Dan Stevens
Hitting the gym for the first time? We’ve all been there. Even your fitness idol once had to walk into a gym and get started. The hardest part for many people is just getting through that front door. I promise, it gets easier! You may make a few mistakes along the way and that’s okay. Read on as I share 5 basic mistakes that Gym newbies make and how not to make those same mistakes. Not that I ever made them before of course…
Ab training. Abs are made in the kitchen. If you haven’t heard this before, you will. It’s the truth and science backs it. 1,000 crunches aren’t going to build the six pack of your dreams, especially if you eat like crap.
Which will bring me to my next point. Not addressing your diet. Whether you want to build muscle or lose fat, diet must be addressed at some point. A proper amount of protein, carbs and fat needs to be assessed for your goals. How do you find those numbers you ask? Investing in a quality and proven nutritionist like me for a meal plan isn’t a bad idea (yeah shameless plug). Whoever you choose, a professional can get you going in the right direction for a reasonable price.
Only training the upper body. I always find it hard to believe that I still see this. Yes, leg training is hard, but good legs are needed to complete a physique. Plus, when you train legs, you see a high hormone release, which in turn will help develop your upper body. And let’s face it, no girl has ever said, “He’s got a great upper body, and I love his chicken legs!”
Lifting every day. If you’re a pro, and know your body inside and out, you might be able to get away with this. But if you’re a newbie, you clearly aren’t a pro. You must rest to recover. Lifting daily will only further dig you into a hole that you’ll never be able to climb out of.
Never researching or asking questions. So many dudes think they know it all. Yet they spend two years in the gym and are still smaller than my 15 lb. shih tzu. You’re going to meet cool people in the gym. When you have that dynamic with someone, pick their brain. Most gym rats actually enjoy teaching. Even better yet, it’s okay to hire a professional trainer. You’re never done learning, and if you’re a beginner, you need to start learning! Remember too, there’s great information online, but some may be conflicting. So be wise. You’re reading this article, so you’re off to a great start!
At the end of the day, whatever your goal is with your fitness career, you have to get started. Today is better than tomorrow, and we can’t bring back yesterday. Stop the excuses and get lifting. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Get pumping!
Read more of my fitness tips inside the Kandy magazine app available in the Apple and Amazon App Stores.
I’ve been attempting to figure out a fair argument to determine the GOAT in NBA history. So I pose this question with my answer being NO. Lebron James has been to 8 straight conference finals but would ANY of his Cavs teams (not counting the Heat and you know why) had beaten the 80’s Celtics led by Larry Bird or the 80’s Lakers led by Magic Jordan for a title or the Bulls led by Michael Jordan or even the Bad Boys Pistons? If you can’t beat the best, you are not the best. End of story. #koochsez #GOAT
Agree or disagree? Head over to Kooch’s Korner and share your thoughts. Be polite.
WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): This has been an amazing week so far. When you want something so much and it finally comes true, that your hard work has paid off, it is a great feeling. Now we have to focus on Detroit with the No. 12 Verizon team because I don’t want to experience a hangover from the win when we are leading the points. And this is such an important weekend for Roger (Penske) and Chevrolet. It’s great to come here as the Indy 500 Champion, but we want to win here too because this race means a lot to a lot of people. It’s such a tough circuit that you have to be in the game from the drop of the green flag or you can have a bad day pretty quick.”
Race weekend: Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 3
Track: Raceway at Belle Isle Park, a 2.35-mile, 14-turn temporary street course (clockwise)
Race distance: 70 laps / 164.5 miles (both races)
Push-to-pass parameters: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation. (for each race)
Firestone tire allotment: Nine sets primary, four sets alternate (weekend). Teams must use one new set of primary and alternate tires in each race
Qualifying lap record: Takuma Sato, 1:13.6732, 114.831 mph, June 4, 2017
ABC race broadcasts: Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 (3:30 p.m. ET)
TONY KANAAN (No. 14 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet): “Good memories from Detroit, I won my first race there in the Indy Lights Series, actually won two races in Indy Lights [1996-97] and won the IndyCar race there [2007]. Bumpy track, a doubleheader, very difficult weekend physically and especially so after a stressful month in Indy. I’m looking forward to it. We’re coming with a great momentum in the team so we’ll work to keep it going.”
At-track schedule (all times local):
Friday, June 1
11:20 a.m. -12:05 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series practice #1
3:10 – 3:55 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series practice #2
4 – 4:20 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series pit stop practice
Saturday, June 2
10:55-11:25 a.m. – Race 1 qualifying for Verizon P1 Award (two groups/12 minutes each), IndyCar.com (live)
3:03 p.m. – Driver introductions
3:43 p.m. – Command to start engines
3:50 p.m. – Chevrolet Dual in Detroit #1 (70 laps/164.5 miles), ABC (live)
Sunday, June 3
10:45-11:15 a.m. – Race 2 qualifying for Verizon P1 Award (two groups/12 minutes each), IndyCar.com (live)
2:59 p.m. – Driver introductions
3:43 p.m. – Command to start engines
3:50 p.m. – Chevrolet Dual in Detroit #2 (70 laps/164.5 miles), ABC (live)
Video streaming: All practice sessions and qualifying for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix will stream live on RaceControl.IndyCar.com and on the INDYCAR YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/indycar)
Courtesy of IndyCar. Photo by Chris Owen.
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2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky edition
The 2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition includes exterior features such as automatic headlamps, fog lamps and 17-inch aluminum wheels – on front-wheel-drive models. In addition, premium touches include satin chrome mirror caps, door handles, body-side moldings, fog-lamp bezels, front and rear badges, tail lamp bezels and liftgate handle.
The interior features a blue-toned environment with unique blue-patterned cloth seats, blue instrument panel and a dual-pane powered sunroof.
The 2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition is available with four exterior paint colors: Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Blue Sky Metallic, Nero Cinema (Black Clear Coat) and Grigio Graphite (Graphite Grey).
The Blue Sky Edition package is available for $1,495 on front-wheel-drive models and $1,195 on all-wheel-drive models, which start at $19,995 and $23,890 U.S. MSRP, respectively, excluding destination.
The Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition will be arriving in FIAT studios this spring.
The 2018 Fiat 500X delivers the Italian design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the FIAT brand. The 500X offers an advanced all-wheel-drive system, functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. The small crossover features two engine options, an available nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency. Loaded with up to 70 advanced safety and security features, the Fiat 500X is available in three trim models and 12 exterior colors.
Tommy Johnson Jr. goes to final four-car round in Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T at Four-Wide Nationals at Charlotte.
Tommy Johnson Jr. drove his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T to the final round at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, leading the charge for all Mopar Dodge//SRT drivers during weekend action at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina in a race won by Cruz Pedregon.
Tommy Johnson Jr., Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car
(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.887 ET at 328.70 mph)
Rd.1: (.089 -second reaction time, 4.374 seconds at 215.00 mph), lost to No. 6 Cruz Pedregon (.072/4.156/243.55), defeated No. 14 John Smith (.341/4.315/256.84), defeated No. 11 Matt Hagan (.091/5.145/127.07)
Pedregon and Johnson advance to round 2.
Rd.2: (.187 -second reaction time, 4.007 seconds at 275.39 mph), lost to No. 6 Cruz Pedregon (.088/4.055/309.20), defeated No. 7 Robert Hight (.084/4.610/192.49), defeated No. 2 Ron Capps (.060/5.233/140.44)
Pedregon and Johnson advance to finals.
Finals: (.084 -second reaction time, 4.143 seconds at 314.02 mph), lost to No. 6 Cruz Pedregon (.032/4.059/310.84), lost to No. 8 John Force (.090/4.098/307.93), defeated No. 1 Courtney Force (.099/6.215/114.46)
Johnson finishes third place in the final quad.
“It’s just a challenge for everybody out here today. The change of the track prep has really thrown the crew chiefs for a curve. We saw a lot of carnage and a lot of teams struggling to get a hold of the track and we made nice run in the semifinals and had a low ET of the semifinals and we kind of thought we had a handle on it. Then once we got out there for the final, it was really running well then broke the tires loose. We’ll have to figure it out. We’ll see if we can’t keep chipping away.”
2018 NHRA Championship — Point Standings After Round 6 of 24 (Season Wins in Parentheses)
NHRA Funny Car
1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger R/T (1) — 466
2. Courtney Force (1) — 425
3. J.R. Todd (2) — 403
4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger R/T (1) — 395
5. Robert Hight — 381
6. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger R/T —376
7. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger R/T — 352
8. Cruz Pedregon (1) — 274
9. Shawn Langdon — 269
10. Jonnie Lindberg — 256
The Most Radical NFL Mock Draft
The 2018 NFL draft is quickly approaching. The draft will be held from April 26 to 28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This is the first time the NFL is holding the draft in an actual stadium. Sometimes bigger is not better. This draft will have a different feel. Gone will be the intimate surroundings of a venue such as Radio City Music Hall. All that matters is how it plays on television. We will find out soon enough. Now, onto our predictions for the first round of the NFL draft.
Picking 1st Cleveland Browns
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
In a shocker to Mel Kiper, the Browns take the all-world running back instead of quarterback Sam Darnold. Everyone knows the Browns have Barkley as the top-rated prospect in the draft and wary of the NY Giants selecting Barkley at #2, the Browns are comfortable knowing that with the #4 pick in the first round they will still land one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft.
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Rosen was always the pick. He is the safest pick in the draft for quarterbacks. If he stays healthy, he could be the next Eli Manning. Notice we did not say Peyton Manning. If he duplicates his college health, then the next David Carr.
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Shocked that Darnold has fallen to them, the Jets turn in the quickest pick in the draft. Not concerned about the last USC QB the Jets traded up to take in the first round, Mark Sanchez, Jets fans ring out with loud chants of “J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!” after the pick is announced.
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Well, they are the Browns and act as such. In a stunning trade announcement, they swap positions with the Broncos, who are afraid another team would jump in front of them, and John Elway drafts the big armed quarterback he loves, and the Browns receive Denver’s 2019 first round pick.
Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
With four stud quarterbacks in the draft and with two of the top four picks, the Browns come away with … none. Oh, to be a Browns fan. Take solace in that Chubb may be the next LT as he converts to outside linebacker in the NFL.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Unsatisfied with the options at six and not in need of a QB, the Colts trade the pick to the Bills who secure their quarterback of the future. Mayfield has the makeup to play in the inclement weather conditions of Buffalo.
Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Bucs stick to an old draft strategy and take the best player available on their draft board.
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Don’t quote us, but this may the latest the first offensive lineman has been drafted in years…and a Guard at that!. The Bears fill a huge need and plug in a player who is projected to be an all-pro for many years.
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Back to back Golden Domers. With all the money invested in Jimmy Garoppolo someone needs to protect him. This may be a little high for McGlinchey, but he is far and away the best tackle in the draft. Protect your QB San Fran.
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
The top-rated linebacker in the draft nearly falls out of the top 10 but Chucky, Jon Gruden, snags him to team up with Khalil Mack to form a fearsome linebacker duo.
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
After letting Suh go and missing out on the top four QB prospects in this year’s draft, the Dolphins need to shore up their interior defensive line and take the stud DT out of Washington.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Colts needs weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Luck to Ridley rekindles memories of Manning to Harrison for Colts fans.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama
A consensus top 10 pick falls to the Redskins at 13 and he is too good to pass up.
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The Packers jump on the drafts’ top-rated CB to beef up their secondary.
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
The Cardinals needs a long-term solution at QB. The free agent signing of injury prone Sam Bradford was a stop gap move. With Lamar Jackson also still on the board, the Cardinals turn to Rudolph who can sit behind the veteran Bradford for a year and learn. At least, that is the hope, unless Bradford succumbs to a hang nail in pre-season.
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
With Ridley and Fitzpatrick off the board, Green Bay turns to fortifying its defensive line and takes Davenport out of the University of Texas – San Antonio.
Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
The Chargers snare Payne to anchor the middle of their D line. He is a run-stopper who will occupy two offensive linemen, freeing up linebackers for TFL (tackle-for-loss) opportunities and edge rushers Ingram and Bosa for sacks.
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
They love players with speed in Seattle, and with the linebacker out of Georgia still on the board, they grab a guy with elite speed and quickness. He is also highly touted for his coverage skills, something they may need more of out of their linebackers in 2018.
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Many mock drafts have Evans going to the Cowboys with this pick. Who are we to argue? He is from that NFL player factory known as Alabama, so he is ready to start.
Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
The NFL is a pass happy league with four and five wide. The Lions add one of the top-rated cornerbacks in this year draft to help neutralize the passing attack of division rivals the Packers and Vikings.
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Andy Dalton needs time to throw in the pocket and more importantly he needs to stay upright more often. Miller of UCLA should provide improved protection to a QB who is not getting any younger.
Harold Landry, LB, Boston College
The Colts took the #3 overall pick in this year’s draft and turned it into four 2018 draft picks, two first round and two second round selections. Well done Colts, well done. Oh, and the kid out of Boston College is a great addition to your defense.
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
With Sammy Watkins gone, the Rams go out and get a big receiver to catch the rock. Some mock drafts have him going in the top 10. If he is still on the board here, the Rams will snatch him (pardon the pun).
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Although the preference is too find more offensive weapons for Cam Newton, the CB out of Iowa had a stellar season with his 8 INTs leading the FBS.
Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
The Titans can just plug him into the right guard spot, alongside RT Jack Conklin, and watch them open gaping holes for running back Derrick Henry.
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
It is nearly unanimous that the Falcons need to address their interior defensive line. Bryan out of Florida is the best interior lineman available this late in the draft. If Vea or Payne slip in the draft, we would not be surprised to see the Falcons trade up to grab one of them.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Head coach Sean Payton secures his quarterback of the future in the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner. Jackson will sit two to three years in New Orleans and learn the ropes behind Brees. It is a perfect landing spot for Jackson.
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
With the uncertainty surrounding their stud running back Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers draft an insurance policy who may be able to duplicate Bell’s skill set. Production? That is another question.
Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
You don’t see too many 25-year-old rookies in the NFL. Hurst is a former minor league baseball player who turned to football when he realized he did not have a future in baseball. He’s an immediate starter with excellent hands and solid runner after the catch.
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
What do you do after guaranteeing $90M to your new quarterback? You protect him, and Wynn out of Georgia is an above average pass blocker for a guard.
Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Patriots restock their secondary, and Alexander fits what they seek in a corner.
Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise St.
Super Bowl champions stay on top by taking the best available player instead of drafting for need. With the final pick in the first round, the Eagles select the massive Esch who is still filling out his frame.
How did we do? How many of our picks went to the correct team?
Houston Astros
Will they repeat? They outbid the Yankees for Gerrit Cole from the Pirates giving them a formidable 1-2-3 in Verlander, Keuchel, Cole.
Seattle Mariners
How do you possibly compete with the Astros and Angels with a rotation that drops off considerably after King Felix and James Paxton?
Los Angeles Angels
Is Shohei Ohtani all that he is hyped to be? Will he DH on days he is not pitching? How will manager Mike Scioscia handle the additional media scrutiny that comes with the biggest offseason acquisition? Spring training will give us some insight to the answers to these questions.
Oakland Athletics
Can the A’s be competitive this year? It seems like they are in a constant rebuild, grooming young talent and then trading them away for younger talent. If Marlins CEO Derek Jeter needs a model to replicate to survive in a small market and pocket the riches of fellow owners, he needs to look no further than the Oakland Athletics.
Texas Rangers
What’s up with the bullpen and who will close? With an aging starting rotation the Rangers may be relying heavily on their bullpen.
Detroit Tigers
Can we officially say the Tigers are rebuilding? We believe the answer is yes. Who lands Miguel Cabrera? Does he make it out of Spring training in a Tigers uniform? What will it take for the Mets to get Michael Fulmer back in a trade?
Chicago White Sox
Who are these guys starting for the White Sox? Outside of James Shields, who has seen much better years, we’re not too familiar with Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, or Carson Fulmer?
Cleveland Indians
Can they remain the class of the division? They won 102 games last season but lost to the Yankees in the playoffs. They then loss their pitching coach to the other New York team as the Mets swooped in named Mickey Callaway manager.
Minnesota Twins
Does manager Paul Molitor have enough in the pitching staff to overtake the Indians this season? Fireballer Fernando Rodney comes over from the Arizona Diamondbacks to close out games. Who will get them to Fernando?
Kansas City Royals
What does manager Ned Yost know about his roster that so few of us recognize? Who completes the back end of the rotation?
