Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is the primary tool we use to prescribe load/intensity for our lifters. It helps us autoregulate the weight on the bar based on how the lifter is feeling on a given day. Autoregulation allows our lifters to push harder when they feel great, pull back when they don’t feel good, …
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys… and biggest stressors. Whether you’re hitting the road for business or pleasure, by yourself or with a crew of people, the yin and yang of traveling is pronounced for many of us. Among the stressors of traveling is trying to maintain your training schedule. If you’re like most …
Everyone has their own unique goals. In the world of powerlifting, the common goal is to get as strong as possible. Getting as big as possible often accompanies that goal, as lifting heavy things and getting jacked tend to go hand in hand. However, there are occasions where someone may NOT want to get any …
The mind-muscle connection is one’s ability to preferentially target and feel a muscle group working while lifting weights. Elite bodybuilders have long heralded the importance of the mind-muscle connection, while some lifters and coaches think it’s overrated. So who’s right? There does seem to be some truth to the notion that intensely focusing on a …
There are two main types of isometrics used in strength training: Yielding Isometrics: holding a stationary position like during a paused rep. Simply, don’t lower the bar, but don’t actively lift it either. Overcoming Isometric: pushing against an immovable object. The bar isn’t moving, but you’re actively TRYING to move it. Yielding isometrics are the …
Single leg exercises suck. There’s no two ways about it. They’re awkward, clunky and leave you gasping for air AND unable to climb stairs for days at a time. But exercises like lunges, split squats and 1-leg RDLs have their place in many programs as a way to keep the hips and lower back happy …
Band-assisted pull-ups are often touted as the go-to way to help people inch closer to an unassisted bodyweight pull-up. But there’s a better way: partner-assisted pull-ups. You see, the problem with band-assisted pull-ups is that most people can START a pull-up, but then get stuck about halfway up – just as the band starts to go …
The trap bar deadlift is the go-to deadlift variation for most of our athletes and adult clients at The Strength House who don’t compete in powerlifting. There’s nothing wrong with having non-powerlifters deadlift with a straight bar (and we’ll use them in the right situation), but we find the trap bar preferable for the bulk …
Why Trap Bar Deadlift Instead of Conventional or Sumo? Read More »
Quality training doesn’t require a lot of bells and whistles. The basics get the job done. But a loadable sled is one of the few pieces of equipment outside of standard barbells and dumbbells that is simply irreplaceable. You can’t beat its versatility and unique benefits, including: 1. “Free” Volume Every exercise has a recovery …
Contrast training (pairing a heavy strength training movement with a lighter, more explosive movement) isn’t just for athletes. We’ll occasionally use contrast training with our more advanced adults and powerlifters as a means to prime the central nervous system for heavier lifting and to create context for the level of intent we want to put …
