Check out what I just found!
The picture on the left was taken when I was 18 years old. I hadn’t seen it for years when I just so happened to stumble upon it the other day while I was going through random old files on my computer.
As soon as I found it I created this side-by-side with my most recent progress picture and, well, you can see the change for yourself.
The craziest part?
I weigh the same in both pictures! On the left I was 140lbs and on the right I was 142lbs.
Isn’t that nuts?
Just goes to show you the scale does not, can not, and will not ever tell you the whole story.
Also worth noting, in the first picture I deadlifted around 250lbs. Now I deadlift over 530lbs at the same body weight.
As Louie Simmons always says, “Big isn’t strong. Strong is strong.”
Anyway, enough babbling. I’ve got a great installment of The Week in Review lined up for you this week so, without further adieu, enjoy!
-J
Articles By Jordan
One of my most popular articles to date, in this piece I reveal the truth about calorie counting and answer the long awaited question, “Does calorie counting really work?” In this article you’re going to learn if calorie counting is (or isn’t) all it’s cracked up to be and how that affects your approach to improving your body.
1. Does Calorie Counting Work? The Truth Finally Revealed
My Training Logs
My training logs are back and I’m posting them daily on Instagram! I’ve shared some brand new videos with you below but if you want more make sure to follow me on Instagram @SyattFitness
Front Squats: 4 x 10 with Emphasized Eccentric
I do these with sub-maximal weights near the tail end of my training session and with minimal rest between sets (60-90 seconds). The low(er) load/high(er) rep scheme with short rest periods is, what I’ve found to be, best for increasing muscle size.
The Most Delicious Rack of Ribs I’ve Ever Had
I was planning on saving half for when I got home…but then I ended up eating the whole thing in one sitting.
Client Spotlight: Tracy
My online coaching client, Tracy, was initially hesitant to take time away from crossfit but after reviewing her progress over the past 10-weeks she might never go back.
Completely transforming her body (dem glutes and abz, tho!) and dramatically increasing her strength in just 10-weeks, Tracy has worked harder than I can even begin to express.
Congrats, Tracy! It’s been less than 3-months and you’ve made more progress than most people do in a year! Keep up the amazing work!
Note: I asked Tracy if she’d be willing to write a short piece about her journey thus far, obstacles she’s overcome, motivation to stay on track, and any other advice she has for you.
Fortunately, Tracy agreed and she wrote the exceptional story below.
A Word From Tracy…
“Ever hit a low point?
Knowing you want to make changes; but, totally aware you can’t do it on your own.
Hello, that was me . Basically, I am used to setting my mind and doing it! I am strong willed – sorry Mom about, well, my whole childhood. So, with my 45th birthday looming, the dread was settling into a deep piece of my soul. OK, not that bad, but close.
Still, I was so discouraged by my multiple failed attempts. I was tired of picturing something different and the mirror being such a reality check…OUCH!. Over the years, no matter what my weight was, or how hard I worked out, I could never change the shape of my hips and glutes. It was just a skinny fat, (cardio overkill) fluff , mess. No offense, ‘Butt,’ just stating the facts…Lol.
I knew my butt had potential, which is why I began a search for a nutrition coach. I am so incredibly thankful my three-week quest ended with Jordan. As soon as we talked – BOOM, I knew he was the perfect partner to direct my fitness journey. Admittedly, there was a moment of silence to mourn the loss of doing CrossFit five days a week. It was a little painful, like a limb being removed… But, Jordan did console me with the option of doing two WODS a week. I knew he had a plan and I couldn’t wait to get started.
I have enjoyed every day as Jordan’s client. He is the biggest encourager and completely knows his stuff. I am continually blown away by his knowledge, expertise and his work ethic. He truly goes above and beyond. And he is just a great person and; may I add, so FUNNY! I can be really hard on myself and Jordan always comes back with encouraging words. His, “You can’t mess this up,” really helped in my initial weeks because of my all or nothing approach to things
And here we are, 10 weeks later, and I can’t believe the changes . Not only have my glutes completely changed shape, I have dropped body fat, gained muscle and my strength has gone through the roof. My energy level hasn’t been this good in years. I never imagined being able to do 25-pound weighted pull-ups or a set of 315-pound hip thrusters. Jordan’s programming is spot-on which has resulted in making my CrossFit movements only stronger.
If I can encourage just one person, no matter your age, it is NEVER too late to make changes. Everyone has a starting point; and, today could be yours! I thought I was only going to be a 12-week client, but now, I am excited to continue this journey with Jordan.”
Want me to design your nutrition program? Fill the form out below and I’ll get back to you within 48-hours.
Recommended Reading

- This is What Flexible Dieting Actually Looks Like via Sohee Walsh
- Expert Shows Exercises for Training the Hip Hinge via Dean Somerset, The PTDC
- 5 Tips for Leaning Out via Bret Contreras
- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats via Born Fitness
- The Skinny on the Trans Fat Ban via Kamal Patel
- Outrun Your Fork and Gain Muscle via Dr. Spencer Nadolsky
- 3 Ways to Increase Your Ankle Mobility via Mike Perry
- The Difference Between External and Internal Impingement of the Shoulder via Tony Gentilcore
- Can Adding Size Help You Get Stronger (and Vice Versa)? via Nick Smoot
- Up with Hip Thrusts: 7 New Variations via Ben Bruno
- Stronger in 60-Seconds: Master the Pull-Up via Adam Pine
- Does Calorie Counting Work? The Truth Finally Revealed via Syatt Fitness
- Exercise Video of the Week: 3 Common Bench Press Mistakes via Ryan Wood
- How Often Should You Workout for Fat Loss? via Garrett Wood
- 4 Rules for Choosing Accessory Exercises via Tony Bonvechio
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