Recent Posts

Do You Have Training ADD?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it. New guy comes into the gym (or starts posting on the Interwebz), ready to get as strong as possible. He’s just read Wendler’s 5-3-1 and just knows this is the program for him He gets rolling, and he starts to make some progress. His numbers […]

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Improving Your Glute-Ham Raise

Glute-ham raises are one of my favorite exercises. Whether your goal is to run fast, lift heavy stuff, or simply to keep your hammies healthy, glute-hams can help you achieve that goal. Unfortunately, the glute-ham raise is often performed incorrectly. The video above should help depict proper performance, and how to get more out of […]

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Training Without Sleep

The following is a guest blog from my good friend and DC-based personal trainer, Josef Brandenburg. Enjoy! – MR “What am I supposed to do with my workouts when I can’t sleep?” We get this question from members sometimes. There is a very good practical answer, however, first, there is a very important mindset shift […]

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Proper Rowing Performance

Everyone knows if you want to get bigger, stronger and/or stay healthy, you need a strong upper back. But are you getting the most out of your upper back exercises? Are you rowing with proper technique?

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A Quick Coaching Rant

“Exercise X is hard to coach.” “I don’t have time to coach Exercise Y.” It’s strange – the more I read about coaching, the less actual coaching seems to be going on!

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The 2011 IYCA Summit Registration is LIVE

Just a quick heads up…. I just got word from my good friend Pat Rigsby that the 2011 IYCA Summit Registration is LIVE and ready to rock! The good news? If you sign-up ASAP you will save $100 off the “normal” registration price! I honestly have no idea how long this is going to last, […]

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Road to Redemption Week 1

And so it’s begun. I’ve talked about it for quite some time, and I feel like there’s no more putting it off. It’s time to get back on the platform. Between my current training crew and last weekend’s Learn to Train Seminar, I’m ready to make the commitment and see how much I have left […]

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Learn to Train Seminar Recap

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking part in Elite Fitness Systems’ “Learn to Train” seminar series. Dave Tate runs a fantastic event, and the best part is, a huge portion of the proceeds go to fulfilling the dreams of a child in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Below is my recollection of the weekend. […]

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Coaching Neutral Wrist

Over the past three weeks, we’ve discussed why neutral spine is important, as well as neutral neck. Today we’re going to bring the series to a close, discussing the importance of keeping a neutral wrist. While this one may not be as intuitive as the other two, it’s nonetheless important. Watch most people perform any […]

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Point-Counterpoint: Mike Reinold

Mike Reinold is a guy I not only respect, but someone I’ve learned a great deal from. How can you NOT learn from a guy whose expertise is used to keep some of the greatest athletes in the world healthy? So when Mike wrote a blog last week about why he DISLIKED the YTWL shoulder […]

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Coaching 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.

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Coaching 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 […]

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The Two R’s of Core Training

This past weekend, I was honored to give an in-service to the staff at Force Fitness in Bloomington, Indiana.  Wil Fleming and Ryan Ketchum are guys that you might not have heard of yet, but I can promise you will in the future. They are two very sharp guys with a first-class facility. The topic […]

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Random Training Thoughts

I haven’t done a “random” post in a while, so I figured today would be as good a time as any! One thing that anyone knows me can attest to is that I’m always thinking about training. My training, the training of my lifting crew, and the people that I’m programming for and coaching in […]

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An Interview with Mark Young

Last week, my blog about Experience vs. Knowledge really caused a stir. And for good reason – it was meant to get you all fired up a bit! Now I’m not saying that knowledge isn’t important. Quite the contrary – knowledge is huge! What I wanted you guys to understand, though, is that it’s important […]

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