25 Pounds of Flab Gone Forever

Jon Herring, before (Left) in January 2005, ready for a change. And after (Right) in February 2006, a lean, mean, fitness machine.

Dear Matt,

I'm writing to share with you the superior results I experienced with your Combat Conditioning program last year.

At the end of 2004, I was 25 pounds over my ideal weight. I didn't like the way I looked, and I was not happy with how I felt. My skin was broken out. My mental clarity was diminished. And I was tired almost every afternoon.

It was no mystery why I was fat and tired. I wasn't eating properly or exercising consistently. So, I decided to do something about it. In January of 2005, I turned my attention to several very specific objectives. My most important goal was to reach and maintain my ideal weight.

Regarding nutrition, my plan was very simple:

• I ate breakfast and four to five small meals every day. My meals included good carbs, healthy fats and lean protein. Not once did I starve myself or go hungry... I just focused on eating more of the right foods so there was no room for the junk.



• I supplemented with fish oil every day. I don't know of ANY nutritional supplement that has more hard science to back up what it can do for your health, than fish oil. Besides reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and mental decline, omega-3 fatty acids can help shed bodyfat.

My exercise routine was pretty simple, too:

• I focused on the intensity more than the duration. I never did "cardio" for more than 30 minutes. If I went for a run, I would run intervals at 70% or 80% of my max effort, followed by brief periods of active rest. Sometimes I would sprint in the sand at the beach. And when I traveled to a place that was hilly, I would run hill sprints. Florida is not known for its mountains, you know.



• I trained using the exercises in Combat Conditioning. What I like about these movements is that I can do them anywhere. Inside... outside... at home... at the office... in a hotel room. I don't need any special equipment. And best of all, I can improve my strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning all at the same time. And whether I take five minutes for a few sets of Hindu Squats or 30 minutes for a full work out, I am always challenged.



• On the days I didn't break a sweat, I did SOMETHING. Whether it was stretching before bed, a walk around the block, the Farmer Burns stomach flattener, or some deep breathing... I did something for my body every day.

Matt Furey has a DAILY Politically Incorrect fitness tip for you! Name: E-Mail:

My favorite exercise routine is what you call "road work" in your book. Here's what I do. I will sprint for 30 seconds or a minute and then I jog for a minute or two to catch my breath... and then every few minutes I'll drop down and bang out 25 or 50 Hindu Pushups... then I'll run some more... jog some more... and knock out 50 or a 100 Hindu Squats. And anytime I see a bar or a tree branch I can hang from, I'll count off 15 or 20 pullups... and then off I go again.

After 30 minutes of that, my butt is whipped... and I feel like a million bucks!

So... how has all of this worked for me?

I started in January of last year. Before the end of February I reached my ideal weight (for the first time in five years). My skin cleared up. My productivity increased at work. My mental sharpness returned. My energy went through the roof. And my body became lean and muscular.

And the best part is that I maintained that same state of fitness (or better) for the entire year - and I am in the same condition as I write you today 12 months later.

I know for a fact that there are people who read your e-letter who could add YEARS to their life if they would follow your program. How much is that worth? In my experience, the information you provide and the motivation you offer is priceless. Keep up the great work!

Jon Herring
Health Editor
Early To Rise