Everyone has their own unique pre-workout ritual. Some people prefer to blast music to get revved up for their workout. Others watch motivational videos, and some skip the external stimuli altogether—relying instead on a strong coffee to make them feel bulletproof! One thing’s for sure: nearly everyone has experimented with pre-workout supplements, and many have…
What motivates you during a workout? I mean, when you’re about to get under a bar stacked with 45s that can staple you to the ground at any second, what do you think of? There are a few scenarios that I envision. Animal Mode Here’s one where I forget about technical and go “animal” instead……
When it comes to squats and deadlifts, you can analyze knee mechanics in great detail—or keep it simple. Let’s take the easy route: While individual structural differences play a role, the key is maintaining a neutral spine and a braced core. Old Rules and New Trends For years, lifters have been told not to let…
With the kids back in school, here’s a quick and tasty snack that will keep them satisfied until dinner. Unlike the usual snacks kids reach for, this one is actually healthy! It’s simple: deli meat, greens, a handful of olives or nuts, and fruit if needed. While you might call it a snack, it’s really…
We all experience injuries in life. Minor ones are usually no big deal—you make a few adjustments to your training, give it time, and things typically return to normal. Then there are the major injuries—the ones that require surgery, long rehabilitation, and a tremendous amount of effort just to get back to baseline, if at…
Few stories highlight the power of isometric (static) training better than The Spiritual Journey of Joseph L. Greenstein: The Mighty Atom by Ed Spielman. In the book, a young Joseph Greenstein—then known as Yoselle—has a conversation with Gama, a champion wrestler from India and one of the greatest wrestlers of the 20th century. Their exchange…
There are certain exercises that are simply too uncomfortable or seem to fatigue everything but the target muscle. Usually, you just stay away from them, but with some ingenuity, you can often find a solution to the problem. Here are five examples that are common in the gym: Front Squat Problem: Hard on wrists Solution:…
Many females struggle with parallel-bar dips much like they do with chin-ups. If you perceive that you’re unable to do an exercise, sure enough, you’ll fulfill that prophecy! Rather than a negative perception, focus on the “negative action” and your ability to do dips will improve considerably. You can lower more weight than you can…
Many women struggle with parallel-bar dips, but that can change quickly with the right approach. Negative-only training is a powerful method to build the necessary strength and control to perform full reps. Learn how to do it here: Parallel-Bar Dips for Females – How to Get a Positive Outcome from a Negative Action
In strength training, it’s best to coax or nudge adaptation, or so we’re told. The body can only adapt at a certain rate and trying to force adaptation can invite trouble. Well, like many things in life, the greater the risk, the greater the reward! Most coaches will simply say, “Don’t force it,” but that…