The gym.
To some, it’s just a gym—a place of business they dread or feel obligated to visit. It’s a quick in-and-out: lift some weights, walk on a treadmill, and leave as fast as possible. But to others, it’s everything. It’s a non-negotiable, a priority that even takes precedence over a friend’s wedding day. Gym first, wedding later. The gym is a sanctuary that battles anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. It saves lives, keeps people out of prison, off drugs and alcohol, and transforms them into better individuals, even if some still roll their eyes.
For the dedicated, a day without the gym feels incomplete, and rest days are a necessary evil. Selfish? Absolutely. But in the best way possible. This kind of selfishness enhances our lives and those around us. The benefits go beyond vanity; the commitment seeps into every aspect of our existence. We’re never fully satisfied, always striving to be bigger, fitter, faster, stronger, and leaner.
There’s a community that understands this, and you’re in it — a group bound by the shared struggle, the joy mixed with the frustration of slow progress, yet fueled by the hope that it’s coming. We won’t stop.
Most won’t get it, and that’s perfectly fine. But, pass this passion down to your kids, and you’ve given them a gift beyond measure.
I woke up to a text from my son this morning, “135 for 3 reps on bench”. He was in the garage gym after 9pm, while I was sleeping. I’ve done my job.
Dad Spotlight : Meet Dave
Head over to www.theforgelife.com and read about Dave Farmer.
Dads Doing hard shit club
The mission is simple: to inspire dads to get fit and become the best versions of themselves. Whether you're a fitness fanatic or someone who's never lifted a finger towards exercise, this community is for you. It’s not about competition; it’s about building a supportive group of like-minded men who want to challenge themselves and grow together.
Who Can Join?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a bodybuilder, a CrossFitter, or an endurance athlete. We welcome all who are ready to take on new challenges and push their limits. The goal is to create a diverse community of men who are willing to face tough tasks and support each other through them.
This weekend, I hiked a mountain with a weighted GoRuck bag, and it got me thinking—how cool would it be to organize regular meetups like this? Imagine a group of us getting together weekly or biweekly to tackle various physical challenges. For those worried about losing gains, rest assured, integrating different forms of exercise can only enhance your overall fitness.
I’ve heard from so many dads who are excited about Forged Life. Now, it’s time to nut up or shut up. Talking about wanting more is easy; making it happen is what counts. Let’s stop talking and start doing.
Putting yourself out there takes balls, especially in a society that often judges those who deviate from the norm. At Forged Life, we respect anyone willing to step into the arena and face challenges head-on. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re interested in joining this journey, reach out to me, and let’s get started. Feel free to involve your kids and show them what Dad can do. (And if you’re not a dad, you’re still welcome to join and grind with us.)
Let’s build something great together.
Food tip of the week: The easiest and most simple Protein Cookies ever.
Protein cookies, protein balls, protein… whatevers. They're everywhere! Most of the time, they’re just a mix of a bunch of ingredients with a token sprinkle of whey protein thrown in for good measure.
I was in a shop once and saw "protein balls." Naturally, the devil's advocate in me had to ask about the ingredients. The response? Oats, coconut, peanut butter, flax, chocolate chips, honey, vanilla, granola, chia seeds, and a scoop of whey protein.|
How is that a protein ball? It's more like a carbohydrate ball with a protein cameo. Sure, it’s delicious, but let's not kid ourselves—it’s not a muscle-building powerhouse.
So, let me introduce you to the simplest, most straightforward protein cookie ever. Just three ingredients: 100% grass-fed ground beef, salt, and pepper.
Here’s how you do it:
Dump the beef in a bowl.
Mix it up.
Add the salt and pepper.
Mix again.
Grab a handful of beef, make a ball, flatten it out.
Toss it on the grill until the internal temperature hits 130-155 degrees.
Boom, done. A 5oz protein cookie gives you roughly 30 grams of muscle-building, perfect protein.
But wait, there's more! These protein cookies travel like a dream. Toss one in your pocket for a post-workout snack, pack a couple for a road trip, or stash one in your bag for when hunger strikes. They’re the ultimate portable protein punch.
Gainz. You’re welcome.
