A few days ago, I had the opportunity to get on the phone with the creators of the new TACFIT Firefighter Program. Christian Carson and Ryan Provencher have been hard at work on this product for two years now, and the program has actually been in development for much longer than that. To say that I was impressed with their candor and knowledge would be an understatement. These guys are the real deal, and I’m going to go out on a limb when I say that TACFIT Firefighter is going to revolutionize the methods that firefighters in this nation, and around the world, use to maintain a high level of fitness year round – fitness that requires them to be ready to perform at a moment’s notice.
Ryan Provencher
Even after only a few minutes on the phone, it was obvious how deep of an understanding each of these men has of fitness training, and more specifically, how it pertains to firefighters and those in similar professions. These guys are able to break down complex ideas and explain them in layman’s terms, and their program operates in much the same way. I’ve had a chance to preview the materials and try out one of the workouts, and let me tell you, this is some sophisticated program design, but the way it has been presented couldn’t make it easier to follow on a day to day basis.
Interview with Damien Tougas About All-Things Minimalist Footwear
You know it’s a good day when you open your email inbox to find an interview that you’ve been waiting for nearly a month to get back, and that it was more than worth the wait. This is one of those interviews that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside – something I’m proud to publish. While reading through it this morning, I kept muttering to myself, “this is good stuff.”
It’s no surprise, of course, because Damien Tougas is truly a minimalist footwear expert. He’s been experimenting, testing, and reviewing all kinds of footwear options for years. So much so, that every time I’ve visited him, he’s got a huge bin just stuffed full of shoes just waiting to be worn for the first time. Yep, all the major footwear manufacturers send him free minimalist shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, and moccasins, among other things because they want his opinion.
On top of that, Damien is also the founder of Toe Salad: the Internet’s premier minimalist footwear website, but he’s the real deal not just because he’s tried a lot of shoes and has a snazzy website about them. He’s the real deal because he’s found a way to truly help people understand and benefit from proper footwear choices – and it’s not hip, trendy, new-age nonsense either. Damien is a really down-to-earth guy and he wants simple solutions that are practical and based on common sense. Personally, I consider him THE go-to guy for all things regarding footwear. Damien also happens to be a friend of mine, and he’s a very cool guy who enjoys a lot of outdoorsy interests. What can I say – I’ve got cool friends.
So, let’s get right down to it. If you are at all intrigued by minimalist footwear (or going barefoot) – perhaps on the fence about it – then this interview is for you. You will learn a lot – as I have. You’ll also notice that there are a lot of very useful links spread throughout. They’re included for a reason. So, don’t be shy – check them out!
By now, you guys probably know that I’m a pretty big fan of MovNat, which is why I was ecstatic when one of MovNat’s top instructors agreed to an exclusive interview just for you. I want to introduce you to Clifton Harski, who is a MovNat Master-Level Instructor. Clifton is involved with many aspects of the MovNat mission, but he’s particularly well-known for conducting workshops around the country. In this interview, he shares a lot of great insight about the MovNat system. Enjoy! Continue reading Interview with MovNat Master Instructor – Clifton Harski
Nate Damm on the Golden Gate Bridge. (click for larger)
From sea to shining sea. That’s where one man walked, departing from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware and ending on Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA. Nate Damm, a 23 year old from Maine, crossed the USA on foot, walking a total of 3400 miles in less than 8 months. He just finished on Saturday (Oct 15). I could blab on and on about what I think about such a grand adventure, but I’m going to let Nate do all the talking. It turns out that walking across America comes with a little bit of life wisdom, and Nate shares a wealth of it in this interview.
Just one thing to keep in mind: Nate offers up more than a dozen nuggets of wisdom in this interview (at least that I caught), and each one could have an entire book devoted to it. Actually, many books have been written on the subjects Nate touches on in both success and personal development literature. But Nate doesn’t beat around the bush and doesn’t need a whole volume to make his point. He just comes out and says what he’s learned in a very matter-of-fact style – sometimes in just one sentence. So, my advice to you is to take your time reading through his responses and pay attention to the way he speaks to better understand the transformation that has taken place in his life. The choice of his words will give you an inside peek into the mindset of a master.
TACGYM is a program that I’ve been eagerly awaiting since I first started practicing biomechanical exercises (aka basic acrobatics) from the BodyFlow system back in 2006. Yep, that’s before TACGYM was even a thought. I guess my wish is coming true after all!
Scott Sonnon, the creator of the TACFIT Fitness System
Tactical Fitness is the next evolution in physical training for the fitness industry. In a nutshell, tactical fitness makes every element of a training program relevant to the needs and goals of the practitioner. It incorporates everything that is necessary, and only what is necessary to succeed. Thus, being “tactical” about your approach to physical activity.
Scott Sonnon is at the center of the tactical fitness revolution, and is spear-heading the message with his TACFIT system.
I’ve been training under Scott’s guidance since 2006, and interviewed him all about his Circular Strength Training system (CST) in the past (interviews: part 1, part 2).
This interview is all about TACFIT, which is an outgrowth of the CST system. In this interview, you’ll learn all about the background behind TACFIT, some of the theory behind it’s development and design, along with how to get started with TACFIT today.
In essence, TACFIT embodies all of the most valuable aspects of CST (health-first fitness, incremental progression, injury-prevention, etc.) and applies them to specific training goals. It’s an example of the most direct application of CST.
I think TACFIT is a very valuable addition to the RMAX curriculum because CST is such a broad and deep system, and it’s easy to get lost amongst all the information. TACFIT provides answers and directions, with clear action steps for how to achieve specific physical goals.
OK, I’ve blabbed long enough. Check out the interview with Scott below, and get ready for a taste of the depth behind the TACFIT system.
Interview with Scott Sonnon about the TACFIT “Tactical Fitness” System (40 min)
Below, you’ll find an interview with my friend, Shane Heins, who is a CST Head Coach and an expert in clubbell training. I had hoped to get him on the phone for 20-30 minutes to answer the most common questions about clubbell training for building muscle. What actually [...]
On top of that, Damien is also the founder of 
