2 Centurion Strength Become the strongest, fittest, most resilient man in your bloodline By David Scheer @Scheereddzz 3 davidscheer.com Well hello there! Thank you for joining me. I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s to come. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is: David Alan Scheer II You may also know me as (Scheereddzz) or The Fitness Philosopher. I basically became a meme for the sake of ✨ MARKETING ✨. I wanted to expand beyond my limits and create an impact that would outlive myself. This led to me turning my passion into a profession. Social media has amplified my ability to help people such as yourself improve the quality of their lives with my philosophy of fitness. Today, I want to share with you some of my Philosophical Ponderings about fitness and health. Shall we get started? 4 davidscheer.com Chapter 1: Mental & Physical Preparation Getting ready for a fitness journey that is as much about your mind as your body. Start by asking yourself these big questions: ● What is your vision for your life? ● How do you cultivate your inner confidence? ● Why do we encounter suffering in our quest for growth? In the tapestry of life, suffering and joy are interwoven. As joy is what makes suffering worthwhile. Alexis Carrel, a French surgeon and Nobel Prize in Physiology once said, “Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.” 5 davidscheer.com Think of a sculptor working on marble to make something beautiful. We face challenges to reshape ourselves. This isn't just about changing how we look. It's about finding out who we really are. In this journey, tough times aren't just roadblocks—they help us find our true selves. There is a brilliant beauty within this. And it is something more important than models and muscles. It’s foundational to who you are. But how do you start turning your suffering into beauty? The Power of Self-Reflection Start by looking within. Reflect on your past, your victories, and your setbacks. This isn't about dwelling on what's gone but understanding how your experiences have shaped you. This reflection gives you a clearer picture of where you are now and where you want to go. It's about setting a foundation based on self-awareness and honesty. 6 davidscheer.com Welcome All Feelings Your journey will be filled with a range of emotions, from exhilaration to frustration, from rage to ecstasy. Embrace them all. Let yourself feel everything deeply. It's through these feelings that real change happens. See, getting healthier and stronger isn't just about your body. It's an emotional and spiritual trip, too. The Philosophy of Resilience Think of resilience as a muscle that gets stronger with exercise. Every challenge you face and overcome on this journey adds to your mental and emotional strength. Every small step is a big win in this journey. 7 davidscheer.com Chapter 2: Strength from Within Our strength is expressed through our ability to adapt, overcome obstacles, and stay focused when things become uncomfortable. Understanding the difference between a comfortable life and a meaningful life is essential to our success in achieving true satisfaction. I believe that the deepest satisfaction stems from striving towards something that truly challenges us on a daily basis. This often takes the form of forcing ourselves to remain disciplined when confronted with the temptation of convenience. But why even bother? Why would anyone want to struggle? Understanding what drives us to become the best version of ourselves is paramount in achieving lifestyle change. There are many factors that may contribute to our success, and clearly defining why we want to be in better shape enables us to navigate the ups and downs of life effectively. Simply put, there will be days when we don’t feel like putting in the work. 8 davidscheer.com Therefore, when those days arrive, we must be honest with ourselves about where we are in relation to where we’d like to be. The journey to shredded looks different from man to man and can be quite emotional. But by allowing ourselves to experience the full spectrum of emotions associated with lifestyle change is essential to our success. It is normal to feel uneasy looking back on the past, but our understanding of what created the position we’re in today will equip us with a base level of context moving forward. There is tremendous potential for growth within each and every one of us. You can achieve an amazing transformation when you start small and build slowly. And this guide is here to help you exactly with that. 9 davidscheer.com Chapter 3: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" is more than a cliché; it encapsulates a profound truth about patience, perseverance, and the cumulative power of small efforts over time. These principles are just as relevant in our fitness journey as they were in building an empire. In order to thrive, we must learn to Navigate through all the Rubbish that comprises the “fitness Industry”. The fitness industry is just that, an industry. Most of the content we consume is designed to sell us something. And this many forms: The most common gimmicks are (Pre-workout drinks, Protein Powders, Detox Drinks, Testosterone Boosters, fad diets, etc.). Thankfully, none of these “supplements’” are necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. What actually matters are the principles I talk about in this guide. 10 davidscheer.com The Foundations of Rome: A Metaphor for Fitness Rome started as a small settlement and grew into a huge empire. This didn't happen overnight. It was the result of consistent effort, strategic planning, and the ability to overcome challenges. This mirrors the fitness journey, You begin with one small choice to change and keep adding to it every day. Roman thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius taught important lessons about sticking to things and being strong. Seneca once said, "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." This mindset is crucial in fitness. Often, our biggest challenges are the mental barriers that keep us from starting or pushing through tough times. Consider Life Akin To A Video Game. Envision those pivotal boss fights that keep you at the edge of your seat, while tension mounts because your character is not yet sufficiently powered up or skilled. 11 davidscheer.com Think of all the challenges you go through, all the intricate mazes you have to navigate, and the countless hours of “leveling up” your in-game abilities so that you can triumph over the formidable bosses. This metaphor serves as a guide for approaching your life. The hardest parts of your life, whether in personal growth, weight loss, or getting shredded, are marked by enduring hardship and exercising patience. But it is that blend of struggle and perseverance that makes the suffering rewarding. It imbues the journey with value and meaning. If triumph came without effort, everyone would be the strongest in their bloodline. There’s joy in suffering. Because triumphing is the end result. Embrace this mentality. And you shall win every day and every time in the arena. 12 davidscheer.com Chapter 4: Centurion Nutrition Proper nutrition is 80% of the battle. The foundation of Rome's greatness lay in its careful planning, strong foundations, and incremental growth over time. Similarly, the cornerstone of physical fitness is planning your nutrition. This process requires patience, knowledge, and a strategic approach. So, let’s discuss how we can create long-lasting results by first optimizing our metabolism through proper nutrition. "Mens sana in corpore sano" This famous Latin quote encapsulates the Roman philosophy that physical fitness and mental acuity are intrinsically linked. It means: A sound mind in a sound body. Roman soldiers, the legionaries, were fed a diet designed to maximize their stamina and strength. Their meals were simple yet 13 davidscheer.com nutritious, consisting mainly of whole grains, vegetables, and meats. This diet wasn't just about feeding the body… It was about preparing the mind and spirit for battle. In the modern world, our kitchen is our Colosseum, where we prepare and fuel our bodies for the battles of everyday life. We must focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods: ● The majority of our focus in the kitchen should be directed toward quality animal products: pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed meats are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. ● Fruits, nature's sweet treat, should be your go-to for satisfying a sweet craving. ● Lastly, to avoid inflammation, we need to ensure that the oils we cook with are of quality source. My personal favorites are Butter from pasture-raised cattle, Cold-pressed Organic Olive oil, and Coconut oil. Historical documents show that ancient Romans widely used olive oil in their cooking—which is kind of crazy when you think about it. Over time, we must gradually make an effort to reduce the amount of junk food in our diet. Do this, and you shall see the gains flow. 14 davidscheer.com Chapter 5: Practice: Strength is a Skill. Our goal is to stimulate your body, not annihilate it. Strength is not just a physical attribute but a skill to be honed and mastered. In the realm of fitness, just as in life, practice and consistency are key. This philosophy echoes the wisdom of ancient civilizations, like Rome, which offer timeless lessons relevant to our fitness journey. Consider the words of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and philosopher: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." In your fitness journey, obstacles are not just hurdles to overcome—they are opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient. Putting foundational movement patterns into practice is essential to our fitness success. Mastery of the body translates well into our everyday life. It is important to understand where we are in relation to where we’d like to be. Be honest with yourself. Good health is a status symbol. And it is one of the only things that cannot be bought, cheated, or stolen. It can only be earned by investing time and energy into furthering our development. 15 davidscheer.com Chapter 6: The Intrinsic Value Of Fitness The obstacle is the way. Famous Roman philosopher Seneca once said, "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." Our goal isn't just to lift weights or run miles. It's to express the highest level of coordination and control in every exercise. And your pursuit to get shredded and healthier, while challenging, is deeply meaningful and teaches us to integrate strength into our daily lives. Both our mind and muscles are intimately connected in the performance of strength skills. And our goal should always be to express the most coordination and control in a given exercise. This is meaningful because it allows us to develop an understanding of how to integrate strength into our everyday lives. After all, what are we training for? It’s to become the strongest in our bloodlines. 16 davidscheer.com So let's apply this in our modern lives: Discipline Over Time: Just as Rome was built brick by brick, true fitness is achieved through consistent, daily efforts. It's about making small, disciplined choices every day, be it in exercise or nutrition. Strategic Planning: Rome's growth was meticulously planned, similar to how we should approach our fitness journey. Setting realistic goals, creating a balanced workout plan, and understanding our nutritional needs are akin to laying the foundations of a strong, resilient city. Building Endurance: The Roman Empire endured for centuries due to its strong foundations and adaptive strategies. In fitness, building endurance isn't just physical; it's also about mental fortitude, the ability to keep going even when it's challenging. Embracing Gradual Progress: Rome teaches us the value of patience and the importance of acknowledging small victories. Every workout, every healthy meal, and every good night's sleep is a step towards a stronger, healthier you. Resilience in Adversity: Just as Rome faced and overcame numerous challenges, your fitness journey will also have obstacles. Be resilient to push through tough times, adapting and growing stronger from each experience. 17 davidscheer.com Chapter 7: Listening To Your Body Imagine your body as a city, like Rome, with its complex structures and intricate networks. Every exercise you do is like building a monument, every healthy meal is like nurturing the city's populace, and every moment of rest is like giving the city time to rejuvenate. Over time, with consistent effort and patience, your body-city becomes stronger, more resilient, and a symbol of your dedication and hard work. See, human anatomy contains some truly amazing feedback mechanisms. Among these feedback mechanisms, we may experience fatigue, soreness, and pain. 18 davidscheer.com Roman leaders like Julius Caesar were known for their ability to interpret and read into various signs and feedback, ensuring the prosperity of Rome. Caesar famously said, "Experience is the teacher of all things." In our fitness journey, experiencing and understanding our body’s feedback is key to growth and health. You will develop this skill as we keep training. But remember, every day is different. Adapting Training Based on Feedback Recognizing Body Signals: Learn to recognize what your body is telling you. This could be needing rest due to fatigue or changing your workout intensity. Avoiding Distractions: When exercising, minimize distractions like loud music or social media. This helps in tuning into your body’s needs and responses. Embracing Setbacks as Part of the Journey: Not every workout will be your best, and that's okay. It's about the long-term journey, not instant results. Training Intensity: Understanding how to adjust your training intensity, based on your body’s feedback, is crucial. Some days may require more vigorous activities, while others may need a gentler approach. Your body will tell you. 19 davidscheer.com Also, factors such as our hydration, HOW much we’ve slept, WHAT we ate, and HOW we’ve managed our stress have a tremendous influence on the way perform. Not every day will be your best day in the gym. And understanding how your energy fluctuates due the intensity of your training will enable you to train sustainably long-term. Some days, you will experience setbacks and this is simply part of life. Learn to adapt and set aside your immediate desire for instant gratification. Once you get past this simple truth, your training will become much easier. Show up for yourself every day with the intention of investing effort, no matter how little, into bettering yourself. You will look back in due time in awe of how far you’ve come. Because a well-cared-for body thrives and stands resilient against challenges. 20 davidscheer.com About Me I'm David Alan Scheer, but you might know me as @scheereddzz. I'm a fitness coach and philosopher, making waves on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I grew up in Midlothian, Texas, where I started my fitness journey as a teen. I was a star swimmer and competed at the TAAF state championships in 2018. In high school and college, I got into fitness and health. I obtained an Associate’s degree in General Sciences from Navarro College. I'm also a certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. My life's motto is “Become the strongest in your bloodline.” In 2021, I went viral on TikTok. People say I look like an Ancient Greek God or Roman emperor because of my build, face, and beard. I've been jokingly compared to characters like Prometheus and Zeus, and even the ‘Yes’ Chad Wojak meme. As a coach, I've trained over 100 people, each with their own fitness goals. Helping them reach their dreams is super rewarding. My fitness guides are popular too, with thousands buying them. This shows my training ideas work. In short, I'm David Alan Scheer, or @scheereddzz, and I mix ancient beauty with modern fitness, inspiring people all over the world. 21 davidscheer.com