Thursday, April 10, 2014

Paraphrased for those who don't like to read in this social media age of "100 characters or less"

 Since  many find this through my youtube video I wanted to give a brief paraphrase of this, in case you don't like reading, in this one post.  . Athlean X has/had a youtube channel that you can comment on, A blog they used to regularly update and some sort of facebook forum where some members gathered to help each other out.  Long story short...and again, I have emails to back everything up.....I was helping others on the Athlean X facebook page and then 2 particular people posting AFTER I did attacked me 3 different times.  I responded and I was the one reprimanded simply because I defended myself in an appropriate manner . THEN after I had stopped posting all together I was further  harassed offline by one of the people who attacked me ONLINE and they still did nothing about it.  Jake (some sort of customer service rep.) and I exchanged several emails where he made baseless...basically lying...accusations and assumptions about me and when I questioned him about it and asked for specific instances as proof, he not only failed to provide even ONE instance or shred of proof, he went on to make even more incorrect claims with zero proof.  Then at the end, I informed them I would give my opinion and write about my real life experiences about dealing with them and tell anyone who would listen, I was threatened with legal action. When you have email exchanges as proof....it's hard to debate the truth and what was and wasn't said.   If you care to read, IF character, morals and integrity is very important to you as it is with some people then you can read the "blow by blow" as it were, below.  You will have to read the posts from the bottom up to read it in order.  You can decide for yourself.  Not everyone agrees, some don't mind lack of honesty and character (it's a fact that Jack in his emails exchanges was not honest, and failed to clarify when questioned and asked for proof and in my opinion that shows a lack of good character in someone)....For example:  many people continue to buy products made in other countries where people and sometimes even children are forced to work in extreme, unsafe and even dangerous conditions for little to no wages.  As long as it doesn't affect them, directly...most don't care.  Some do.  If at the end of reading my blog, you're one of the people who doesn't care how a company treats others just so long as they didn't do it to you...then by all means, give them your money and thereby indirectly showing them that their behavior is acceptable (just so long as it wasn't you.)

This could have all been settled very easily if Jeff would have been professional enough to resolve this in a professional and mature manner, as men do.  To date I've yet to receive any kind of apology from Jeff for threatening to take me to court for giving a factual account of my dealings with them and for the unprofessional way his customer service rep, Jake,  handled this matter, for lying and for throwing out accusations and assumptions without so much as offering one single thing of proof.  Jake, instead of honoring their commitment to "give updates for life" (which was a selling point at the time that I no longer see listed on their site) he chose to give me a refund rather than dealing with me in a professional and honest manner.  IF they do ever decide to do the right thing and apologize and offer up proof of their lying accusations against me (or admit they were in error), I would also like them to honor their "updates for life", reinstate me and send me all the updates I have missed out on--starting with the "Thor" update.  It's just a matter of principle to me.
B.T.W.---I am not selling anything, just passing along factual information to inform others before they buy anything. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

My horrendous experience with Athlean X

Readers,

From my personal experience with Athlean x it is my personal opinion and advice to NOT support them and promote and encourage the staff's behavior by buying their products.  The staff has had complaints about not answering emails, when contests are announced the results have been delayed by as much as several months and if you disagree with their opinion ATHLEAN X'S STAFF WILL MAKE UP LIES ABOUT YOU AND NOT OFFER ANY PROOF TO BACK IT UP.   In addition, as it is my right as a consumer to post a factual and opinionated review of my experience about Athlean X when I informed them of this fact THEY TRIED INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT AND THE THREAT OF LEGAL ACTION against me if I posted my actual experience about them.  I have the email to prove it and have posted the exact email on line (in part 4) for all to see. 

The only good part to my experience was I was issued a refund after the initial refund window was closed because Athlean X did not want to fulfill their obligation to be by providing me updates for life.  Only after I issued the ultimatum of either the updates or a refund did they grudgingly issue me a refund. Although they no longer offer the free updates for life, when I foolishly bought the program March 2010 that was one of the selling points they had on the website.  I do not know when it was changed and taken off.  

It is also my opinion that the idea of "no need to count calories" that's offered in his diet plan is not only stupid but a gimmick.   Losing weight and losing body fat are two totally different things.  The Athlean X system does NOT address this distinction nor do they show or tell you how to monitor it.  The Athlean X system, in my opinion, is extremely elementary.  It's geared towards the ones who know absolutely nothing about nutrition, diet or exercise.  I was extremely foolish for falling for the sales pitch, which is actually very convincing.

You can get a cheaper option for less money with probably much, much better results.  Head over to Burn the fat, feed the muscle by Tom Venuto.  He is a VERY respected natural body builder that has authored several diet books that are filled with useful and insightful information for which ever goals you have....maintaining, bulking, or getting ripped.   As far as the principles employed by Athlean X and the Athlean X TNT videos you can spend MUCH less money by buying any one of the books at X-reps.com.  Not only are the same principles covered in these books...they are better explained and offer even more advanced principles and techniques.  They have several books available with most being on sale for $19.99 or less.

It is my opinion that you will be wasting your money by buying the Athlean X system or their TNT videos when compared to the X-rep books and the Burn the fat, feed the muscle diet book.

I highly encourage every reader (and even Jeff because I doubt that Jake had informed him of everything going on between me and his company) to read all 4 parts.  If anyone has any questions I will be more than happy to answer them.  I do moderate the comments, so don't waste our time by posting nonsense because it won't be publicly posted.

Skip to the very bottom and read the introduction and work your way up from part 1 to part 4.  I edited the names and replaced them with initials.  As you read, remember.....this may be you next time.  Maybe not with this company, but perhaps a different company.  Would you want the other consumers supporting you if YOU were the one who received horrendous customer service and then was indirectly threatened with legal action if you posted a factual, actual review of your experience?  Don't be fooled by the flashy sales pitch.  Things are NEVER as good as they appear to be.  Trust me, save your money and head to the websites I mentioned first and see for yourself.  

The aftermath through emails. Part 4

Ok....here is where we see how much intelligence, integrity, honesty and character the Athlean X staff really lacks.  I dare to say they have zero amount of any of the mentioned qualities in my particular situation and if it's in my situation then logic dictates they would lack those qualities in other situations also.  As I mentioned before, Athlean X insinuated they would sue me if I gave them a bad review so I kindly informed them that I have saved all the posts from facebook and all the emails as proof they are nothing but intimidating, harassing liars. (the people's names are edited to just their initials)

Here is my email AFTER all the commotion from facebook.
------------------------------------
On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM, rodney lancaster  wrote:
Jeff/jake,

I think it was total bullshit that you guys put a muzzle on me in regards to J. V.  (name edited) As I pointed out, this jerk issued a direct and arrogant challenge in R. H.'s post in capital letters (name edited).  I took up his challenge and then he simply ignored me and didn't answer any of the simple questions that I posed to him.  Apparently his picture is up on your "proof" page for athlean X and that obviously gives him some kind of knowledge that he didn't have prior to losing a few pounds.  The kid is an arrogant, braggadocios moron who tries to pass off erroneous information as fact.  I called him out on it and got muzzled.

I have actually been very tame on your youtube channel as well as your facebook page.  LOLOL yes...believe it or not.  Stupidity and laziness urks me to no end and when I see it I go nutts some times.  I am aware that I may come across as a know it all, but that is probably because of 2 reasons:
1.  No one else is contributing anything of any real value
2.  I contradict typical myths which most people  start to post sooner or later.

I totally understand you can't have a perceived "jerk" on your boards cause it will scare away others who may want to buy your products.  I get that.  I really do.  It kind of aggravates me that while I think you are many times better than beachbody and tony horton as far as being approachable, for the life of me I don't understand why you would not correct many of the silly myths and just plain stupid information some people put on your boards.  When I try to, you muzzle me.  Jason put a virtual "block" on his shoulder, looked at me and dared me to knock it off and then you say something to ME. 

But no hard feelings...honest.  I'm aggravated that you'd like me to treat grown men with kid gloves, but it's your boards and your rules.  So I'll not post any more.  You got enough on your plate without having to worry about tender hearted grown men complaining about the big meanie saying they are wrong. 

I hope you still keep me on the update list though. 

Later,
(real name edited) 126rodney.------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you catch the last part about me stating specifically that I wanted to stay on the update list?  He lies about this very fact later on.

His responses are filled with lies and half truths to which, when questioned, does NOT provide not one single shred of evidence, logic or proof to back up his outlandish lies about me as you will see.
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: TEAM ATHLEAN Support <getripped@athleanx.com>
Subject: Re: Facebook
To: "rodney lancaster"
Date: Saturday, April 23, 2011, 6:07 PM

(name edited)..

We are sorry to hear your opinion on this, however...the overwhelming tone of much of your "advice" is extremely bitter and
negative.  I'm not sure what the motive is behind that, but it is what it is.  You mentioned that people are calling YOU out
and in review we never saw one instance where anybody was calling YOU out personally PRIOR to you calling them or 
someone else out first.  You also got on those that didn't reply to your answers but you likewise did not respond to someone
who asked to see your results.  As opinionated as you are (and that's fine to be so) you do unfortunately have to back up 
what you claim and be willing to show you practice what you preach if you want to be taken seriously.  

That said, the main point here is that even if people are incorrect in their points or ask what you deem to be "stupid" questions...
they are at least not attacking people in doing so.  The board welcomes positivity and wishes not to have negative bashing 
going on.  As we said, your thoughts are not offensive....it's the way in which you deliver them.  If anyone else on the board 
decides to do the same....we will act the same way towards them as well.  

We wish you the best and part with no hard feelings.  We are simply maintaining the community of the board.

Best in health,
Jake

The AthLEAN "X" Squad
------------------------------------------------------------
Might I just mention here that The Athlean X Squad (LOLOLOLOL cute name for supposedly grown men) are the biggest liars I have ever come across.  For what reason?  None that I can see other than the fact that this particular person knows absolutely nothing about fitness other than what he hears Jeff say.

1.  As I pointed out about my posts on facebook....not 1, not ONE post was in any kind of negative tone other than when I was defending myself after being attacked by twiddle dee and twiddle dumb on 3 different occasions.  So where is this "negative tone" on much of my "advice"?  He provides NO proof when asked.

2.  They never saw anyone calling me out?  Not only are they liars, they are also blind I guess.

3. I called them out first?  Again....nothing but a liar and a blind one at that. 

4.  NO ONE asked to see my results.  Jake is a liar, blind nor can he read or comprehends what he reads, obviously.

5.  What "I" deem to be stupid questions?  This goes back to my original blog article I wrote for them and you seen their response to that.  They specifically said I was "spot on", so NOW it's ONLY what I deem to be stupid questions whereas earlier they thought the exact same thing.  See how he likes to manipulate the facts to fit his lies?   

6.  Yes, other people DID in fact attack me by calling me out, issuing a challenge in bold capital letters and then continue to taunt me while not directly answering me.

Jake is lying his ass off to a paying customer for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

Here is my response:  This one is long, so sit back and watch this "professional on the Athlean X Squad" avoid any and all questions and requests for proof.  He can't provide any because he is a liar.
________________________________________________
Jake,

You are grossly incorrect in your assumptions...I don't want to call you a liar, but it's definitely not true as to a few of your points I'll address.  You are entitled to your opinion, but...I'll try my best to be brief cause I know I can get wordy...I would assume your at least man enough to give me the courtesy of pointing out the people and posts when I'm finished.  I went through your email and I addressed your points one by one.

1.  Please, by all means...tell me which posts (which you classified as "much advice" on facebook) is extremely bitter and negative?  If "much" of my advice is this way then you shouldn't have any problems listing the posts (I can look them up) outside of the dealings I had with V. and H.  I've looked at EVERY single post I made on your facebook page and the only time I was argumentative was with these two morons.  So kindly direct me to the other so-called negative and bitter posts I made on facebook. 

2.  Your review of finding no one calling me out is lacking in any in-depth analysis or comprehension...which is to say you either didn't read thoroughly enough or you did not see the posts to begin with.  For you not to see these instances and can not see how I could possibly even be misinterpreting them as someone calling me out is...well, amazing in and of itself.  Allow me to show you----I responded to the following people's posts on the following dates.  Count them...4, FOUR posts helping people without incident or bitterness and negativity.
McC. on 10th, S. on 13th, Van W. on 18th and then J. L. on the 18th also.
These were PRIOR to J. H. "calling me out" in my opinion.  With him saying (and I quote) "Rodney...you seem to always have a lot to say here but yet you seem to be hiding behind your lack there-of a profile picture, why is that?"
I ALWAYS have a lot to say?  I just responded to 4 posts! I'm "hiding" behind a photo-less profile?  HIDING?! WTF???  To me, this is calling me out and what's more, for no good reason other than me helping other people prior to this WITHOUT BITTERNESS AND NEGATIVITY mind you.  And you don't see how I could misinterpret this as him calling me out?  Wow...amazing!  You need a lesson in logic my friend.  Even if you disagree, any reasonable person can see another's point of view.

3.  I don't know what YOU call someone who doesn't tell the truth, but I DID answer H.'s question about my profile picture!  And if you bother to re-read it before passing any further judgment you will plainly see that he did NOT ask to see my picture.  He asked why I did not have one up...more specifically why I was "hiding behind a lack there of a profile picture".  Did he not?  And did I not answer his question about that?  Here is my direct quote----"to answer your question---the reason I don't have a profile picture is because of two reasons--
1.  I'm a private person and it's unnecessary.
2.  I'm in the middle of getting myself in shape and taking into consideration that most people (I'm assuming you're one of them ) would discount my sound, logical and verifiable information because I do not look like Jeff at the moment....."

So you have his question and my answer...how is THIS not answering someone's question that you claim I didn't do?  Or am I THE ONE lying here? I always answer each and every question directed at me.  That's what men do...at least in my family.  However, you will see that J. did NOT (along with V.) answer ANY of my questions by claiming it took to long to read.  (perhaps 20 seconds).  However, my question was at the beginning of my post, so that's no excuse...he just wimped out.  He's a loud mouth, plain and simple and I can't defend myself?  Are you serious?  I don't see you and Jeff jumping in when these idiots start arguments but you don't mind publicly reprimanding me for defending myself.  If someone spits in my face I'm not going to be polite.

4.  You said..."  As opinionated as you are (and that's fine to be so) you do unfortunately have to back up what you claim and be willing to show you practice what you preach if you want to be taken seriously."   When someone asks me to back up any information or advice I give them then I will gladly do so.  To date, no one has asked for any book names, links, research or websites.  Not one person.  As for me being willing to "show what I practice" I can only assume you mean me posting a picture as a way of proving my information is correct.  Yes?  Even after I publicly announced that I fell off the wagon and gained about 30 lbs and have been back at it for 3 weeks.  Sure, if you really want to see a picture I will gladly send you one.  Hell, I'll send you the front, side and back views I took before I fell off the wagon.  I made good progress too.  You can't post them or use them in any way though, but if it's your way of trying to put me in my place...I will send them to you.  BUT....your assumption is 100% pure bullshit and here's why (before you get offended)---If you wanted to know how to box, good...who would you go to?  A boxer or a trainer?  The trainer's I've seen are broke down...but the names of Tyson, Ali and Pacquiao come to mind.  They had/have GREAT trainers who did NOT box when they were training these guys.  They were broke down actually, so you are to discredit their advice?  According to H. and your logic these trainers should be boxing to be given any credibility.  Like I told the moron H.....if I don't smoke and tell people smoking will kill them, does my advice not mean anything simply because I do not smoke and I'm not on the verge of death?  According to you and the moron's logic my advice wouldn't mean anything.  I even told him if there was any advice I was given out that he disagreed with to simply point it out and dispute it.  He did nothing.  This lead me to KNOW that he was just trying to start a fight for no reason.

5.  Now on to the King of the dip-shits.  J. V..  You can simply read R. H.'s post on the 20th and you will see I posted FIRST and then you'll see V.'s response with a challenge at the end in capital letters "I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO DEBATE ME ON THIS".  This is him talking about eating a whole pizza while trying to reach your fitness goals.  NO ONE advocates this.  I took his challenge and yes, he did not even have the decency to answer my question about what book, person or website he got his logic from.  Was that not a logical question?  I did NOT prior to him making this arrogant statement say one solitary word to him.  He made this statement and then had the nerve to issue a challenge!  I took him up on it, how is this ME calling HIM out?  Him not answering me after being such a jerk pissed me off, but I blew it off.  I was then trying to answer C. S.'s questions on the 21st.  Again...this moron was mouthing off AFTER I posted about Cardio being garbage.  Again...I asked him a few questions and despite what you think, it was not filled with bitterness or negativity---he made some stupid remarks in an arrogant and bragging way and I simply asked him a few questions--to which he did NOT answer.  Hell, he couldn't even direct his remarks towards me afterwards.  THAT'S when I took it as a sign of disrespect and that's when I called him arrogant and braggadocios. After reading his remarks in both posts you are really going to say he's not?  really?

6.  Who are these so-called people that I called out first?  You said that I called THEM out first.  Who are they and to what posts are you referring to.  Just give me the name and date and I can look them up myself because frankly...it's just not true even in the slightest sense of the word.  If me asking someone for a book, link or person that's said it's ok to eat a whole pizza while trying to get into shape or that H.I.I.T. is crap, then you got me.  I'm the trouble maker.  But taking into account and putting into context his crappy, arrogant attitude for no reason then it's more than warranted to ask him a few questions about his information.  So who, besides these two jerks...V. and H. did I pop off to?  In each...EACH, of those instances I posted FIRST and then they posted afterwards and being as good in psychology as I am, these guys were challenging me plain and simple.

The only two people you said I attacked (which is a strong word considering they aren't pre-school kids) were V.and H. and these two I percieved as trying to start an argument.  Because I do not HIDE behind a photo-less profile, H.I.I.T. is NOT garbage (which is a proven fact) and no, it's not ok to eat a whole pizza when trying to reach your fitness goals and you surely wouldn't be dumb enough to issue a challenge about it!

NOW I am parting with hard feelings.  Because first...not only did you or Jeff ( I don't know which one) give credibility to that idiot V., you also discredited me (indirectly) in the process by getting on ME in public for simply defending myself instead of showing a little class and tact by at least giving me the courtesy of an email.  Secondly....you now send me an email with accusations that are simply untrue.  To your credit you at least sent me a response, even if it was an untrue one.  If you take the time to actually read the posts you'll see that you are incorrect in the sequence of events because frankly....you make it appear that I'm a raging lunatic calling everyone stupid and starting total chaos on your site.  2, count them...two individuals who are by the way in those instances NOT there to share ideas or to be positive.  After reading the posts in question I don't see how anyone can remotely assume that about them.  2 people I've just had an issue with after them issuing challenges to me. 

You will also notice I have stopped answering the stupid questions on youtube, so unless you want to bring up a couple of months ago...I don't know where you are coming up with this bitter and negative tone that I have on the public board.  So where is all these negative and bitter posts at exactly.  Please point them out to me, cause someone must have deleted them.

You've made some big and harsh accusations against me, I hope you will do the right thing and answer my questions that I have plainly laid out.    I don't mind being called a liar IF I have lied, but calling me one when you haven't done your homework is a whole different story. 

I look forward to you answering my questions.
-----------------------------------------------------------


Needless to say the Athlean X squad didn't have a response, nor did they offer any proof for their baseless accusations against me.  However, J. V. did decide to send me to facebook messages provoking me further like the coward that he is.  He did this after I publicly said I would not offer any more advice on the athlean x facebook page.

--------------------------------------------------------------

5:44am Apr 24th
Subject: AthleanX
So..your retaliation.

Jason
(and this one....)
5:54am Apr 24th
I hope this helps out. I feel sorry for you really. I hope I can help you at some point.

Best,
Jason
______________________

When I was a kid, we called cowards like this "little punks".  To bad J. didn't have the balls to address me on the facebook page when he had the chance when he was spreading his false information.
_---------------------------------------------
"Jake or Jeff,

Now I'm being harassed and provoked by the poor ol' victim you rescued...J. V.and I've not said a frigging word to him since I decided to stop posting!  What was this B.S. about maintaining the community and keeping shit positive?  What is this B.S. about the mean ol' rodney lancaster starting trouble on the peaceful Athlean X boards?  See...I told you it was bullshit the other day!  Here's the two private messages he sent me last night and no...I haven't responded yet.  I figured you just might be MAN enough to do the right thing and PUBLICLY reprimand him like you did my ass on your damn board yesterday or does that shit just go for me?
And if that isn't enough he had to further taunt me on the board with this-----
"Hey guys, a quote from one of my idols John Wooden.

"Be more concerned with your  character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are,  while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

Are you going to tell me that THIS is all my in head also?  I TOLD YOU he was calling me out the other day, but you wouldn't listen!  This is plainly directed at me in light of the NOT ONE...BUT TWO private messages the little f-er sent me.  So...out of respect for the facebook page I haven't responded.  I would like for you to put a stop to this harassment IMMEDIATELY and TODAY!  Or this will get very ugly, very quickly....  

Why am I soo pissed?  First, like I said before---I was publicly reprimanded for NOTHING but defending myself.  I was publicly discredited while this moron was given credibility, I was sent an email...by you...basically calling me a liar and saying this is basically all in my head and that I'M the one who is the asshole in this whole situation and now...due to your incompetence and  total lack of class, tact or fairness in handling this situation I am getting specifically harassed in private by this jerk-off AS WELL AS PUBLICLY when I'm not even posting any more!  How the hell is ANY OF THIS FAIR?  Do you REALLY want me to respond on your board to this jerk-off?  Do I need to take this in an irrational direction?

Look...I've already said I wouldn't not post anymore due to your unfairness ...what the "F" else do you want?  But I'll be damned if I'm going to stand by and let this shit happen for no reason.  You need to deal with this in the same bullshit manner you dealt with me.  Now this little asshole THINKS what he says is credible AND he's got super hero Jeff to come to the rescue to save his ass!  This is totally unprofessional, unethical and I will tell you right now...what's fair is fair and IT WILL stop or I will definitely do something about it!  Or do I NOT have a right to stop being harassed?  I guess I'm an asshole for THAT also...huh?

I have every right to be angry with how this situation was handled and how it's turning out now.  This is why many boards have moderators or at least people who know how to properly moderate their boards.  I should know...I was a moderator.

Oh....I've also copied the on board exchanges in case I might need them in the future for anything.

I expect a response about this matter and what you specifically intend to do about it. "
---------------------------------------------
They basically did nothing about this.

The staff and I exchange emails, the staff further makes lying accusations against me but isn't man enough nor smart enough to back them up by actual quotes, links or facts when asked.   I have ALL the other emails if anyone is interested to read them.
However, I would like to post the last exchange between the staff and myself.  I tell them I will post my review of my experience with them and you will see that they plainly try to intimidate and harass me.
This was after I requested they fulfill their obligation's to me by giving me the updates OR give me a refund.  they chose to give me a refund instead of honoring their word.  Here is the emails:
-------------------------------------------
On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 12:03 PM, rodney lancaster  wrote:
It's about time you guys got something right in way of customer relations.  You screwed it up good enough trying to "one up" a customer in this situation.

I trust YOU'll understand when I do my best to get my review of my personal experience about your company and to warn others against purchasing your products and disagreeing with your baseless opinions and lies about them out on the internet as much as possible, with provided proof of course.

Best regards,



---------------------- His response was-----
We trust you'll understand that we keep all libel threats on record with our legal division (name edited).  This one is being forwarded
to our attorneys...thank you.  We are just pleased to be rid of your bitter negativity towards others actually trying to accomplish 
their fitness goals.

Best Regards,
Jake

AthLEAN-X
----------------------------------------------------------
Apparently Jake has no idea what the term "Liable" means when he goes spouting off at the mouth again.
Here is my last response to his lame attempt at intimidation and harassment against me.
---------------------------
"By all means.....forward ALL the emails between us to any attorney you wish.  I am well within my rights, as a consumer, to post about my factual experience on any forum or medium I wish.  I also have proof of you lying and then harassing me in the emails that you will be forwarding to your attorney. You can also ask him about the harassing and intimidating email you just sent me trying to force me to NOT give athlean x a factual review based on my personal experience. 

Since you cannot refrain from harassment or intimidtion tactics...and it is clear you are not mature enough to resolve this conflict like mature adults like i've tried to do in the past with my questions posed to you then I herby ask you to NOT contact me again.  You can do so through your attorney if you wish, but I am a 42 year old man and not easily intimidated.

If Jeff himself wishes to make one final resolution to this matter then I am willing to talk.  Otherwise I will consider other attempts at communication  as intimidation harassment by athlean x.

I trust you understand.

Best regards"


--------------------

They did issue me a refund, well past the refund window because they did not want to fulfill the terms of their obligation to me.  When I bought the program it was "free updates for life".  So, instead of keeping their word and integrity they opted to issue me a refund...ONLY after I asked.  They had no intention on issuing me one even though they weren't fulfilling their terms.

I HIGHLY encourage anyone thinking of buying this system to give it a second thought and decide if you want to encourage this type of behavior from a supposedly "professional" company by supporting them.  The only way companies will listen to its customers/consumers is if it directly effects their bottom line profits.  As I said before....there are much cheaper and in my opinion---infinitely better options available to you.  Namely...burn the fat, feed the muscle and x-reps.com  














Monday, July 18, 2011

It comes to a head on facebook. Part 3.

Ok, fast forward to the Athlean X facebook page.   This is where the lying, unprofessional and intimidating  Athlean X staff really shines for me.  (Don't worry...those are not opinions, but facts with actual emails to back me up.  )

I'm not knocking anyone for wanting to learn, but the truth be known....there is hardly anyone on the athlean X facebook page that actually knows what they are talking about.  They have 1 or 2 in particular who thinks they do and the funny part is...you have people actually listening to these people.  So, you have someone who doesn't know anything telling another person who doesn't know anything and now they BOTH don't know anything but wrong information.  What you have is a vicious (and comical) cycle of people who are too lazy to look anything up on the internet, read or research anything coming up with ideas out of thin air and passing these idiotic pseudo-facts along to other lazy people who don't verify anything.  If you want to learn anything, do NOT ask the athlean X "army".  As supportive and well meaning as they are, they simply do not know enough.  If you are looking for a cheering section, even if you didn't do anything then they are your group of people.  They will gladly give you a gold star just for posting your name!  LOLOLOL.
If you go to the Athlean-X facebook page you will find on these dates that I helped the following people: (the names have been edited. I just have their initials.)  You can go to the actual Athlean-X facebook page to see it in it's entirety.

On April 10th, you will find that I helped D. M.
On April 13th I helped W. S.
On April 17th I helped F. V. W.
On April 18th J. L.
Then you will find on this date that some arrogant jerk (J. H.) called me out and accused me of hiding behind a blank profile picture.  For what?  He hasn't helped a single person, hasn't disputed a single piece of advice or fact I gave out but yet chose to start shit with me.  It should be noted that up until this point I had not been funny, sarcastic or anything that could be misconstrued as  mean spirited.  My posts are on the Athlean X facebook page for all to read for themselves and I've also copied the entries just in case they "mysteriously disappear" for what ever reason later on.   Here is his exact quote---

J. H.---Rodney... you seem to always have a lot to say here but yet you seem to be hiding behind your lack there-of a profile picture, why is that?

That would piss anyone off.  Here I am helping people with good and accurate information and this jerk-off chimes in trying to start shit.  So I addressed it and like the punk ass he is, he went away without answering a single question.


April 20th I helped A. A.
Again, on April 20th I helped R.H. and here's where it gets good.


The resident dumbass,  F.J.V. chimed in, about the cheat meal question R. H. had asked and after my response.  Here is the dumb ass's question and challange-----

Hey Randall, if you don't want to have a cheat meal then don't. However, if you did....if your NUTRITION is spot on, for example, you eat 5 to 6 times a day. That's 35 to 42 meals a week of good food, your body wouldn't even feel a cheat m...eal. It could be a whole pizza if you wanted. YES, A WHOLE PIZZA, and your body wouldn't even feel it. It might feel uncomfortable the next day, but your body is smart enough to process that. I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO DEBATE ME ON THIS! Best in health Randall, Jason.

Ok....here is a complete arrogant moron who thinks he knows something when he doesn't.  If that isn't bad enough he issued a challenge in bold, capital letters.  Pretty damn obvious to me that he was full of himself and wanting to debate "anyone" on his stupid facts that he posted. It was obvious to me that his arrogance and "challenge" was in response to my post, so I obliged him and like the person he is, he didn't answer.  Keep in mind that during all of these posts with this person and J. H. before there wasn't so much as a peep out of the Athlean x peanut gallery.  


Here is my response to this jerk's challange that he never responded to.


"I for one would be interested in you providing the name of the book, research study or any link with credibility that backs up your opinion that you can eat a whole pizza (which will more than double your day's calories more than likely) and it be conducive to someone's fitness goal.
yes, your body can process anything...including a whole pizza (so this is no earth shattering information) but it will take more time and more of it (I'd say most of it) will be stored as body fat due to the spike in insulin and (depending on when you eat it) the fact that you have already replaced your glycogen from your other meal post workout. Not to mention that it's full of horrible stuff for your body to begin with.

Anyone can eat anything they want and their body can process it....but eating anything you want being conducive to someone's fitness goals is a whole other matter and I'm very curious as to where you read or heard from a fitness professional that it is acceptable to take in over 2000 calories above and beyond what you would normally take in for that day and it still be beneficial for your fitness goals. So please provide the link to the study, the name of the book or website so I can see what it has to say because frankly....this sounds like a load of crap."


And like all big mouth cowards who talk shit and then run, he did not respond directly to me, but to the owner of the original question. His cowardly response was:


"Hey Randall, I wouldn't worry about it. The program is worth it's weight. You can see my progress on the AthleanX website, under, "Need Proof""  

In response to that I simply posted "be careful of who you listen to and what advice you heed."


On April 22nd I helped B.W. 
On April 21 I helped J.L under C.W.'s post.


here's where it came to a head....


On April 21st under C.S.'s thread he was asking about conditioning and cardio.  ANYONE with any sense knows that when on a lean or ripping phase you increase your cardio to increase your caloric deficit.   Studies have shown that it burns a greater percentage of body fat than higher intensity, while H.I.I.T. burns a substantial more calories than low/medium intensity cardio.


Here is the resident moron's response and try not to laugh when you read it.


"Hey Charlie, after reading all of these suggestions they are great. My background in training hasn't been from the other programs, but from Arnold's Encyclopedia, YEARS AGO. My re-intro to training now, has been AX only. From my experience..., Jeff has designed this program a certain way to PREVENT us from over-training. I know it seems like you're cheating yourself when you do CONDITIONING for only 20 min. or so. However, it is Jeff's design that it is CONDITIONING, and NOT cardio. Cardio, (on a treadmill, or doing high intensity movement for an hour), is GARBAGE. So when you feel like, "my workout didn't feel like I did to much." That is what brought you to AX in the first place. In great shape without spending endless hours in the gym. Best of luck,"

Notice all the capital letters to emphasize what a moron he is. This again....I felt was in direct response to my post because it contradicts everything I've said.  Keep in mind, that this person has absolutely NO links, research studies, information or anything to back up anything he says.  It's basically bull shit and he was probably still reeling from me taking up his last challenge he publicly issued.  
Here is my response---

"F.,
When does "conditioning" become "cardio"? AFTER 20 minutes? 30? 45? Or is it the moves that make it conditioning and not cardio? Are you counting the warm up and cool down in the mix or do those not count?

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for Jeff and AX, you seem to be putting your foot in your mouth by calling cardio "garbage". I too have respect for Jeff and I've also got AX and AX talks about running the straight aways and walking the curves on a track. Does it not?...and just why would any normal person do this when it's freezing out...or how bout when it's raining? I mean...from your post it sounds like you disagree with anyone deviating from the program and when they do you call it "garbage".

As far as your definition of conditioning....week 1 talks about "all out sprints followed by jogging", week 2 -- the crunches and punches circuit, week 3--the 2nd conditioning workout, week 4-- is jumping rope and then in the other weeks he has burpees with box jumps in a circuit among other things. This doesn't sound like cardio to you????

Take out the warm up and cool down from many of the Insanity intervals and you have about 35 minutes, the shorter ones are about 20 minutes. Interval X from p90x + is maybe 35....so please tell me where you are getting an hour worth of "Garbage" from? Who said anything about an hour?
True, every body's body is different and 2 whole sessions of cardio may be too much. I doubt it...but it could.

I admire your enthusiasm, but I don't see the logic in your opinion."
The owner of the thread started defending this poor ol' idiot.  can you believe that shit?  Any way, the resident dumbass's response was....
"just giving my opinion. Calling cardio garbage was harsh. Cardio, is VERY good for your heart. If that is your goal, GO FOR IT. However, on this program 20-25 min. of conditioning is enough. I am speaking from my experience, and only sharing my results not only on the Facebook page, but also on the AthleanX page. Click "Need Proof" and I'm on there."


He didn't address me, never does....and there he goes bragging for some reason about his "proof".  His body looks like shit, why is he bragging?  My body isn't great right now, so I'm not making it a point to brag about it yet.  


So now it's Mr. X, Jeff to the rescue.  I've been attacked 3 times, unprovoked mind you....and all I did was defend my self and then Jeff chimes in on the board instead of in a private message or something.  

"Rodney....allow me to step in here man. I know you've got a self admitted temper, and your enthusiasm cannot be denied...but c'mon, the goal of everyone on this page is to improve, learn and get ATHLEAN! Let's keep it positive and limit t...he personal attacks to ZERO. If you feel you can contribute solid helpful advice without the jabs...by all means, please do. Believe me...being from the NYC area...I can appreciate the passion and fire. But let's keep it directed positively. Cool?"

I have a self admitted temper?  Jeff....show me where I said I have a temper please.  I don't believe I ever said I have a temper.   Defending myself or highlighting a trolls's questions is not the same as having a temper.


here is my response---


"F.V. issued an arrogant challenge on R. H.'s post below and then refuses to answer. I simply took him up on his challenge. Is there any other way to see his personality? With that said...if you look closer I am trying to correct some misguided information that is given out on your board and on your youtube channel. Not to many people are doing that. If someone gets his feelings hurt because he is a jerk...then he needs to stop being a jerk. I could be wrong in my logic though.

I totally understand your view point. It's your board, your rules. It appears that most actually like the myths and erroneous information given out by others who think they know more than what they actually do anyway.

I call a spade a spade, especially when i feel like I've been disrespected (as in being ignored) or taking up someone's challenge when they basically throw it in my face.

Since it is not "cool" with me to mollycoddle grown adults I'll graciously refrain from any and all opinions and advice in the future on here and your youtube channel."


Ok.....It's important to note that I said I would refrain from giving my opinions on his facebook page and on his youtube channel in the future.  If anyone one sees anything...ANYTHING else please point it out.  Did I say I wanted the updates to the program that I paid for stopped?  Does anyone see where I wrote that?  This piece of information will come in handy when the lying staff makes up more shit that I said and did...as you will see later on.  

Ok.....up to this point I was helping people with credible information and correcting some myths, incorrect and sometimes stupid information that was given out.  Apparently most members are happy being taught by morons, so I leave them to it now.  If they are too lazy and too stupid to double check the information they are getting....so be it.

Also, we seen where I was attacked 3 times unprovoked by a couple of jerks who then refused to act like men after I responded to them.  Then we seen Jeff do the same thing.  Post something and then run away like a coward instead of answering me.  

Now for the cherry on top....After I publicly announced to basically kiss my ass, Mr. F.J.V. cowardly sends me not one, but 2 emails further provoking me and even posting a taunt on the facebook page....


"hey guys....a quote from one of my idols John Wooden.  "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what people think you are."  Train hard guys. Jason"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but would anyone BUT a coward back down from his own challenge he issued?  Would anyone BUT a coward runway from someone questioning his rebuttal?  Would anyone BUT a coward purposely taunt someone in an email AFTER they said they would not publicly post any more?  Would anyone BUT a coward CONTINUE to taunt someone on the public board who isn't there to defend himself?
Well Mr. V....from what I've seen, your character is being a coward.  Only a coward would do the things you've done.

Now in part 4....the ending....we see what goes on behind the scenes in the private email exchanges between me and the staff.  If you are a conscientious consumer you should read it and then give serious consideration to doing business with a company that has those kinds of moral, character and integrity...I should say, the lack of....     


 


Back ground. Part 2.

As you know, Athlean X has a youtube channel.  As with just about any youtube channel, topic forum, chat room ect....you get a variety of people.  Some are legitimate posters, some are just plain idiots, some are there just as a joke, some are "planted" there by the owner to show some activity, and others are called "trolls".  These are people who appear to be legitimate, but are in fact posting just to cause trouble, to spur idiotic debate and just to get a rise out of people.

With that in mind....I'm sure some of you more experienced fitness enthusiasts have seen these idiots post questions such as...."will drinking on the weekends hurt my weekly workouts?", "I just tore my rotator cuff but I still want to workout, how can I do this?", "will you please send me a diet program to lose weight?" and other such moronic posts that MUST be posted by someone who is about 13 years old or a complete imbecile.   Well, given my sarcastic sense of humor I have made some comical comments from time to time to such idiots.  No big deal.  Nothing vicious, but just as silly as the question asked.

Fast forward a few months.....The Athlean-X blog sent out emails asking if anyone wanted to help write for the blog.  That was a good thing, because frankly....it doesn't stay updated and most of the topics are very elementary, bland and boring.  So I sent in 2 that they didn't use.  One on the subject of a better way to prepare oatmeal to get the most out of it you can and another that was sarcastically comical aimed at the idiots who make stupid posts on the Athlean X youtube channel.  The staff's response to my article is important because it will show in part what kind of people Athlean X has on it's staff and how they like to manipulate things.  If Jeff's name is on the product....ANYONE who Jeff employs to represent him or his product is the same as Jeff saying and doing it in my opinion. While I can't fault a person with horrendous customer service skills, I can fault the genius who hired him and still keeps him employed.  If he hasn't shown good judgment in that area, I'm not buying anything else from him because I can't trust the other things he's shown bad judgment on and I'm not about to take a chance.   Especially since there are numerous programs out there that do the same thing, some better...some worse, for less money AND with better customer service.


Ok....here is my article I submitted....I'd like to point out that the quotes I used were ACTUAL questions.
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Do you REALLY need an answer to that question?

Being a conscientious observer of the AthleanX youtube channel I must give Mr. X himself, Jeff Cavaliere, his due respect.  You see, being as high strung as I am I would have already had a heart attack, nervous breakdown and possible brain hemorrhage from some of the questions asked by people on his youtube channel.  I’m not talking about innocent questions such as…..”how often should I work out?” or “ am I doing too much cardio?”.  No, what I’m referring to are those questions that make us, mature adults, scratch our heads and ask, “Why are they allowed to be unsupervised?  Surely they are a danger to themselves as well as others with questions like these.”    
I’m not a mean person by nature nor am I an impatient man when it comes to someone learning something, but come on…..some of these questions make me question whether or not some of the posters are not entirely under the influence of some late night cult that roams the internet looking for comment sections to wreck havoc on out of sheer boredom.  Perhaps it is a counter initiative by the competing exercise companies to sabotage Mr. Cavaliere’s efforts to bring to the masses an exercise regime designed to not only be effective, but to be effective in a shorter and more efficient amount of time by clogging up his comment section with mind numbing questions of such magnitude that is almost constipates me when I read them.   
Bear with me if you will and see how someone may be pushed to the edge after reading some of these questions.   You come to a youtube channel and you see someone offering to the public something of value, something they’ve worked tirelessly on to be one of the top products in the business.  They offer a great product at a great price, it’s their livelihood.  Their website and youtube channel is dedicated to making people healthier, stronger and more agile in the shortest amount of time and effort.  In the midst of all of these facts you have people asking:
“how much is too much with college drinking?”
“I heard that doing dumb bell presses will not help you with bar bell presses”
“I’m looking to gain weight first before buying your package, what can I do to build weight?”
“could you tell me how to build and define please?”
“drinking is a part of my weekends and I was wondering what steps I needed to prepare for and after a night of drinking?”
“what changes should I make to my workout to get ripped instead of big?”
“is it possible to lose muscle without eating less, cause I have huge chest muscles?”
“can you please upload a shin workout?”
“I was wondering what weights I should use and what routine I should do if you don’t mind helping me.”
“What do you think about…(a competitor’s product)?”
Along with the numerous…”could you do….” this and “could you do….” that when they haven’t even bought the program.
These are just some of the ridiculous questions I have been coming across.  These are what is about to make my head, literally, explode.  Even reliving the experience makes me want to go lie down for a little while.
If I may be of service to these poor unfortunate souls who so desperately need an intervention of some sort….let me save you people (with these questions) some time.  Ready?
1.       Alcohol is NOT good for you (in the context you are talking about) if you are serious about working out and developing your body.  Neither are smoking, drugs, gorging on junk food or picking your nose and eating it. 
2.      Mr. Cavaliere is a business man with a quality product he is selling and making available to the public.  How about buying it BEFORE asking for more free videos, free diet plans and OTHER competing products.
3.      If something hurts you when you do it….Ta Dahhhhhhh….Don’t do it!  No need to ask Jeff.  If I have a sharp burning pain between my shoulder blades, I don’t have to ask if I should still do it.  I’m smart enough to know to stop.
4.      Trying looking at professional models and body builders before asking about an “8 pack”.  Most do NOT have an “8 pack”.  Take a guess why?  Their bodies are not built that way.
5.      If you want a “6 pack” you need to diet.  Diet, diet, diet, diet….stop asking about the best ab exercises to do.  It’s not the muscles that need to be developed; it’s the fat that is covering them that need to go away.
6.      If you were a car salesman, would you help someone build their own car if they came to on your car lot one day and asked?  Then stop asking Mr. Cavaliere to put together a workout and diet program for you for free.  This is his business and livelihood.   
There is an old saying that says…”there are no stupid questions.”  Obviously the person who said this has never read some of the people’s questions on the AthleanX youtube channel.    If this makes me a bad person….then in the memorable words of Tony Montana, “say good night to the bad guy!” 

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Here is their response I highlighted an important part, remember it for later.
 
---------------------------------------------
Hey xxxxxx, (real name deleted)

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.  We've been actively putting together ideas for the blog
and I just now have had the time to respond.

I have read your two submissions though and feel that you are an excellent writer whose
entries we will most definitely want to feature from time to time on the blog.

While we particularly liked your youtube "questions" entry because of it's sense of humor...we really
couldn't use it because we do not want to offend or alienate any of the loyal subscribers watching
Jeff's videos.  While the article was spot on....we trust you'll understand why this is the case.

What we would love however is if you could channel that writing style and humor into something
more along the lines of the "man on the street" approach.  Or more specifically...the "guy in the gym"
who happens to observe some crazy things and has a funny way of making other people relate to
them!  We feel you would be perfect in that role if you'd like to give it a try.

For the oatmeal post, it was interesting and most likely will find it's way to the blog, however
that one might have to be a bit shorter in the future if it deals with just one topic.

We want to keep the reader engaged and reading from the first word to the last and then want
to share it with someone else because it made them laugh, had some killer content that they
NEVER KNEW ABOUT or heard, or was just quick and easy to read.

Sound good?

Let me know if you've got any other questions and keep sending as you come
up with cool ideas!

Thanks and great job!
Jake

The AthLEAN "X" Squad
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Ok....they LIKED my funny article and they thought it was SPOT ON.  Anyone with any intelligence will assume that "spot on" means they agree with my article and the points I made in it.  They also recognized that I was making fun of the idiots that post stupid questions.  Keep that in mind because the staff tries to manipulates and conviently FORGETS this bit of truth later on.  They also try to use this article against me in forming their outlandish version of the truth.

Ok....in this part we've read that I've made silly comments to the people asking stupid questions on the youtube channel. We've read that I submitted an article highlighting this fact and showing from the staff's own email that they liked it and thought it was "spot on". 

In part 3 we get to the good stuff. 





How the staff at athlean X lies, forgets, distorts and exaggerates the truth part 1.

Ok...here is my story.  I encourage you to CAREFULLY consider whether or not you want to do business with a company such as this one.  I encourage you to CAREFULLY consider whether or not you wish to stand behind your fellow consumers in making a point and showing companies who lie, forgets,distorts and exaggerates the truth about their customers that this is unacceptable by not supporting them.  If this can happen to me, then it can happen to the next person.  One last point:

CAREFULLY consider the fact that you can buy a program that, in my opinion, is much better at getting ripped.  Not only ripped, but you can change it to actually bulk up.  A program that has been around for much longer and from my experience...the customer service staff (and most of it's members on the forum) are infinitely more professional as well as more knowledgeable than the staff (and customers) at Athlean X and their facebook page.   I urge you to take a look at 2 sites.  For your diet, you cannot go wrong with "Burn the fat, feed the muscle" or "The Holy Grail Body Transformation Program" both are written by a natural body builder named Tom Venuto.  He is a well respected author and fitness trainer.  If you check around you will find that he is VERY credible.  (I've actually found nothing, outside of athlean X, on Jeff from the internet.)   In these books you will see why the Athlean X diet portion of their program is many times inferior, in my opinion and why I feel like the idea of "not counting calories" is not only stupid if you are serious about losing BODY FAT and keeping or even gaining lean muscle but also why I feel like the Athlean X diet portion is a gimmick.   While it's initially easier for the lazy and unknowledgeable person to do as little as possible in the math and thinking department, in the long run you won't be left with as many questions about your diet and is it working or not.
If you go to the other main part of the Athlean X program you'll find the exercises and workouts.  It is my opinion that if you go to a site called x-reps.com you will find numerous e-books that are designed and backed by actual studies and experience that get you ripped and muscular in the most efficient way possible.   You will find the staff is exceptional, unlike at Athlean X where you will find people complaining about emails that go unanswered from their paying customers, and in my case....complaining about the staff lying about me, exaggerating the truth and then threatening and harassing me with a potential law suit due to my unsatisfaction  with them and the fact that i was going to post this factual review of my personal experience.  Yes, I have the email to prove this and will post it online for every one to read.
*******Did I forget to mention that you can save ALOT of your hard earned money by buying these books by x-rep because from what I have heard by someone who actually has a few of  the TNT dvds from Athlean X....not only are the same principles found in these books from x-rep, but you'll also receive MORE principles for an even cheaper price.  If I'm not mistaken, many of these x-rep ebooks were published long before Athlean X became available.
There you have it....Burn the fat, feed the muscle and x-rep.com.  In my opinion, infinitely superiour to Athlean X in every way, shape and form.  Oh, I forgot cardio.  You can either do one of your own cardio dvds or routines you may have OR you can go to another favorite site, check out  Zuzana at her web site-- http://www.bodyrock.tv/.

Now on to the heart of the matter......

Friday, June 17, 2011

My Athlean X personal review

This is my personal review of Athlean X and I have KEPT ALL email correspondence that I have had with the staff as proof and evidence of how Athlean X treated it's customer.  I would encourage anyone thinking about purchasing Jeff's program to first read my posts and consider:

1. That the same thing could very well happen to you.
2.  Do you REALLY want to deal with a company with standards such as these? 
3. Are there cheaper and better alternatives to this program?

Also know that I was threatened and intimidated when I told Athlean X that I would post about my experience online every chance I got. I have this email also, which I will post online as a warning so others can see that while they encourage hitting the "like" and "share" button on facebook so that the paying customer can advertise their product for free, without even a discount, they will try to intimidate you if you tell them you will post a negative review based on your own personal and FACTUAL experience with them.

I am well within my rights, as a consumer and former customer of Athlean X to give an account of my own personal experience and I owe it to the other potential customers who are thinking about this program to post a factual review whether that review be positive or negative.