Posts categorized in:
Coaching
How to Build a Better Squat (or Any Movement Pattern)
As trainers, coaches and rehab professionals, I hope we can all agree that we want our clients and athletes to move better. But how often does somebody just kill it on Day 1? You’re coaching them up, then you just throw out that one magic cue and, BOOM! They’re moving perfectly. Maybe sometimes…but not nearly […]
Continue ReadingWhat Trunk Position is Best for Split-Squats?
When it comes to split-squats and lunges, many people think there’s ONE torso position that’s best. For instance, you’ll often see me cue a tall, upright posture if I’m trying to get someone to load their hips more effectively. OR if I’m trying to get the hip flexors and quads to chill out a bit. […]
Continue Reading12 Random Thoughts for Trainers and Coaches
Well in typical MR fashion, I took what was supposed to be a short and sweet, bullet point post and made it into something much bigger! I really wanted to just give you some quick ideas to stimulate thought, but in that same vein it’s hard to just randomly drop ideas on you without at […]
Continue ReadingCuing in Bullet Points
Unless you’re recapping the latest episode of The Boys or Bridgerton, your clients don’t want to hear you monologue – it’s a sure-fire way to have your clients and athletes tune you out. And this is especially true when it comes to coaching and cuing exercises. Eventually your voice starts to sound like that teacher from […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: Why Does Elevating the Heels Make My Squat Look Better?
Today, I’m going to answer one of the most common questions I get from trainers, coaches, and athletes alike: Why does my squat feel so much getter when I elevate my heels? Now the most common answer you’ll hear in this regard is that you have “tight” or “stiff” ankles. Or more specifically, that “your […]
Continue Reading13 Practical Programming and Coaching Tips
The longer I do this, the more I realize that your journey is never over. You’re never a “finished” product. Take program design, for instance… Since I started in physical preparation, I’ve easily consumed thousands of pieces of content on this topic, including articles, webinars, podcasts, VHS recordings, DVD’s and seminars. And furthermore, I’ve probably […]
Continue ReadingWhich Single Leg Deadlift Option is Right For You? Different Stances for Getting Jacked & Moving Better
There are some crazy exercises out there on Instagram these days. Maybe you have seen some single leg deadlifts exercises that made you a bit curious or made you cringe a bit. Just so we are clear, we will not be talking about doing a single leg deadlift on a Bosu ball! However, there are […]
Continue ReadingStaggered, Split, Parallel – Which Stance is BEST?
When it comes to program design, I’m not sure we put enough thought into the stance we choose. Sure, there’s a time and place for “mixing things up,” but let’s be honest… How much time and effort do we put into whether we choose split-stance? Half-kneeling? Parallel stance? Or even staggered stance? Even for me […]
Continue ReadingThe CARS Approach to Coaching
Here’s a big question to ponder… Why do clients or athletes come to train with you? How can you create a better connection with them? Or help make sure that they not only enjoy your training, but that they stick with your for the long haul? This is obviously a pretty deep topic, but here […]
Continue ReadingWhy Do YOU Coach?
The other day I was walking our dog, Finn, and asked myself this fairly simple question… Why do I coach? It made me think back to when I was a little kid and how much I loved sports. Growing up in the country – with literally ZERO kids my age within miles of me – […]
Continue ReadingThe CAR’s Approach to Client Success
I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but training clients and athletes is a weeeee bit different here in 2021 than it was this time last year. Gyms are constantly in flux – opening and closing on a regular basis. Clients are struggling to find their rhythm and get back into shape. And one […]
Continue ReadingHow to Set-up the Landmine Press Effectively
One of the biggest issues clients and athletes alike struggle with is setting up the landmine press. If you set-up too far forward, the lift is awkward and you end up (potentially) going more overhead than you’d like. And if you set-up too far back, you end up chasing the bar – and again, the […]
Continue ReadingHow to Perform the Glute-Ham Raise
Glute-ham raises have been a staple in my programs since 2001. After a trip to Westside Barbell, I knew that this exercise could be an absolute game changer for my strength in the powerlifts. But little did I realize how impactful it could be for virtually every athlete I worked with from that day forward! […]
Continue ReadingHow to Split-Stance Low Cable Row
Last week we talked about how you can take your standard dumbbell rows and make them a bit more sexy and athletic. So if you liked that variation and want something that’s a bit more off the beaten path, then you need to try the split-stance low cable row! In this variation, you get a […]
Continue ReadingThe Athletic Dumbbell Row
We all know that dumbbell rows are an awesome exercise for developing the upper back. But sometimes I feel like rows can get a little blocky and mechanical. Now don’t get me wrong – especially if you’re just learning the movement, simply thinking about reaching long and then squeezing back is totally fine. But once […]
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