Greetings from the wild plains of Weatherford, TX, where your intrepid nerd and guide through the chaos of metal and muscle, has touched down like a comet last night!

What a mad, hallucinatory ride this week has been! I did my sonic assault of 3 concerts in 5 days with the onslaught of The Sisters of Mercy laying siege to our ears just two days before we headed out on the road to plunge into the frenzied depths of a mosh pit as Harms Way, Carcass, and Hatebreed tore Kansas City a new auditory orifice.

We even got to meet all the guys in Hatebreed in a backroom carnival of a meet and greet that can only be described as electric.

To utter that I'm merely "tired" would be a gross understatement, akin to saying that a hurricane is just a breeze.
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This week, my lifting regime was sucker-punched by a relentless barrage of deadlines, packing our steel steed Black Sunshine to the gills, the concerts, and the epic 1,000-mile odyssey that included a tire explosion in the wastelands of KC—a tire blowout that tried to derail us but only added to the legend. $586 and a tow later, we were back on track because, life is a fleeting, ferocious beast that demands you seize it by the horns.

Life, dear reader, is about choosing your battles, selecting those moments that you will look back on from the smoky twilight of your years and say, "Darn right, that was worth it!"

Often, that means dragging your carcass to the gym to throw some iron around or subjecting yourself to the cruel mistress that is the Concept 2 rower, even when every fiber of your being is screaming for mercy.
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Show up, test your metal, and more often than not, you'll find the juice was worth the squeeze.

What are your higher priorities that might demand a sacrifice in gym performance to truly live out loud?

For me, excepting the apocalypse of family emergencies, I'll trade a few Z's for a night of headbanging under the searing lights of a metal concert any day of the week.
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Those memories will echo through the corridors of my mind long after the ringing in my ears fades. And if it's just one wild night out of many (unlike my back-to-back concert marathon this week), I'll still hit the gym the next day, maybe a bit worse for wear but never beaten.
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A solid night's recovery sleep afterward, and I'm recharged and roaring to go.

This relentless yammering is to urge you to step back occasionally and examine the why behind your what.
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Maybe you're over stressed, spending too many nights face-down in a platter of hot wings at your local dive...
...But if you're reading this, chances are you're more likely smashing your routines with the violent consistency of a seasoned warrior. Perhaps it's time to find another outlet, a recreational rebellion that adds a layer of meaning to your existence?

As much as I worship at the altar of the iron, I recognize that training is but a means to an end—a tool to forge a better, longer, more badass life. It's worth taking a moment to ensure you're on the right path in this grand, twisted scheme we call living.

I'm itching to hear your thoughts.
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Smash that reply button with your musings, your goals, and how they mesh with the iron game.

Much love and metal,
Dr Mike
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PS -When you are ready there are 3 ways you can work with me
1) Listen to one of my podcasts totally free HERE.
2) Read one of the tons of free articles I have on my site HERE.
3) Book a private 1 hour virtual call to ask me any questions. Cost is $250 and you can email Jodie HERE​

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Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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