One of the most common questions I get asked by clients is, “Should I use a lifting belt?” Lifting belts are often misunderstood. Do they protect your lower back? Do they make your abs stronger? Or weaker? The answer is, of course, it depends. And it depends completely on if you use the belt correctly. …
Technique Tuesday: How to Use a Lifting Belt to Brace Your Core Read More »
This week’s Technique Tuesday shows you how to use your breathing to brace your torso during the deadlift. This will protect your back AND help you lift more weight. Breathing during the deadlift can be tricky. There’s more to it than just gasping for air. Check it out: Next week, we’ll talk about how to …
Technique Tuesday: Breathing During the Deadlift Read More »
Today’s guest post is from my sister, Alex Bonvechio. Alex has been competing in powerlifting for almost 2 years now and will take a crack at an elite total at 148 pounds in October. Here’s her take on how she went from a total beginner to an accomplished lifter in such a short time. Enjoy! Alex …
The Journey from Novice to Elite: A Female Powerlifter’s Perspective Read More »
Last Sunday, we hosted the Powerlifting Fundamentals seminar at 212 Health & Performance in Rumford, Rhode Island. It was my first ever “solo” seminar and it was beyond awesome. Great turnout, great energy and great lifting. During the lecture portion, I spoke about training philosophy and program design. I preached the importance of choosing the right …
The fitness world is exceptionally prone to the overreaction/under-reaction phenomenon. That is, fitness-minded people often fall victim to an all-or-nothing view of certain foods, exercises or training methodologies. Remember how scary dietary fat was in the 80’s? How about evil carbs in the 2000’s? Spinal flexion sure was terrible 10 years ago, but now extension …
I’m incredibly excited to announce that I’ll be presenting at the first annual Powerlifting Fundamentals Seminar at 212 Health & Performance on July 12, 2015, in Rumford, Rhode Island. This is officially my first “headlining” seminar and I couldn’t be more fired up to share my knowledge and passion for the sport of powerlifting. Here’s …
Powerlifting Fundamentals Seminar: July 12, 2015 Read More »
Stack.com – 3 Barbell-Only, Full-Body Workout Programs for Any Fitness Goal Some people love their gym filled with shiny new equipment, juice bars and Eucalyptus-scented towels. They want to feel like they’re at the spa and would rather sweat in the steam room than on the gym floor. Well, that just ain’t for me. And …
Stack.com – 3 Barbell-Only, Full-Body Workout Programs for Any Fitness Goal Read More »
If you’re reading this website, it means you believe that getting strong is important. You understand that strength should be a priority in any exercise program, whether you want to lose fat, gain muscle or get better at a sport. But truthfully, the majority of gym-goers don’t care about getting insanely strong. And while I can’t relate …
Strength coaches have long debated whether powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting methods are better for athletic performance enhancement. It’s a bit of a silly debate because most athletes are neither powerlifters nor Olympic weightlifters, so there’s no need to be married to one method or the other. And while the Olympic lifts build power and explosiveness …
Stack.com – Get Faster with This Weightlifting Technique Read More »
I love kettlebell swings. This is not breaking news. I’ve written about them before (here and here) and I wrote about them again. This time, I wrote a piece for MyFitnessPal called “Learn the Kettlebell Swing in 4 Easy Steps“. I break down three essential exercises that you need to learn before you start adding …
MyFitnessPal: Learn the Kettlebell Swing in 4 Easy Steps Read More »
