Recent Posts
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 […]
Continue ReadingQ&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 […]
Continue ReadingPick Your Deadlifting Poison
Deadlifting truly epitomizes the saying, “Pick your poison.” You can start with a nice, flat, neutral spine and be slow as molasses off the floor. Or, you can go with a bit more of a rounded back starting position, only to struggle with finishing the big weights at the top. In this piece you’ll learn […]
Continue ReadingThe Bell Curve of Lifting Arousal
A few weeks back, there was a pretty epic training session at IFAST. Our “Meathead Training Hour” (as I’ve come to call it) is always the most intense training time at our gym, but there was just something in the air that that took this workout to the next level. Along the way, I was […]
Continue ReadingCoaching Neutral Neck
Last week, we discussed why neutral spine is important – not only for keeping injuries at bay, but for improving your performance as well. Far too often, people assume that neutral spine means ONLY the thoracic and lumbar spine, and totally forget about the cervical spine, or neck region.
Continue ReadingCoaching Neutral Spine
One of the most powerful tools we have in our toolbox can be purchased at your local hardware store for less than a couple of bucks. A simple piece of PVC pipe can help you coach and cue neutral spine with your clients and athletes, consistently getting them in the appropriate position. Neutral spine is […]
Continue ReadingQ&A Conventional Deadlift
Hey Mike, I need some work on my deadlift. After reviewing this video I definitely see a few things I need to work on. Would you care to take a look and let me know the biggest things you see that need work? Or feel free to pick it apart completely. I can handle it […]
Continue ReadingQ&A Front Squat Issues
Q: I’ve got most of your products and look forward to getting the newest one coming out soon. I have one question and hope you can help me. Front squats cause my lower back to ache and tighten up when performing. I do the squat to stand drill and have a tough time getting my […]
Continue ReadingThe Corrective Strawman
It’s easy for someone with little to no experience working with real people to say that “corrective” exercise doesn’t work. It’s also easy to do this if you’ve never seen it in action, or if you’ve seen it executed by the wrong practitioner. Naysayers will tell you that corrective exercise is nothing more than some […]
Continue ReadingA Day of Deadlifts
This past Saturday, I traveled down to Bloomington, Indiana to work with IPF Masters World Champion Greg Simmons on my deadlift technique. Greg is not only a great coach, but more importantly, he’s a fresh set of eyes. I’ve got some great friends and coaches in the area, but I wanted someone who was pretty […]
Continue ReadingOld-School Article of the Week
In this edition of the Old-School Article of the Week, we have what I consider to be the easiest article I’ve ever written. For some reason, inspiration struck and I wrote the entire piece in about 1 hour. I hope you enjoy it! Precision Pulling Stay strong and have a great weekend! MR
Continue ReadingPrecision Pulling
Originally Posted at www.t-nation.com Deadlift or Die! If I hear one more geek personal trainer or “fitness enthusiast” say that he doesn’t perform deadlifts because he doesn’t want to hurt his back, my next set of articles may be coming from behind bars. I just can’t stand to hear this crap anymore! The truth is […]
Continue ReadingThe Intermediate Deadlift Cycle
originally posted on www.elitefitnesssystems.com The deadlift may be the purest test of strength in the iron game. Heavy weight. On the floor. Must pick it up. In the beginning, you can follow just about any routine and make decent progress. Heavy sets of five have worked for more than a few lifters. However, once you […]
Continue ReadingUnderstanding the Supplemental Exercises: The Deadlift
Originally posted on www.elitefitnesssystems.com In our series, “Overcoming Lousy Leverages,” Eric Cressey and I covered all three power lifts and discussed how smart training can lead to bigger totals. In this series, we will discuss the biomechanics behind each lift as well as several strategies to destroy any sticking points you may have. We will […]
Continue ReadingAccessory Onslaught #3: The Deadlift
In this final installment of the Accessory Onslaught series, I am going to give you the tools necessary to develop a big time deadlift. Deadlifts, like the squat and bench, can be built with a mix of smart training, hard work, and proper exercise selection. This article will cover a few of the exercises that […]
Continue Reading