Posts categorized in:
Coaching
The 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 […]
Continue ReadingBuild Shoulder and Core Stability with Med Ball Arc Walks
When it come to writing programs, the exercises I use have to check a couple of boxes… They need to build better movement, They need to be challenging, and They need to be fun! The med ball arc walk covers all of these bases. Not only does it give you a ton of bang for […]
Continue ReadingBuild Rotary Core Stability with the Pallof Press
As trainers and coaches, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to train our core. But sometimes, it’s easy to fall back into our staple exercises – you know, the planks, bears, dead bugs, etc. And while those exercises are fantastic, one big limitation is that they’re all very focused on the sagittal plane […]
Continue Reading3 Tenets of Squat Technique and Overall Badassery
Note from MR: Tony Gentilcore is one of my favorite fitness writers, simply because he makes reading a ton of fun. In this article, he dives into three things you should consider when coaching or training the squat. And if you enjoy this article, definitely check out Tony’s Even More Complete Hip and Shoulder Blueprint, […]
Continue ReadingThe 3 Biggest Squat Set-up Mistakes
When I was in Seattle a few weeks back, my entire presentation revolved around rebuilding the big lifts. You see, I think too much of our lifting culture has been influenced by powerlifting. And while we know powerlifters are strong, is that who we should look to for coaching advice when it comes to our […]
Continue ReadingHow to Bench Press without Lower Back Pain
Most everyone who goes to the gym enjoys bench pressing. And while it’s an awesome exercise for developing upper body strength, at the same time, it can really beat some people up. Sometimes it’s is the shoulders. Sometimes it’s the elbows. And sometimes, it’s the lower back. But in the words of Roberto Duran, “No […]
Continue ReadingBack Squat vs. Front Squat: What’s the Difference?
While people love to debate about whether the back squat or front squat is “better,” I think there’s a far more important question to ask… Namely, what are the DIFFERENCES between front and back squatting? In this short video I break it down for you. Enjoy! Now that you’ve watched the video, a few quick […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s the Difference between a Trap Bar and Barbell Deadlift?
One of the most common questions I get asked is: “What are the differences between a trap bar and barbell deadlift?” In this short video, I talk about the two major differences I see, and how they can help you determine which lift is best for you, your clients, and/or your athletes to perform. Check […]
Continue ReadingBuild That Back with the Dumbbell Row
The DB row is one of those exercises that many assume is easy, simply because everyone does it. But if you walk into most commercial gyms, it’s really evident that most people DO NOT know how to do this exercise correctly! If you want a quick tutorial on how to get the most out of […]
Continue Reading