The Brilliance of Baseball

By Dan Grant
[Trainer Talk]
How can baseball help you get the body of your dreams?  Dan Grant shows you how in his latest eye opening column.
Since I now have the honour of writing a column for The Soko, I thought it was about time to have a ‘get to know me’ kind of article.  Since it’s baseball season, and since it’s the greatest sport in the world (Sorry hockey fans -- I love hockey too, but it’s just not baseball.), I figured I should do a baseball themed article.  I’m currently training to play pro baseball this summer, so this article is going to be a lot of fun.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball’s famous song ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ is 100 years old this year.  A lot has happened in 100 years, especially regarding nutrition and exercise.  Have we learned anything?  Of course.  Has it made the industry any better at solving problems?  Sadly, not really.

Let’s face it.  A lot of trainers out there just don’t have a clue.  There are many great ones, don’t get me wrong.  Unfortunately, you really have to be skeptical these days about personal trainers, since it’s so easy to get certified.  If you want to be a personal trainer, there is actually a way to become one in just a couple days.  I mean, how scary is that?

In an industry that makes over $100 billion a year, while at the same time the results are actually getting worse, it’s probably time to rethink the strategy.  But I guess I could be wrong.  Maybe it’s not about the results anymore.

Just remember to keep your eyes open for some of the stupid stuff this industry gives you.  A few examples would be any kind of pill that guarantees you significant fat loss, a diet that involves all your favourite foods and still helps you lose 30 pounds in 30 days and any advice Bob from The Biggest Loser gives you (sorry, I had to say it).

My Favourite Food Ever

I grew up playing ball.  I played college ball.  I’m going to be playing pro ball.  I love being at the ballpark.  You can’t help but love life when you’re at the ballpark on a sunny day in the afternoon whether you are playing or watching.

But before I get way too sentimental on you, I should probably get to my point.  (Note:  If you want to keep talking baseball with me just email me…I can talk forever about it).  My point is my favourite food.

Hot dogs, of course.

I understand I’m a fitness professional and I shouldn’t be eating hot dogs or telling you it’s okay to eat them, but let’s be honest, they taste amazing.  All those ‘trainers’ who tell you that you have to be on a crazy strict diet must be people who get all their meals cooked for them, and they also apparently want you to hate your life as much as they hate theirs.

It’s fine to have a cheat meal.  It’s just not okay to have cheat days or cheat buffets.  I’m a real person, just like you, and I like to eat some things that I know aren’t the best for me sometimes.  Sue me.

I go by the 90 per cent rule.  A lot of people can be extremely successful following the 85 per cent rule, meaning 85 per cent of your meals are nutritionally sound and will help you towards your goals.  The other 15 per cent of your meals throughout the week can be meals of your choice.  So sometimes I have a couple hot dogs.  Not all the time, just every once in a while in the summer.

So next time you’re enjoying watching the boys of summer (potentially me), go ahead and enjoy a dog and a beer…just don’t have one every second inning.

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