The World Is Full of Fakes — Be the One Who’s Real

The World Is Full of Fakes — Be the One Who’s Real

Most people aren’t chasing success.
They’re chasing the appearance of success.

Steroids to hide lazy training.
Stimulants to mask garbage diets.
AI, filters, angles, and edits—crafted illusions.

They don’t want to be disciplined.
They just want to look shredded for 15 seconds on Instagram.

They buy followers.
They fake comments.
They flex a rented car and call it a lifestyle.

But you know what can’t be faked?
Work.

You can’t filter discipline.
You can’t buy real strength.
You can’t download resilience.
You build it. Alone. Reps. Sweat. Silence.

Everyone wants abs in 30 days.
But they don’t want 30 days of hunger, soreness, and early mornings.

They want hacks. Shortcuts. “Coaching” from guys who’ve never suffered.

Let Them Cheat. Let Them Lie. Let Them Post.

They’re chasing dopamine. You’re chasing legacy.

They’ll burn out in months.
You’ll still be building in ten years.

Because you didn’t cheat the process.
You became the process.

The disciplined man doesn’t just win.
He becomes the reason others can’t.


Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS

From Soft to Steel: The Iron Resilience Way

From Soft to Steel: The Iron Resilience Way

By Jon Stone

I dropped 71 lbs over two years. Nothing dramatic. Just stayed the course.

Served a few years in the military. Made it to Corporal. Did the job, handled the pressure.

Worked security. Went through university and college. Traveled Asia, lived in Vietnam for a bit. Tried out for the French Foreign Legion—didn’t get selected. Moved on.

Never cared for sugar, smut, or fast food. Wasn’t into screens or scrolling. But there were times I drifted off-mission. Didn’t stay there. Got back to the work. Always did.

Been training for endurance, strength, and hypertrophy for 11 years now. Long enough that it’s not a “thing” I do—it’s who I am.

Mission Comes First

Most people are wired for comfort. It’s sold to them in every form: food, entertainment, soft beliefs. You don’t need more of that. You need direction. A mission. Something solid that doesn’t move when life shakes you.

You Don’t Have to Play Along

If you’ve always felt like you don’t quite fit, good. That instinct is right. You’re not broken. You’re built for something different—quieter, sharper, more focused. You don’t need the spotlight. You just need a reason to keep going.

The Work is the Point

I don’t train to post it. I train because this is how I stay sharp. It keeps the edge on. Keto. Miles on foot. Heavy compound lifts. You keep stacking good reps, you stay dialed in. Simple formula. Not easy—but simple.

Build, Don’t Beg

I’ve worked systems. Built for other people. Learned enough to know it’s better to own your grind. Even if it’s small, even if no one sees it, it’s yours. That’s where strength lives.

The Past Doesn’t Define You

You’ve taken hits. So have I. The point isn’t the hit. It’s how you get your feet back under you and keep moving forward. No story. No pity. Just action.

This Is Iron Resilience

This isn’t some redemption arc. This is a blueprint for men who’ve had enough of being average. The quiet ones. The focused ones. The ones building while everyone else is distracted.

If that’s you—get to work. Your story won’t write itself.

—Jon Stone

IRON RESILIENCE: THE RPT TRAINING PLAN FOR MEN WHO WORK

IRON RESILIENCE: THE RPT TRAINING PLAN FOR MEN WHO WORK

You work long hours. You don’t have time for fluff. You want to be strong, lean, and unstoppable — without sacrificing your mission.

This is the plan for working men who grind all day, but still demand results.

THE PHILOSOPHY

  • Compound lifts.
  • Reverse Pyramid Training (RPT).
  • Minimal time. Maximum muscle.
  • Zero fluff. All grit.
  • Keto-fueled discipline.

TRAINING STRUCTURE OPTIONS

Option A: Full Body 2–3x/Week

  • Days: Mon/Wed/Fri or Tue/Thu/Sat
  • Duration: 45 min max
  • Goal: Train every muscle, every session, with intensity.

Option B: Upper/Lower 4x/Week

  • Mon: Upper A
  • Tue: Lower A
  • Thu: Upper B
  • Fri: Lower B

Duration: 30–45 min
Goal: Split focus, high recovery, continuous progress.

THE WORKOUTS

FULL BODY A

  1. Incline Barbell Press – 3 sets RPT
  2. Weighted Pull-Ups – 3 sets RPT
  3. Back Squat – 3 sets RPT
  4. Overhead Press – 3 sets RPT
  5. Barbell Curl – 3 sets RPT
  6. Skull Crushers or Weighted Dips – 3 sets RPT
  7. Standing Calf Raise – 3 sets (10–15 reps)
  8. Hanging Leg Raises or Weighted Planks – 3 sets

FULL BODY B

  1. Flat Barbell Press or Weighted Dips – 3 sets RPT
  2. Deadlifts (or Romanian Deadlifts) – 3 sets RPT
  3. Front Squats or Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets RPT
  4. Dumbbell Lateral Raises (heavy) – 3 sets (8–12 reps)
  5. Close-Grip Chin-Ups or Dumbbell Curls – 3 sets RPT
  6. Overhead Dumbbell Extensions – 3 sets RPT
  7. Seated Calf Raise – 3 sets (15–20 reps)
  8. Cable Crunches or Ab Wheel – 3 sets

UPPER A

  1. Incline Bench Press – 3 sets RPT
  2. Weighted Pull-Ups – 3 sets RPT
  3. Overhead Press – 3 sets RPT
  4. Barbell Curl – 3 sets RPT
  5. Skull Crushers or Close-Grip Bench – 3 sets RPT
  6. Face Pulls – 3 sets (12–15 reps)

LOWER A

  1. Back Squat – 3 sets RPT
  2. Romanian Deadlifts – 3 sets RPT
  3. Walking Lunges – 2 heavy sets
  4. Standing Calf Raise – 3 sets
  5. Weighted Decline Sit-Ups or Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets

UPPER B

  1. Flat Press or Weighted Dips – 3 sets RPT
  2. Barbell Row or T-Bar Row – 3 sets RPT
  3. Dumbbell Lateral Raises – 3 sets (10–15 reps)
  4. Incline DB Curl or Hammer Curl – 3 sets RPT
  5. Overhead DB Extension or CG Bench – 3 sets RPT
  6. Shrugs – 3 sets (heavy)

LOWER B

  1. Front Squat or Bulgarian Split Squat – 3 sets RPT
  2. Deadlift or Trap Bar Deadlift – 3 sets RPT
  3. Seated Calf Raise – 3 sets
  4. Farmer’s Walk (grip + forearms) – 2 sets
  5. Ab Wheel or Weighted Planks – 3 sets

REVERSE PYRAMID TRAINING (RPT) FORMAT

  • Set 1: 4–6 reps (heaviest)
  • Set 2: –10% weight, 6–8 reps
  • Set 3: –10% again, 8–10 reps
  • Rest: 2–3 minutes between sets
  • Progression: Add weight when you hit top of the rep range across all sets

OPTIONAL CARDIO & CONDITIONING

  • EMOM Burpee Rounds: 5 rounds with 5–15 lb dumbbells, max reps every minute on the minute
  • Stationary Bike: 20–40 minutes moderate pace
  • Daily Walking: 10,000–15,000 steps per day if possible

Bodyweight & Sandbag Training (Home or Travel)

  • Push-Ups (volume challenges)
  • Chin-Ups (tree branches, bars, etc.)
  • Sandbag Shouldering, Carries, Presses
  • Bulgarian Split Squats, Step-Ups
  • Planks, Ab Wheel, Hanging Leg Raises

IRON RESILIENCE KETO PROTOCOL

Pre-Workout Coffee Protocol

  • Coffee with butter, almond milk, Sugar Twin, pink salt, and electrolytes
  • OR black coffee + pink salt + electrolytes
  • Optional: Bone broth or zero-cal Powerade/Gatorade for sodium

Intra-Workout

  • Bone broth or zero-cal electrolyte drinks
  • Electrolyte tablets or salt + water

Post-Workout Meal Options

  • Egg & Veg Power Bowl: 3–4 eggs, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers in butter
  • Greek Yogurt Muscle Bowl: Greek yogurt + peanut butter + cinnamon + Sugar Twin
  • Beef Bowl: 6 oz ground beef + veggies sautéed in butter
  • Keto Shake & Nuts: Whey or collagen, almond milk, peanut butter, nuts

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS

IRON RESILIENCE CREED

Sugar is poison.
Carbs are chains.
Fat is fuel.
Muscle is freedom.

Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics
Download the Iron Resilience RPT + Keto Plan PDF:
Click here to view/download

Ketogenic Bodybuilding Macros: A Strategic Breakdown

Ketogenic Bodybuilding Macros: A Strategic Breakdown

The ketogenic diet can be a powerful tool for bodybuilders looking to maintain muscle mass while cutting fat or lean bulking. Here’s how to structure your macros and calories for optimal performance and body composition.

Calorie Requirements

  • Maintenance: Bodyweight x 11-12 (sedentary baseline)
  • Bulking: Add 250–500 calorie surplus from lean protein and healthy fats
  • Cutting: Subtract 250–500 calories from maintenance

Macronutrient Targets

Protein

  • 1.5–2g per lb of bodyweight daily (bulk or cut)
  • Timing doesn’t matter—every 4 hours is optimal but not essential

Carbohydrates

  • Total Carbs (with fiber): Under 70g/day, timed around workouts only
  • Net Carbs: 20–30g is optimal (never over 50g)
  • No carbs in the morning; they must be burned off via training

Fats

  • Fill remaining calories with healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, etc.)
  • Extra fat and protein can be added when bulking

Nighttime Protein

  • Use slow-digesting sources like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese before bed

Counting Calories Burned

  • Weightlifting: Burns 200–300 calories + 100–200 afterburn (conservatively estimate 200–300 total)
  • Steps: Total steps × 0.06 (fast pace) or × 0.04 (slow pace)

Start with a ~2000 calorie baseline, then adjust daily based on your workout and activity level.

Final Thoughts

Build your macros around your goal. Keep protein high, carbs minimal and well-timed, and fats steady. Track your output and eat to match. Adjust over time to refine your results.

The Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach

The Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach

Intuitive metabolic feedback is when you actually listen to your body’s signals—like hunger, energy, focus, or cravings—to adjust how you eat and train. On keto, that steady energy and clear head means you’re burning fat clean. But if you’re feeling foggy or you start craving garbage, it usually means you need more salt, fat, or both. On a high-carb diet, you’ll know it’s working if your pumps are sick and recovery is fast—but crashes, cravings, and nonstop hunger mean your blood sugar is jacked up. Balanced diets fall somewhere in between: if your hunger, energy, and performance line up, you’re probably doing it right.

Basically, your body tells you what fuel it needs if you’re smart enough to listen.

I first recognized this in myself when I slammed a bunch of fat with just a trace of carbs. I could feel it—like the fat was literally flowing through my veins. There’s this specific feeling in ketosis, like a calm fire. It’s clean. Later, when I started strategically cycling carbs—mostly from dairy, nuts, or fruit—I could feel the glycogen rush. My muscles filled out, my body heat changed, and I felt like I was burning hot fuel instead of steady oil.

I used to crave sugar bad. I’d get hypoglycemic and hit this panic-eat mode—shoveling chocolate bars, muffins, fries, and fried chicken into me just to make it through work. I’d hit these massive highs and then crash, angry and drained. Most people are addicted to that loop. Sugar, caffeine, quick hit, then crash, then repeat.

But during what I call Holy Shit Week, I basically quit all carbs cold turkey. It wasn’t pretty. I slipped up a couple times, but that week broke the addiction cycle. That’s when I jumped headfirst into keto and haven’t looked back. Now, I barely even touch zero-cal sweeteners. I don’t need fake sweetness to cope—I crave salt, fat, and food that fuels me for real. My body runs on fat now, and trace carbs just get cycled in for bursts of intensity.

There’s also something I call the Fat Synergy Effect. You feel it when you go all in—eggs, bacon, butter, and cheese. It hits different. It’s not just fuel, it’s momentum. You feel anabolic, calm, and focused at the same time. It’s a clean burn, a warrior’s breakfast.

I also started noticing how backwards the whole fitness and medical industry is. You go into a gym or a doctor’s office, and half the people giving advice are either overweight, skinny-fat, or clearly unhealthy. That’s when I realized: the real scam is the diet and training advice they’re pushing. It’s a loop of bad food, bad prescriptions, and surface-level workouts that keep people stuck. The truth is buried under marketing, sponsored supplements, and weak guidance. And I called it out.

So Where Does Tracking Come In?

Even if you’re eating intuitively, you still want to track your macros—especially your protein. That’s your foundation. Nail your protein first, minimize your carbs to stay in or near ketosis, and then fill the rest with fat depending on your goal: cutting, maintaining, or bulking.

Why? Because your instincts can only take you so far. You might feel full but still be under-eating protein. Or you might think you’re low-carb, but a few sauces, snacks, and nut binges push you over. Tracking gives you the truth. It’s your map, while intuition is your compass.

Together, they make the most powerful approach: listen to your body, but back it up with numbers. Let the signals and the data shape your strategy.

That’s the Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach. And once you master it, you’re not dieting anymore. You’re fueling with purpose.

IRON RESILIENCE: The Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man – Coming August 1st

IRON RESILIENCE: The Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man – Coming August 1st

By Jon Stone

Most men today are drifting—physically weak, mentally scattered, spiritually numb.

I’ve been there. I lived it in stages:

  • Age 18: 245 lbs — overweight, undisciplined, and headed nowhere fast.
  • Age 24: 155 lbs — skinny-fat, malnourished, with no muscle or strength.
  • Age 28: 175 lbs — lean, but still small, directionless, and mentally flat.
  • Age 30: Rock bottom — back to 276 lbs, obese again, physically and spiritually broken.
  • Age 34 (Today — My Birthday): 205 lbs at 8–10% body fat. Strong, focused, dangerous again. From barely benching 95 lbs to pressing 285 lbs for 2 reps.

This isn’t just fitness. It’s resurrection.

Iron Resilience: A Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man is a manual for the man who refuses to stay broken. It’s part story, part strategy—a system built from real scars and tested through war, not comfort.

This book isn’t a pitch. It’s a call to arms.

  • The full story behind my body and mindset transformation
  • Training, nutrition, and lifestyle broken down by phase (from obese to skinny-fat to lean and powerful)
  • My evolution in mindset, faith, and identity as a man
  • The Iron Resilience code: Christian masculine principles, unapologetic discipline, and purpose

Launch Date: August 1st, 2025.

If you’ve ever felt weak, lost, or angry at the man in the mirror—this is your blueprint.

Previews, sample chapters, and exclusive tools coming soon. Stay locked in.


Follow & Connect:

Contact Me:

Discipline, not genetics.

— Jon Stone
Founder, Iron Resilience

Why Do So Many People Crave Sugar and Caffeine?

Why Do So Many People Crave Sugar and Caffeine?

When you eat a carb-heavy diet, your blood sugar spikes and crashes all day. After each crash, your brain scrambles for a quick fix—usually sugar or caffeine. That’s because both hit the brain’s reward system fast, giving you a temporary boost in energy, mood, and focus. It feels good, but it’s short-lived.

Over time, this cycle wears you down. Your body becomes dependent on quick hits of sugar and caffeine just to function. You’re not fueling yourself—you’re just trying to survive the next crash. That’s why so many people feel exhausted, anxious, or foggy without their daily “fix,” even if they’re eating plenty.

But here’s the truth: those cravings aren’t weakness—they’re signals. Your body isn’t asking for more junk. It’s starving for real, stable fuel. Break the cycle, and you’ll stop chasing temporary highs—and start feeling steady, sharp, and actually alive again.

 

 

Introducing Chris to the Iron Resilience Movement

Welcome Chris to the Iron Resilience Brotherhood

We’re proud to introduce a new brother in the movement—Chris. A man who walks the path of discipline, strength, and personal evolution, Chris has officially joined Iron Resilience.

He’s been grinding in silence, living the code, and now stepping up to inspire others. His journey reflects everything we stand for: Discipline over genetics. Character over comfort. Strength forged daily.

Follow Chris on Instagram

Support the brotherhood. Drop a follow and watch how a real man builds himself from the ground up:

@chrisironresilience


Iron Resilience Isn’t Just a Brand. It’s a Movement.

If you believe in earning your strength, leading with discipline, and building a life worthy of respect—you belong with us. This is a call to arms for the men who still believe in resilience forged through fire.

Join the Movement

Let’s build something unbreakable. Together.

#IronResilience #DisciplineNotGenetics #Brotherhood #JoinTheMovement

The Flexible Ketogenic Eating Protocol for High Performance and Fat Loss

The Flexible Ketogenic Eating Protocol for High Performance and Fat Loss

When most people hear “keto,” they think of a rigid, unforgiving diet with zero carbs, endless bacon, and a constant battle against cravings. But for those of us who live active lives, train hard, and spend long hours on our feet — keto can look very different.

This guide outlines a flexible, performance-based approach to ketogenic eating. Whether you’re taking your first steps into fat adaptation or you’re deep into bodybuilding, steps-heavy workdays, or functional fitness, this protocol gives you tools to succeed without burning out.


Why Carbs Aren’t the Enemy — But Discipline Is the Solution

Carbs aren’t evil — they’re just overused and abused in today’s world. Processed sugar, constant snacking, and emotional eating have created a widespread addiction that’s hard to break.

We understand — breaking the carb cycle can be brutal. But the good news is: it gets easier. Cravings fade, energy becomes stable, and you start using fat (your own body fat included) as fuel. Once you reset your system, you can reintroduce carbs as a tool, not a trap.


The Iron Resilience Keto Approach: Built for Real Life

This protocol blends OMAD (One Meal a Day), intermittent fasting, and targeted or cyclical keto strategies. The structure adapts to your activity level, hunger, training demands, and goals.

Base Macros (Adjust to Fit Your Body):

  • Calories: Maintenance or -500 to -800 for fat loss
  • Protein: High — enough to support lean mass (1g per lb of body weight minimum)
  • Fat: Primary fuel source
  • Net Carbs:
    • Strict: <20g
    • Targeted: 30–50g
    • Cyclical: 50–70g (on high-output days only)

Note: Unless you’re sedentary or chasing therapeutic keto for epilepsy or a medical condition, being dogmatic about 20g of carbs isn’t necessary. For active individuals, especially those walking 15,000+ steps, training hard, or extremely lean, trying to function on under 20g net carbs can be counterproductive. Strict keto (20g or less) may work on rest days or during deloads, but most people following this protocol will perform best in the 50–70g range — without sacrificing the metabolic benefits of fat adaptation.


Flexible Meal Templates

1. OMAD (One Meal a Day)

Best for: Deep ketosis, mental clarity, fat-burning focus

  • Keto coffee or butter coffee during the day
  • Large nutrient-dense dinner:
    • Fatty protein (beef, salmon, turkey, pork)
    • Eggs, cheese, avocado
    • Low-carb veggies (zucchini, spinach, eggplant, mushrooms)
    • Optional: small side of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or fermented veg

2. TMAD (Two Meals a Day)

Best for: Balanced training/work days

  • First meal post-workout or around midday
  • Second meal at dinner
  • Both meals feature lean or fatty proteins, fats for energy, and low-net-carb vegetables

3. 3–4 Meals a Day

Best for: High training volume, hard labor, or refeed days

  • Pre-workout: Whey isolate + almond milk OR keto coffee
  • Post-workout: Lean protein + light fat (e.g., ground turkey + avocado)
  • Main meal: Skillet or bowl with protein, veggies, fat
  • Snack or dessert: Cottage cheese + coconut oil or low-carb pudding

Net Carbs Explained

Net Carbs = Total Carbs – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols (if zero GI)

Use net carbs, not total carbs, to measure ketogenic impact — especially when eating whole foods like flaxseed, vegetables, or yogurt. Don’t count the fiber from mushrooms or flax against your limit.


Smart Carbs to Consider (If You Need Them)

If you’re training hard, working long shifts, or extremely lean — carbs can help. The key is using strategic carbs, not junk:

  • Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, eggplant
  • Avocado, tomatoes, peppers
  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (in moderation)
  • Small servings of berries or root veg (on cyclical days)

Keep it under:

  • 30g for regular days
  • 50g when targeting workouts
  • 70g max for refeed or leg days

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being resilient. You can use fasting, ketosis, and carb timing as tools to sculpt your body, sharpen your mind, and own your discipline. Once the cravings are broken and the system is reset, you’re in control — not the carbs.

Stay sharp. Stay lean. Stay resilient.

Iron Resilience

Why I’m Ending the 180 Protocol

Why I’m Ending the 180 Protocol (And What Replaced It)

Posted by Iron Resilience | May 2025

When I launched the 180 Protocol, it was designed as a challenge—a hard reset for men who were sick of their own excuses. It was about flipping the switch, building momentum, and reclaiming discipline in every domain: physical, mental, and spiritual.

And it worked.

But here’s the truth: I don’t need it anymore. Not because I failed it—but because I became it.

The 180 Protocol was never meant to be a permanent program. It was a weapon—blunt, powerful, and effective. But once that fire was lit, something deeper took hold. I didn’t want to “reset” anymore. I wanted to live shredded, live focused, and live by the swordevery single day.

That’s when I realized something: this isn’t a 180 anymore. This is who I am.

So I’m officially retiring the 180 Protocol as a standalone challenge. Not because it didn’t catch on, but because it’s been absorbed into something greater: the Iron Shred Lifestyle. It’s not a phase. It’s a way of life.

Here’s what changes:

  • No more cyclical cutting phases—we stay lean year-round
  • Nutrition is now keto-based, high-protein, and locked-in
  • Training isn’t seasonal—it’s relentless
  • Discipline isn’t optional—it’s daily

For those who still want to experience the mindset behind the 180, I’ll release a simplified guide soon. But moving forward, everything I do—from blog posts to training content—reflects this evolved mission.

Iron Resilience is no longer about 180 degrees.
It’s about one direction only: forward.

Stay sharp,
Live shredded,
And never look back.