The concept of accommodating resistance using chains has gained popularity over the past two decades—and for good reason. Exercises like the front squat follow an ascending strength curve, meaning you’re stronger at the top of the movement than at the bottom. Chains are an effective way to match resistance with your natural strength curve. Here’s…
I’ve had some trouble finding a high-quality safety squat bar that actually fits my power rack. Every year, I do a “fitness equipment” shopping spree, and on my last one, I came across a bar that looked great—solid build, good padding, the works. My power rack is four feet wide, so I asked the clerk:…
One of the most effective ways to structure a strength training session is by pairing exercises for antagonist (opposite) muscle groups or movement patterns. This method not only saves time but also enhances performance and recovery between sets. Today’s workout featured two antagonist exercise pairings: A SeriesA1. Standing Military PressA2. Semi-Pronated-Grip Pull-Up B SeriesB1. Standing…
Here’s a simple way to reduce stress on your shoulders during pressing movements. Next time you’re in the gym, take a look around. Most people perform presses with a pronated grip (palms forward) and flared elbows—an approach that can put a lot of strain on the shoulders and eventually lead to injury. A healthier alternative…
The Angles90 grips are a great tool to add variety and reduce joint stress during pull-ups. One challenge, however, is that their lower starting position can cause the plates from a chin/dip belt to hit the floor at the bottom of the movement. If that’s the case, switch to a weighted vest like the Xvest…
Here’s a glimpse of my latest workout—a circuit training routine based on a system I call Modern Muscle Moulding. If your goal is to drop body fat while maintaining muscle, circuit training done the right way can be incredibly effective. The Modern Muscle Moulding approach blends strength and conditioning for maximum efficiency. You can read…
Paused reps can be a game-changer in your training. By deliberately stopping at key points during a lift, you reduce momentum, reinforce proper technique, and dramatically increase muscular tension. In the case of chin-ups, pausing at the bottom not only reduces cheating, but also provides a brief decompression for the spine and shoulders—something many lifters…
Now it’s Barb’s turn to train upper body while Terry works his lower body. Strategic program design allows both of them to push hard in the same session, with individualized focus — a win-win approach for any couple looking to stay strong and healthy together.
While Terry focuses on upper-body strength, Barb targets her lower body with personalized training that suits her needs and past injuries. This is a great example of how couples with different goals and histories can still train together effectively — without compromising their progress.
Last week, the strength community experienced a huge loss with the passing of Charles Poliquin. Charles was a highly successful strength and conditioning coach—a thought-leader who introduced many groundbreaking training and nutrition concepts. His legacy includes German Volume Training, German Body Composition methods, BioSignature and BioPrint hormonal profiling, tempo prescription, thick-grip training, the meat and…