Changes - 10/17/2025

Changes - 10/17/2025

I've been following the Rite of Passage for about 2 months now!  That's a new record for me in terms of following programs but I'm feeling fairly run down.  The RoP is a demanding program and I don't believe I have approached it in a sustainable manner.  Not only that but I've sort of complicated my life a bit with supplements, nutrition and other things.  A mantra that has always reigned true for me is : Simplicity is King.  The simplest and most sustainable approach is the one that pays dividends  Long term change is a marathon, not a sprint.

In the next session, I'll explain my new dietary and physical approach with reasoning.  I will also name my new program progression using the reasons below : 

Reasonings

• Physical
• I'm sort of tired of explosive exercises and I often go through some dilemma within my own mind whether they are worth it from a practical/longevity benefit.  I've always leaned heavily towards the Steve Maxwell school of thought about being explosive.  If you need to be explosive for your sport.....do you sport explosively.  If you're just a layman, don't put your body through the unnecessary stress of explosive movements in your training.  Also, it's not the form either.  I've had my form checked in person at seminars, certs and by instructors.  My form is perfectly safe and correct.
• I believe that avoiding calisthenics is an ego fueled mistake.  Most people avoid calisthenics because they're difficult!  There is nothing wrong with lifting weights but I would much rather max out my proverbial inner gym before moving onto external resistance.
• I'll take inspiration from all the programs I've followed over the years but you need to think for yourself.  We aren't winning medals here and most of us are playing the longevity olympics.  Ask yourself what will allow you to age gracefully and do that.  Will one arm swinging a 48kg bell 100 times in 5 minutes help me?  I'd say probably not and would eventually fuck me up or cause some wear/tear that I would try to push off as a natural side effect of aging. 
• Step Loading with weights reign supreme.  I have an active job and sometimes I'm tired.  If I'm following a regimented routine, it's easily thrown off track by lifestyle stressors.  Not so with step loading.  You go by number of sessions and not by a schedule. 
• Nutrition
• I have a habit of over complicating my routines which is funny because I follow an intermittent fasting style eating plan.  I'll incorporate protein shakes, fruit and supplements simply because a well meaning teacher tells me too.  I never ask myself what I think or what I want.  The simplest solution is almost always the best one.
• No more supplements and no more fruit/shakes during the day!  Just simply water with some caffeine and a large nutritious dinner!  It's simple, sustainable and has worked for me remarkably in the past.  If I find myself in a spot where not eating would be socially impermissible, I can have some fruit or salad or something else light.  No need to be a pariah. 
• If I want to gain weight, I just eat a bit less healthy for dinner with calorie dense foods without complicating my day time routine.

Program Progression

• Convict Conditioning (Muscle Rejuvenation)

• Standards are in the blog after this one.

• Kettlebell Slow Strength (Muscle Rejuvenation)

• Reach 5 x 1 32 kg Turkish Get Ups
• Reach 2(20) 32 kg Deadlift

• Passage to Strength rotated with Passage to Muscle (Muscle Rejuvenation/Muscle Build-Up)

• Reach a comfortable half bodyweight press (48kg)

• Reach 2(20) 48kg Deadlift

• Double Passage to Power rotated with Double Passage to Muscle (Muscle Rejuvenation/Muscle Build-Up)

• Reach a bodyweight press with double bells

• Reach 2(20) Double Kettlebell Deadlift (Whatever bodyweight is)

• Kettlebell Slow Strength (Muscle Build-Up)

• Reach 5 x 1 48 kg in the Turkish Get Up

• Barbell Training Muscle Rejuvenation/Muscle Build-Up)

• Definitely something slow moving, I'd like to safely get to some decent numbers in the bench press, squat and deadlift.

Anywho, thank you everybody for reading. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone with terminating my RoP programming. I've gotten a few messages on social media from people about my log but I simply must do what's right for me.