So, I gotta say it.

I just said to my buddy from the Marines, and I gotta tell YOU that too.

Sometimes, and not often, you come across men that really “make you feel it”!

Men that are the real deal.

Men that KNOW what life, rEAL LIFE IN THE TRENCHES – is all about!

Men that have been there and done that.

Men that are MEN OF HONOR. Outstanding bravery. And men that as (my friend once said) “could be born in the jungle and raised by monkeys, but he’d still have them as their BEST friends anyway, because they’re SOLID individuals, men of CHARACTER, and HIGH MORAL FIBER!”

(The above is coalesced from two comments into one, so my apologies if that sounds long).

And the most amazing part?

For most people at least.

That all this, and more isn’t something that can be measured.

IT’s intangible. You FEEL IT before you know it, and there is never really (sometimes) any logical explanation for it.

And I know this much.

When I first met my buddy from the Marines, that GRIP and the LOOK IN THE EYE – told me ALL I needed to know!

I didtn know specifics, of course. I didn’t know he was Force Recon. I didn’t know he was a high school wrestler. And so forth.

But I knew what was important.

And as that grip pulled me back like few others or NONE others actually have EVER have, I felt it!

I had seem him run up and down  mountains before, and he worked at a place I did before, but again … the point stands.

That first impression he made upon me was a damn good one, and very few people have done that to me my friend.

(and that’s what he said about me later).

Now, my point in saying all this…

. . . is that incredulous and unbelievable as it might sound, a man’s GRIP can tell you a LOT about him if you truly KNOW what it’s about.

I don’t mean you should try and crush everyone’s paws you meet.

NO.

But the way you grip, the way you move, that STANCE of yours (even if itsn’t a fighting stance) and the VIBE that you give off from being IN SHAPE (really in shape as opposed to puff buff nutzos at the gymmmmmmm brroooooooo) … that just cannot be replicated.

And that’s what today’s post is about.

A man’s GRIP can truly tell  you a lot about the man himself and that really as ole Steve Austin so famously used to say is the bottom line, son! ?

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – And that’s precisely why I put out as many courses on grip training as I have. My Gorilla Grip Advanced book was recently translated into Portugese as well and should be hitting the shelves shortly – stay tuned! Until then though, HERE is where you can check out my grip compilation.

It lies in wait, doesn’t it?

The black MAMBA, the SNAKE (nah, get your mind out of the gutter if it’s there!) – that stealthily lies in wait for ages before finally STRIKING.

And when it does strike?

Boy oh boy. That prey is dead, often within minutes if you get my drift.

Now, I don’t know how good my biology is. I remember a very “sexy” teacher in ninth grade teaching us “anatomy” and me taking a particular instance in some of that if you get my drift (cough, cough! ?) but other than that?

Certainly no biology “expert” (and certainly no instructors noticing me as they did with my Math).

But I think I’m right. Speaking from memory here.

Compare that to the much larger anaconda, or perhaps even the Burmese python that can reportedly gobble up alligators in the Florida everglades (some idiot introduced them into the environment – WRONG MOVE!).

These are like a tank.

One constricts, slowly but surely, and the other does much the same.

Wheras the machine gun equivalent is the black mamba.

And in life, as well as fitness, I’ll take the latter – anyday!

Don’t get me wrong. The former is great. Brute strength for one is great, but without the mind to back it up, the “efficacy” of said strength is halved if not more.

It’s not enough to have power and strength – you gotta figure out and know how to use it best!

And this applies to life too.

Hide your strength, bide your time as I’m so fond of repeating!

If you’re in a war situation (especially these days), rarely, if EVER is the “real work” (not the “grunt work” but the REAL WORK) done by massive armies staring each other down and backing it up with weaponry.

The India China conflict means two of the worlds largest armies are doing just that as of now, and things will escalate soon, but the REAL work?

The REAL moving in the Indians did to prevent any more of their territory being taken was done by STEALTH.

It was done at NIGHT.

It was done quietly with not much fanfare or media attention.

And it was the Special Forces namely the Indo Tibetan guriellas that did it!

Don’t get me wrong. Regular army is and always will be needed to finish the job, but the real tactical blows, those that COUNT are struck by stealth.

You gotta be STUPID, for one to threaten someone openly even if you can back that talk up my friend.

Not saying you, the reader would, but a certain wacko did just that (I wrote about this before too) last night, and funnily enough, he’s about as far removed from beign able to back anything up other than his rear end into a wall when driving and then some . . .

. . . I mean, really dude.

DO it first, and then say it.

Or, PLAN first.

Lay in wait.

And THEN STRIKE when the time is opportune.

And if you tell the other person your intentions up front, well, you don’t have to be a reader of the common sense mentioned in the Art Of War – you’re disadvantaging yourself grossly.

Of course, to talk about Glyn and war in the same breath is just stupid.

He’s as far removed from a fighter or any sort of physical specimen. I remember him talking about the bail he jumped back in the UK and I’m pretty sure he still hasn’t “turned himself in” (the drunk driving I’m referring to above).

And I remember telling him a babyface like him wouldn’t last a second in jail, and I remember him sending long audio notes to – NOT the contrary, but repeating exactly what I said.

Ah, English teachers in China. Such an “interesting” breed a lot of them . . .

But back to the point.

Be a black mamba my friend in terms of FITNESS as well.

If you’re currently unable to do even a single pushup, then don’t brag about how you “will” get in shape.

DO it first – and then talk about it!

As Napoleon Hill famously said, Tell the world what you’re going to do, but show it first!

When I got started on my own fitness journey, I didn’t telegraph my intentions to the world (much like I don’t know in terms of LIFE, or when I start a new project etc).

I just DO it.

And THEN I’ll talk about it if need be.

Black mamba my friend.

Stealth, speed, cunning and most of all – that greatest virtue of them all – PATIENCE!

Rise up – – be a TRUE WARRIOR, not a keyboard junkie!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Here is the ONE definitive course on pushups that will have you bursting out of your SHIRTS in NO TIME FLAT – Pushup Central.

Had a great, great start to the morning, talking to a few old friends.

One of them was Charles, whom I’m written about before. And I’m glad to report that despite our many disagremeents, we can still sit down together and discuss issues face to face, MAN to MAN, frankly and civily, and enjoy a beer or two, or MORE post discussion!

Unlike a certain wacko I’ve written about before whose currently on welfare in the UK and in the hospital apparently for yet another self inflicted drug overdose . . .

. . . and no, I ain’t got no sympathy for lunatics like that. For reasons mentioned months ago.

Hannibal Lecter might.

But even Lecter can back his talk up, and this guy, with his man tits hanging right down to his waist, well, the less said the better! Hehe.

Anyway, that was one thing. Second was something I wrote about on another site, someone that kept me up in the “wee” hours of the morning if you get my drift. ?

And the third, and best, and perhaps what I listened to first (the voice messages) (and hey, it’s strange how it works – dreams (those that I have at least) usually come true in REVERSE for me in some way, shape or form, and it seems writing is the same!).

I spoke to my buddy from the Marines.

He’s back in the good ole US of A.

YIPPEEEE!

And he has NO plans to return.

Double yippee. Good for him!

And we were talking about the monitoring etc that China is doing these days on WeShat, and my own phone being monitored (it’s been that way for years. They don’t quite like people that say it like it is!) and the giant target on my back, and many others there.

And the fact that I don’t, and never have particularly cared.

And here is what my friend said.

“Rahul, they can bully me there, but I’m back in the US now”.

“Let’s see them come here, my Hindu brother from another mother!”

“Actually, you’re not Hindu. But you speak Hindi!”

My friend is nothing if not just as brutally honest as I am, except in a different way, and perhaps that’s why we get along so damn  well, like TWO houses on fire! ?

I then mentioned something that China has been secretly doing, that being picking up “dissidents” (or those they consider as such) from foreign shores such as Vietnam, Thailand etc (curiously enough or maybe NOT, countries that don’t have the clout to stand up to a bully, although truth be told, the last war they fought was with Nam, and they lost big time!).

And in countries like the US, Australia etc enganging in a systemic practice of harassment.

CCP members show up at Universities demanding to sit in on classes. They’re booted out, of course, but the mental harassment for the Chinese students there persists.

But even there, they’ve limited it to their own citizens for the most part.

I don’t think they’d dare to even DREAM of picking up a foreign citizen from foreign shores, I told my buddy.

And he told me what I thought he would. And more!

And this is how I’d feel too.

“Let them come! Let them come to MY LAND, and let’s see what they do then!”

“I am not even going to say a word, and . . . “he trailed off.

And here is the best part, and what made me write about it.

“I’m training daily now, Rahul! I’m getting stronger and healthier! And I’ve got muscle to GO – not just the show BS people flaunt!”

And he’s right.

And I’ve been saying that ever since I met him, and that is why HE, along with Marc the African Silverback Gorilla are the ONLY TWO people I repeatedly mention in my emails (from my circle I mean) – and books and courses.

Specifically Gorilla Grip, where the entire “prologue” contains the part about how I met my buddy.

And rightfully so.

He’s one of the very few people that HAS the grip and then some!

Real strength, real man that can back up their talk (unlike the nutzo who badgered me up and down with emails threatening to “tear me apart” and that I should “stay safe fugly”).

What a bozo.

Hey, Scofield (I know you get pissed at me mentioning your name). I ain’t a hard man to find – and if you want to find me – here I am!

Lets see if you can back your shit up!

And for the nonce, a huge CHEERS to my “brother from another mother” – and all of YOU good fo;lks out there reading it.

Y’all truly make all this worth it!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Here is where you can pick up the system that will build a core like granite on you. A core that will have people wondering if they struck their elbow on a “brick wall”. A core that will have even seasoned fighters saying “I’m wasting my time by hitting there”. Here is where you can get it – Corrugated Core.

Or should I say MORE on being that, as I wrote about this one before!

Anyway, I was thinking about it.

My daughter often takes FOREVER over her food, a fact “aided” no doubt by the “interesting” conversation going on between my “lovely wife” and yours truly.

When the former is in a good mood, of course! Hehe.

And I still remember asking her (damn near every day, and I mean my daughter) to hurry up and FINISH her food.

She wouldn’t be out of place in A Spanish setting, I’ll give her that, especially with the siestas and what not!

I would though.

Well, on second thoughts maybe not with that lovely Corona beer next to me . . . ?

Anyway, whats the point of this ramble you ask.

Carol, a former student of mine had this to say when we were eating lunch together (well, along with a mutual friend “Grace”) . . .

“You’re Mr. Fast! You do everything fast! Talk fast, eat fast, MOVE fast, and WRITE FAST!”

Tru dat, my friend. Though she didn’t quite know about the writing as yet (or maybe she did) and although I wasn’t exactly in the best of shape at that point (though certainly NOT a lard ass).

And yes, that’s how I am.

I do everything FAST.

Not always, but most of the time, I’m moving fast.

And it’s got nothing to do with not stopping to smell the roses, which I often do, but fast as well, if you get my drift!

Sandra, another student of mine pointed this out once.

“Rahul, please! You’re climbing a historic mountain – at least take the time to smell the roses, and look at the birds (apparently there was a different species or something in that particular mountain park in bonny China)”

As opposed to . . . who was it? Ah, that’s right. “Ginny”, student #4 who very crudely told me what sounds like music to my ears.

“No talking or teaching now! Let’s get to the top first!”

My type of gal, I should say. Student, of course.

There’s one thing I don’t so fast, by the way. aNd I’ll let ya guess what that is! ?

Anyway . . . again, point of this ramble you ask.

Is that FAST is the way to go when you work out, my friend.

Going on long walks at 4 AM in the morning, for instance, may be great for your overall health and “spirit”, but it won’t do jack squat to address that mammoth belly hanging down to your nether regions my friend.

Neither will long marathons build a ton of muscle.

And neither will gymming for hours on end really work.

Look at sprinters and marathon runners, and you get my point.

In fact, I take this to extremes.

I say and rightfully so, that workouts do NOT need to take longer than 5 minutes if you do things right. If you CAN that is. Most people aren’t able to get workouts in that quickly – but whats important to say here is a lot of people don’t believe in “quick workouts”.

And yet, when I Get them started on Advanced hill Training?

When I get ‘em started on reverse pushups and Hindu squats?

When I get ‘em started on advanced pull-up workouts that make your heart hammer like nothing else?

Wel, they turn into believers then! AND – they get into great shape to boot.

Be Mr. “Fast”, my friend (or Miss Fast, if that floats yer boat or is the case). It truly is worth it!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Discount coupon on the site for whoever guesses what name we ended up giving Carol (student #1). Have at! ?

Many years ago, Marc the African silverback Gorilla told me the following when I was in a spot (and when my at that time nascent business was beginning to “sprout wings”).

You have to make it work, Rahul. You have no CHOICE but to!

And did I make it work?

Well, you be the judge!

Ive often spoken about Napoleon Hill and the story he mentioned of a famous General in Think and Grow Rich when he had to fight against a far stronger and better supplied enemy.

He told his men to burn his boats as soon as they reached shore.

Why?

They had no choice – but to win – or PERISH!

And win they did, as history showed, and this burning of bridges is literally what you gotta do my friend to achieve TRUE AND LASTING success at anything you do.

I don’t care if it’s fitness, writing books, or just plain LIFE – if you TRULY CARE abou tit, want it to LAST and are NOT willing to compromise, then you just have to burn all bridges behind you.

Edwin Barnes certainly did that when he showed up at Edison’s office all those years ago, ragged from his “free” travel on a freight train and looking anything but the future potential partner of Edison that he boldly proclaimed himself to be when he walked in the door.

Edison almost lauighed at him.

But there was something in his demanor, that Edison saw, and later referred to, that SOMETHING which told Edison that this man WANTED something, and wouldn’t rest until he got it.

And from his vast experience of men, Edison knew the folly of ignoring such a man.

He didn’t give him the partnership on a platter, of course.

Barnes started out as a lowly sweeper, working for Edison.  For years he labored unnoticed, and then (I think it was 5 years at the least) one fine day an opportunity came to him.

Disguised as they often do!

The great inventor had designed a new machine which his salesmen all agreed would be nigh on impossible to sell.

All of ‘em.

Not Barnes though! He saw the opportunity, and POUNCED.

Much like the lizard hiding under my dishwasher. It waits and waits and waits for prey. Scurries away at the mere sight of me, but today, when an ant was there, it was boldy hunting that ant right there and then!

Patience truly is a virtue very well cultivated if you get my drift, partner!

And so Barnes finally got his opportunity, made it count – and retired at the age of 30 no less, so well did he do.

And got his coveted partnership, of course!

And that’s the tale I want to bring to you today, and as f ar as fitness goes?

Well, I’ve been “shooting the yarn” with Charles Mitchell recently (he emailed me back in response to an email about doing the right thing) . . .

And I asked him about how he was getting along in the pushups in Pushup Central, a book he LOVEs, if just because the exercises are so darn CHALLENGING and WORTH it.

And he’s getting there.

“Those fingertip pushups are hard as hell! They make the fingers HURT!”

But he’s getting there, my friend.

Day by day he works on them – and I have NO DOUBT that one fine day he’ll be writing back to me and telling me Hey Rahul, I’m at 25 plus fingertip pushups STRAIGHT – give me something tougher! ?

That’s the power of persistence and patience my friend.

My own gains were the same.

I didn’t get to 100 pull-ups per workout by magic. I worked at it, and how.

And slowly, day by day, I improved.

Some days were good. Some bad. Some great. Some hell.

And yet, I persisted, and the results are there for all and sundry to see !

And that’s the message today, my friends. Do the right thing for yourself, and live a life of integrity – and NEVER EVER compromise on your goals, or back down an inch!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Here is where you can pick up the book on pushups – Pushup Central.

PS #2 – And as I prepare to post this, shoot. Almost forgot. Leave yourself with no choice BUT TO – and chances are you will. That’s how any REAL (and lasting) accomplishment was achieved!

This morning, I woke up to an interesting comment (that to be honest I’ve heard a lot before in various shapes, forms and guises).

That being, a comment on yours truly’s spelling, apparently in one of my books Gorilla Grip Advanced Which I am currently getting translate dinto Portugese, I believe . . .

Actually, it’s not that book.

It’s my Fitness Pioneer – Volume ONE fitness tips collection that I’m referring to, and it ain’t Portugese (that is the other book).

It’s being translated into Spanish, and Gorilla Grip (Advanced) has already BEEN translated into Spanish, I believe!

Anyway, multilingualism and globalism aside – here is what the lady sent me this morning (the lady that is doing the translation for the book) –

Hola! Rahul. I’m very thankful for your understanding and trusting me. I’m working on your project. btw, have you had it proofread? I have some comments only on spelling.

(for reference, the lady is more than a month late on the translation. I’d normally drop the project right there and then (or was it then and there? ?) and find another translator, but times are “different” these days, and it isn’t just her that has been “delayed” on this).

And the reason she gave me was a good one. I believe it was something to do with taking care of her family, and more importantly, the VIBE coming off her words was honest, so I’m going along with her.

Anyway, my response to her email . . .

Hi Marielis Thanks for the email. Don’t worry about the minor spelling errors etc – so long as the final translated version is error free, thats all I care about. The English version is different in that for these books, so long as the meaning comes across, it’s all good. That doesn’t excuse poor spelling, but occasional typos are OK – no problem – so don’t worry about that! Look forward to the final translated version. Best, Rahul

Now, typos are something I OFTEN make in my emails and while I try hard not to have them in my books, often times they’re there.

And no, for the record, NONE of my books are proof read.

And it ain’t just fitness books we’re referring to. I think you “faithful” on this list know that I write in many more genres as well other than fitness, MORE than fitness actually, and not a single one of them “20000 plus words in a day” books are proof read or “spell checked”.

Now don’t get me wrong.

I don’t litter my copy or books or emails with typos on purpose.

But if some happen, they happen. That’s just how it is!

So long as the MEANING of the or behind the words comes across, THAT is what is important!

And THAT is one secret to banging out books, copy, emails quicker than you ever thought possible, and never have writer’s block – AND make money off it, in some cases a lot of money.

Donald Trump, who in my opinion is one of the best damned marketers out there once famously spoke of “the mind speaking faster than the fingers” during one of his Twitter posts (littered with typos)

And he’s right!

When you say it from the heart, that’s how it is!

Curiously enough, THAT sort of thing is what people want to hear, and read about.

No-one wants to read a book (unless it’s a textbook for school!) that has been re-edited 15000 times by an editor, so much so that the writer’s original voice is lost.

(I can hear my daughter chirp up in the background, Dad, is it really 15000 edits??!)

OK, she didn’t say that, but you get the point! ?

Straight from the heart fitness info that just flat out WORKS, my friend.

No frills, no fancy shmancy mumble jumble (mumbo jumobo) or other “shamianic” (sp?) stuff.

It’s yours truly – brutally honest – UNEDITED and RAW – and that’s what you get!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Don’t forget to grab your copy of the 0 Excuses Fitness System now. Do so, and join me on the 250 pushup workout I did back then, and will do TODAY!

PS # 2- And just so you know, this is nothing against the translator. Coming from her in her capacity as translator, that’s a damn good question actually in terms of spelling, but I’m referring more to the comments I get from OTHER people on all this . . .

A long time yours truly was afflicted with the “moob” syndrome.

Now, I have to be honest – despite my excess weight, I did NOT have “boobs hanging down to my midsection” as some guys appear to have (Arnie for one if you look at this recent pictures is a fine example of this).

Fine as in . . . “fine”, hehe.

Pity that it’s come to this for The Gubernator, and yet, that is PRECISELY what happens to a lot of weight trainees when they stop their repetitive pumping, toning and preening.

Sly Stallone is WELL known for his physique, despite the above.

But if you look at him closely when he is NOT Training, you can see the same thing to a smaller extent.

And don’t get me wrong. I’ve said Stallone is a legend – – living legend bar NONE, to be honest in the movie industry and a damned smart guy if ever, but sometimes these celebs DO let themselves get out of shape!

And it’s a credit to Stallone that despite his weight training, machines, and gym usage, he appears to do so the right way.

AS opposed to, hey, but we all know what I mean!

Now, back to the point – MOOBS.

And how to get rid of ‘em – FAST.

One, to train the right way obviously.

Intense cardio sessions as opposed to long drawn out “slow cardio” – and no, it doesn’t always have to be bipedal sprints, or sprints at all either. Hark over to Animal Kingdom Conditioning for one, or perhaps Advanced Hill Training (and despite this name, you do NOT need to train on a hill with these exercises to experience the sheer BENEFITS, and quickly) and you’ll see plenty of examples.

But here’s the point.

All the courses above emphasize a lot of floor work which is great, and GOOD.

And of course, the intense cardio.

But the point is this . . .

. . . for those of you with moobs, it’s ALWAYS better to work in some pulling exercise as well!

Yes, you’re right.

Pull-ups.

Or, just hang on to the bar to begin with after your floor work.

Let me tell you right now, although I kept training and (believe it or not at a certain point) was pounding out over 250 pushups daily along with other stuff when I was fat and obese, there was something ELSE I was doing which kept me from developing moobs (which I would have and had otherwise).

That being pull-ups.

When I got into the best shape of my life, ditto.

I did the 0 Excuses Fitness System, of course.

But I’d often do pull-ups occasionally as well, and of course my beloved hill climb!

And the reason behind this is simple enough.

Pull-ups pull the chest “back” giving you the packed chest look and the impression of having “less fat” around there (if you work in plenty of pushups and cardio while you’re at it).

Not to mention the super core work you get from the cardio and pushups just gets INTENSIFIED and MAGNIFIED From doing pull-ups . . . or any sort of hanging work for that matter.

And that’s the tip for today. A simple enough one, but I bet most of you haven’t thought of pull-ups this way as yet!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Make sure to get in the best shape of your life by investing in and then FOLLOWING the 0 Excuses Fitness system my friend. Yes, the “and following” is very important. Simply nodding the head won’t rock the boat and neither will simply pulling out that credit card. It’s about ACTION PLUS KNOWLEDGE, and the former is the most important!

Again, HERE is that link you need to go to.

Yes, you’re right. I know! I said this before . . . yesterday, or thereabouts I believe.

But it’s true my friend, and the little points I keep mentioning in these emails are points that are not only roundly and routinely IGNORED when exercising (by most folks) but also tips to get you doing things the RIGHT way, and on to BETTER and bigger gains.

Such as for instance, my constant carping on thick bar work.

I’ve received few comments if any (well, not “if any” – I HAVE received responses to that part of it!) for my constant insistence on thick bars, but does that mean they’re not useful?

Does that mean you should NOT do pull-ups on thick bars, even when you’re starting out?

Hell no my friend.

Folks focus on the “show muscles” way too much, and I’m here to tell you as always that the CORE, legs, back and GRIP are what really matter!

In no particular order of course, but I’d say legs, grip and BACK with the first two coming in very close – and the core a close fourth to the back!

It’s impossible to, for instance, have a strong core without a strong back to “back it up” (truly strong).

And what I want to say now is this.

When jumping rope, do so the right way.

Way too many folks, especially beginners and often times even advanced trainees focus on the “reps” as opposed to the movement and speed.

Or, speed in exclusion to everything else.

Much as I keep telling you with Hindu squats, huge mistake that.

You get the form done right FIRST. You THEN go for speed and more reps!

And believe me, it’s far easier to progress in the long term if you build that foundation right.

It’s not your triceps and shoulders that should be burning (primarily) if you do high rep rope jumps.

It’s your FOREARMS!

And you should feel the entire upper chest working without working it directly.

And perhaps mid back too.

Anything else, you ain’t doing it right.

You’re either doing what many people do which is to have “stiff” arms and let the traps do all the work.

Big mistake that again, and leads to super sore and tense shoulders.

It’s the forearms that really need to do the work of spinning the rope while your arms stay AS RELAXED and loose and limber as possible by your sides, which in turn leads to loose shoulders as well.

And it’s only when you master the art of doing it entirely with the forearms that you’ll become a “master” (well, or close to it, as I maintain you never really master an exercise inyour entirety – always newer ways of doing things!) at the exercise.

Same thing for pull-ups.

Focus on the GRIP.

Big time.

Not the biceps, or shoulders.

The grip and back. And watch your gains explode!

A couple of or perhaps more tips that should be the “norm”, but unfortunately aren’t around the world!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Here is where you can pick up the best damned GRIP compilation out there: https://0excusesfitness.com/gorilla-grip-the-compilation/

Ya’ll will probably get tired of me saying this, hehe.

And rightfully so in this regard. I’ve said it so many times already that sometime even yours truly “from the gut” guy stops and thinks about if he should post it – yet aGAIN.

And while I do stop and think, it’s only for a nanonsecond, or perhaps less.

Always a “from the gut” kinda guy, and while that might turn off a lot of people, ‘tis what it is. With me, what you see is truly what you GET, my brother.

And I just pictured myself doing pull-ups out there a minute or so ago in somewhat inclement weather.

IN nasty, stick, hot and humid weather.

You’ll remember the post I wrote a year or so, or perhaps before that about doing pull-ups in the RAIN no less.

And while that isn’t the case today, the point is this – pull-ups are pull-ups, my friend. There truly is NO OTHER exercise like it.

Much like there’s no other exercise like pushups done right!

But for me, pull-ups have always been about core strength, low body fat and SOLID upper body strength, and of course, most of all grip.

Not for me the silly preening and posing while people “swing their way up halfway to the bar”.

Certainly NOT any kipping as apparently advocated by Crossfit etc. If there ever was a worse thing for your shoulders than kipping (other than the bench) I;m yet to see it.

(Sure, if you’re already built yourself up to sets of 10 pull-ups and more then it might not hurt you – but it won’t benefit you in any damn way, I’ll tell you that! And for most people I do NOT recommend kipping of any nature, shape or form. Do them naturally, and do ‘em right, and you’ll see how quickly you progress).

Now, here is the reason I bring this up again.

A reason that I’ve often stated before.

And a reason that is roundly ignored, so I’m just gonna say it YET AGAIN.

That being, WHERE you do your pull-up has a huge, huge impact on both your performance and strength levels.

Don’t get me wrong. Doing them on regular pull-ups bars is perfectly fine.

Or regular chinning stations.

But you really, really start to benefit once you do ‘em on THICK bars.

And no, not the kind of thick bars you fashion out of those grips etc that they put on the regular pull up bars.

Those are great, sure, but the real Mc Koy as it were in fitness (when it comes to pull-ups?)

It’s doing them on ULTRA thick bars.

Like iron pipes.

Bars so thick even those of you with big hands can’t get your hands more than halfway around ‘em.

And you do DEAD hangs GALORE on these too!

Those two things, my friend are truly what will get you to “brute strength” status, along with the FEELING that goes with being TRULY STRONG and PREPARED FOR ANYTHING, which is what ultimately counts at the end of the day.

And it probably will also be the most ignored, which is fine.

Hey, Rahgul Mookerjee ain’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Especially after the mis spellings etc you routinely see in my emails and that people (some) point out on occasion.

But for those of you that train the REAL way – well – guess what. I’m here for ya – and always WILL BE!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Go HERE to pick up the best damned manuals on pull-ups (again I CHALLENGE you to find something better) on pull-ups!!

When I was learning how to box WELL (still very much a work in progress! ?) Marc the African Silverback Gorilla, a high level boxer who was training me gave me a brief “mini trap massage”.

The kind where you slap the traps around a little, pinch a little, and I knew what he was trying to do (and he said it, of course).

“Loose, Rahul! Shoulders are too tense there!”

And he was right, of course. And that happens often times if you’re really “straining” to get it right, but as Marc righly said.

“Snake’s tongue, Rahul!” (when jabbing).

This afternoon while jumping rope, this truism came home to me again,

I was hitting 750 jumps without a break when it’s normally 500-550.

And in the middle of it all I noticed myself subconsciously getting tense in the shoulders and traps, and arms “raised up slightly”.

And I don’t care if you’re doing pull-ups, pushups, boxing or jumping rope – keeping the upper body – and especially shoulders, traps and upper BACK loose, limber and flexible is of key.

The exact OPPOSITE thing that happens when you train with heavy ass weights (for the most part if you don’t do it right).

The emphasis during all these exercises should be on the GRIP, forearms and – get this – and YES – CORE!

Yes, my friend.

It’s your forearms and wrists and calves and core than power you through when you’re jumping rope, NOT the extra shoulder movement!

And the arm positioning while jumping rope is also key. You do NOT want to be either too narrow or too far for one . . .

Lots of people do pull-ups where they don’t go all the way down into a dead hang.

These dead hangs have a bad rep for whatever reason, even amongst real fitness experts.

And my take on this is as such – unless you can go into a dead hang and hold for time you’re not fully relaxing either the shoulders/traps, and you ain’t unlocking your full potential by FAR.

Neither do you have a very strong grip for that matter . . .

Anyway, grip is something I focus upon a lot my friend, and with good reason.

You on this list probably see why I’m writing to you about it too!

And in terms of building your grip to the max level possible, insane levels at that, go right HERE my friend.

Truly the best grip compilation ever, and as for core?

Go right HERE – Corrugated Core.

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Remember, folks. Shoulders loose! Shoulders loose!!!