8-hour workday in 1866.

In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act set a minimum hourly wage of 25 cents.

Also worth mentioning, those years produced some of the strongest men the world ever seen. They still found the time to follow a strength and fitness program despite these work conditions.

Are you reaching YOUR full potential?

Are you really doing everything you can to get in the best physical shape of your life?

On this Labor Day take some time to reflect on the fruits of your labor. Especially the Fitness Labor you've been subjecting yourself to (if not get to it!). Now's the time to make changes to your program by increasing your rep numbers, time held, level of difficulty and degree of Intensity.

Natural Progression is built into our strength training kits, yours awaits right here.

Aim Higher,

Sibok Martin