“Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.”
– Sun Tzu
Did you know that you can get down to single digit bodyfat and look like an elite level pro athlete in just three easy, twenty minute workouts per week?
And you can do it while eating whatever you want? It’s true…cuz I heard it on the radio… and read it on the internet.
Eight minute abs. That’s right folks, in just eight minutes a day you can get the abs of Cheik Congo (pictured). All it takes is a quick crunch workout.
No need to worry about your diet or doing any exercises that actually jack up your metabolism and burn fat.
Six minute muscle. Jay Cutler look out. Because some lazy schmuck is gonna embarrass you right off the stage next year by training no more than 18 minutes per week.
Four minutes to super strength. Wait til Chuck Vogelpohl and Louie Simmons find out that they wasted all those years and could have gotten so much stronger with significantly less time and effort.
Two minute conditioning. Poor Tito Ortiz. All those wasted trips to Big Bear in the high altitude. If only he had known that hard work was out of style and that he could have been in even better shape if he cut his training time down to two minutes per day.
What People Want to Hear vs The Truth
People want to hear that it’s easy and won’t take much time. I mean who wants to push a sled 90 feet 10-20 times straight? Who wants to do heavy squats? Or heavy deadlifts? In the same workout? That sounds really hard.
And who could possibly make the time to work out a few days per week?
A marketing guy once sent me an unsolicited email offering me his services. He told me that if I wanted to double my business I had to stop being honest. I had to make it seem like my workouts were easy, that getting in shape didn’t require much work and that the whole process would be painless and effortless.
To his point I put very little time and effort into my reply…
Fuck.
Off.
Getting in shape is brutally hard work.
I don’t give a shit what all the scam artists and marketing scumbags tell you. If you can’t handle the truth then you’re destined to be soft and weak forever.
If you’re twenty percent body fat right now and desperately want a six pack you had better be prepared to diet your face off and work harder than you ever have in your entire life.
When everyone is drinking beer at the football tailgate party on Sunday you’re drinking a gallon of water. And when the hot dogs go on the grill, you’re gonna have to pull out a chicken breast and broccoli.
And you’re going to do that EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR SIXTEEN WEEKS STRAIGHT.
Don’t have time to do hill sprints after work? Then you gotta set your alarm clock a half hour earlier and get up while it’s still dark out.
And let me tell you something else… NOBODY gets ripped in just three workouts per week. If you want to see really significant fat loss you need to be putting in a minimum of five sessions per week . For some of you 8-10 would be even better.
That means three to four strength workouts, three hill sprint or sled sessions and a 30-60 minute walk first thing every morning on an empty stomach.
I’ve seen fat fucks get on a bodybuilding stage in 20 weeks. But they didn’t say they “wanted” to do it. They said they were “going” to do it. And they did all that was necessary to achieve that goal. Which means, in the eyes of most people, their lives were pretty miserable for five months. It means no unplanned cheat meals and undying, round the clock dedication. But these people had the drive that most people don’t and were actually willing to work for something.
How Bad Do You Want It?
Wanting and doing are two completely different things. We all want a lot of things. But how many of us actually achieve our goals? How many are willing to put in the hard work necessary to reach the top?
Are you?
Am I?
“Twenty weeks?! That’s a lot of dieting and hard work. I can commit to six weeks but not twenty.”
Then go fucking play PlayStation and watch another episode of CSI. Nobody gives a fuck if you don’t hit your goals. You only have yourself to answer to.
No matter what anyone tells you there is no replacement for hard work. No training system, no diet, no machine, no gimmick and no supplement.
But most people fear hard work more than they fear death. They simply don’t have it in them.
How many times have you gone to a public gym and seen someone squat or deadlift? About as often as you see hot chicks during day light hours in Jersey I bet.
Better yet, when was the last time you saw someone do a good morning? Now that’s a hard, uncomfortable exercise. Who wants to subject themselves to that?
Bent over rows? They hurt your back.
Standing military presses?! Who wants to stand? You need to be comfortably seated with lumbar support while “working out.”
Plus, all these exercises take too long to perfect and the learning process can be very frustrating. Much easier to just jump on a machine, right?
I mean, you’re at the gym to burn some calories, not learn a new skill, after all. Power cleans? Only a genius with the mental acuity of Albert Einstein could possibly learn to do those properly. Who has the time for that?
What “hardgainers” are actually willing to turn off The Real World and go to sleep an hour earlier to accelerate the muscle building process? Or have what it takes to force feed themselves 3-4 times of day and sneak protein shakes in between classes?
Very few.
Unlike getting shredded, building muscle doesn’t require 6-10 workouts per week. Most hardgainers can get great results in 3-4 workouts per week and everyone else will do great with 4-5 sessions per week. But it’s still a 24 hour a day job that requires a monumental effort.
We are all brainwashed to believe that you can get bigger and stronger and leaner in a very short time, with very little effort and even less dedication.
But nothing could be further from the truth, my friends.
The only way to achieve physical greatness is through brutally hard fucking work.
That, my friends, is the main ingredient.
End of story.
Now go earn it.
***
PS. If you’re ready to put in the work and get insane results from your training, join thousands of other members in the internet’s most elite coaching group- The Renegade Inner Circle.










16. Nov, 2009
at 10:47 am #
Brutally hard work is the only way to achieve anything worth having.
16. Nov, 2009
at 10:50 am #
As always Bro keep doing what you do this post Was awesome…
I heard a quote from Elliott Hukse that said “get comfortable being uncomfortable” because that’s were the results happen…
16. Nov, 2009
at 10:58 am #
One of my favorite blogs to read. You always tell it like it is and speak your mind Jay. Keep it up man.
16. Nov, 2009
at 11:01 am #
One of the best articles I’ve read this year…
16. Nov, 2009
at 11:15 am #
Anything worth having takes hard work, and just as important as it is to work hard, it’s important to have someone yelling at you to keep you motivated and focused on the end result.
Thanks, man. Gonna be playing this in my head while hitting it tonight.
16. Nov, 2009
at 11:46 am #
Fuckin bad ass post bro I love it! The truth hurts and you are right most people cant handle it. I have had people ask me if my training is hard and told them to not come.
16. Nov, 2009
at 11:49 am #
Great F-ing post Jay. This is required reading for everyone. My greatest gains have come from both busting my ass in the gym and with my diet. There is no other way around this fact – you have to be disciplined with both and give 110% effort to achieve goals.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:15 pm #
This is a great post.
People are pathetic these days. Truly fucking pathetic. The lack of conviction I see in the weight room and in almost all activities is very disheartening to me. However its good to see that some people out there get it. I’m glad you can keep inspiring me with stuff like this.
Ill be thinking about this when im blasting mudvayne on the ipod and hitting 20 reps squats in a few hours.
This reminds me of a great quote:
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” -Michael Jordan
Stay strong everyone,
Chris
30. Aug, 2011
at 8:58 am #
@Chris:
Hey Chris,
My variation on a similar quote is “there are people that make things happen, there are people that watch things happen, and there are people that wondered what happened”. How many of your friends relatives and aquaintences fall into the latter 2 categories?? Great post Jay and glad to be back in Renegade !!!
Rob
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:22 pm #
I, too, am sick of people asking me how to get in shape when they don’t have the intestinal fortitude to do what it takes. Thanks for being brutally honest. Don’t ever stop.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:27 pm #
How refreshing it is to read the honest truth. Thank you for having the testes to tell it like it is. Thank you.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:35 pm #
Jason,
My reply to you with regards to this article will be short and sweet:
Fucking.
Awesome.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:39 pm #
Awesome article! Straight up and honest. Definitely one of the best articles that I’ve read in a long time! Keep it up!
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:48 pm #
Dude, this is one of your best posts yet! Brutal fucking honesty.
I work in a gym – I say ‘gym’, it’s a leisure centre [UK]… I ain’t seen one mother f*cker pull a heavy bar from the floor yet. Sure I’ve seen people lift the bar from the floor in the attempt of what they call deadlifting. But the damn thing has 10kg a side on it.
I see people squatting in the smith machine with a pad, because the free weights scare them. And God forbid they get a red mark on their back from a bar.
I told a kid about deadlifting the other day, and he told me – square in the eye – that I had the name wrong, and it was a clean and press!
I f*cking give up.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:58 pm #
GREAT post, Jay. If that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, I don’t know if anything will.
Speaking of hard work, my new favorite self punishment are 100 yard bear crawls after sprinting. Now that’s what I call fun.
16. Nov, 2009
at 12:59 pm #
GO! Great post! Most girls don’t like to work hard so props to all my ladies at Renegade that bust their asses every workout. They are no walk in the park! It’s all about the results, thanks J!
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:05 pm #
Let me hear an AMEN brother iron slayer! If you want it bad enough you have to eat, sleep, and breath this shit 24/7. PERIOD! So you better be ready to put that helmet on, buckle the chinstrap, put your mouth piece in, and get in the game!
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:14 pm #
SWEET AS!!!
And thats the simple truth, sweat your ases to be ripped!
Keep it up
Cheers
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:22 pm #
Jay,
another post where I am like “fuck, that’s what I was gonna say”!
Seriously, the truth! Can’t count how many people have come into my gym with some ridicolous expectations. Once you let them know how much work it’s going to be they look dissapointed and don’t even start….
Oh well, that’s why there’s the life’s 5%
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:25 pm #
I love the article, but I see hot chicks during day light hour all the time. Where do you live?
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:40 pm #
I’m just desperately glad you exit, Jason, and that you’re willing to put this out there. You’re writing the truth here. And even when I know the truth, I want the other to be true.
The worst thing? I feel stupid, biologically inferior because I have to work so hard, focus on my diet so much (god I love ice cream), when other people can do it in 20 minutes 3x a week.
Thanks again for the reality check. 1/2 marathons in 3 weeks – GAAH – who’s idea was that? ;)
16. Nov, 2009
at 1:51 pm #
Great post Jason, very inspiring. Keep telling it like it is.
16. Nov, 2009
at 2:14 pm #
Real talk!
Nothing more to say.
16. Nov, 2009
at 2:20 pm #
Very motivational. I think I’ll be re-reading this before leaving work and heading to the gym. Incidentally, tonight will be squats and deadlifts. Can’t wait!!
16. Nov, 2009
at 2:28 pm #
So very true. Things worthwhile take time and effort.
16. Nov, 2009
at 3:23 pm #
MAN IM GLAD SOMEONE HAD THE BALLS TO TELL IT LIKE IT REALLY IS AND NOT BLINDED BY $$$$$ WE R MISLEAD BY SO MANY PEOPLE TRYING TO MAKE A BUCK
16. Nov, 2009
at 3:35 pm #
This was definitely one of the better articles I have read in a long time about building muscle.
16. Nov, 2009
at 3:40 pm #
U’re awesome keep it real
16. Nov, 2009
at 4:20 pm #
Mate,
That is the one of the most motivational posts I have ever read!!
It’s currently being printed as we speak and is being stuck up by in my room to read over and over!
This is what I believe sets me apart from others! I am willing to put myself through something no-one else is willing to do to become better on the rugby pitch!! I have to believe that!
Thank you!
16. Nov, 2009
at 4:40 pm #
There are 3 types of people in this world:
Those who “Make” things happen!
Those who “Watch” things happen!
And those who say, “What the fuck just happened?”
16. Nov, 2009
at 6:16 pm #
Jason, just wanted to say that I love you posts, I usually save them in my inbox, to read again later, rather it be for a new lift or just for the extra push I need to get my workout in that day. Amen, Thanks brother.
Kenny Warrix
16. Nov, 2009
at 8:36 pm #
Jason. This was the most inspiring post I’ve ever read. I copied it, posted it in as many places as I could and made it my computer wallpaper. Thanks for the kick in the ass!
16. Nov, 2009
at 8:57 pm #
Thank you! No really, thank you. I don’t use curse words but I do try to impress upon people that if you want something, you can have it, but you just might have to work for it. It is not 2 moves to a better body or park your car at the end of the parking lot. You have to stop making excuses and DECIDE right now to go for it.
I am not saying you have to get in shape but if YOU are saying it, then stop whining and get to the gym. I have been there with clients at 4am, 10pm and everything in between. But here is the wonderful part, earning it, really really earning it, is so much more powerful than any magic wand. Who you are when you get to the other side is a different person than who you were when you didn’t want to cross the road.
Listen to Jason. Man (or women) up and do the (insert curse word of choice) work!! You will thank us later!
16. Nov, 2009
at 10:22 pm #
great article jay. it’s nice to see someone that truly has passion in this industry and ain’t just running their mouth.
16. Nov, 2009
at 11:52 pm #
That’s real talk right there, Jason. I just hope the ones who really need to hear this, come across this post, read it, get it, make a decision, and get going….one way opr the other.
17. Nov, 2009
at 12:17 am #
when i was a kid my buddies were forestry workers. it was considered a scummy job.
Heres an example – high pruning – you have a 15 ft ladder – lift it from the bottom to full arms length over head, hook it onto the tree, haul yourself or climb the tree to get on the ladder, climb to the top of the ladder and stand on the very top rung,
Then reach as far up as you can with a pair of manual loppers and working your way down the tree cutting off branches by hand. Big branches required a hand saw.
So the tree started getting cut from 30 ft or so.
I did this one hot summers day and managed 40 trees in one day – I was fried beyond words, my heart was like a jack hammer at max output all day. Sweat hosed from my entire body – I even puked up in the truck.
Suffice to say – I quit.
But those old home town boys were the fittest bastards I have ever known.
The top guy had a record of 180 trees in one day – that is truley incredible.
My buddy was 19 & had a pulse of 40 bpm – these guys were way fitter than any of the guys when I was in the army years later.
28. Nov, 2011
at 4:45 pm #
My husband does this and by the way, he laughs at bodybuilders and fitness competitors because he knows they can’t do what he can, but he’s ripped
17. Nov, 2009
at 4:27 am #
your a funny fucker
“How many times have you gone to a public gym and seen someone squat or deadlift? About as often as you see hot chicks during day light hours I bet.”
17. Nov, 2009
at 6:55 am #
Man, this is good stuff! I agree 100% percent. One of the best articles on real training I ever read. Keep it up Jason.
17. Nov, 2009
at 7:36 am #
This is briliant. Always a good read.
17. Nov, 2009
at 8:23 am #
This is the best post you have ever written. I can’t wait to send this to all of my pussy fat friends who make fun of me for doing all of this.
17. Nov, 2009
at 9:13 am #
Jason you are soo tight on. I feel like saying this stuff sometimes but since I train women I sometimes bite my toungue (a little)
I have realized that REAL women that won’t complain and get what they want will not find this offensive.
I will repose this on FB to see what my women think.
They kinda already know that I’m not for the B.S.
thanks for this this is EXACTLY what I need to read this morning
17. Nov, 2009
at 9:35 am #
Thank you guys so much for all the comments so far. I really appreciate it and am glad so many people enjoyed this post.
17. Nov, 2009
at 9:43 am #
Nii, the girls at my gym train just as hard as any guys you will ever meet. I allow nothing less. They would put the majority of men to shame. The average guy can do 3-5 chins. My girls are doubling that. Plus, most of them squat between 135 and 185 and pull around 225. The average guy walking the streets can’t do that. Which is sad, but it’s the reality. And on top of that they are all highly conditioned. They bang out slaughterhouse workouts that most guys would get stretchered out of.
Years ago I hated the thought of training females. But with the crew I have now I love it. As long as people work hard they’re cool by me.
17. Nov, 2009
at 10:47 am #
Wow man. I dont know which article was more motivating this or the article you wrote in July called ” Are you among the 5 percent”. Thank you it means your articles mean so much to me. When all my friends are out getting hammered im at the gym going through most grulling squats, or deadlifts, or whatever it is I think back to the article you wrote in july about a life wasted. Thats what gets me through those last reps when i feel like I cant go anymore and i wanna put the bar on the rack I play that over in my head because I will NEVER be a life wasted.
17. Nov, 2009
at 12:30 pm #
Great post Jason! Cuts through all the BS and gets right to the point. Good stuff.
17. Nov, 2009
at 1:51 pm #
Just make sure you’re eating some fat along with the chicken breats and brocolli.
“Intesity is the only shortcut to results”
17. Nov, 2009
at 3:29 pm #
Not sure if he started it, but the first time I’d ever heard “get comfortable with uncomfortable” was from James “OPT” Fitzgerald. He’s a trainer in Calgary. Programs some ridiculous workouts too.
Nice post, It’s nice to read the truth. Cheers
18. Nov, 2009
at 12:19 am #
Well said. Thank you.
18. Nov, 2009
at 3:11 am #
If it were not completely out of character I would say, “Amen.” I think another guy you would like is Matt “Wiggy” Wiggins (I won’t list his website, I’m not trying to step on toes). Both of you have that no-nonsense, tough as nails delivery.
18. Nov, 2009
at 5:04 am #
You can’t “sugar-coat” the truth. Keep telling it like it is.
18. Nov, 2009
at 6:22 am #
I think most people are just CLUELESS about the time and energy it takes to get in shape–and the fact that they can’t chow down after leaving the gym if they want a body that’s strong and streamlined (no flab). You would think after so many months of EZ-boy weight and cardio sessions that men AND women would start to question, “What am I doing wrong? What do I need to change?”
It’s always seemed odd that people would look for “how-to” information on, say, building a house, fixing their plumbing or wiring, or going under the hood of their cars. But they so often “wing it” when it comes to the gym. The info is out there!