Posts categorized in:
Lifting Technique
Are we Missing the Mark on Single-Leg Training?
Humor me for a minute while I bounce an idea off you. What if we’re doing single-leg training completely wrong? What if we’re totally missing the mark, and therefore, not getting the most out of our training? Over the past couple of years, the landscape of strength and conditioning/performance enhancement training has totally changed. While […]
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 Coaching Progression
The other day I was working with a new(ish) client, and I was cuing her to get into proper position. Upon completion of the set, she turned to look at me and said: “How come you never told me that before?” And my response was simple: Because you weren’t ready for that before!
Continue ReadingGrab Your Balls!
A New Perspective on Activation By Jim Smith, CSCS, RKC Over the last 3 years I have made a huge change in the programming for my athletes. The warm-up that was once a formality has now become the center for the entire program. Why? Because it is that important! When I started focusing on the […]
Continue ReadingStep-by-Step Bench Pressing
If you’ve been in the iron game for any period of time, you’ve probably been asked the following question: “Hey bro (or broski, or brosef) – how much ya bench?” We can argue about the efficacy of bench pressing ‘til we’re blue in the face. While I’m apt to say that a big squat or […]
Continue ReadingConquering the Chin-up
Chin-ups and pull-ups should be a staple exercise in virtually everyone’s program. Regardless of whether your goal is to build a massive back, develop a stronger bench press, or even to lose body fat, mastering chin-ups can help you get there faster. Unfortunately, people struggle with chin-ups for a variety of reasons.
Continue ReadingImproving Your Push-up
Push-ups are easy. After all, you just plop down on the floor and press yourself up, right? Not so fast.
Continue ReadingCoaching Cues Comment Contest
As you guys can tell, things have been a bit slow around here. Sorry about that – things have been a little bit more hectic than usual lately 🙂 To get things cranked back up, I figured I’d run a little contest. Here’s what I’d like for you guys to do.
Continue ReadingSimple Squat Fixes
As many of you already know, my good friend and fellow strength coach is getting ready to release his new product, Show and Go next week. I know that Eric has spent the better part of two years pulling this thing together. Writing the program, developing the video content, it all takes a ton of […]
Continue ReadingA Killer Chin-up Variation
In today’s edition of Exercise of the Week, we’re going to cover a sweet variation on an old-school strength exercise.
Continue ReadingTurkish Get-Ups Step-by-Step
One of my goals of late is to really dial in and focus on the quality of my movement, and that of my athletes. And one of the exercises that I’ve really tried to develop within my coaching and teaching repertoire is the Turkish get-up. The Turkish Get-up is a fantastic exercise, and while I […]
Continue ReadingMore Thoughts on Movement Quality
Several weeks ago, I wrote a blog titled “The Concept of Movement Quality.” There, I touched on a basic premise – it’s not just about moving more; it’s about moving better. This past weekend during our Bootcamp Bootcamp Q&A, several of us were discussing the topic even further. It reminded me of a quote I […]
Continue ReadingExercise of the Week: Supine Face Pulls
I know many of you out there are fans of the face pull, so here’s a cool variation that I think you’ll enjoy. The supine face pull is performed in exactly the same fashion as the traditional version – thumbs up grip, pull towards your face/neck, etc. The big difference here is that when you’re […]
Continue ReadingExercise of the Week: External Rotation on Knee
In today’s edition of “Exercise of the Week,” we’re going to cover a simple, yet effective, rotator cuff exercise. The external rotation on knee not only helps develop strength in the shoulder external rotators, but can also help you discern the difference between actual shoulder rotation and scapular motion. Finally, training in the scapular plane […]
Continue ReadingMastering the Kettlebell Swing
This past year I’ve really become fascinated with kettebells. (Side Note: I also know and understand they aren’t the be-all, end-all of training. My gym still has plenty of dumbbells, barbells, and a bunch of other equipment to help you get big and strong) However, I do see the value in using them. And perhaps […]
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