Blog
Why METH Beats RICE for Injury Recovery: Science Finally Catches Up
Back in 2012, I introduced a controversial—but far more effective—approach to treating soft-tissue injuries. The acronym? METH, which stands for: At the time, the gold
Strength Training Motivation
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
How Much Should the Knees Bend During Squats and Deadlifts?
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
A Simple After-School Snack
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
Climbing to New Heights: An Inspirational Story
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
The Value of Isometric Training
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
5 Exercise Problems and Solutions
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,
Parallel-Bar Dips for Females: How to Get a Positive Outcome from a Negative Action
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
Negative-Only Parallel-Bar Dips
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
Force Results with Triple Split Training
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
Keeping Up with Current Research (September 2016)
Staying up to date with scientific research can give you a competitive edge as a personal trainer. Here are some recent findings that can enhance
One PlateMate, an Offset Grip, and Two Arm Exercises
Did you know that simply shifting your grip on a dumbbell can change muscle activation? Using an offset grip—where you hold the dumbbell closer to
What Do Females and Endurance Athletes Have in Common?
Ever notice that women and endurance athletes can perform more reps at a given intensity than the average guy? That’s because they typically have a
3 Warm-Up Methods for More Strength
Want to lift heavier? Try tricking your nervous system with these three advanced warm-up strategies: 1. Postactivation Potentiation (PAP) for Strength Gains Gradually ramp up
A Compliment, Sort Of
Every personal trainer has heard this line a thousand times: “I need to start working out. I’m going to come see you.” Most people never
Update Your iPhone iOS and Sleep Better
Bright blue light is great during the day—but at night, it can disrupt your sleep. One solution is orange-tinted glasses (see Why I Wear My
Get in Shape with Push-Ups
Grade 9 was quite an experience—a new school, new classmates, and new teachers. But one teacher stood out more than the others: Mr. Carter, our
Don’t Leave a Presentation Before the Q&A
Sometimes the best learning moments happen after a presentation—during the Q&A session. Take, for example, a talk given by Dr. Christopher Gardner, titled “The Battle
Intense Sunlight Promotes Deep Sleep
I’m a stickler for sleep hygiene. When I say my room resembles a cave, I’m not joking! The temperature is cool, there’s no sound, and
The 30-Minute Digital Time Rule
My 6-year-old son has become a wizard on digital devices. Hand him an iPhone, iPad, or iMac, and he’s right at home. Of course, I’m
How to Bring Pasteurized Sauerkraut Back to Life
I take a probiotic every day, but not in pill or powder form. Instead, I get my daily dose from sauerkraut, a fermented vegetable packed