The overhead press is a polarizing lift. People seem to either love it or hate. There are a few reasons for that: 1) It’s really hard to do correctly and 2) it’s hard to see the direct carryover to the bench press. I’m here to tell you that a properly-executed overhead press is perfectly safe and …
Technique Tuesday: 3 Common Overhead Press Mistakes Read More »
Powerlifting is a tough sport that will beat you into the ground if you let it. Squatting, bench pressing and deadlifting maximal weights isn’t exactly comfortable. Like Greg Robins says, powerlifting is an extreme sport and you have to be a bit crazy to compete at a high level. But what’s great about powerlifting is …
Last weekend I had the honor and privilege of coaching nine amazing lifters at the RPS Power Challenge powerlifting meet in Everrett, Massachusetts. It was a well-run, well-judged meet (as is the norm for RPS meets) and everyone had a great time. With a mix of first-timers and veteran lifters, CSP Powerlifting put forth a …
Video: CSP Powerlifting at the RPS Power Challenge Read More »
You can learn a lot from the spotter’s point of view during the bench press. The problem? You can’t spot yourself! This week’s Technique Tuesday takes things from a different angle to show you how and when to flare your elbows during the bench press for an easier lockout. Check it out:
Winter is fast approaching, so Greg Robins and I are escaping to sunny Florida to host another Optimizing the Big 3 Seminar on November 15. We’re brining our unique brand of powerlifting to Cressey Sports Performance – Jupiter, and you’ve only got 2 days left to save $50 on registration! Check out the details below: …
Only 2 Days Left to Save $50 on Optimizing the Big 3 in Jupiter, Florida Read More »
Does the bar drift away from you during deadlifts? It’s a problem that I see tons of lifters (myself included) struggle with. You’ll never fully utilize the push from your legs or keep your back straight if the bar doesn’t stay close to your legs. You can think about sitting back, squeezing your lats and …
Technique Tuesday: Band-Distracted Deadlifts for Stronger Lats and Hamstrings Read More »
On a daily basis, I’m asked by at least one skinny high school athlete, “How do I gain weight?” Miguel Aragoncillo and I have often joked that we just need to lock these guys in Chipotle and not let them leave til they’ve gained 20 pounds each, but then we’d have to wait in line …
4 Mistakes Skinny Guys Make when Trying to Gain Weight Read More »
I don’t have an addictive personality, but recently, I went cold turkey. I’m not gonna lie, it was hard. I didn’t realize I had a problem. I thought I was just like everyone else. It wasn’t until I gave it up until I came face-to-face with my issue: I was addicted to my lifting belt. …
Many people struggle with the concept of “Chest up, ribs down” during squats and deadlifts. It’s tough to extend through the upper back without hyperextending the lower back and disengaging the core muscles. It’s equally tough to keep the ribs down and abs engaged without rounding the upper back. Well, turns out bench t-spine mobilizations teach …
Lower-back pain is a problem for thousands of people, athletes and average Joe’s alike. That said, building a stronger lower back can be problematic, especially if you’re hurting. But to lift big weights, you need a strong lower back, right? Well, yes and no. There’s a bit of an art and a science to lower …
