Want a behind-the-scenes look at my Strength Training Parameters and Program Design Webinar? Here’s a quick sneak peek to give you a taste of what it’s all about: Ready to Take Your Programming Skills to the Next Level? Learn how to apply advanced strength training principles and design effective programs for clients of all levels….
It’s been said that oral health is the window to overall health — and it’s true. Neglect your teeth and gums, and you’re inviting trouble. Your mouth is a prime entry point for opportunistic bacteria, fungi, and viruses — any of which can disrupt your health and sabotage your efforts to get lean and muscular….
You’ve been told that the hamstrings are predominantly fast-twitch fibers, so for years you’ve been training them accordingly: heavy loads, low reps, explosive concentrics, and plenty of rest between sets. You’ve also been told that maintaining ankle plantarflexion during leg curls increases hamstring activation, so you’ve been doing them that way as well. And initially,…
If you’ve been spinning your wheels and going nowhere in your pursuit for optimal health and fitness, then stop! Doing something simply because you’ve been told to is not good enough. It’s time to question authority and challenge the establishment. Previously, I covered five common health and fitness misconceptions — if you missed that, check…
You’ve heard the classic story: He started in the mailroom and now he’s running the company! Personal training is no different than any other business – you must start from the bottom and work your way up. As far as I see it, a career in personal training should follow this timeline: Late Teens and…
How many times have you heard your child say something along the lines of “but so-and-so eats junk food every day and they’re not fat?” It’s true, some kids have such a fast metabolism that they could eat anything their little heart desires and not gain any weight, but just because they’re thin on the…
There’s quite a bit of confusion when it comes to adding fat to vegetables. Can you cook spinach in bacon fat or melt butter on broccoli? Some say yes, others say no. Let’s look at both sides of the argument. The Good Fat adds flavor, which encourages you to eat more vegetables. It also improves…
I just renewed my CPR certification this past weekend. Even though a CPR certificate is usually valid for three years, I have to renew it annually for one of my professional designations — and you know what? A refresher every year is not a bad thing! Fortunately, I’ve never had to use those skills in…
If you really want to target the three-headed muscle at the back of your arm — the triceps — you need to bring out the heavy artillery. The triceps are composed of a high percentage of type II muscle fibers (67.4%), and all three heads of the muscle are fully activated only when the resistance…
When it comes to building a firm, toned backside, it’s no secret that both nutrition and training play key roles. A healthy diet of fiber-rich, nutrient-dense foods combined with a “diet” of squats, deadlifts, step-ups, and lunges will certainly help. Cardio can be beneficial too — but only if it’s done properly. Unfortunately, pick the…