Here's a good little 4th of July workout to burn a few hundred calories and balance out all the over indulging. I recommend going to your local park or school. You will need a field & a set of 10-40lb dumbbells. Here we go; Read More »
This past weekend I went to Ocean City, MD to run a 5 mile course with a 56lb backpack while wearing full combat gear and boots. My goal a few months ago had been to attempt a World Record run here but unfortunately injuries nixed that plan. So instead I decided to go and do the run to raise awareness for all the American troops stationed around the world protecting our country so that we can do this sort of thing. It was a great event! Chris Klebe and the rest of the gang at OC Tri-Running did an incredible job. I had 4 great guys run with me, Rob, Scott, Mark & Brandon. Plus my wife Nicole. Thank you all very much! It's easy to get caught up in the me world of today but if you truly want to help yourself, try helping others first occasionally. It really does enrich your own life. I challenge each of you to try to come up with something that you can do, anything to help someone less fortunate than yourself and then do it. "Pay it forward baby!" It does feel good and others will thank you. Oh, you can check part of the run out here at this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn1ZKDWK5a8Read More »
Today we did a middle distance blast. Nothing fancy, but very effective if you want to stay truly 'full body fit.' Remember, fitness by definition is cardio endurance, muscular endurance & strength, flexibility and your body fat composition. To have well rounded cardio endurance, I like to incorporate hills & stairs, speed work, tempo runs, fartleks and the list goes on. This morning we hit some middle distance speed pace work followed by calisthenics: Read More »
Today was Millennium 1, back, biceps & legs. If you haven't done these workouts, you must give them a try. Great complement to your current workout program. I promise you get smoked. I modified this workout today by adding basketball court suicides in the between each block. Feel free to give that a try. If you have any questions, please let me know! Read More »
Here's a good blast to take you into the weekend. Be sure to get after it. You will need a set of cheap dumbbells & a park with benches. Guys, 20-25lbs & ladies, 10-15lbs. I use 40lbs but they kicked my arse the other night. Go for it! Here we go! Read More »
This is one of my favorite calisthenic workouts. It's named after John Morris a friend & client that has been with me for over 2 years. Option; the first set of numbers are for the insane. This can be modified for those just getting started. For instance, begin with 10 reps and pyramid down, 10-9-8-etc. Then strive for the big gun! Have fun! Please let me know what your time is. We can use this to motivate one another. Read More »
Today we mixed it up with some endurance, speed, plyos, agility and strength. I really like to shake it up and challenge the body and the mind. Started out with a 1/2 mile or 800 meter jog warm-up, then side shuffles, backward run, single leg hops, butt kickers, light stretching. FYI - this is a pretty standard warm-up for my group. Read More »
Congratulations to all my Gut Check Challenge finishers! The results are up. Great job gang! Also, a big thanks to all the wonderful volunteers for making it happen! You guys ROCK! Check out the photos on this site and be sure to join us Veteran's Day weekend for our next Gut Check Challenge! Read More »
People ask me all the time, "How were you able to do 1100 push-ups or 3000 crunches for Guinness Book?" Many times these numbers are almost too much for the mind to comprehend. Heck, they were for me at first. I remember when I first joined the US Army, 12 push-ups on my first PT test. That was it. You needed 60 to pass. That seemed virtually unattainable. But with the help of my 'friendly' Drill Sergeant I was able to do around 100 at the end of Bootcamp. How did that happen? Read More »
What is Fitness? I have asked many people this same question over the years. Many have said, "It's looking like a super-model or having muscles like a bodybuilder." I guess it means something very different to us all. Here's what it has come to mean to me over the years. Read More »
Here's a clip from the upcoming Strongman/Strength Conditioning Instructional DVD showing Joe demonstrating the combo Atlas Stone/Tire Flip. Attack it!! More »
Here's the first part of a Saturday Gut Check workout. These workouts target the heart, lungs and all the major muscle groups, unlike our weekday workouts which focus on different parts of the body on different days. This is the true definition of a 'total body' workout. More »
Digest: showing activity in non-member only areas for the last 7 days
"Joe Decker is my hero. He changed himself from slug to sleek and he'll change the way America works out. It's common sense, no nonsense advice that will change your life."
- Al Roker, Co-Host of NBC's Today Show
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"Joe is the real thing. His determination and drive will motivate you to get fit and will definitely help you become 'The World's Fittest You'! I share Joe's enthusiasm to get America fit."
- Denise Austin, bestselling author and host of Lifetime TV's Fit & Lite and The Daily Workout
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I've been in the Marine Corps for ten years and we do all kinds of exercises, all kinds of training, but believe me, I've been to the gym, I've done a lot of gym time, but being in the gym for an hour, hour and a half is nothing. An hour, hour and fifteen minutes of this workout is like being at the gym for three or four hours...
- Francesco Tessitore, US Marine Corps
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less than 2 years ago i ran 1 mile for the first time in my life...I'm 50 now i get up on Sundays and leg out 6 miles
on a Saturday when we have no class(everyday i have no class!) do i sleep in? no i go to the park and run Hell's Hill 10 times and Satan's Steps 10 times
just to mix up the gym routine i bust out the "300 Challenge" - boy is my back sore
instead of merrily running 1 mile in the Quivering Quads i opt for the 5K and wind up carrying a weighted vest up the last hill
while i could be in the comforts of the gym...I'm outside carrying 200# carcasses out of canyons, up hills or steps
instead of calling AAA... I'm flipping 300# tires and having fun
- Doug Haugen
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Joe Decker is one of the most inspirational people you will ever meet. Even though the workout is hard and whips you into shape, you have fun doing it! It is the best workout I have had after going to the gym for years and 2 personal trainers, nothing compares. Joe has run a bunch of 100 mile races and is the "World's Fittest" man so he helps you believe that you can do anything because he is so down to earth. I feel really lucky and privileged to get to workout with him! Thanks Joe!
Kerry P.
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I've tried gyms and personal trainers and Joe's class is the best. I'm not an athlete. I played volleyball in high school, but stopped working out regularly since then. I was nervous at first, but I was pleasantly surprised to find Joe's workouts challenging, but customizable. Work at your own pace. I've been working out regularly with Joe and seeing results! Joe's class is fun and supportive. He knows his stuff and keeps everyone motivated. I highly recommend this workout for people of all ages and levels.
Hoa L.
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I have never had more fun getting my butt kicked in my life. If you are into fitness or want to be into fitness, look no further. There are people of all levels attending these classes and the transformations are incredible. Just when you think you cant possibly push yourself any further, you do. The motivation and positive attitude that Joe Decker brings to each workout is, in a word: unreal.
trevor h.
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if your looking for a challenging, intense and diverse outdoor fitness group this is the one. count on a full body workout that will leave you dirty, sweaty and completely satisfied. Joe and highly motivated veteran crew will help make your exercise fun and enjoyable while achieving your workout goals. from hills, canyons and the beach your in for a nonstop lifestyle makeover that is what Gut Check Fitness is all about.
Ron S.
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I have been doing this workout for over 3 months. Joe gets the job done for this gymless "boot-camp" workout without resorting to screaming drill-sergeant techniques. Everyone, including Joe, are very positive people who are there to get fit for life, not to lose some weight for an occasion. Don't expect to pump iron in a gym, but you should expect to get in incredible shape if you let Joe and the rest of his clients motivate you to push yourself as far as you can go.
Derek L.
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Joe not only pushes you where you thought you couldn't go, but it's actually fun. I lost not only pounds, but inches, body fat % and gained strength and confidence. The best part is Joe is not a typical dictator of yelling at us what to do, what not to eat and no drinking. He's real and likes food and drinks just as much as the next person. He really pushes you and teaches you that when you are going to splurge you need to work extra hard to burn it off. He's always coming up with new ideas that are different, fun and interactive.
Michelle C.
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I've been to many boot camps. This is definitely the best. Joe creates a very positive, supportive environment that motivates people to push themselves to new levels of fitness. Many of his clients have been going to him for years (and it shows). They are very welcoming to new people. You will know after the first session if this is the kind of workout you want (or not). Also, the pricing is very reasonable. Highly recommended.
Olin H.
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Wonderful group of hard working people sewn together by the Gut Check philosophy. I've seen tremendous results out of everyone over the course of two years. The phenomenal thing about Gut Check Fitness is that the structure accommodates people at any fitness level and everyone gets an equal workout. It's for beginners to the super-fit. The instructor, Joe Decker, broke a Guinness World Record for fitness using the same training. Everyone has room to grow.
John M.
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My wife and I went to Joe's Saturday class once, and I vomited a little in my mouth, but held it together. That was about 3/4 of the way through. I am a pretty fit guy, but the three hills out of the canyon were about all I had in me. The entire rest of the day I was on a SUPER HIGH.