Is Anybody Out There?

Lyrics

[Nelly Furtado]
I don’t wanna be left
In this war tonight
Am I alone in this fight?
Is anybody out there?

Don’t wanna be left left in this world behind
Say you’ll run to my side

[K’naan]
Something ’bout mary
Never won a pageant
Never felt pretty
Never looked like cameron
Diaz was her last name
Always been abandoned
Keep your head up

Baby girl this is your anthem
There goes hannah
Showin’ off her banner
Rocking that crown
Make them boys go bananas
When you’re insecure about yourself
It’s a fact
You can point a finger
But there’s three pointing bac
I can see her crying out, yeah
Is there anybody out there?

She’s really counting on your love
Still struggling uphill
But you act like you don’t care
Right now she could really use a shoulder
Hanging onto the edge til it’s over
She’s crying for your love tonight
Loneliest heart to survive, she said

[Nelly Furtado]
I don’t wanna be left
In this war tonight
Am I alone in this fight?
Is anybody out there?

Don’t wanna be left left in this world behind
Say you’ll run to my side
Is anybody out there? yeah, yeah, yeah

Is anybody out there?
(somebody, anybody)

[K’naan]
His name was adam
When his mom had him
Dad was a phantom never took a look at him
Grew up mad and antisocial
Hated outdoors, always in playing madden
Adam was lonely
Drugs were the only
Way out of his own life
Now he’s slowly losing his fire
Close to retire
With one last hope he puts his arms up higher
I can see him crying out, yeah
Is anybody out there?

He’s really counting on your love
Still struggling uphill
But you act like you don’t care
Right now he could really use a shoulder
Hanging onto the edge til it’s over
He’s crying for your love tonight
Loneliest heart to survive, he said

[Nelly Furtado]
I don’t wanna be left
In this war tonight
Am I alone in this fight?
Is anybody out there?

Don’t wanna be left left in this world behind
Say you’ll run to my side
Is anybody out there?

[Bridge]
If you feel the way I feel
Like you’ve been talking to yourself
Well this one’s for everyone who’s felt invisible
Lonely in a crowded room
Searching for someone like you
Can’t do it all alone (no one can baby)
Can’t do it all alone (no one should baby)
Is anybody out there?
(somebody, anybody)
Is anybody out there?
I’m right here for your
Is anybody out there?

[Outro]
I don’t wanna be left
In this war tonight
Am I alone in this fight?
Is anybody out there?

Don’t wanna be left left in this world behind
Say you’ll run to my side
Is anybody out there? yeah, yeah, yeah
I don’t wanna do it all alone
I need your love to take me home
No one said you should be all alone
I’m right here
Is anybody out there?

Well there you have it… Hulk X’s team song. One team, one dream. Like I said in the 1st boot camp of Hulk X, think about what side of the line you’re on. Whether you need a helping hand or are giving one, everybody needs somebody. You signed up for a team experience as well as an individual experience. We will all be trading back and forth, and the sooner you lead with your heart and refuse to let your brain be your detractor, the sooner the healing can begin. The sooner the sunshine feels like sunshine. The sooner you can bask in the joy of being a leader when you are CONVINCED you are a follower. 

Get very familiar with this gem of a song. You will hear it often. This is your anthem Gamma, Beast, and Banner. Wear this song and its meaning on your sleeve as you go through this challenge living by the Hulken Rule; Treat others BETTER than you wish to be treated. Reach out with hand and heart as you know full well and without hesitation then when you are the one in need you can call along any of the sweat filled brows in front of you.

I want to share a story that was shared with ME today. I didn’t ask permission to retell so I will leave the names out. Yesterday (Wednesday) in the back alley, we were taking a little “jaunt in the park” (lunging 3 times down the length of almost a football field). Per usual, once everyone started to complete their 3 lap minimum, all the returning Hulksters started to go back to the line. A new Hulkster notices and says to one (the person who told me this) “hey, you already finished your 3! We don’t have to do more, do we?” and this person replies “No way, welcome to Hulk. We don’t leave anybody behind.”

That little anecdote will be one of MANY experiences that will play through my head when this rings out during wall sits, push up sessions, and plank-a-thons. Welcome to a movement.

*ahem*

AHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! 

PS for those of you who weren’t at orientation or haven’t heard… This challenge we have a goal. Based upon past challenge averages, I want to lose 300 lbs this challenge and 340 inches. I expect to blow those numbers out of the water. Based on what Hulk always does… by digging deep. I haven’t forgotten about these goals nor am I done addressing them. When the dust settles from the first week Hulksters…. BANGERANG!!!

– Hulk

Organs R’ Us and my personal letter

Transformers! From left to right; Jamie Bywater, Jessice LaVenter, Tammey L. “T-2000” Clark, Cara “Unicorn” Jones, Kelly Dawson, and Rick “The Mad Canadian” Dawson

2 things I want to talk about with this post. The Organs R’ Us Marmot sponsored Transformers team of beasts running a 199 mile relay literally the very second I write this AND my personal letter to myself in regards to my expectations and fears of this transformation challenge that lay before us.

The Transformers

Like I said, this very second there are some Hulkster rocking out a 199 mile relay run. Known as “The longest party in California,” this 199 mile beast-a-thon starts in Calistoga and ends in Santa Cruz. Each runner will have 3 legs each consisting of 3-8 miles apiece and they will be running through 36 cities, 7 counties, national parks & over the golden gate bridge. Jamie & Jessica will have the pleasure of running in the middle of the night! Cara and Tammey have the “very hard” legs of the relay. Kelly and Rick are in charge of the van and without Kelly, Hulk would not be participating in such grand fashion. She organized and sorted the details for the team as well as working for Marmot, the company sponsoring the Hulksters and Marmot employees running the relay together. Jessica also deserves a shout out, organizing and implementing a Zumba fundraiser that raised $600 in a matter of 2 hours for the Hulk powered Marmot crew! 

Funds raised benefit Organs R’ Us. Founded in 1996 Organs R’ Us promotes organ donation through athletics. With 110 thousand Americans on the waiting list for organ donors, this is a cause worth applauding.

I just wanted to give a big Hulk shout out and AhhhOOOOOOO to this group of amazing individuals. If you’re new to Hulk, be sure to look to ANY of these individuals if you need an example of how to lead with love.

 My Letter

The reason I’m writing this is to give you an example of the honesty I hope you give yourself as well as showcase the seriousness in which I hope you are taking this “homework.” As a reminder, I have asked all of you on Hulk to write a letter to yourselves explicitly detailing your hopes, expectations, fears, and anxieties you have going in to this challenge that is due by the time of your first boot camp (May 8th, 9th, or 10th depending on which team you are on.) I want you to write it from the perspective that you are addressing your FUTURE self. Write from the point of view that are talking to a companion who you wish nothing but the best for, but need to express your fears and worries to for fear of bottling it up and not being able to fully submerge yourself into this experience. This is meant to show you the difference in how you feel in the beginning of the challenge to being able to read it like a time capsule at the END of Hulk X when you will be a completely different person. Consider it a before and after photo of your heart and soul.

Dear Josh,

Fancy seeing you here… Come around often? Well, here we are again. This is your 10th challenge yet it feels like the 50th and 1st all at once. You’d think it would be old hat by now but I’ll be damned if this isn’t the scariest one yet. I mean, this is the biggest thing you’ve ever done. There are a lot of people counting on you to not let them down, and even though that’s a really scary thought, I admire you for taking the plunge and moving forward. For a long time now I know you’ve been battling with the fear that the higher you climb the further you fall, but look at this as your opportunity to prove that fear wrong. It’s ok to be afraid to let people down, because that fear grounds you even when your head is in the clouds. You always say, all good things carry nerves behind it so the fact that you ARE nervous means you’re doing it right! Plus, look on the bright side… You’re going into this one being adapted to the physical strain it takes to run the 3 teams. Your voice doesn’t hurt anymore nor does it get lost. Your stamina is used to the rigors of the 6 boot camps in a row and that was your biggest fear LAST TIME. I mean, that turned out fine, right? You were POSITIVE you were going to drop from exhaustion and lose your voice but not only did you not come close, but you emerged STRONGER! How rad was that? It was like a fit test for mind, body, soul, and Hulk and you did the equivalent of tripling your plank time. Self high five!! *SLAP!* My point is you faced your fears last time and those fears were laughable and the very thing that forged your most recent coat of armor, so you can be damn sure the same thing is going to happen this time. Remember, you’ve got the support of Hulk Food Group too. Ever since that started you’ve really been doing well with your emotions in regards to food, and I’m proud of you there, too. It’ll be a life long journey, we know that… but to constantly seek better tools to work on self improvement, not perfection, is something not often sought after yet often looked up to. That’s where it comes full circle… You get the results people don’t get by doing the work people don’t do. 

When this thing is all said and done, I hope that you are able to change the perception of at least 1 person. Aw, who are we fooling, you want more than that… Before you always said that as long as ONE PERSON gets their brain and heart reformatted then this challenge was a success. You’ve gotten a little greedy now, but that’s ok because at least you’re not fooling yourself. I hope that ALL the new Hulksters (and veterans alike) get a defibrillator to the cranium. It’s ok to hope for that because I know you’re going to work your ass off for it. Besides, there will always be chants, sound offs, shovels to paint, banners to hang, songs to pick out, rages to yell, T-shirts to make, tears to shed, sweat to pour, hugs to give, hugs to get, secrets shared, shoulders to lean on, and hearts to heal so even if you’re not able to get to everybody this time… You’ve got a life time of “AhhhhOOOOOOOO”ing to do. Keep that head up baby… Fears make you stronger when you Hulk smash through them. Iron forges iron. Do what you love, because in the end there is only one thing stronger than all the armies on Earth, and that’s an idea whose time has come. You can’t POSSIBLY fail because of that man! You know why?

Because everyone in the Hulk Nation all have the same idea…

Love,
The old you

Lastly HulkamaniaX, I’ve got some very important videos for those of you not able to make it to orientation. One is of the new “Hulk Rage” and the other is of the slightly tweaked new chant for this go around. I fully expect you to study up. I DON’T expect perfection on either, but I will settle nothing less than your full heart and soul poured into every Hulk Rage, chant, sound off, dig call, and any other call out that requires tenacity and beastliness. You have been warned.

– Rebel Hulk

Fit Tests and Measurements… DONE!

Time to get those results people don't get...

There you have it everyone, fit test and measurements are over with…. The “boring” part is in the books and now it’s time to yell our faces off until we can’t do anything but smile. Plant a positive seed, you get a positive flower… Tomorrow, you’re going to learn all about that seed. Tomorrow, the fireworks begin. Tomorrow, you learn all about the modified Hulk chant, how to sound off, the meaning of the team names, what to expect, and much much more. Tomorrow, you better bring your seatbelt with you…

Bottom line: Get pumped or get dumped. Timid and meek doesn’t live here… Determination and the will of a Hulkster does. At the end of this, your measurement and fit tests numbers are going to be insane. I guarantee it. I know the first fit test and picture taking is always an anxiety fuel experience for many of you, but it is necessary to get the heart swell and self pride you’re sure to receive at the end of this journey. How that journey is going to go, well… you’ll hear all about it tomorrow… For now, bask in the joy that measurements and fit tests are over… Let the games begin! 

Personal Letter:

By the start of the first boot camp (May 8th, 9th, or 10th depending on your team affiliation) I want you to bring back a letter (hand written or typed, just as long as YOU wrote it) addressed to yourself. In this letter, I want you to finely detail the things you’d like to accomplish by the end of this challenge. Write down your fears and anxieties with as much detail as possible. Explicit detail please. I will NOT be reading these letters. What I will be doing is sealing them in an envelop and giving them back to you upon completion of this challenge. These letters are for you and only you. Ask anybody who has done a challenge before and they’ll tell you… You have a whole lot to look forward to and a whole lot to write down. This is not for me, this is for you, so I implore you to take it very seriously. 

Make up Measurements and Fit Test:  

6PM this coming Friday evening (May 4th) will be the make up measurements followed by make up fit test at 6:30pm for those who were not able to make it this last week. I encourage you to do whatever you’ve got to do to make it to make it to this second chance. These stats are extremely important, and a very full schedule for me makes for limited time to get everybody in on days other than scheduled. I will be e-mailing those who were not able to make one or both of the days (between fit test and measurements) but for now get your brain piece wrapped around this make-up day and time.

Lastly, as a fun little edition, I’ve compacted Team Gamma’s 1 hour measurement experience into 4 minutes of awesome… Enjoy an inner look at the process:

 

We are…

Orientation… THIS SUNDAY

1st Draft...

April 29th at Noon! FREE boot camp afterwards at 1:30pm for all who would like to attend! The boot camp will be outdoors, so come to orientation prepared to work out. Dress accordingly!

Hulk X – Official Schedule

Fit test day is a very important day for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s another tool to measure your success. Secondly, the improvements are THROUGH THE ROOF at the end of a challenge (when committed!). I’m talking double, sometimes triple (and more!) times the improvement. There will be 5 exercises you will be tested on:

1. How long you can hold a plank
2. How many push-ups you can do in 60 seconds
3. How many crunches you can do in 60 seconds
4. How long you can hold “Heph’s Hammer”
5. How long you can hold a wall sit

Remember to give your absolute all! Sandbagging is strictly prohibited, but even if you DO want to sand bag… Why are you doing this then? Give your absolute everything so that in the end, you know your improvements are due to ACTUAL improvements rather than ego inflating strategy. Aw, who am I kiddin’… Y’all are Hulk! You wouldn’t do that ;).

April 24th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma) – Fit Test!
April 25th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast) – Fit Test!
April 26th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner) – Fit Test!

Measurement day is a very important day if anything for the fact that to know where you’re going you’ve got to know where you’ve been! These beginning measurements are key in telling your story, so let’s tell it right… Be sure to make note of the outfit you wear on picture day so it can be the exact same as the last day for a direct comparison. Cara Jones will be taking your picture, and rest assured if you have not met Cara, she is the perfect person to be taking your picture (ESPECIALLY if you are self-conscious!). You are in very good hands, so knowing that be sure to stay positive and encourage yourself to either take your photo shirtless or in a sports bra. I can’t tell you how often I hear “I wish I would have taken my shirt off, I was just so self-conscious!” Hindsight is 20/20 and part of what I’m here for is to BE that hindsight. Trust me. You will be pulled from your comfort zone, but remember that THAT is what we’re here for!

On your measurement day, I will also be giving you an “assignment” to be completed by your first boot camp. You will learn all about it then. You will be filling out your commitment contract, doing your initial weigh-in, testing your body fat percentage, and doing your circumference measurements. Initial photo will be taken as well as stated in the paragraph above. Once you are done filling things out, getting your stats recorded, and mingling with your new teammates, you are free to roam!

April 27th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma) – Measurements! Weigh-in every Friday
April 28th – 10am (Saturday – Beast) – Measurements! Weigh-in every Saturday
April 28th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner) – Measurements! Weigh in every Saturday

For those of you who DON’T know what is happening April 29th… 

April 29th at Noon! FREE boot camp afterwards at 1:30pm for all who would like to attend! The boot camp will be outdoors, so come to orientation prepared to work out. Dress accordingly!

Let the boot camps begin!

May 8th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Legs! Introduction to team song
May 9th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Legs! Introduction to team song
May 10th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Legs! Introduction to team song
May 11th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Upper body! 1st weigh-in since measurements. This is also a Mother’s day themed workout! Wear something in honor of the lady who gave birth to ya! That can be a shirt, color, bracelet… Doesn’t matter, just something that reminds you of your mama! Something very simple to do that I hope everyone takes the time to do.
May 12th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Upper body! 1st weigh-in since measurements. This is also a Mother’s day themed workout! Wear something in honor of the lady who gave birth to ya! That can be a shirt, color, bracelet… Doesn’t matter, just something that reminds you of your mama! Something very simple to do that I hope everyone takes the time to do.
May 12th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner):  Upper body! 1st weigh-in since measurements. This is also a Mother’s day themed workout! Wear something in honor of the lady who gave birth to ya! That can be a shirt, color, bracelet… Doesn’t matter, just something that reminds you of your mama! Something very simple to do that I hope everyone takes the time to do.
May 15th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Core! Introduction to “4 Corporals”
May 16th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Core! Introduction to “4 Corporals”
May 17th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Core! Introduction to “4 Corporals”
May 18th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Legs! Get ready for the first ever “Yin Yangerang” work out!
May 19th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Legs! Get ready for the first ever “Yin Yangerang” work out!
May 19th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Legs! Get ready for the first ever “Yin Yangerang” work out!
May 22nd – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Upper body! 1st circuit blast!
May 23rd – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Upper body! 1st circuit blast!
May 24th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Upper body! 1st circuit blast!
May 25th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Core galore!
May 26th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Core galore!
May 26th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Core galore!
May 29th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Legs! Self reflection exhibition
May 30th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Legs! Self reflection exhibition
May 31st – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Legs! Self reflection exhibition
June 1st – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Upper body!
June 2nd – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Upper body!
June 2nd – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Upper body!
June 5th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): More core! Special guest: Legs
June 6th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): More core! Special guest: Legs
June 7th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): More core! Special guest: Legs
June 8th – 6:3opm (Friday – Gamma): Midpoint measurements! Just measurements and weigh-in
June 9th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Midpoint measurements! Just measurements and weigh-in
June 9th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Midpoint measurements! Just measurements and weigh-in
June 9th – 1pm (Saturday – TEAM HULK): An optional boot camp to still get a workout in! Open to EVERYONE! Cost: $10. Location: Outdoors!
June 12th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Legs! Going outdoors on this one!
June 13th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Legs! Going outdoors on this one!
June 14th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Legs! Going outdoors on this one!
June 15th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Upper body!
June 16th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Upper body!
June 16th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Upper body!
June 19th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Blacklight 6.0! Core
June 20th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Blacklight 6.0! Core
June 21st – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Blacklight 6.0! Core
June 22nd – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Total body beatdown!
June 23rd – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Total body beatdown!
June 23rd – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Total body beatdown
June 26th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Time traveling legs… 80’s night!
June 27th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Time traveling legs… 80’s night!
June 28th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Time traveling legs… 80’s night!
June 29th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Upper body! Self reflection: Part II
June 30th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Upper body! Self reflection: Part II
June 30th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Upper body! Self reflection: Part II
July 3rd – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Get ready for a thrill because this is gonna be one BAD workout! This Michael Jackson themed core workout will be going down in the Hulk record books!
July 4th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast):  Get ready for a thrill because this is gonna be one BAD workout! This Michael Jackson themed core workout will be going down in the Hulk record books! Also, I’m sure you have all noticed this is JULY 4th! In honor of independence day, I ask that Team Beast wears red, white, and blue! We can incorporate both!
July 5th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner):  Get ready for a thrill because this is gonna be one BAD workout! This Michael Jackson themed core workout will be going down in the Hulk record books!
July 6th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Last leg day of the challenge. Same workout as day 1, but with a twist 🙂
July 7th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Last leg day of the challenge. Same workout as day 1, but with a twist 😉
July 7th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Last leg day of the challenge. Same workout as day 1, but with a twist 😉
July 9th – 6pm (Monday – TEAM HULK): Train the trainer! Show up in support of whooping my butt! I’ve spent the last 2 months and some change working you over, now it’s your turn! Everyone who shows up gets one exercise they’d like to bestow upon me… Better make it good!
July 10th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Upper body! Dress in as much Hulk spirit as you can! IT’S THE LAST WEEK!!!! I know I don’t need to say more than that…
July 11th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Upper body! Dress in as much Hulk spirit as you can! IT’S THE LAST WEEK!!!! I know I don’t need to say more than that… 
July 12th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Upper body! Dress in as much Hulk spirit as you can! IT’S THE LAST WEEK!!!! I know I don’t need to say more than that… 
July 13th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Last official workout… Core!
July 14th – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Last official workout… Core!
July 14th – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Last official workout… Core!
July 15th – 12pm (Sunday – TEAM HULK): Last chance workout! ANYBODY can come! It is going to be a hellacious  total body purge of everything you’ve got left. Cost: $10. Location: The park! Meet at Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa Ave. Be there or be square!
July 17th – 6:30pm (Tuesday – Gamma): Ending Measurements
July 18th – 6:30pm (Wednesday – Beast): Ending Fit Test
July 19th – 6pm (Thursday – Banner): Ending Fit Test
July 20th – 6:30pm (Friday – Gamma): Ending Fit Test
July 21st – 10am (Saturday – Beast): Ending Measurements
July 21st – 11:30am (Saturday – Banner): Ending Measurements

July 28th – PARTY! Click HERE to get a PERFECT idea of how Hulk wraps up its parties… Cost will be $20 for food, location, and everything else 😉 

Let's get ready to transform...

I want to remind everyone to print this out. Save it somewhere. Put it in your calendar. Make it your home computer background… ANYTHING to know exactly where to look for this schedule again whenever you need it. I have organized this completely detailed schedule so you know EXACTLY what to expect. I will remind everyone of themes and whatnot as often as I can, but I don’t think it is out of line at this point to expect YOU to be in charge of this extremely in depth schedule from now on. That is what I expect, I am letting you know now. You forgot a theme? I will definitely hold you accountable. You have been warned… 😉

Happy Scheduling…

– Hulk 

 

Hulk X – Official Roster

Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and girls. Clowns and trapeze artists. Hulk and Hulk alike, I bring thee…

The Official Hulk X Roster

If I spelled your name wrong, got you on the wrong day, or you don’t see yourself when you’ve talked with either myself or Jessica about being a part of Hulk X, don’t worry! All is not lost. Just a quick e-mail to Alllevelstraining@gmail.com and we will get everything properly adjusted. For now, I strongly encourage everyone to get to know your new team members and of course welcome returning! Utilize Facebook and your new networking group… Put a virtual handshake out there! Hulk vets, organize some group workouts to get some new Hulksters used to the welcome embrace they’re hulk smashing into! Get to know these names real well… You’re about to go through heaven and hell together…

Team Gamma – Tuesday Night @ 6:30pm and Friday Night @ 6:30pm:

Alyssa Solberg
Amanda Vallee
Austin Finch
Samantha George
Bud Hull
Chenoa Busic
Cheri Whiting
Cliff Crocker
Fatima Pacheco
Hilary Buckley
Janine Crocker
Karen Solberg
Kim Yoxall
Kristie Clay
Kristina Tovani
Lorna Kennedy-Klein
Mario Pacheco
Matthew Moniz
Megan Gill
Nicole De Loach
Nicole Eaton
Nykky Graydon
Sam Enos
Shauna Bronson
Taylor Hull
Tony Geraldi
Victoria Nicolas

Team Beast – Wednesday Night @ 6:30pm and Saturday Morning @ 10am:

Amy Vander Vennet
Angela Scheing
Bobbi Rivera
Cara Jones
Cheryl Taylor
David Moody
Devin Booth
Jamie Bywater
Jerry Langerman
Jessica LaVenter
Katie Fahy
Kelly Dawson
Kelly Moody
Kima Lovold
Lindsey Caddy
Maricela Aguirre
Paul “Randy” Larsen
Rick Dawson
Tami Larsen
Tammey Clark
Tanisha Larsen
Tanna Allen
Tracie Caven-Larcom
Tye Rivera
Lucy Avalos
Alan Brogdon 

Team Banner – Thursday Night @ 6pm and Saturday Morning @ 11:30am:

Alyx Livingston
Art Villarreal
Carlo Piscitello
Sander Seymour
Erin Tenney
Gina Sarpy
Jessi Hull
Jisaela Tenney
Karin Bowhall
Kathi Tyler
Lori Knapp
Michelle Huntley
Nikhil Aiyer
Ruben Martinez
Shreya Naik
Tom Walton
Kristina Lamb
Lori DeMarco
Patricia Moyer
Shannon Mills
Nester Nazario (I hope!)

Remember… This is not just a commitment you’re making to yourself, you are making a commitment to these names you see before you. You are not only honoring the change you are pledging to yourself, but these very same individuals who are planning to honor YOU just as much. You are in this for a reason. This is not a toy. You WILL be signing a commitment contract promising that you will not shirk off the fire that is expected to be lit under you upon Hulk X’s arrival. If you are not ready to dig deep and get stripped of your comfort zone, then step off the ride now. I mean it. If this is just “something fun” you’d like to give a shot then please make way for someone who is going to give their best AHHHOOOOOO every time they show up. Clear a path for someone who is going to refuse to mutter any semblance of “I can’t” no matter how daunting the task. Move aside for someone who is going to live by the Hulken rule, which is treat others BETTER than you wish to be treated. Open up for someone who is going to recognize and implement the fact that you are providing hope for someone just as much as you are embracing hope from another. You are a leader and a follower when it comes to Hulk. We all are. We all lead by example and follow in the foot steps of those before us. If that’s not up your alley, let me know. If your boat is not floating, your cup of tea doesn’t seem familiar, and your rocks are in the full “on” position after reading that, then I beg you to speak up…

If that DOES work for you… Welcome to Hulk.

Trinity: Officially Wrapped Up… In a Toga

Yes we are..

Hephaestus (Out of 17 people who completed the stats):
Pounds lost: 71.5
Inches lost: 85
Average lbs/inches lost: 4.2lbs/5 inches
MVH: Lori De Marco
Most body composition lost: Cliff Crocker (23.5 lbs lost/8.5% total body weight lost)
Most inches lost: Cliff Crocker (24 inches. Most out of EVERYONE. Lori De Marco came in second place with 8.2 inches lost)

Poseidon (Out of 18 people who completed the stats):
Pounds lost: 76.5
Inches lost: 94.8
Average lbs/inches lost: 4.25 lbs/5.26 inches
MVH: Devin Booth
Most body composition lost: Devin Booth (15.5 lbs/5.15% of total body weight lost)
Most inches lost: Tami Larsen (13.1 inches lost. Most on the team! Devin Booth came in second with 9.9 inches lost)

Apollo (Out of 15 people who completed the stats):
Pounds lost: 66
Inches lost: 116
Average lbs/inches lost: 4.4 lbs/7.25 inches
MVH: Kathi Tyler
Most Body Composition lost: Kathi Tyler (Highest composition loser out of EVERYONE with 11.64%!)
Most inches lost: Kathi Tyler (19.9! Art Villareal came in second with 13.1 inches lost)

So, Hulk: Round IX is over. We most certainly are Hulk, and the party on Saturday, March 31st told that story very well. I couldn’t be more proud of every single one of you who showed up and reveled in the work you all did in 2 and a half months that it takes some people a life time to achieve (and I’m talking FAR from physical…)

If you still haven't signed your team shovel, I will have them at the gym this week with markers available 😉

For those of you who weren’t there, I can guarantee you that you were sorely missed. One team, one dream. No man left behind. You plant a positive seed, you get a positive flower. To the Hulksters not in attendance, we definitely watered your flower for you (TWSS). Being a part of the Hulk family means you were a part of our hearts during each and every award. Every picture during the slideshow. Every sound off. Every tear.

Kathi Tyler, the overall winner by losing over 11 percent of her overall body composition! She also lost 19 inches and has one of the meanest bicep flexes I have ever seen. This is her receiving her MVH (Most Valuable Hulkster) award with her beautiful future Hulkster daughter, Bree,

I can say it was an honor to spend so much time with the best people I have ever met. It was my pleasure to share in laughter and tears with all of you, and I already can’t wait for what Hulk X is going to bring just so we can relive the magic that happened at Sally Tomatoes on March 31st, 2012.

Cliff receiving his award for most inches lost. 24 inches in 2 and a half months. He even went on vacation to Hawaii! He was the overall body composition loser for Hephaestus as well, dropping 23.5 lbs. This man is a beast!

When I got there, I didn’t know what to expect… I knew there was a lot of Toga talk, but it’s always interesting to see who put their money where their mouth was. It’s like when 20 people tell you they’re going to show up to boot camp and in reality only 8 people show up, I thought I might see the same thing with Togas… I was WRONG!

Devin Booth was the overall composition loser for Poseidon, losing over 8% of his overall body weight. That was just a fraction of the inspiration and motivation he brought to the table for Hulk. Out of all the Hulksters in attendance, out of all the awesome people there that day, out of all the awards given out... When I announced Devin as the MVH for Team Poseidon, he was the only one to get a standing ovation. I told him them and I'll tell him now Devin, that had nothing to do with me up there with you and EVERYTHING to do with you. I swear the clapping got louder when I walked away 🙂

Everyone showed up decked out to the fullest! Even a couple Hulksters who are doing the next challenge but didn’t do this one showed up in a couple of the best togas there! Thanks Fatimah and Mario 😉

Love these two!!! Cheryl and Lori are a couple of my absolute favorite people, period. Lori was the MVH for Hephaestus and for VERY good reason. I have never seen someone embody "Hulk" BEFORE coming into a challenge quite the way she has. She's fierce, beautiful, caring, hilarious, giving, loving... Lori, you are godsend for us small timers who need a little motivation every now and then ;). You are Hulk. I feel the same about you Cheryl ;). You two are in great company!

Board made by Bobbi and Tye Rivera. Results made by everyone on Hulk!

As everyone strolled in the smiles were amazing and the Togas were even better. The bar was working its magic and people were mingling… Life was good! With music going on, food being prepared, champagne and beer flowing from the cups chalices of many a merry Hulkster, it was time to serve the food….

Tami Larsen trying to hide from the crowd. She lost 13.1 inches! SHE GOT THE MOST CHEERFUL AWARD!!!! Unicorns really DO exist!

I’d tell you how the food was, but I have no idea. I was too busy mentally preparing the intro speech I was going to make, mingling with everyone, and overall just admiring the joyous faces that were everywhere you looked. It truly was euphoric. To put it in perspective, I was approached by 5 people at the end of the party who were there to support loved ones and said “I want in on the next Hulk, what do I do?” You talk to me. You’re in 😉

Lori De Marco is amazing! She brought her wonderful daughter, fantastic man, and adorable mini shovels with an "H" on each one of them! Lori, thank you so so much for these shovels. They will be making a reappearance very soon...

Once we got going (around 3pm) I opened up by talking about Dylan Von Lahr. The importance of a designated driver was highlighted by one of our own from the Anytime Fitness family learning that lesson the hard way. I made sure to let everyone know to keep Dylan in their prayers and that his unfortunate mistake was not in vein. Dylan, we love you.

If you haven't signed the "We Are Hulk" banner, let me know. I want your signature on that bad boy!

Before I got to the slideshow, I spoke on a potential opportunity that I will be sure to fill everyone in on past Wednesday (I don’t want to jinx it!) when I go through an interview of sorts ;). The underlying message though was that Hulk made the interview possible. I’m getting interviewed for this amazing opportunity (that could possibly bring “Hulk” in some semblance EVERYWHERE… fingers crossed!) BECAUSE of Hulk. It’s true. I can only take so much credit.

Mario and Fatimah, future Hulksters! Watch out Hulk X...

I then went on to let everyone know that Hulk is just like “Terminator: Salvation.” I got some blank stares so I decided to explain… “Terminator: Salvation” is about a futuristic setting where machines have taken over the globe. They have standards and ridiculous protocols that have NOTHING to do with the essence of humanity yet they are so powerful they squash anyone that opposes them…

Greek Unicorns! I love you, Cara Elizabeth Jones.

Yet in this barren wasteland of destitute dictatorship, there is a small force… A rumble of humanity that says “We are going to fight for OURSELVES or die trying.” Simple and plain, they were the resistance. They would comb the land searching for ANY stragglers who were lost like they were with the message “Alone we are weak, but together we can accomplish anything. Even fighting for our lives.” With everything going against them and everything in the world providing the little to no hope, they banded together and CREATED hope…

Thank you Jazzy! Jazzy made an AMAZING "Book of Failure" with everyone's worst fears in written form from "Holiday Hulk." She also made the "Trinity Scrolls" with the compliments everyone wrote themselves during the "Which would you choose?" exercise. They complimented each other quite nicely.

Hulk, we are the resistance. Together, we choose to take on this scary world that tries to tell us what to eat, drink, how to celebrate, what to enjoy, who to hang out with, what we can and cannot do, we aren’t good enough, why try… We say NO! Alone we are small… Together, we are HULK.

Justin, Tye, and Carlo sporting their best threads and even better smiles 🙂

Afterwards, I played the 20 minute slideshow. I broke down the slideshow in terms of the first couple weeks are the first 2 songs, the next few weeks where we did the Blacklight workouts and 80’s night workouts is the next song, then the final few weeks of pictures were told through each Team Song. The slideshows will be at the bottom of this post, segmented into each category I just listed. Take a look! I guarantee it’ll pump you up!

She got the "Best Warrior Face" award. She's a lot better at it than I am...

If you don’t know what the team songs are, they are worth a download (or at LEAST a listen to from the slideshow!).

Hephaestus: “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes feat. Ryan Tedder
Poseidon: “Shake It Out” by Florence and the Machine
Apollo: “The Believer” by Common feat. John Legend

... We are. My little goddess receiving her "Best Unicorn" award

After the slideshow, I gave a brief intermission for people to use the bathroom, refill their drinks, stretch their legs… Then it was on to the awards!

Jessica LaVenter and Kathi's daughter, Bree 🙂

As you can read at the top, those were the results… and amazing results they are!!!

Everyone chipped in and got me a giftcard for a new phone since mine is so busted! I was rendered absolutely speechless... I had no idea and got that phone ASAP! I can tell you all that your investment will not be in vain! I updated half this post with my new phone! Thank you SO MUCH Bobbi Rivera for coordinating such a thoughtful, sweet gesture that I will be reminded of every time I use my phone, which is every minute, every day. Thank you so much to everyone else pitching in and being so amazing!!!

I can honestly say that my FAVORITE part of every Hulk party is giving everyone their personal recognition awards. It allows everyone their time in the sun while allowing ME a time to recount funny stories, fond memories, bashful mix ups, funny faces, and everything in between! I can ALSO honestly say that I had no intention of doing the presentations shirtless. I learned the hard and fast way that the quality of the pins you use to hold your toga together is VERY important.

We are Hulk...

In the end, I just want to reiterate my thanks to everyone for all the hard work put in to making these last few months possible. It takes a village, and I’d say we have the BEST village. In addition to the slideshows below, I will be making a final slideshow of the party as well since we had pretty much the best photography out there happening while we partied! Between everyone’s cameras going a mile a minute and Mikel Eli photographing up a storm (Click HERE to go to his Facebook page to see all the photos from the Trinity Wrap party as well as other fantastic work he’s done! Please, don’t forget to “like” his page. He’s worth it, trust me.)

I also would like to thank Bobbi, Kima, Cara, and Tammey for all their hard work they put in to making the party a possibility! Without them, the awesome venue and amenities would have been nonexistent.

I would also like to thank Karin Bowhall and Kristie Clay for their FANTASTIC picture taking skills! They were the reason behind about 90% of the slideshow pictures (some was Mikel Eli too!) because they would come on a workout night that WASN’T their team to take professional pictures. Thanks is not enough but it’s all I’ve got at the moment so just know I mean it with all of my Hulk Heart.

I would also like to thank John and Denise Stave. They are the owners of the Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa ave. If 9 out of 10 times a gym owner would turn my zany ideas away and not even give me a chance, they were that 1… Without the freedom they allow and the unrivaled support they give to Hulk, Hulk would not be what it is today. Next time you see them, please, take a few moments and give them a HUGE thank you!

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone’s favorite Unicorn, Cara Jones. When I was worked to exhaustion and so spent I would literally get racked to tears, she was there to rub my back and make me dinner. When I would need input on something I wanted to do for or with Hulk, she was there every second of the way. When I needed help organizing all the before and after certificates, awards, and EVERYTHING else that went into the wrap party, she was there… filing papers, organizing files, and taking care of the business I couldn’t with a smile on her face (when she wasn’t helping Bobbi bake all the goodies everyone had the pleasure of enjoying at the party!). When I finally was able to enact my tradition of watching the slideshow when it’s FINALLY completed at 1am the Friday night prior to the party, she was under my arm just as excited as I was. When I needed ANYTHING, even just a nails on my back or kind words, she was there for me every step of the way. I want you to know I will forever appreciate everything you do for me and for everybody Cara, and I hope that I can someday return the favor the way you have for me. Even through the most trying part of your life, you are STILL a giver. You are a rare breed. You are the only one of your kind actually. You really are the last Unicorn…

Now, before I shut up, I encourage EVERYONE who participated in Hulk to leave a comment (only takes a couple minutes) of what you want someone to know if they ask “So, what makes Hulk so great to you?” I want the scope of this party to fire everyone up… I want YOUR words, not mine, to seal the deal. I’m only one man, YOU are many.

AhhhhhOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

Go Fit for Dylan

Hulk Helping Hearts Helping Dylan

See that flier? You’re going to be able to see those all over in a bit. Reason being… It’s important. Just a little bit of time out of your day not only gets an AWESOME workout in with two great trainers, but also sends any funds you’d normally spend on such an exciting thrill ride of a workout directly to a good cause. Also, Tye Rivera is using his world class guitar making skills and building a Ukelele to be auctioned off at a local music show upon completion. Full information will be made available about this project so come on by if you’d like to learn more! Lastly, “Dylan Strong” bracelets will be available so grab them while you can because they’re flying! All the info is in the above flier, but the action points are:

Date: April 14th (Saturday)

Time: 12pm – 2pm

Cost: Donation of your choice (minimum $10)

Sign Up: E-mail Josh Cox (AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com) or Heather Muysken (Heatituppt@me.com) or call the gym (Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa Ave.) at (707)542-6500. Just say you’d like to be put on the sign up list for the Dylan Benefit Boot Camp and that concludes signing up!

We look forward to seeing you all there! As a reminder of what a community can do, we raised over here at Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa Ave. about $10,000 for Jon Michael Martin (click HERE to learn more about this amazing little guy and his family). I posted the slideshow from the Zumbathon we held in his honor, so hopefully you can watch it and get excited for another opportunity to help AND get a little sweaty something in return! Let’s get the word spread y’all!

– Hulk 

Hulk no like break…

We all know the feeling...

Alright y’all, with there being about a month in between Hulk challenges, I’ve been telling everyone I will be offering classes in between to keep everyone’s fitness palate up to standard! I also want to remind everyone of classes going on here at Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa ave. so that the options are endless!

March 28th, April 4th, and April 11th (all Wednesdays) I will be bringing back my BOSU class for 3 weeks! This class starts at 6:30pm and will be $15 per class for the hour. The class will have to be a sign up class since I am limited to 12 people only (e-mail me at AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com to sign up!). I also have to give Anytime Fitness members top priority, so if you are NOT a member of the gym but would still like to try it out you can also e-mail me and I will be sure to put you on an alternate list in case Anytime Fitness members don’t fill up all 3 weeks. Due to the limited numbers, once you sign up you are signed up for the cost. I will need 24 hour cancellation if you’re not able to make it. I can’t wait to bring this bad boy back!

April 3rd and April 10th (both Tuesdays) I will be running Tough Mudder style circuit work centered around building total body strength, endurance, flexibility, oxygen utilization, and variant forms of movement. The class will be at 6:30pm both days and cost $10. It is a very high paced workout with very little break time. I encourage those who sign up (E-mail me at AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com. Limit 25 people due to space) to NOT have this workout be the first time you’ve worked out in awhile ;).

April 5th and April 12th (Both Thursdays) I will be running a Hulk style core workout emulating what a regular “Hulk style” core workout would look like. High paced, high volume circuit work with a focus total core utilization (not just crunches). The times will be 6:00pm both days (right before Zumba at 7:10pm!). E-mail me to sign up (AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com). 25 people limit due to space.

Zumba will be on going! Every Monday at 6:40pm and every Thursday at 7:10pm! I personally Zumba MOST Thursdays, and if you need a Hulk like presence at Zumba on Monday, I’d be glad to go (barring conflicting schedule) if it means you’ll go! If you’ve never Zumba’d before… Then get out of your head you’re going to be a laughingstock and ridiculed. It’s a great workout that coincides with the Hulk mentality… Get out of your comfort zone! ZUMBA!

Every Friday morning at 9:30am I will still be doing Tough Mudder training with the exception of the 20th of April (out of town). I will be announcing additional group led style runs/circuit training within the next week!

Anytime Fitness’ own Heather Muysken also has circuit style boot camps available EVERY Monday and Tuesday nights at 5:30pm! The cost is $10 a class, with punch cards being available at the gym. The last two weeks of April TRX group training will be available in the daytime and evening as well!  E-mail Heather at Heatituppt@me.com to find out more information! Click HERE to “like” her Facebook page!

Lastly, Heather is also running a Foam Rolling Seminar on April 15th (Sunday) at 10:30am. Sign up sheet is at the gym. The cost is $10 and the cost is needed to be put down WITH your signature so as to hold your spot (same story as my BOSU class, limited availability so get your spots held!) Also like my BOSU class, top priority goes to Anytime Fitness SR Ave members first. E-mail Heather at Heatituppt@me.com to learn more!

So there you have it… options to keep you busy until Hulk X runs amok and leaves a big green foot print on Sonoma County! Again, e-mail me at AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com if you have any additional questions! I look forward to Hulk smashing with all of you 🙂

Toga Party – March 31st!

Uhhhhhhhh, I Hulk out!

Alright Hulk, unfortunately this challenge is coming to an end. From the date of this post, this is the last week of boot camps before the LAST CHANCE workout held THIS COMING SUNDAY (March 18th) at the park. It will be rain or shine, so dress accordingly! This is something extra I’m doing, so I know not everyone is going to be able to make it. However, every Hulkster is invited and it is going to be the butt kicking of all butt kickings. Lasting an hour and a half (not including time spent getting there and coming back) it will be exactly what the title implies… LAST CHANCE. Lay it all out, go out with a bang. After all, it’s not how you start…

The remaining week is going to be spent doing measurements and fit tests. Hephaestus, your measurement day is Tuesday and your fit test day is Friday (regular boot camp times). Apollo, your measurement day is Saturday and your fit test day is Thursday (regular boot camp times). Poseidon, your measurement day is Saturday as well, and your fit test day is Wednesday (regular boot camp times). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT you get fit tested and measured. Without, it is impossible to give you a before and after certificate. For the measurement day, be prepared to do everything you did the first day (Picture taken, body fat % tested, circumference measurements checked, and weigh-in) as well as doing your best to wear the exact same outfit you did on day 1. Fit test day, well that’s one of my favorite days… That’s when you get the chance to see EXACTLY how much stronger and in better shape you are than 11 weeks ago when we started this whole process that went by waaaaaaay too fast.

To commemorate the process, we are having a fully catered toga party! Since Hulk: Trinity was so heavily Greek influenced, Bobbi Rivera had the genius idea of taking it the extra mile. So, be ready to rock your toga with pride as we celebrate the last 2 and a half months!

Date: March 31st

Time: 1pm

Location: Sally Tomatoes (1100 Valley House Drive  Rohnert Park, CA 94928)

Cost: $20 per person (excluding small children). Either give myself or Bobbi Rivera the money at any point UP TILL the final day of Hulk (Saturday, March 24th). VERY important seeing as how we need to give them the down payment by that date. We are getting the whole place to ourselves. They are giving us a TREMENDOUS deal! Thank you Sally Tomotoes!

What to expect: Fully catered meal from Sally Tomatoes in which you will have a select menu to choose from, including any special dietary needs (just let me or Bobbi Rivera know – Aliveinaphoto@gmail.com!). Signing the shovels. A timeline slideshow of the entire two and a half months (25-20 minutes long). Top body composition losers, top inch losers, and top fit testers announced (prizes included!). Before and after certificates given out as well as a personal recognition award for each individual creatively thought up by yours truly. Pool tables, music, and a fully stocked bar (not included in price) as well. Finally, I will be announcing the details to “Hulk X” which include some awesome new things to look forward to.

Feel free to invite all your friends and family! The more the merrier! If you have struggled with explaining “what Hulk is” to someone this is the PRIME spot to showcase! Between the celebrating, slideshow, shovels. mingling of people, retelling of experiences, before/after certificates, personal recognition awards, and stories shared by me of my special viewpoint of the challenge, you’ll be hard pressed NOT to come away feeling stoked about Hulk!

Again, I must stress the fact that if you are going, myself (Alllevelstraining@gmail.com) or Bobbi Rivera (Aliveinaphoto@gmail.com) must KNOW and have PAYMENT no later than March 24th. If you know of friends or family that are coming, let us know that as well so that we can make sure everyone is accounted for :).

Lastly, I just want to reiterate how proud I am of each and every one of you. This last 2 and a half months wasn’t easy, but anything worth a damn is going to carry some blood, sweat, and tears behind it. I’d say you all DEFINITELY are worth a damn. Come March 31st, we are going to Hulk smash as some of you get Hulk smashed in honor of what you rightfully should be proud of. Until then, we’ve got two weeks to burn this mother down…

AhhhhhhOOOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk