I’ll be the first to admit it: I hate single leg exercises. Lunges, split squats, step-ups, they’re all torture as far as I’m concerned. But I hate them a lot less – and value them a lot more – after a year-plus of working at Cressey Sports Performance and understanding their importance in any training …
Right Link/Wrong Link: Tweaking Single Leg Exercises for Hypertrophy Read More »
This week’s Technique Tuesday (brought to you by CSP Mass) is all about how to keep your knees out while squatting. Lord knows I’ve struggled with this issue before (read about how I fixed my squat problems here, here and here), but with a little focus and patience, it can be fixed. Check it out: And don’t …
Technique Tuesday: How to Keep Your Knees Out while Squatting Read More »
Pick up something heavy. Carry it around. Put it down. Rest. Repeat. Can something this simple be too good to be true? Not in this case. Farmer’s walks build head-to-toe strength and coordination in a way that other weight room exercises can’t. What’s more, farmer’s walks are limited only by your imagination (and possibly grip …
Stack.com – 7 Farmer’s Walk Variations for Improved Core Strength Read More »
Squat depth is a funny thing. When people start lifting, they usually squat high. They don’t know how low they’re supposed to go, or they’re scared if they go too low, they won’t be able to stand back up. Then, once they read or hear that you “must” squat ass-to-grass, squat depth is everything. Like, …
Stack.com – Improve Your Squat Depth with 5 Easy Warm-Up Exercises Read More »
The hamstrings might have it worse than any other muscle group in the body. They sit below the waist and on the backside of the body. Unless you’re running around in a Speedo, no one’s going to see your hamstrings at the beach. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore your hamstrings. Far from it. Strong …
SheerStrengthLabs.com – 3 Exercises That Get You Herculean Hamstrings Read More »
If you play a sport that doesn’t require you to spend significant time on one leg, you’re not playing a real sport. Running, jumping, cutting, kicking and throwing all require the legs to act independently of one another to create speed and power. So if you’re not performing single leg exercises in the weight room, you’re …
Stack.com – 7 Tips to Master Single Leg Exercises Read More »
A few weeks ago, I was training a client and had a funny interaction with my co-worker Steve. I was explaining to the client the difference in rep ranges for building strength and building muscle. “To build muscle,” I said, “you want to stick with high reps, like 8 to 12 per set.” Steve guffawed …
My 3 Favorite Set and Rep Schemes for Fast Muscle Gains Read More »
I used to be that guy. Every damn plate in the gym loaded on either side of the leg press. Hands on knees, quads quivering, spotter at the ready. That’s right, I used a spotter on the leg press. Knees locked, I unhinge the safety stops and the madness begins. Nearly half a ton, rep …
This addition of “Best of 2012” highlights my four favorite exercises I’ve started doing this year. I’ve included exercises for power, mobility, upper body and lower body. Each one played an integral role in helping me set multiple PRs and staying healthy in 2012. Check ’em out. 1. SUSPENDED PUSH-UP/FLY COMBO This is my newest …
