Breaking Fitness Plateaus: How to Push Past Limits and Keep Progressing

If you’re stuck in a plateau, don’t overthink it—it's often all in your head.

Now, don’t get me wrong, breaking through performance barriers takes serious training too.

And you probably are doing that part already!

But the real breakthrough? That happens in your head first.

Your Mind Sets the Limits, Not Your Body

Let me give you an example.

Running has always been my biggest physical challenge. I’m 6’1”, 180 lbs, with long limbs, lumbar lordosis (arched back), muscle imbalances, and an anterior pelvic tilt.

Not exactly the ideal mechanics for a smooth, effortless stride.

Growing up, I played tennis from age 8 to 18, so sprinting?

No problem. I love the technique, the explosive power, the feeling of moving fast.

In fact, I see sprinting as part of the calisthenics family—it’s pure bodyweight movement at its most primal.

But long-distance running? I used to hate it.

That changed when I hit my 30s ...

Why Protein Powders Are a Waste of Time (and Money)

Let’s get straight to it: Protein powders are unnecessary.

If you’ve been told you need them to hit your fitness goals, it’s time to rethink that advice.

Real food does the job better—without the artificial processing, misleading labels, and digestive issues.

1. You Can Get All the Protein You Need from Real Food

Unless you’re a professional bodybuilder eating six meals a day, you don’t need a powdered supplement to reach your protein goals.

Whole foods like eggs, meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts provide plenty of high-quality protein. Plus, they come with essential nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber that powders simply don’t offer.

Think about it—your body was designed to break down and absorb real food, not processed powder that dissolves in water.

2. Drinking Food Isn’t the Same as Eating Food

Your body processes liquids differently than solid food. When you chew, your saliva releases enzymes that kickstart digestio...

Calisthenics Beginner Challenge: Simple, Effective, Easy to Stick With

That’s it—I’ve wrapped up my 30-day beginner calisthenics challenge.

The beauty of this challenge is in its simplicity: 100 reps a day.

No fancy equipment, no complicated routines—just straightforward bodyweight exercises that kept me consistent, disciplined, and energized.

Why This Challenge Was So Easy to Follow

The structure was simple: 100 reps of a basic movement each day. That’s it.

This approach made it easy to fit into any schedule, whether I had 15 minutes or a full hour.

Plus, having a clear daily goal kept me motivated. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about showing up.

Even with the usual life hurdles—managing a business, dealing with mild chronic tendinitis in my left forearm, and the occasional stress-induced back tweak where I could barely walk for one day—I never felt overwhelmed.

The challenge was adaptable, which made it sustainable.

I also did a 24 hours water fast in the middle o...

Calisthenics Beginner Challenge - Week 3: Staying Consistent When You Are Not 100%

Let’s get real—week three was a challenge!

Between juggling training, running a business, and my back pain, this week was a good test.

But here’s the thing: I showed up anyway.

That’s the beauty of calisthenics—it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.

The Week 3 Rundown

Here’s what my week looked like, one day at a time:

• Day 15: 100+ double unders
• Day 16: 100+ squats
• Day 17: 100+ knee raises (plus a casual 24-hour fast, because why not?)
• Day 18: 100+ squats
• Day 19: 50 weighted squats (+90 lbs) + 50 knee raises
• Day 20: 100 push-ups
• Day 21: 100 rows
• Day 22: 100 push-ups

It wasn’t flashy, but it got the job done. Some days, the reps felt great.

Other days, not so much.

Either way, I kept moving.

Injuries Happen. Here’s How You Deal.

This week, I had to work around some upper-body tendonitis and a locked-up back (because apparently, running a business and training at ...

Why Calisthenics is Your Secret Weapon to Endless Energy

It’s official. Dr. Andrew Huberman—neuroscientist and health expert—has confirmed something I’ve been telling my clients for over a decade: we create our own energy.

This isn’t just motivational talk; it’s grounded in science and proven every day by anyone who trains consistently.

If you’ve ever felt the buzz after a workout or the clarity that comes after moving your body, you already know this to be true. And here’s the kicker: calisthenics is one of the best ways to unlock this energy.

Ditch the Pre-Workout—Your Body Has What It Needs

Before you reach for another scoop of pre-workout powder, consider this: your body already has a natural mechanism to energize itself.

By tapping into your body’s natural energy pathways, you can achieve that same level of focus, drive, and performance—without relying on stimulants.

Calisthenics, with its focus on compound movements like pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and squats, activates thes...

Want to Get Lean Faster? Add This to Your Routine!

When it comes to shedding fat and building an athletic physique, cardio is a non-negotiable element of your fitness routine.

Despite what some might say about lifting heavy or doing lots of reps being enough, a well-rounded approach that includes cardiovascular training is essential.

Not only does it ramp up your fat-burning capabilities, but it also supports overall health, recovery, and muscle development.

One of the most effective—and often overlooked—cardio exercises that can supercharge your fitness journey is the jump rope double under.

Let’s dive into why this move is a game-changer and how you can incorporate it into your routine.

What Is a Jump Rope Double Under?

Simply put, a double under is a jump rope technique where the rope passes under your feet twice with each jump.

This requires you to jump higher and turn the rope faster, making it much more challenging than the standard single jump.

Think of it as the sprint...

30-Day Beginner Calisthenics Challenge: Week 2 Recap

This week has been a tough one here in Los Angeles, with wildfires raging around the city.

The intensity of these fires has affected many, not just physically but mentally as well.

Despite the challenging circumstances, it's crucial to maintain our routines and stay strong.

For those of us fortunate enough to be safe indoors, it's definitely time to push through and keep up with the 30-day beginner calisthenics challenge.

Even when the air quality outside is poor, there's no excuse to fall behind.

This is where resilience and adaptability come into play, key traits we cultivate through calisthenics.

Adapting to Adversity

With air quality plummeting due to the fires, I made sure to keep my workouts indoors.

This week, I also had to consider my recovery from tendinitis, focusing on pushing and leg exercises while reducing strain on my forearm with pulling movements.

It's a reminder that listening to your body and adapting you...

30-Day Beginner Calisthenics Challenge: Week 1 Recap

Welcome to Week 1 of the 30-Day Beginner Calisthenics Challenge!

If you've been following along, you know the goal: 100 repetitions per day for 30 days. It’s straightforward, scalable, and fits effortlessly into your daily routine.

Whether you're just dipping your toes into calisthenics or looking to build consistency, this challenge is the perfect start.

The Game Plan

The key is simplicity. Each day, you choose from foundational calisthenics movements: push-ups, pull-ups, dips, squats, and leg raises or flutters.

Don’t feel limited to 100 reps—going beyond is not only allowed but encouraged!

Personally, I like to tack on an extra 50-100 core reps per session to keep things interesting.

Week 1 Breakdown

Let’s dive into how Week 1 unfolded for me:

• Day 1: I kicked off with 100+ push-ups, a classic upper-body burner.
• Day 2: I balanced things out with 50 rows, 50 squats, and 100 leg flutters—engaging multiple muscle groups.
...

The 100 Reps 30-Day Challenge: Transform Your Body with Calisthenics in Just a Few Minutes a Day

If you’ve ever felt like fitness is overly complicated, this is your wake-up call.

The 100 Reps 30-Day Challenge is a simple, no-fuss plan designed to boost your strength, build muscle, and elevate your mood—all in just a few minutes a day.

No equipment? No problem. Limited time? I’ve got you.

The video is from yesterday! I'm already one day ahead :)

This challenge works for everyone, whether you’re new to exercise or looking to shake up your routine.

What Is the 100 Reps January 2025 Challenge?

It’s as straightforward as it gets:

1. Choose Your Move: Select a calisthenics exercise. Options include:

   • Push-ups
   • Pull-ups
   • Dips
   • Rows
   • Squats
   • Knee raises

2. Do 100 Reps Daily: Split them into sets that suit your fitness level. Can’t hit 100 in one go? Break it into smaller sets like 10x10 or 5x20.

3. Switch It Up: To avoid overuse injuries, don’t repeat the same exercise two da

   ...

Best Lower Back Stretch for Pain Relief

A Move You Can Do Anytime, Anywhere!

Lower back pain is a frustrating and common issue, often rooted in the quadratus lumborum (QL).

This deep-seated muscle in your lower back plays a key role in stabilizing your spine and supporting your posture.

But when it’s tight, weak, or both, it can cause discomfort that affects your daily life.

Good news—you can take control with a simple stretch that targets this area effectively.

Whether you’re at home, in the gym, or even traveling, all you need is a doorway or pull-up bar to get started.

Why the Quadratus Lumborum Matters

The QL doesn’t get as much attention as bigger muscles like the glutes or hamstrings, but it’s a powerhouse for stability and movement.

It connects your pelvis to your spine and ribs, helping you bend, twist, and support your upper body.

When it’s not functioning optimally, you might feel stiffness, achiness, or even sharp pain in your lower back.

A weak or tight QL can al...