Why YOU Should Keep Smoking.

Why should you keep smoking?

Here are six great reasons to keep up your great habit!


6. Live longer.
It's true. You live forever.

5. Smell better.
Who needs Armani when you can smell like Decades?

4. Improve athletic abilities.
True story, all athletes smoke a pack day. Adds vigor and character.

3. Save money.
Probably more reliable than the stock market?

2. Stress less.
Calm down.

1. Best way to make friends
You'll get to go through chemo together?



With great reasons like this.. Why would you ever even consider not smoking?

On a serious note. Get real.

If you ever need advice or tips on quitting feel more than free to e-mail us at blacktiefitness@gmail.com or checking out http://www.smokefree.gov/

How to: Staying on Course

When it comes to development as well as general health improvement it is important that you stay dedicated and stay on course. Here are three tips to make sure you keep moving forward and don't start tr

1. Record Yourself

Starting a log that documents the progression you have made is a great way to gauge success, keep track of numbers, and motivate for future goals. Being able to look back on the previous numbers will help you realize how far you've come, and how much potential you have.

2. Push Yourself

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were huge numbers. Weight increases in small increments of 5 - 10 pounds weekly as part of a well rounded lifting routine and be a great way to progress and increase your overall strength and power. Over the course of a 3-4 month program those numbers add up and mean big power for you.

3. Make Yourself Accountable

Talk about exercising. You don't have to be a "Meat-Head" about it, but it's important to have a conversation with a friend or co-worker about fitness and lifting. This can add motivation and accountability to your routine and even benefit others by motivating them. Conversations can range from general questions about what they do for fun as far as staying active goes, to talking about how to use your gym time.

How to: The Art of the Under Shirt

Staying stylish starts at the core. The under shirt  has evolved and is no longer a plain white tee, and it's time to embrace that.

Here are three style tips to keep you looking sharp.

Pick your size : Wear what fits

Your undershirt should be snug; but not so tight as to compress on your stomach, or expose your stomach if you raise your arms.

Keep the midriff to the ladies, and make sure you look well put together and like an adult if it comes to removing your over shirt. K

Mix it up : The V-Neck

A V-Neck can provide depth to your warddrobe and keep you looking comfortable while staying in control.

Keep your V neck in control too. Subtley is key, and a drastic V can kill the desired look.


Don't be color blind: Switch up the color


The typical white undershirt has been done, and is dated. Don't be afraid to mix it up with shirts that meet the color pallet of the look you are going for.

Even wearing a black undershirt, can add a pleasant unexpected contrast to the standard look.

Building Powerful Shoulders

Looking to add power to your shoulders? Here's a great routine to build powerful shoulders.

Having powerful shoulders is a great way to improve your numbers as far as back routines, chest routines, and even leg routines.

We recommend adding this routine on to the end of your back day routine.

Looking for a back day routine? Try this one.

The 5 x 5 Program.

This program was developed to build power and strength. You will start with a weight that is relatively lighter than what you typically would use for a standard three set work out. This serves to both ensure you complete the desired sets and reps, as well as to avoid frustration and ensure growth and completion of the program.

You will complete five sets of five reps for each work out.

This will be for work done once a week, at most do this routine on a muscle group twice a week - with at least two days rest in between.

 Each week you will be increasing the weight on the bar by 5 - 10 pounds.

The Standing Shoulder Press

This work out targets the shoulders, while also hitting your core and legs.

Stand with your feet slightly over shoulder width apart. Keeping a straight, slightly arched back load the bar in your hands with your palms facing away from you. Place your hands slightly over shoulder width apart - almost lining up with your feet. Drive through the shoulders and push the bar over head.

Remember to hit it hard, and get completion on five reps for each set.

To callibrate your weight loaded for this exercise we would recommend doing a warm up set with no weight on the bar, and go from there as far as judging weight goes.

Slow and steady - this isn't a race. As always is the case - remember to stretch properly both before and after you lift to aid in preventing injury, growing in range of motion, and assist in recovery time. When doing presses involving standing and needing back support, we recommend using a support belt if you are going to go heavy.


For more tips on gaining muscle, check out our section about Gaining Muscle.

How to: Keep Your Closet Happy

Keep your closet clean, the floor happy, and your style fresh.

3. Use the hangers as they were intended.

Three rules of thumb :

Ditch the metal.
Wire hangers are rough on clothes both structurally and on the material.
Use Wooden for heavy jackets and suits.
Wooden hangers can both be supportive for your clothes as well as more stylish in apperance.
Keep them all uniform, and the same style.
A uniform look of colors for the hangers in your closet adds a sense of completion and certainty to your clothing selections.

2. Upgrade your basket to a hamper

Save space and mess by upgrading to a hamper in your closet to store your dirty clothes. A close-able hamper can help avoid the mess that is a laundry basket, plus keep your dirty clothes covered and out of sight.

1. Fit it or Ditch it.

There is no use in keeping your old torn up shirts, or outgrown shirts in your closet. It's important to look good, and if you have clothes that you have no purpose for; they aren't helping you look good.

Clothes that are no longer used can be donated to various charities or given to friends or family.