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 »
On October 11, I’ll hit the platform at the RPS Power Challenge in Everett, Mass., for the seventh meet of my powerlifting career. I’m shooting for a 1500 total and a double bodyweight bench press. In March, I went 8-for-9 with a 1435 total at 198 and won Best Lifter, which was a nice comeback after I …
I can be a little on the stubborn side. If you’re an athlete, a lifter or a coach, you should be a bit stubborn. You have to stick to your guns if you want to be successful. Carve out a system of beliefs and charge full steam ahead. That’s how you get shit done. Like Jim …
Stack.com – How Many Sets and Reps Should You Really Do? Read More »
I love dinosaurs. When I was little, my favorite toys were my plastic T-Rex and Triceratops. My second favorite movie of all time is Jurassic Park (a close second to Jaws. I have a soft spot for Spielberg films about prehistoric predators). Little did I know that my childhood obsessions would carry over into my …
Stack.com – 7 Reasons Why Your Bench Press is Weak Read More »
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m incredibly lucky to be able to train at some awesome gyms. Between Brown University and Total Performance Sports, I’ve got literally every piece of equipment I could ever want. Factor in the intense environment and you’ve got a foolproof recipe for success. When most people …
Stack.com – 3 Specialty Barbells That Build Size and Strength Read More »
A strong lower back is the foundation of a strong body, but it’s a whole new ballgame when you talk about building a lower back that’s well-muscled, strong AND mechanically efficient. Look at the way someone holds their lower back while standing and you can immediately tell a lot about how they train, how they …
Triceps are where it’s at. Biceps get all the credit, but it’s the three-headed next door neighbor that deserves the spotlight. Whether you’re benching 315, delivering a block in football or filling out your shirt sleeves, the triceps should be a priority in your arm training. Training arms reminds me of choosing a favorite Metallica …
Right Link/Wrong Link: Triceps Kickbacks vs. Skull Crushers Read More »
1. UPRIGHT ROWS Conventional upright rows (performed with a straight bar or EZ bar, a narrow grip and pulling up to the chin) are a surefire way to aggravate cranky shoulders. The exercise almost perfectly replicates the clinical test for impingement syndrome: touch your hand to your opposite shoulder and lift your elbow up. If …
Sometimes we get caught up trying to make things better through addition. Well, more isn’t always better. Better is better. It’s an overused phrase, but it rings so true in the world of strength training. Eric Cressey nailed it when he simply said “you can’t just keep adding”. Between moving, starting a new job, preparing for …
Humans are asymmetrical creatures. We’ve got two lungs and two kidneys, but only one heart, one liver and one pancreas. The two sides of our brain are in charge of totally different things. And most of us can only write, brush our teeth and pick our nose with one hand. These natural asymmetries inevitably lead …
