45-degree torso holds have become some of our favorite positional strength movements over the past few years. Rather than isolating the abdominals, these “core” movements challenge the hip flexors and test the athlete’s or lifter’s ability to respect the length-tension relationship of the abdominals. If you’re looking to build core strength, you’d be doing yourself …
When I first started getting into lifting, all I wanted to do was gain as much muscle as possible. On the surface, I was training to get better at baseball, but deep down, I needed the confidence that comes with getting physically bigger. So for the first 4ish years of my training career, hypertrophy was …
If there’s one thing we can learn from high-level bodybuilders, it’s that hitting a muscle from slightly different angles can help spark new muscle growth. Exercise novelty doesn’t equal guaranteed hypertrophy, but if subtle variety keeps you motivated and helps you discover exercises that get you a really strong contraction and quality soreness in the …
Most people aren’t nearly as advanced as they think they are. When it comes to lifting, most of us can thrive on the basics. Simple progressive overload (adding a bit of weight to the bar and/or a few extra reps each workout) is all most people need for increased muscle growth. Assuming you’re also eating …
4 Intensity Techniques for Increased Muscle Growth Read More »
It seems like every article on pull-ups is about how to go from zero reps to one, but what about those of us trying to do MORE pull-ups? Sometimes, straight sets and reps can be boring or unproductive if you’re trying to go from a pull-up intermediate to a master of your own bodyweight. Here …
I recently finished reading Dr. Stuart McGill’s Back Mechanic book during my return flight from presenting at the Encore Sports Medicine Symposium in Alabama. One of the world’s best spine experts, Dr. McGill presents some extremely practical methods for identifying, avoiding and relieving many types of back pain, along with a slew of back friendly …
Simple as it may seem, squat form can be incredibly complex, especially if you want to get brutally strong. As a coach and lifter, it’s my job to make this daunting task a little more manageable for my athletes and myself. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of resources available to teach you how …
The deadlift is the most brutally honest of the powerlifts. You either lift it or you don’t. Squats can be high, bench presses can be bounced, but you can’t cheat a deadlift. Deadlift hitching is one of the few ways you can screw up a deadlift in competition. The act of hitching means that once your knees …
The journey is the destination. The chase is better than the catch. Anticipation is greater than realization. All these quotes can be applied to training. And while training is an enjoyable process, it’s the result of training that we’re after: better health, stronger lifts, bigger muscles, etc. Given that training is a means to an end, …
By now, you probably know the best exercises for stronger glutes. Squats, deadlifts, swings, lunges, hip thrusts… these are not new ideas. But if you’ve ever coached them or done them yourself, you know that sometimes your quads or your hamstrings take over the exercise, leaving your precious glutes behind. Well, get excited, glute enthusiasts. My …
MyFitnessPal: 4 Simple Exercise Tweaks for Stronger Glutes Read More »
