And then there was VIDEO

Video Video

I'm once again working on the site, and this time I REALLY need your input.

Here's what I need:

I'm working on a new section for the site that focuses on video.  The goal will be to answer your most pressing questions via a video response. This could be related to exercise technique, performance, coaching cues, whatever.

Basically, if you have a question you want me to answer, I'd love for you to post it in the "Comments" section below.

I'm sure I'm going to get a ton of great feedback, so keep in mind there's no way I'll be able to answer every single-question.  That doesn't mean I don't love you, or don't want to help you out. You still rock :)

I'd love to get the video project rolling in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to leave your feedback below...

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A Killer Chin-up Variation

Weighted chin-ups Weighted chin-ups

In today’s edition of Exercise of the Week, we’re going to cover a sweet variation on an old-school strength exercise. 

You’re all probably familiar with the traditional chin-up/pull-up variation with the knees bent and ankles tucked behind you.  It looks something like this:



And while the standard chin-up/pull-up is still a great option, here’s a little tweak that I think you’ll find a bit more challenging.

The Pillar/Plank Chin-up is an exercise I originally heard about from physical therapist Charlie Weingroff.  I’m not sure if he calls it the pillar chin-up or not, but that's really not here nor there. :)

Hang from a chinning bar, but before you perform the lift, do the following things:

Dorsiflex your toes (pull them UP towards your face). Straighten your legs, extending your knees. Squeeze your glutes and drive your hips forward. NOW, with all these things going on...

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3 Keys to Long Term Bench Press Success

Mike Westerdal bench pressing Mike Westerdal bench pressing

Today I'm going to link you over to the CriticalBench.com site.  I wrote a guest blog over there that I think you'll really enjoy, especially if you're interested in driving your bench press numbers up!

 

3 Keys to Long-Term Bench Press Success

 

Got questions about the bench press? Be sure to leave them below and I'll answer them ASAP!

Stay strong

MR

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Unstable Surface Training for Beginners

TRX Suspension Trainer TRX Suspension Trainer

Unstable Surface Training: Functional training revolution, or simply the current training fad?

(Photo courtesy of TRXFitness.co.uk)

         

Unstable surface training (UST) is currently all the rage in the fitness world.  Go to any fitness seminar or boot camp and you’ll immediately notice tools like Blast straps or TRX systems being employed.

The question becomes, how efficacious is this sort of training?

Is it helping people achieve their goals?

Is it something YOU should be utilizing?

Or is it just the next big fad within the fitness industry?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s briefly examine what we currently know about unstable surface training.

 

Upper Body versus Lower Body UST

The first topic we need to examine is the difference between upper body and lower body UST. 

In his ebook, “Unstable...

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Feeling old-school? Check out the old Blogspot!