Continuing on the theme of using paused reps to fix weak points, this installment addresses several bench press technique mistakes and how to use paused reps to eliminate them. (If you missed Part 1 of this series which covered paused squats, click here.) More so than the squat and deadlift, pauses are essential for building a …
Problem Solving with Paused Reps – Bench Press Edition Read More »
“You’re only as strong as your weakest link.” This quote applies nicely to powerlifting because technique ultimately limits the amount of weight you can lift, and your technique eventually breaks down due to your weakest link. This three-part series will focus on my favorite method for finding and destroying your weakest links: paused reps. We’ll touch …
Problem Solving with Paused Reps – Squat Edition Read More »
After 10 years of lifting, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about training, coaching and life in general. My last post covered five of those lessons, and this post has five more. Check ’em out: 6. VOLUME IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING VARIABLE Progressive overload is to training what Newton’s First Law is to physics: “An …
It’s hard to believe that this summer marks the 10-year anniversary of when I first started lifting weights. I didn’t think I was old enough to have done ANYTHING for 10 years. But lifting has given me some of the most important lessons, closest friends and best experiences of my entire life. I started lifting during …
Last week, I talked about two trap bar exercises to build upper back strength. I also mentioned how I didn’t like the trap bar for building the conventional or sumo deadlift, and received several questions as to why. You asked and I answered in this week’s Technique Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong, trap bar deadlifts …
Technique Tuesday: 3 Reasons Trap Bar Deadlifts Don’t Carry Over to the Straight Bar Read More »
The trap bar is a fantastic tool to build strength for almost anyone. Team sport athletes and general fitness enthusiasts especially can use it as their go-to strength builder. Unfortunately, the trap bar has limited carryover to powerlifting. It’s too far removed from a conventional or sumo deadlift to have a big impact, so I don’t recommend it …
Technique Tuesday: 2 Unconventional Uses for the Trap Bar Read More »
I’ve been slacking the past week as I prepare for my wedding this weekend. Since I didn’t share my Technique Tuesday last week, you’ll get a double-dose this week. 2 Bench Press Habits You Need to Break Far too often I see lifters do two highly-detrimental things on the bench press: lift their head off …
The sport of powerlifting serves as a nice little metaphor for life. You’re competing against others, but you’re really competing against yourself. You do a ton of work for a big payoff. And there are aches and pains, but it’s all worth it in the end. This weekend, I had the honor of coaching three …
This week’s Technique Tuesday covers the seated sumo deadlift, which is a drill I use with lifters to fix a common problem: an inability to push with the legs during the sumo deadlift. Lots of lifters get out of position while deadlifting and feel like they’re only using their back. The seated sumo deadlift forces …
Technique Tuesday: Seated Sumo Deadlift to Help You Feel Your Legs Read More »
It’s official: this summer, Greg Robins and I are hitting the road to take our Optimizing the Big 3 powerlifting seminar to Santa Cruz, California. We’ll be taking our squat, bench press and deadlifting wisdom to the West Coast for the first time ever, so check the link below to register today! When: Sunday, June …
Seminar Update: Optimizing the Big 3 in Santa Cruz, CA Read More »
