I’m back baby birds ;)

A special message to everybody about to take part in this upcoming “Hulk vs. Hulk – Round VII”

– Hulk

And the seed of “Hulk vs. Hulk – Round VII” sprouted, emerging from the Earth with branches outstretched towards the sunlight…

Amanda Jane Martin’s Award Presentation – Overall Winner/ Best Mom

Kristina Lamb’s Award Presentation – Overall Inches Winner

Jessica LaVenter’s Award Presentation – MVP

Click Here for photo album #1 and Here for photo album #2 of the Hulk After Party!

The FINAL chant of Hulk – Round VI, Tye’s proposal video, Tye’s slideshow, The full length 20 minute slideshow, and a couple other juicy pieces of media will be posted. Stay tuned!

– Hulk

Jeff Martin, I figured I would like to let you know via here that I have found a spot on Hulk for you 🙂

Hulk: Round VI – Fin

The Family

Well team, we did it…

What is “it” you ask? “It” is proving to yourself you can stick with the gym before giving up LONGER than 2 weeks. “It” refers to completing a challenge that, on the outside, some deem “too intense for me” yet when you hear that you swell your chest with pride. “It” refers to love you’ve found not only for those who started out complete strangers, but more importantly yourself. What you 25 have done (Cheryl, I’m talking to you) is not only unrivaled, but unprecedented. Nobody is doing what you guys are doing around here. NOBODY. Want proof?

Here’s your proof (Click Here).

Want more proof? Well, you’re gonna have to wait because if I posted the proof I WANTED to show you all it would give away who won the categories of composition lost and inches lost. That wouldn’t be fair now would it 🙂

I will say this though… As a team you all have lost 192.4 inches and 124 lbs. I repeat:

Inches Lost: 192.4

Pounds Lost: 124

I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the most dedicated team I have ever had (and lord knows I’ve had some dedicated teams!) and my heart couldn’t beat harder or faster for each and every one of you 25 individuals who finished this challenge out with your heads held high and your legs wobbly (yet still a smile).

Tomorrow, we party like we just endured 10 weeks of rigorous hell. I’m hesitant using the word “hell” however, seeing as how I’ve seen and experienced some of those most amazing things I have ever witnessed or been a part of in my short time here on Earth. The best part? It’s not done yet… We have MANY more surprises planned for tomorrow. If you think you know everything that’s going down tomorrow, you don’t. Tye and Bobbi, and I’m talking to you guys as well. Be prepared to let loose and shed some tears with some loved ones (VERY high probability) because you all earned it.

With all that, remember Monday is a new week. Don’t get sucked up into the fun that tomorrow is going to be. Enjoy the moment and leave it at that… Don’t let the “good times” steam roll into “crap, I lost it…” I’ve seen it happen far too many times for it to go unmentioned. Along with being the most dedicated team I’ve ever worked with, I think y’all are also the group that runs the LEAST risk of falling off. Remember, you are Hulk. You are part of something others WISH they could do. You are now a representative of Hulk via a positive outlook and healthy lifestyle!

I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow. If you get a moment, please click on “The Family” photo and listen to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. For the moment, no truer words have been spoken.

– Hulk

PS just NOW got done with all the awards and certificates, and now I’m about to finish the slide show. I love when a plan comes together!!

Last Bootcamp: Tonight

Lightest wall sit I've EVER done! 😉

Click HERE for Train the Trainer Pictures! Videos coming shortly! Or longly… I haven’t decided yet…

Last night was FUN. No way around it, had a BLAST. Thank you to everyone who showed up (including my lovely girlfriend Taryn!) and I ESPECIALLY thank you for not making me do the 4 horsemen! I tried, you all know I tried! You all, tonight however, are not going to be so lucky…

I just want to say that tonight is going to be a very intense night. Physically and emotionally. It is a tough DAY for me in that sense because I NEVER want a challenge to end… Fortunately though, it allows us to make way for Hulk vs Hulk starting August 13th!

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all to bring your A game tonight, because you’re gonna need it… Let’s make this last bootcamp one to remember, shall we?!

Cheryl Taylor, we miss the hell out of you.

Everyone, you’re doing Zumba after. Jessica support! AhhhOOOOO!!!!!

– Hulk

PS song is pretty self-explanatory given the weight of the situation… 😉

Train the Trainer!!

I'm ready to HURT!

Train the trainer is tonight baby birds and I couldn’t be more excited!!! Wanna know the most exciting part? The fact that tonight’s train the trainer is right before I get MY hands on YOU GUYS for one last time. If THAT’S not exciting, then I don’t know what is!

Seriously, you all better BRING IT tonight. I’m gonna keep this short since I’ll be updating with pictures and events of tonight’s butt kicking. When the smoke clears though I PROMISE I’ll still be standing! AhhhOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

PS 3 days left…

Hulk would be nothing without you.

Tye weighing in under 200 lbs for the first time since he was 10 years old.

The 2 on the bottom have lost more weight collectively than I weight total (200 lbs). AMAZING.

Bobbi, Tye's wife, is also the lowest she's weighed TODAY since being about a sophomore in High School. HELLLOOOOO Milestones!! Bobbi, I am SO proud of you. I will NOT let your accomplishments go unnoticed!

It was Cheryl Taylor's last Hulk workout before her surgery on Monday! We are gonna miss you these last two weeks scrumptious!

Punky swearing to Cheryl I'm going to visit the day of her surgery. See Cheryl, it's on my website, so it HAS to be true now!

Today was a PHENOMENAL day. We had our first outdoor bootcamp, but more importantly some milestones were hit. Bobbi Rivera is the lightest she’s been since a sophomore in High School, Her husband, Tye Rivera, weighs under 200 lbs for the first time since he was 10 years old. Art Villareal solidified his “under 200” spot today. All you future Hulksters, this is what you get to look forward to.

Teygan Mason, Hulkster (and awesome Zumba instructor) Jessica LaVenter’s boyfriend is joining TOUGH MUDDER BABY. So far “Team Hulk” has 32 members and growing. We have the second largest team registered for Sunday, September 18th at Squaw Valley, and we are going to DOMINATE. It is my goal to cause such a ruckus that Tough Mudder has NO CHOICE but to do a story on us. Notice the camera with the microphone on the top picture in this post? Big things poppin’ for Hulk y’all. Hop on the train or get left at the station!

Alas, it was filled with some bitterness as well. It was our very own Cheryl Taylor’s last Hulk workout of the challenge before going in for hip surgery on Monday. Chery, your infectious spirit, inspiration, and constant dirty comments are going to be missed to the fullest. You are a TRUE Hulkster, and you better believe you’re gonna be having some visitors coming your way very soon!

Also, Amanda Martin’s baby sitter was feeling under the weather today and she was not able to make it today either. Don’t worry Amanda, we will be going outdoors again for you for sure!

I’d write more, but I’m starving beyond starving. Shaleena and Cory, hope you guys are ready to Hulk out!

– Hulk

PS in honor of Michael Jackson (RIP MJ!), all songs of the day today (each picture has a different one) are Jackson classics.

“They Don’t Care About Us”

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, aggravation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Bang bang, shot dead
Everybody’s gone mad

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Beat me, hate me
You can never break me
Will me, thrill me
You can never kill me
chew me, sue me
Everybody do me
Kick me, kike me
Don’t you black or white me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I’m tired of bein’ the victim of hate
You’re rapin’ me of my pride
Oh, for God’s sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy…
Set me free

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
trepidation, speculation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Black male, black mail
Throw your brother in jail

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Tell me what has become of my rights
Am I invisible because you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I’m tired of bein’ the victim of shame
They’re throwing me in a class with a bad name
I can’t believe this is the land from which I came
You know I do really hate to say it
The government don’t wanna see
But if Roosevelt was livin’
He wouldn’t let this be, no, no

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, speculation
Everybody litigation
Beat me, bash me
You can never trash me
Hit me, kick me
You can never get me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Some things in life they just don’t wanna see
But if Martin Luther was livin’
He wouldn’t let this be

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, segregation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Kick me, strike me
Don’t you wrong or right me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

 

That Morphsuit was hot!!

She's Superwoman alright!

First and foremost, Click Here to see the amazing pictures from last night’s “Superhero” workout!

Why don't people take me seriously?

So last night, I had pretty much the most fun of all time. As you can see, I sported a green “morphsuit” (anybody watch “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?” Or how about the Vancouver Green Men?) with some purple shorts in support of my favorite superhero, HULK! Not gonna lie, that thang was HOT like the black leather in a convertible with the top down underneath the Arizona sun in the middle of July. Fear not though, I still did Zumba afterwards!!! Seriously though, last night was so much fun! Thank you to everyone who dressed up and participated to the fullest!

Also, special shout out to my parents for showing up for Zumba!

Mama Hulk and Papa Hulk!

Like Father Like Son!

Kima, I want to thank you again for fighting through the pain your elbows give you. You’re genuinely inspiring, especially the fact that you thank me afterwards every time!

Amanda Martin, I promise to always wear the jumpsuit if you need. We can even go out and get coffee… I will wear the jumpsuit. Don’t think I won’t!

Amanda Vallee, tell Hawaii Taryn and I will be there very soon. You better be having a blast! We miss you, come back to us!

Tanisha, spin on your hands tomorrow and I will post a video, I promise :).

Tye, you tore the wheels off that train of a workout last night, chewed them up, spit them out, and formed them into a racecar as you sped off into the sunset. Because you could. Seriously, you manhandled that workout like it was the 50’s and you were asking your secretary to do some work for you. Minus the gin of course.

Mama Hulk and Papa Hulk, I hope you had fun at Zumba! You better be apart of our Zumba family now!

Jessica, you are the best Zumba instructor in the world.

Chris, although round IS a shape, we’re trying to shape shift here smartass :).

– Hulk

PS click on the pictures, there’s some goodies in there!

 

Milestones!

Kathi hit 129 lbs!!! She did it!!!

 

Click here before you read on. Immediately. Stop reading and click. Are you still reading? CLICK HERE. I want you to read this while this song plays in the background… Because I dedicate this song to each and every one of you who fight day in and day out, tooth and nail… Blood, sweat, and tears… Fears, jeers, and insecurities… That voice constantly pulling a tug-of-war saying “You can!” followed by “Can I?” Well yes, you can. You will. You’ve done…

My girl Kathi Tyler (pictured above) hit her goal today. After 2 and a half years of roller coaster worthy ups and down, twists and turns, low points and high points, shoulder injuries, achy muscles, trials, tribulations, motivation, inspiration, PERSPIRATION. 2 Harvest and crush seasons (she’s a winemaker), a little girl, a new puppy, a new car… She has found herself a new woman. 2 and a half solid years culminated today in Kathi hitting her goal… 129 lbs. This is for you Kathi… I love you. WE love you. Congratulations baby girl, this is only the beginning before we get you up on stage you hot mama!

 

He did it!!! I love this man!!!

That song better be playing still… If not… Play it again! Not only did Kathi hit her marker, but my man Art is below the 200 lb mark for the first time since… When Art? I looked it up… His first challenge (he is an OG member… Hulk – Round II and beyond!) he weighed 244 lbs and couldn’t hold a plank longer than 30 seconds. I dare ANYONE who has seen this man work during bootcamps, BOSU class, one on one sessions, Zumba, or any other form of exercise he can get his hands on, to say that he is not one of the beastliest, most motivated and unstoppable forces of nature they have ever seen. I want to get a mural of silverback gorillas on my back, and I might just replace one with a picture of Art, because he EPITOMIZES what they represent to me… Strong, loyal, proud, and somebody who has such a FIERCE confidence that they DON’T show off that you KNOW you don’t want to mess with them… Art, you ARE Hulk. When they ask, you tell ’em… Art. I love you man. WE love you.

When Art was leaving today, he told me his neighbor had a heart attack last night around 10pm. He told me he’d been having complications before and nobody is sure how drastic this last one was exactly. Around that same time last night (10pm) I got a text from Art saying “Our trainer has a saying… You get the results people don’t get by doing the things people don’t do.” I responded with “That’s me!” and he simply sends back “No one else.”

Now, the correlation of the timing of this didn’t hit me until Art told me what he told me next. He puts his hand on my shoulder, takes a deep breath, and says “if it wasn’t for you and the team, that would be me last night. I have no doubt in my mind. Thank you.” Then he just tried to walk away! I said “no no no, you get on back here…” and after the driest hug we have ever shared (moments before we shared the sweatiest embrace we’ve ever shared) I told him “Art, I’m the foreman in this equation. I have the blueprint, I have the tools, and I have the power to lead and oversee… You, however, built the house. You are the one showing up to work every day whether I’m there or not. You are the one doing the hard work, and I can’t thank YOU enough for meeting me with the same level of commitment I give to you. You are the definition of ‘Hulk’ Art, and I can’t thank YOU enough.”

I have 2 reasons why I’m telling this story. Reason#1 is because Art, my man, that fear of getting taken away by an unhealthy body is GONE. That WILL NOT be you. Last night is a reminder of what you have changed for the better to the zillionth degree, and no one can ever take that away from you. Your family is going to have you around a long time my friend… That golf course is going to have your feet tread it a thousand more times before you take that stairway to heaven. Team Hulk gets to stay fired up by you from here on out (minus the coming crush season). Reason #2 is because I can’t thank Art, Team Hulk, or ANYBODY I work with enough for the appreciation I get shown. You will all ALWAYS be welcome, but under one condition… Recognize you are doing the work. I am NOT a miracle worker. I am a leader. I am a massive weight loser. I am the kid that no one cared about, so I just kept screaming till they heard me out. I’m the one with blueprints for success. I’m that helping hand that knows what it’s like to struggle… To despise yourself. To think that you have nothing to offer anybody, including yourself, so what’s the point? I’m the one who gets how hard of a struggle nutrition is because I have the same struggles. I’m the one who follows my own mantra of “you get the results people don’t get by doing the work people don’t do.” I’m the one who follows my own formulas, thought process, and suggestions to the fullest.

I am NOT the one making you show up every day. I am NOT the one forcing you to book sessions or sign up for Team Hulk. I am NOT the one forcing you to stick around after Hulk to do Zumba (aside from the first week :D). I am NOT the one doing your push ups, squats, planks, wall sits, shoulder presses, lunges, rope work, BOSU work, bicycles, ground-to-stands, body extensions, isometric flexes… I am NOT the one planning your meals or making you breakfast in the morning. I am NOT the one making the right decisions for you (when the “wrong” ones are so much easier to choose). For all the things I am, the things that I’m not fall on YOU.
Thank you, Team Hulk, for believing in this former fat kid and putting your shovel to the grindstone (screw the axe!) for me day in and day out. Thank you for taking the blue prints and not only following them, but putting on some additions of your own. Thank you for being the reason I wake up in the morning and why I have a smile on my face as I plop into bed at night. Thank you for your kind words, fierce battle cries, gut wrenching “AhhhOOOOOO’s!!!”, and deafening chants. Thank you for being the reason that Hulk is so popular I now have to book 50 people 2 months in advance for my next challenge when in the beginning I had to beg and plead to even fill (hopefully) 10 spots 3 months in advance… I had a vision. Thank you for making that vision a reality.

You say thank me? Not a chance… thank you…

I feel the song of the day is pretty obvious. If not, click here!

Also, Meghan Hoyal is no longer on her death-bed! Welcome back!!!!

Album #1 of “Team Hulk – Round VI” Click Here
Album #2 of “Team Hulk – Round VI” Click Here

Disney themed workout this Thursday!

“Train the trainer” date coming soon!

Sound off!

– Hulk

You are as young as you wanna be!

Ahh!! So excited!!!

Black light special!! It’s tomorrow! I couldn’t be more excited… I mean really, I truly couldn’t. I mean… I posted a Captain’s Log (Click here!) about it! I have special LED lights, more black lights, and more tricks up my sleeve for this one… I promise you, I’m gonna make this a workout you will never forget. If you’re not able to make it tomorrow, don’t worry, I’ll be doing more! I won’t leave ya hangin’ Hulkamaniacs ;).

Now, the next thing I’m about to say could sting a little bit… I just hope some people don’t get too offended, because that is never the goal. However, I need to say what I’m about to say or I’d feel like I’m not staying true to myself…

I’m stoked The Heat took the first game. Miami all the way baby.

Whew… there… I feel better.

“The Voice” last night was pretty good. I’m excited for the live shows! Hit me with some Vicci Martinez, Nakia, and Jorge Cologne please. Sing to me baby birds, sing to me…

Just a reminder to those who maybe didn’t get the e-mail, we’ve got Tyerone Rivera leading a group workout this Friday at 6:30pm. He’ll be doing an assortment of things that DON’T involve too much of legs (since I’ve got that covered the day before :D). I’m excited to see how it turns out, because I know it’s gonna be a doozy! The workout will be personally approved by me, so it will be Hulk worthy no doubt. Not like you all don’t have faith in Tye ;).

Song of the day… We sure are! ALL of us!

– Hulk

San Diego!!!!

First, I have to say im SO proud of Tyerone! If you haven’t found out by now, he was the guest instructor for this Saturday, and there wasn’t a trainer in the WORLD who understands Team Hulk the way that great man does. When they ask, you tell ’em…

“why are you walking so funny?”

“Tyerone Rivera. AhhhOOOOOHHHH!!!!”

If you didn’t know, I’m in San Diego, taking part in watching my best friend of 15 years graduate from SDSU (go Aztecs!) with a BA in Art. Billy Hughes, thank you for graduating and giving me one of the few reasons why I would ever leave my team momentarily (y’all were in good hands). I love you Billy!

The last thing I wanna touch upon as I update from my phone is how incredibly awesome zumba was on Thursday night. A group of us hulk dudes surprised hulkster Jessica LaVenter (who runs the bootcamp) by doing her class. Tye and I even made shirts! “hulk zumba” on the front and “team Jessica” on the back. Jessica, I promise you I will get you one made, they just weren’t cheap ;). You will forever be worth it though! Seriously, you’ve got some regulars my dear… AhhhOOOOO!!!

Song of the day? “California girls” by David lee Roth. For obvious reasons.

Taryn I miss you!

– hulk