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The Biggest Assessment Mistakes Personal Trainers Make
After 30 years in the fitness industry, I’ve seen the same assessment mistakes repeated again and again. Many personal trainers overcomplicate the process with endless screens and diagnostics. In this article, I explain the most common assessment mistakes and how trainers can simplify their approach while still gathering the information they need.
Two Vital Protein Powders for Weight Lifters
The type of protein you consume after training can have a major impact on your results. Weight training breaks down muscle fibers and connective tissue.
When to Loosen the Reins
Today’s workout reminded me of a very important lesson: Listen to your body! You’re probably expecting a sermon on how it’s best to hold back
Four Ways to Combine Heavy and Moderate Lifting
Mixing powerlifting-style heavy training with bodybuilding-style moderate rep work is a proven strategy for building size and strength simultaneously. Below are four effective methods to
The Butt Punch
Elevating the front or back of the feet during lower body exercises can significantly impact range of motion, body position, and muscle activation. Take squats,
Journaling Like Leonardo da Vinci
It’s been well over a decade since I read How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael Gelb, yet I still practice the art
Count Backward to Go Forward
When it comes to counting reps, how you do it can make a difference in both performance and motivation. According to Charles Staley, creator of
Aluminum Foil Is Not Suitable for Cooking
My recent post on aluminum coffee pots sparked some interest (read it here). Some people have asked whether cooking with aluminum foil poses similar health
What It Takes to Lose Weight Fast & Look Like an Actress
Q: Hey John Paul, Take a look at this photo of Jessica Biel. That’s how I want to look by January 1st. My husband and
Core Issues: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Abdominal Training (Part 5)
To maximize intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during strength training, research indicates that you should breathe deeply (about 75% of maximum) into your belly and hold that
Core Issues: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Abdominal Training (Part 4)
If there’s ever a time not to draw in your navel, it’s during exercise. In fact, this practice should be abandoned altogether unless used for
Core Issues: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Abdominal Training (Part 3)
A classic debate among fitness professionals is whether the abdominals should be divided into upper and lower sections. Some experts argue that the abdominals function
Core Issues: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Abdominal Training (Part 2)
If you want to build a serious set of abdominals, make sure to include these foundational exercises—and their variations—into your routine: squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and
Core Issues: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Abdominal Training (Part 1)
More people are concerned about their midsection than any other body part. The core comprises roughly a third of the body, yet it receives full
Statue of Liberty Squat
A single-leg squat is a rear-foot-elevated split squat performed on a high surface like a bench rather than a step. It’s a great exercise for
How I Deal With My Nutritional Vice
People often ask if I have a nutritional vice. I suppose I have two, but I don’t consider them that bad. I enjoy a glass
Bodybuilder Big, Powerlifter Strong
Can 10 sets of 3 build as much muscle as 3 sets of 10? The short answer is yes—but the type of hypertrophy you experience
A Great Way to Reduce Post-Workout Soreness
Without a doubt, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) top the list of supplements to take during a workout. BCAAs have a host of research-supported benefits for
Are Great Athletes Born or Made?
Many trainers proudly highlight their work with professional and elite athletes, wearing it like a badge of honor. While this makes for great marketing, the
My Thoughts on the Functional Movement Screen
I was recently asked about my thoughts on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). While I believe the FMS has some value, I don’t see it
Periodization for Bodybuilders: How to Plan Strength Training for Maximum Muscle Mass
If you’ve been in the muscle-building game for a while, you know that you can’t stay on one routine forever. No matter how well a