Meet Adam Waring, Aussie Ninja Warrior

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Adam Waring is training to be the first Australian Ninja Warrior and the first Aussie to compete on American Ninja Warrior. He created his Aussie Ninja Warrior website to help create the amazingly supportive community in Australia that American currently has.

1. How did you first hear about American Ninja Warrior--is it popular in Australia?

Bizarrely, it was a young Olivia Munn that got me into American Ninja Warrior. The original Ninja Warrior show from Japan is called Sasuke, and I used to love it with all my heart. Eventually they had a couple of American competitors who were interesting, but I never really thought a lot about it until they showed Ms. Munn coming back a second time after training all year to pass the first obstacle--and that lead me to investigate and find American Ninja Warrior which promptly became my favourite.

American Ninja Warrior has only just started airing on Australian television, so for years and years I tried hard to track down episodes Due to regional constraints you couldn't watch them on Youtube or buy them from Amazon, so I had to convince overseas family friends to help me out. Now that Australian Ninja Warrior has been announced to air its first season in 2017, I think interest is very definitely rising. I think Australian Ninja Warrior could be absolutely massive. Aussies are extremely sporty and competitive, so I'm guessing it should fit into our cultural identity more than any other reality TV show.

2. What made you decide that you wanted to be on the show?

I've always been hugely into computers, even as a young kid. I'm an IT guy by trade and loved computer games and programming more than anything else. Predictably, I developed extremely severe RSI in my hands and was suddenly faced with not being able to do any of the things I loved and was good at.

I was devastated for a long time, especially after a huge number of specialists would each promise resolution, and my condition would get worse as time moved along. Eventually, while moping around and feeling sorry for myself, I found the Japanese Sasuke and became a massive fan, and that got me out and training and excited about obstacle courses. I was always terrible at sports, but obstacle courses I was actually really good at really quickly.

A year ago, my partner and I were ready to change life up and decided to move overseas. America became our destination and so it was decided by everyone who had ever met me that I should train and try out for American Ninja Warrior. Then a couple of months ago they announced Australian Ninja Warrior, so looks like I'll be heading back home for a bit of fun.

3. What's your training regimen been like?

Training has been really fun, but actually extremely difficult. Unlike most other sports and disciplines, you have to be good at everything because you have no idea what is going to be thrown at you. So, rock climbing and parkour are a good start, which I started learning last November, and then it's just a heap of exercises. I don't do weights at all because I want to be light and agile, so a lot of body weight exercises and then a heap of training on obstacles where I can and swinging off all the things.

I actually developed a few tendonitis/overuse injuries because I just threw myself into training trying to develop all the muscles and all the skills. Now I'm a lot smarter and have structured three rest days a week into my training week so that I give myself a chance to recover and give all the tendons and fascia around the muscles to develop.

4. Why did you need to move to Portland, Oregon, and what are your plans leading up to appearing on the show in 2017?

I ended up in Portland, Oregon purely by accident. We had no idea it might be the fittest city in America when we moved here. We had no idea there was so much rock climbing and snowboarding and cycling to do here. We only knew of Portland from the television show Portlandia, so really, we had no idea what we were in for. I love it here now; it's such a fun city, and everyone is so active and health conscious. It's amazing.

5. Would you tell us a bit about your website and anything else you'd like readers to know about you?

I initially started www.australianninjawarrior.com.au just as a way to keep track of my own training for American Ninja Warrior. In my training, I've found that America has such a vibrant and supportive community of Ninja Warriors--it's the course versus everyone, so all the Ninja Trainers, Rock Climbers and Parkour Freerunners I've met have been so generous with their time and knowledge that I wanted to share that with my fellow Australian Ninja Warriors, so I’ve changed www.australianninjawarrior.com.au to be a one-stop shop for this budding community and sharing my experiences and training tips. When I first started training, I found it really hard to find any information on how to start, what do to, how to tackle anything, so I'm trying to remove that barrier for my Aussie Ninjas.

Thanks, Adam!

Introducing HealthZoned, a Health and Fitness Blog

HealthZoned is a new blog with a focus on health and fitness. The articles have a conversational and informed tone. You'll find information on a variety of subjects--for example, I enjoyed a recent post about the nutritional benefits of eating dried dates.

I like that the site has very specific information about topics you might not find elsewhere. There's a whole series of articles on the health benefits of specific foods such as asparagus, arugula, and edamame. I love nutrition info, so that was what drew me to the site, but there are articles on fitness, too, on topics like how to naturally build muscle mass. HealthZoned also distinguishes itself by having an entire section about oral health.

I asked the site's founder, Paul, about his goals for the site, and he said, "I plan to make Healthzoned.com a trustworthy source of health information, and as time goes on, I want to make it into a big community with common interests." As he takes time to build up the community around the site, Paul described his plans as follows: "I will focus on writing the things that mostly interest me and what I consider to be essential for every person to know in life about the topics of health, fitness, and general nutrition."

I'll be interested to see how HealthZoned grows over time!

Introducing Mommy Morsels, a Personable Blog about Moms

Roxanne is a blogger who knows her audience: because she understands that moms are often busy and short on time, she keeps her blog posts on Mommy Morsels sweet and to the point. Better yet, she does this while maintaining a friendly, warm tone and without sounding hurried or terse at all.

The posts on Rox's blog address her personal experiences becoming a new mom in her 40s. She has been a fitness professional for years, so she also talks about topics related to health and fitness. The blog has a very practical feeling to it--I get the impression that her goal is to share useful resources with her readers. In other words, if you want to sit down for a few minutes and pick up an interesting tip or two, it would be worth your time to zip over to her blog!

While most of the posts are applicable to moms everywhere, there are also some posts with added benefits for moms in the Toronto area, which is where Rox is based. For example, a recent post invited readers to participate in a special 30-day fitness challenge led by a friend of hers who runs a spa in Toronto.

You'll find ideas for post-pregnancy stretches, information on the benefits of coconut water, and a range of other information. I think you'll agree that this is a blog with a good heart behind it.

Meet Bruce (The Fit) Boss Drogo, Trainer and Fitness Business Consultant

Bruce (The Fit) Boss Drogo is a high performance trainer who specializes in fitness business consulting. Bruce was featured in a previous interview on With Five Questions, and now he returns to answer more questions, sharing his insider's perspective on how to start and operate a successful fitness business.

1. What are some aspects of the fitness industry that entrepreneurs might not be aware of and which you can help them to handle as they launch their fitness businesses?  

Launching a fitness business takes a magnitude of organization. The fitness industry is both demanding and competitive, two of the biggest aspects that should be focused on. To be successful in this business you need creativity. Opening a gym isn't as simple as it may seem. The key is having a flawless program. The MMAXOUT program is extremely successful because throughout the years I've created the program to be free of imperfection.

2. What do business owners gain by partnering with your team of experts?

As a business owner, you will gain a highly successful gym that has only growth and profitability in its future. Our team of experts was individually trained by me to present you with the same theory of success which I've instilled in them. We want nothing more than absolute perfection for your business. 

3. Would you tell us a little more about the diverse training methods you emphasize through MMAXOUT?

MMAXOUT was created with the theory of muscle confusion. My program is diverse and unique. The program is built on a structure that will ultimately supply you with the best physique that your body is capable of achieving. Each week is a versatile workout. Mmax interval is based on high intensity interval training. Mmax Rep is a magnitude of repetitions which increases endurance and strength. Mmax Lean is circuit training that will torch an insane amount of calories along with building cardio. Mmax Extreme is the theory of martial art based shadow boxing techniques where you will gain knowledge and the ability to execute proper form.

4. What inspired you to expand your own efforts from being a personal trainer to supporting the efforts of other people who are opening and operating gyms and other fitness-related businesses?

My inspiration came from the rewarding experiences I've had in the past. My personal training has definitely been successful; however, I enjoy the repercussions of helping others succeed in opening gyms the way I've succeeded. I've studied the fitness industry so intently that I now know the key to a successful and profitable facility; why not share that with others?

5. For people who are already working in the fitness industry and want to expand their professional opportunities, what might you suggest, based on your own experience?

   Based on my personal experiences, I have found that expanding more into the consulting aspect has been extremely beneficial for me. I have gyms all over the world seeking expert advice from me about how to go beyond just basic personal training and gym ownership.  

Thanks, Bruce!

Meet Bruce Boss, CEO at MMAXOUT Fitness

Bruce (The FIT) Boss has trained over 100,000 students in his career teaching MMA, fitness, and nutrition. He is known as an encyclopedia in the MMA fitness world. Students ranging from US military, big-city SWAT cops, and private security have trained with Bruce. He helps produce amazing results in his clients physique while showing them a healthy way of living.

The CEO at MMAXOUT Fitness, Bruce describes MMAXOUT as the largest, most cultivated group of trainers with a positive mindset for your business, from the moment you start looking for a facility through the lease negotiation process or rebuilding your current business center and beyond. MMAXOUT trainers are well-educated on all aspects of the fitness industry. Each and every one of their personally selected trainers strives for positives changes in all of their clients.

1. For individuals who want to alter their workouts, how will adding martial arts components be beneficial to a fitness program?

Adding martial arts to a fitness program will positively change a fitness structure. It will give clients more versatility to their workout. It will increase coordination, and make you stronger and more flexible. Martial arts not only improves cardiovascular health, but you will attain weight loss, and increase muscle tone, reflexes, and mood. Adding martial arts to a fitness program will create such muscle confusion that the results will be striking.

2. For personal trainers and instructors of aerobics and other specific areas, what will MMAXOUT Fitness training add to their repertoire while working with clients/students?

Mmaxout Fitness training brings diversity to the board. In order to work with a various group of individuals with an array of goals, a trainer must be diverse. Knowledge of all types of fitness should be premeditated in order to help clients achieve maximum results. Adding Mmaxout training to one's current knowledge will allow trainers to help their clients attain guaranteed results.

3. How many MMAXOUT locations are currently in operation, and do have plans to expand to other cities?

With 68 locations and over 480 certified trainers worldwide, yes, our goal is to have over 500 locations by 2015.

4. What services do you offer in terms of training and consulting?

Our Starter Method for Success... All of us, at Mmaxout Fitness, are revamping fitness gyms to a modern, state of the art, business level. Besides our fitness expertise, we supply you with all the next plus more:

* Improved monthly earnings
* Ways to systematize treatments
* Increased customer maintenance
* Redesigned exercise routines
* Maximization of your time
* Overall bottom line achievement
* High Caliber Referral Site Generator
* Much more

We'll collaborate with you and your team to examine approaches to increase your location. We supply a skilled perspective of what health and fitness customers absolutely expect to have from your center.

5. What advice do you have for someone who is considering opening or expanding a fitness franchise?

Advice we would voice is that in order to become the best you need to experience the best. Adding Mmaxout training creates positive changes for business.

Thanks, Bruce!

Meet Julia Buckley, Fitness Writer and Trainer

Julia Buckley is a fitness writer and trainer based in London, England. She writes for many top health and fitness magazines, and her first book, The Fat Burn Revolution, will be available in January 2014. For more about Julia and her work visit www.juliabuckley.co.uk. Julia also shares advice, tips and news on her fitness blog.

Photo credit: Ciaran Hanway

1. When did you first become interested in fitness training?

I hated sports at school, but when I was 16, I tried a Jane Fonda exercise video and loved it! I exercised fairly regularly after that with various at-home programs and then later in gyms. My passion for fitness gradually snowballed over the years until it became inevitable that I would dedicate my career to it.

2. Why did you decide to offer online fitness programs, and what do you think are the benefits of the online format?

I’ve been offering a 12 week fat loss fitness program online since October 2012 and am currently coaching the third group to do it. The internet allows me to share my passion for fitness and to help people all over the world get the bodies they want. It means I can reach them in their own homes (and anywhere they have internet access) and be available to them whenever they need me. For many people this works much better than only seeing their training for a few hours per week: it's a lot more affordable, and more convenient for people who can't get to gyms. Plus I can give them more detail on what I'm asking them to and why than you might be able to get with in-person PT sessions. I'm able to constantly support and encourage and remind them of what they need to do to reach their goals.

3. What has the response been to your programs from participants and from the media?

Oh gosh, it's hard to know where to start with this one. I don't want to sound boastful, but my program has transformed lots of people's bodies and lives and that's something I'm very proud of. Every single person who has completed my 12 week fat loss fitness program finished with fantastic reductions in excess body fat, outstanding levels of fitness, and heaps of healthy habits and training know-how that will help them continue to make progress with their fat loss and/or fitness training. I've been in tears many times while reading their "thank you" messages. It is immensely rewarding.

The program has received some excellent coverage in the media, locally, nationally, and internationally. Probably the article that got the most attention was this piece on the Daily Mail website.

4. How did your online programs and your fitness blog lead you to write a book?

I'd actually got the contract to write the book before I started offering the online program. I'd been researching and recommending the techniques and type of training for a long time, but it was getting the book deal that spurred me to create a structured program aimed specifically at people wanting to shed fat. The first online program I ran was a pilot project so I could test out and refine the regime based on the feedback and results of real people, but it was so successful that I've carried on offering it as an online course. The online program offers a rather different experience to what readers of the book will get because they have regular contact with me and I'm able to personalize the exercise a little more to suit their needs. Plus there's group support and they keep a journal on their training and diet which I check regularly, so there's that sense of "accountability" to keep them on track, too. But readers will be able to follow the same fitness program from the book, and obviously, it will be a much cheaper option for those that are not able to invest in personal coaching.

5. What would be your top three suggestions to someone who would like to burn more fat on a regular basis?

Lift heavy weights. A lot of people think that the best way to shed fat is by doing lots of steady cardio. You can lose fat that way, but it's not the optimal type of training for fat loss. By adding muscle to your body you will burn more fat all of the time as well as improving your shape.

Keep processed carbohydrates to a minimum. Sugary foods are the worst type of foods you can eat when fat loss is your aim. They are not only fattening, but also addictive and energy-sapping. Most people know that, but a lot don't realize how things like bread and pasta can inhibit fat loss. They are just "meal-bulkers" which offer very little in the way of nutrition (or taste) and act in a very similar way to sugar in the body. I recommend replacing them with lots of vegetables.

Exercise because you love your body, not because you hate it. Some people try to find motivation by beating themselves up about the condition of their bodies. This is usually actually demotivating and only makes them feel like crap! Once people get past this and start to feel good about the positive steps they're making towards their goals, they start getting fantastic results. The better they feel about their bodies, the more they want to train and the better eating choices they make. The more they train and the better eating choices they make, the better they feel about their bodies. And so it goes on. It's a wonderful thing!

Thanks, Julia!

Note: Julia also dispenses daily tips and advice on Twitter, follow her at: www.twitter.com/Julia_B.

Spinner Bikes from Mad Dogg Athletics

I think one of the reasons a lot of people are giving away their old bikes on craigslist is that they're looking for a stationary bike that allows them to do spinning.

Describing their business as a "equipment-based education company," the folks at Mad Dogg Athletics not only sell spinner bikes, but they also offer a range of biking accessories as well as training products such as DVDs. They create and sell indoor cycling bikes meant to meet the needs of consumers who want to train at home. The company's founders first started making spinner bikes in their garage back in 1991, and the fitness trend has exploded from there.

The compact "FIT" model and the beginner's "Sport" model are each available for under $500. As prices increase, different models offer more customizable features for individualizing the ride experience.

I used to think of spinning as a strictly gym-based activity, but no more!

Meet Richie Mishal, Bodybuilder and Nutritionist

Richie Mishal has 22 years of experience in bodybuilding, fitness, and nutrition. He invites readers to check out his blog as a source of reliable fitness information provided by one of the world's best nutritionists, as well as the website for his company, which offers supplements for bodybuilding regimens.

1. When did you personally start training as a bodybuilder, and what inspired you to start?

I started training as a bodybuilder at the age of 20 after I changed my sport from soccer to bodybuilding. But at age 13, I had already developed an interest in bodybuilding and had begun researching it. What inspired me to start training is what inspires a lot of people: I was reading fitness magazines and saw how these guys looked good and decided I wanted to look even better than them, so I started to work out.

2. How do you stay motivated to maintain your fitness, nutrition, and bodybuilding goals?

I love to be fit and healthy. Also, I have a passion for bodybuilding and that keeps me motivated at all times.

3. What do you consider to be the role of supplements in a bodybuilding regimen?

Sport supplements are critical to a bodybuilder, and without them you will never achieve your ultimate goals. It's like if you want to build a house: if you don't have the materials to build it, that house will never exist. In bodybuilding, it's the same. For example, if you don't have protein to feed your body, you'll never build big muscles. Supplements help provide the raw materials to build toward your fitness ideal.

4. What is the key difference between whey protein and other proteins, such as soy?

Probably the most important factor that puts whey protein miles ahead of other forms of protein is digestion rate. It breaks down very rapidly. In fewer than 30 minutes, it can fast-track a good portion of its aminos to your muscles, and that quick delivery to muscles and muscle cells has been shown to be vital when it comes to pushing growth.

5. How can a consumer tell when a supplement is a quality product?

To continue with whey protein as an example: on its own, whey protein powder is far more effective than any other protein on the market. But the effeciency of individual products containing whey protein varies widely, mostly due to the other ingredients mixed into the final blend.

When you buy a protein powder, your intention is to buy protein and not carbs or fat, because they're easy to get in your diet. So when you're laying your hard-earned money for a jug of protein, I suggest you skip the blends with high amounts of carbs and fat. A quick glance at the supplement facts panel will show you how much of each are in the product, and that's the case with all other supplements as well. Doing your research and reading labels will help you recognize quality--and help you know what to avoid.

Thanks, Richie!