Why Are You Here?
What is it that has brought you to my website? And more importantly, I guess I want to know, is what keeps you around? What are you looking to achieve, specifically, realistically, in 2014, and how can I help you out? Will you share these things with me in the comments? I’d mean a lot.
I’ll break the ice and go first.
A few things I want to achieve this year in business and in health.
2013 was for me the year of getting published. That was a major goal of mine, and I accomplished it—twice (Paleo Workouts and Fast Diets). But 2014 is going to be the year I get back to self-publishing; where I have no more than 1 editor of MY choosing on my work at any given time, a person who is 1) jovial, 2) an intellect, and 3) me. Where I can write what I want, and say what I want—and give you the stuff that I think is most useful to you, and not have to quarrel back and forth on titling a book with a senior acquisition officer whose brain is, I am regretful to report, decayed mush. Time to get back to Pat Land, my favorite place to be—where the smell is fresh as autumn, the sun beams down like a benediction, and I am king.
This is exciting for me, because of what it allows me to do for you. There is so much I learned last year, so much I wanted to share with you, but couldn’t. And I couldn’t because my time, very nearly all of it, as you know, was swallowed and held captive in the putrid gut of that abhorrent and insatiable HellBeast that is my publisher, Wiley and Sons. But now, at long last, I am free.
I want to meditate more, I want to get back into Tae Kwon Do (haven’t thrown a kick in over a year), and I want to go to Europe purely for the exploration of it (plan for that, right now, is Spring. If you live over there, and you have some opinions on where/what I should see, let me know in the comments).
I have some great new programs coming in off the horizon. At the moment, I’m most excited about my new One Meal a Day protocol—which improves upon The Metabolic Reset. I’ve been using this myself over the past two months, and the results have been, well, let me just list them out for you. I’ve lost a smidgen of body fat, and a little muscle, too, admittedly (I’m noticeably more ripped, however), but my strength has actually improved by marked increments on the front squat, muscle up, one arm chin, and, yes, I’ll admit it, the bench press (I actually love the bench press. Forsooth, think it’s a fine lift!).
I get asked everyday when Birth of a Hero 3 is coming out. It’s not. I’m working instead on my new book, Becoming Minimalist. It will go far beyond eating and lifting, and it is quite sometime off. But that is my pet right now; I’m nurturing it the best I can, and trying to get it to grow some legs. My goal is late 2014.
Next month I’m going to make room for a few more online clients. Private online coaching is something I really love to do, because I love working very closely with people on reaching their goals—it’s immeasurably rewarding to me. It’s expensive, yes, but I’ve heard it’s worth it.
Also on the horizon: Som and I are launching a new newsletter—much like the Inner Circle—but specifically for fitness professionals. It’s a marketing newsletter—minimalist marketing, in fact—and our aim is to help people like you (assuming you’re a fitness pro) build an online platform, get the word out about your business, and help more people. More on that soon.
Speaking of the Inner Circle, my pride and joy. I’ve got some colossal things coming that way, too. No fancy sales pitch. All I’m going to say is if you aren’t already a member, come try it, because I think you’ll get a ton out of it. It’s $20/month–super cheap–and it’s my absolute best content. CLICK HERE for more.
I guess I should just make the announcement right now. Dan John is going to be a part of our next Killing It With kettlebells Certification, in April, which has filled my heart with so much happiness I could scalp somebody. We’ve never had a cert that didn’t sell out in less than a month—and for this one, four of the spots are already taken from folks who were on the wait list. This leaves only—twelve minus four is…just wait…let me figure this one out myself—yes, 8 spots. If you want one, CLICK HERE.
KIWK Graduating Class
Physically, emotionally, financially I am very contented with where I’m at right now. Just moved into a new house, Lola’s bowel movements are still regular, and our son Roan is plump and dimpled.
There are some things I need to work on; doubtless my nose would grow seven inches if I said there wasn’t.
Great content Pat, I enjoy following you and Geoff Neupert for motivation and easy breakdowns of nutrition and kettlebell wisdom. I am currently prepping for a Strong First level 1 cert in late February in San Diego CA. Thanks!
Nate, best of luck to you my friend. Let me know how it goes
Pat I come here because you have the best content. Simple as that. Proud to be an Inner Circle member.
What do I want to achieve in 2014?
1. Muscle Up
2. < 10% Bodyfat
Don’t remember why i clicked onto your website but liked your no nonsense approach
videos and philosophy. Had already read some of Dan John’s articles and Pavel’s
books- you seem to come out of that school. Can’t really provide a concrete reason
why i stuck around. I like to inject fresh ideas into my workouts and i get some of that from your site and others. I have never been good with setting goals,I am
now what is considered a senior citizen (hate it) but still trying to get stronger
and maintain a program as long as i can do it.
Smart and wise men, Pavel and Dan are, I’ve learned a lot from them both. Proud to be associated with them. Happy to have you here, Bill.
Pat,
Awesome goals for the new year. I’m happy to be an inner circle member and along for the ride through Pat Land.
What keeps me coming back to you and happy with your work is 1) Your concern for me. You show that in your writing, in your e-mails that you answer personally when I ask questions and in how your reach out to check on me. It makes me feel like you are on my side, my ally in my quest for health and fitness. 2) You are totally irreverent and funny as hell. Your sense of humor and insanity jives very well with my own. I like that. 3) You really know your shit about health and fitness and your protocols jive with my preferences (kettlebells, bodyweight and paleo(ishness)). You are on the cutting edge of what really works and once I found you and your information I was able to back off a lot in my own time that I spent scouring the web for genuine information. You do all that work for me and make my life easier and more efficient. 4) You have earned my trust over the last year of following your writings. You are up front with me, don’t pull any punches, and deliver information that I know is on the up and up.
What can you do to help me further? Just keep on doing what you are doing. The only way I think you could help would be to come to my house and check in on me. You offer more than any other online fitness guru that I have ever followed (and there have been plenty of good ones). Just keep on keeping on.
I could go on but I’m sure others will hit on many of the topics that I’ve skipped over. Best wishes to you and your new family in this coming year. I’ll be right there following along into whatever shenanigans you manage to whip up this year and loving every minute of the ride.
Chris
Wow, thank you, Chris. That means a tremendous amount to me, and ultimately, is why I do what I do. I would not have gotten into this business if I didn’t enjoy genuinely helping people. Plenty more shenanigans to come, my friend, keep strong!
I come here because you are very knowledgable and I love the content you put out. I love all the complexes that you give away! Also you’ve taught me so much about fasting and training in general. My goals this year are to be more consistent and to actually stick to a goal! Also I really want to get my deadlift to 400 lbs. I got it last year up to 365 so I fell short. Another goal I have is to be better conditioned. I train with barbells and kettlebells but I tend to skip out on a lot of conditioning work and everything else suffers for it.
Hi pat!
My goals for 2014 are 1. Pistol squat 2. OAP 3. 32kg TGU. Love your minimalist approach so would like to see ideas on these…
Hi Pat – I heard about you from in instructor in my diabetes class. I googled your web-site and I am going to give you a try… I am pre-diabetic and want to better my health, I have a father who is legally blind and a friend to had her legs amputated at the age of 43.. Been doing good with my diet (lost a total of 12 pounds in 2 month) and now I want to build strength and tone. I bought my kettles and will start them this week.. With and full time job, a part time job and school… Kettles will be a big part of my schedule..
Hi Pat.
First of all sorry for my horrible English. I am and stay around because, despite being an Endurance athlete? I love your personality and the way you face fitness. I’m quite lean (170 cms x 56 kgs) old too (50) Homegymformywifeandmyself-Level 1 Crossfit trainer and an absolute devote of Kettlebells which I discovered and started loving since my first sight at The Chronicles of Strengh and its weird English provided by its author. I mean you. I hope there is no hard feelings about me enjoying your website and letters for free.
Thank you very much.
Juan.
Hi Pat,
I love your practical, no bullshit approach.I want to get stronger, do another figure show and get these dekts capped!I also want to get back to playing live with a band, this time as a drummer.
I came here because I bought your Paleo Workouts for Dummies book and enjoy your articles about strength, fatloss, and conditioning.
I plan on starting the 90 Primal Workout plan next week
Andrew, please do keep me updated on your progress. Strong ON!
Great work Pat!
If you want to visit Amsterdam when you are in Europe let me know, I can show you around.
My goal this year is to do a one arm pull up, and do a full bridge.
Mo
Mo, would love to visit Amsterdam (Christine would as well); and I’m always up for meeting friends and new people. Let’s keep in touch about this.
Cool!
I started retirement in January 2014. I am 5’11” and 190#. I have always stretched and kept my strength level above average but I now want to go further. I want to be strong enough fo a 5K this spring, a 26 mile hike through the Cumberland Gap in August with the Boy Scout Troop (the scouts break the trail into two days) and enter a Warrior Dash in Indianapolis in September. To accomisb all of these I need mind and bidy strength. That is why I joined you. If I make it you are invited to come join me at any of my goal attempts (completions).
Danl, so far, you’re doing all the right things. Keep the course and you’ll make short work of these feats.
Pat,
My goals for 2014 are: comfortably be able to do TGU’s with a beast, Bench Press 300lbs, Dead lift 400lbs and finally a one arm pull up. I read your articles because you introduced me to the paleo life style and fasting, which has got me down to my goal weight of 160 from 200lbs with out sacraficing an ounce of my strength.
Some commendable strength goals there, Joe–all certainly doable. I will be covering some OAC progressions in an upcoming newsletter. Stay tuned.
Hi Pat,
Great article. I’m glad things are working out well for you. I’ve set several goals for myself this year. But with regard to being here as an inner circle member I have to say my biggest goal is he best shape of my life. Sounds corny and very passé but this year I have the tools to really help me with that in the form of the program we are on now. I know myself and what works and what doesn’t. Becoming minimalist works for me. It’s the reason I started coming to you r site and the reason I have stayed. Tailor made.
Great to have you Martin. Here’s to your strongest year yet!
First, Pat, I stick around because you make me laugh, but also because you know your stuff. I’m a fitness professional and have been able to use some of your complexes with some of my clients. As for my goals this year, I want to complete Becoming Minimalist without dying or eating a family member (!), I want to finally get my body fat where I want it (roughly 17%, but that’s open to change as I see where I am at that point) and, lastly, I want to finally, FINALLY do at least 1 lousy unassisted pull up!!!! Ok, I actually want to do one really good unassisted pullup, but you get the idea! Love, love, love the Roan pic, by the way, he gets cuter every time you show him off!
Dawn, we will get you there, I am sure of it. Keep strong!
Pat — I read you and stick around because you help me stay grounded. There’s a million programs around and as a trainer, I like to keep in touch with what’s going on in the industry. The danger of course is getting away from what is important just to try something “new”. Not much of it is really “new” … just repackaged.
Repacked–to that I saw, amen. Nothing in us, but that which can be covered with the tip of a pin, is original. The way to success, I’ve found, is not towards new knowledge, but lost knowledge, or knowledge mostly ignored.
Long before I was aware of your site I watched a youtube vid of you breaking down the hardstyle kettlebell snatch. I still think it’s the best intro to the lift I’ve ever seen. I have a lot of time for people who can make things as simple as possible. It makes it possible for a simpleton like me to learn something!
The thing that keeps me around is your humour. Whether it’s a sardonic critique of a crossfitter’s article on breaking muscle or a playful advert for an exercise program with LOTS OF CAPS and underlining, you make me chuckle a lot.
If you make it to London on your Europe trip, I can recommend The Commando Temple as a place to train.
I am happy to hear at least one person, aside from me, is granted a chuckle. The way I write, admittedly, is to amuse predominantly myself. London is marked, Pete–let’s keep in touch.
Why am I here? Good question! On October 1, 2013 I took a good look at myself in the mirror and did not like what I saw. A 41 year old married man with an almost two year old son and another due in February. Pushing 200 lbs on my 5’9″ frame and most of it was on my belly. First I found paleo. 3 weeks later I was down 9 pounds! Then I found Bloom to Fit and I still follow Srdjan. He is someone like you Pat. He led me to Chronicles of Strength and I became an Inner Circle member just last week! I am now at 179 pounds and this year I want to lose more body fat and pack on the muscle. I am excited about this year and all the possibilities!
It is great to have you here Coulson. Srdjan is a great inspiration, and does a ton of good. Happy to be associated with him. Strong ON!
I found an article of yours over at Breaking Muscle some months ago, and I was immediately hooked by your no-BS, clever and straightforward style. I was (and still am) glad I found someone whose style resonated with me, and I feel there’s a lot I can learn from you.
In 2014, I want to lose 15 kgs and 8-10% bodyfat.
I am preparing to do the snatch test, 100 snathes with a 16kg kettlebell. Also, 5 consecutive pullups are on their way.
And these are my plans just for the beginning of the year… 🙂
Hey Pat,
Stumbled upon your site while trying to teach myself how to use that handled cannonball deal. Really dug your take on things after years of wasting a lot of time with the old body-building type of working out without getting any stronger.
I found Pavel and Dan John through reading your stuff and then found Rippetoe through them. I basically learned everything I was taught growing up about health and fitness was either wrong or greatly flawed and your site and information was a big part of that. I even purchased your “for dummies” book(the title will remain nameless…). Despite the title, the content was pretty damn good and I’ll be passing it onto others in my quest to spread the the truths I’ve learned from you and those like you over the past 12 or so months. Keep writing the good stuff and I’ll keep wearing that spicy ass shirt I bought from you. Deal?
Anywho, my goals for the next year are to squat 405 and deadlift 500, both for reps. I also plan on being able to bang out 300 snatches with the old 24 in 15 minutes by years end as well.
Congrats on the new little guy and good luck in the new year you beast you.
Thanks for helping me kill time at work.
Pat, Im here because I love the simplicity of two kettlebell workouts that you have shown me. As far as a personal goal,at age 49, I’d like to get better at pistol squats. Paleo for Dummies was just delivered this morning and I’ll be digesting that. Ive powerlifted(500 dl/465squat/315 bench), Olympic lifted, done CrossFit & always find myself coming back to the kettlebell. As an FMS practioner, they go hand in hand. Looking forward to what you have to say this year.
Your wit keeps me coming back. As for my goals, there are too many to list. How about simply not being fat. Being fat sucks. So does being ugly. I’m only here for help with the fat part…I know you’re very busy.
What keeps me around? As your co-author Dr. Petrucci sums it up best when she said you are the “Mark Twain of fitness” because of your great intellect, wit, and charm.
Goals for 2014:
1) Pistol.
2) 12% body fat.
3) Most importantly remain healthy and be able to finish this 3 month case study.
I have a history of testicular cancer and for two years everything has been running smoothly. Recently something popped up on a scan that was concerning. Just hoping I don’t require surgery or chemotherapy–otherwise I plan on kicking this case studies ass! 🙂
Chuck, sending you positive thoughts, my friend. Keep strong! Here to help if you need anything.
I follow you because you provide very good, short and efficient routines! I’m a father of three quite small kids and need to be efficient, and by following you I realize that there is no excuse not to work out! 🙂
When I follow your routines I think that it would be good to have two KB of several weights, but I don’t… Have to moderate a bit…
My goal for 2014 is to get below 90 cm’s around my waist. I’m currently at appr. 91, but the two centimeters missing are really hard to achieve! I train quite a lot, so food would probably be a way to go, however I don’t want to make too much fuzz about it in front of the kids (I mean, no strict diet or so… just healthy and not too much)!
So, thanks for your inspiration, and keep up the good work!
Hi Pat
I do love your site as you have a great attitude and give me exactly what I need to hear, not want to hear, plus you don’t try to sell me supplements of dubious worth or holographic bracelets to harness my “energy”.
My goals for 2014: Get down to 155lbs and stay there (currently 165lbs), recover from surgery on schedule (torn labrum in right shoulder), then double press my 24kg bells by year’s end.
I am here because I enjoy your content. You are focused on your beliefs and I continue to learn. I am currently 192 lbs. This time last year I was 213 lbs. I want to get into the 180s and reduce my waist so that I can comfortably fit into 32″ waste pants with no belly over the belly. After that, I want to work on my strength and my physique. My schedule, work/family/grad school and my ambitions require that I am effective and efficient. This requirement is in line with your work.
Sorry for the lack of proof reading, I meant no belly over the belt.
Hi Pat..why do I stick around? You are one of the best fitness professional writers and demonstrators I have experienced. I look forward to the emails that come to me as they are full of wit and wisdom. I can honestly say I have learnt a lot from you and will be signing up for the inner circle this month.
As for goals, well last year I was 41, 240lbs at 5’7″ and am now 180lbs thanks to me, you, knowledge and the bells. This year my 1 goal is to get-up with a 24kg bell. I know it doesn’t seem that much but from where I have come from to where I am going, I owe you a lot on this journey. I work with homeless youth and have passed on some of your wisdom to them. I hope this year brings happiness, health and prosperity to you and your family.
Johnny, delighted to hear you’ve been able to pass my work on and let it save an even greater purpose. Thank you for that.
Pat,
Last November I stumbled across your website through a link in an article I was reading from Dragon Door. I was transitioning from a lot of body-weight stuff back into KB’s, and I immediately downloaded the Swing e-book.
After the cracks about Jeb and the pink KB – “Why Jeb, why?” – and Jesus weeping – well, I was totally hooked. I truly enjoy your writing.
I bought Paleo Workouts for Dummies asap, executed the 21-day primer, and am now on day 16 of the 90-day program. IMO you are among the very few who have put together an approach that is both thorough and actually makes sense. Your programs and philosophies are things I know I can stick with for many years.
My Fitness Goals for 2014:
8% BF
Pistol Squat
OAC
OAP
Patrick, good name. Makes it doubly good to have you here.
Hi Pat,
I am here reading your site because it has been, among many I’ve consulted, to be the most powerful strength & conditioning resource I’ve consulted that fits taekwondo. Simply put, it is the most fit for my needs as taekwondo practitioner and teacher.
Specifically, your teachings on kettlebell complexes and nutrition have been most beneficial for our needs.
That said, I hope to get your permission to post on our Facebook page the picture above of you and Som wearing your taekwondo uniforms. The kids, my students, would be most delighted.
Best regards,
Alain
Share away Alain, thanks for checking in. Good to hear from you as always.
I try and fine new challenges to keep me motivated and I came across your site, my goal is to became stronger and leaner.
I have been doing some form of exercise for over 30 years and I’m finding I have to adapt what I do so I’m into strength training at the momentand I’m stronger than I have ever been, The problem I have is weight that has appeared around on my tummy which came from nowhere when I hit 50 and doesn’t want to leave me, but I have just found the kettlebell which I love and hoping with some good sessions and cutting down on the carbs I can rid myself of tummy.
Hi Pat,
I came accross your site a little over a year ago and, like others, appreciate your both you health/strength philosophy as well as your writing style and humor. I just ordered Paleo Workouts (Dan John’s endorsement was just too strong to resist)and really look forward to going through that and trying your minimalist programming.
I am currently following a version of Dan John’s 40 day workout and love both your’s and his focus on daily practice and mastery. You mentioned once that you made a decision at some point that you are more committed to health than performance at all costs and that is a commitment that I share.
Finally, I am just extremely impressed by how you have built your business, your influence and your impact through passion, sincerity and hard work. This shows through in everything you do.
I’ve had some nagging injuries from overdoing the powerlifts a bit in 2013. I’m really interested in mobility (Tim Anderson’s resets are really helping me in this area), reasonableness (thanks Dan John — I plan on spending most of the year on the park bench), and mastery of movement patterns. I’m convinced (and you have played a big part in this) that strength increases will be a byproduct, which just makes a ton of sense.
Thanks for making sense.
Chris
Chris, great to have you here. And thank you for the kind words. Health first, it is, for me.
I forgot to recommend a place in Europe in my post above… If you go here, I think that it is worth visiting Stockholm, the capital ov Sweden! It is a very beautiful city with loads of islands, blue water, green trees, a royal castle etc, etc… There are a lot of nice family activities as well!
Thanks again!
/Martin
My 2014 goals are:
1. Exercise 5-6x a week
2. Eat using IF protocol
3. Lose 3-4% BF each Month
4. Run a 50m ultra-marathon
5. Run 2014 Ragnar Relay on an ultra-team
My motto is 3:59. It’s the time Roger Bannister clocked, making him the first human ever to run 1 mile under 4 minutes. At the time, 1954, running a mile under 4 minutes was assumed as “not humanly possible”.
There are 2 quotes by Roger Bannister which would fit for me here:
Preparing for the 1952 olympics Roger Bannister said:
I trained for less than three-quarters of an hour, maybe five days a week – I didn’t have time to do more. But it was all about quality, not quantity – so I didn’t waste time jogging, ever.
“Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must move faster than the lion or it will not survive. Every morning a lion wakes up and it knows it must move faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn’t matter if you are the lion or the gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be moving.”
The sky is the limit, I intend to see how far I can really go, not how far I THINK i can go. The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.