RTS Coaching: The Quarters Cue

When it comes to training, I’m constantly searching for new cues that help my clients and athletes better understand how their bodies should move. For instance, for the past couple of years now I’ve been talking about feeling the whole foot when squatting, deadlifting, lunging, etc. The RDL is a particularly salient example here because […]

Lat Activation for Bigger Pulls

Ever missed a heavy deadlift, clean, or snatch because the bar got out in front of you? I have – and it sucks! You get the bar moving off the floor, but then, the bar drifts out in front, rounding you over, and putting you in a horrible position to finish the lift. Not only […]

RTS Coaching: Reset Every Rep

Many moons ago, I was attending a Perform Better seminar in Chicago. Gray Cook was giving one of his signature presentations, when he made the following comment: Stopping doing one set of five. Instead, do five sets of one. – Gray Cook When you sit back and think about it, it’s pure genius. Too often […]

Deadlift

Regardless of whether your goal is to get bigger, get stronger, or to simply shed some body fat, learning how to deadlift properly can help you achieve your goal faster. Unfortunately, a lot of people have no clue how to deadlift properly, and as such, end up getting injured. In this article, you’ll learn how […]

RTS Coaching – Feelin’ the Heels

One of the biggest issues I see when it comes to squatting and deadlifting is a poor center of gravity. Too often people get pushed forward in their big lifts, and end up on their toes. Here’s a simple cue that should make a world of difference in your lifting: Now keep in mind, this […]

Specialty Bar Training for Athletes

As a reformed powerlifter, the move away from strictly barbell exercises was not easy. Because let’s be honest – the barbell squat, bench and deadlift are fantastic ways to get strong. However, in my effort to build the most complete athlete known to man, while simultaneously keeping them healthy, sometimes the barbell falls by the […]

Arching versus Bracing

What is a superior cue to the strength coach or trainer? “Arch” or “Brace”? After discussing this via e-mail with my good friend Wil Fleming last week, I felt it was finally time to sit down and put this blog together. A cue that we’ve all used in the past when teaching someone how to […]

Deadlifts vs. Clean Pulls

How Picking Stuff Up Can Be Totally Different (Note from MR: This is a guest post from my good friend Wil Fleming. Wil is a very sharp guy and knows his stuff when it comes to O-lifting and power development, and I think you’re really going to enjoy this post!) For a long time in […]

The Myth of Neutral Spine

Neutral spine is a myth. Or at least, the way we currently have this concept burned into our brains is at least a little flawed. Let me explain… When you set someone up to squat or deadlift effectively, there is most definitely a “neutral” position you want them in. I believe this is the optimal […]

Round Back Deadlifts

(Photo Courtesy of Steve Gabrielsen) The arguments for and against round back deadlifting have been around for ages. Recently, however, it seems as though the back-and-forth banter has reached epic proportions. As a result, we’re left with numerous questions: Should the average fitness enthusiast perform round back deadlifts? Are we stronger this way? Are round […]

YOUR Deadlift Questions Answered!

This past week, I asked a very simple question on both my standard Facebook page, as well as my Fan Page: “I’m writing an article on the differences between trap bar, sumo and conventional deadlifts. What questions do you guys have about these lifts?”

The response was overwhelming, and not everything fit into the article. However, I didn’t want to leave you guys hanging. So if you asked a question, I’m going to answer it right here. Enjoy!

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011

Let the “It’s the end of 2011!” posts begin! I figure someone has to start the trend, and I’ve got a bunch of stuff to publish before the end of the year, so today we’ll begin with my Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011. Needless to say, the blog has grown exponentially over the last […]

Internet Experts and the Deadlift

As many of you know, I’m in the final stages of prepping for my first powerlifting competition in 6 years. Needless to say, I’ve got this unique blend of emotions going on – excitement, anxiety, and of course a bit of nervousness. In all honesty, I have no clue what to expect – I’m considerably […]

Re-Building a Deadlift

Q: Mike you had mentioned at a seminar a few weeks ago that I could improve my deadlift if I fixed up my core and pelvic alignment issues. Here is a side view of my posture, along with some video clips of my deadlift. If you were training me, what would you do to fix […]

Q&A: Back Soreness After Deadlifts

Q: I get lower back soreness after I deadlift, especially with lower reps and heavier weight. I’m pretty sure my form is good but I also want to make sure I’m not injuring my back. Thanks for your help! A: This is a great question and one that I literally get weekly, so I figured […]