If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’ve struggled with the deadlift. It’s taken a lot of time and focus to get better, and I’ve run into lots of snags along the way. Perhaps my biggest challenge has been finding the right blend of volume, intensity and frequency. To get better at something, you …
Stack.com – Deadlift Complexes: The Secret Exercise for Insane Strength Read More »
I’m not an expert on many things. But if I had to list the top three things I’m most knowledgable about, it’s: Metallica history One-liners from Jaws and Jurassic Park The bench press And since my target audience doesn’t read any websites regarding the first two topics, I prefer to write about the bench press. And most …
Arguing on the internet is dumb. But at least now we’re not arguing about whether squats are good or bad. Now, we’re arguing about what’s better – front squats or back squats. It’s still silly, but at least that means lots of people are squatting. Is one really better than the other? That question needs …
Stack.com – Back Squat vs. Front Squat: What’s the Better Choice for Athletes? Read More »
Nothing is more frustrating for a lifter than a stubborn sticking point. And for the bench press, that’s almost always two to three inches off the chest. You bring the bar down and press it back up, only to hit an invisible brick wall and miss the lift. Before you throw a temper tantrum or abandon …
Get It Off Your Chest: 3 Tips to Shatter Your Bench Press Sticking Point Read More »
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 remember when I first started lifting, some of the real hardcore guys at the gym – you know, the manly-men with tank tops, leather gloves and those cute little belts that cinch at the waist – used these crazy things called “stacks”, these supplement packages with multiple items that “worked together” to make you even more jacked. They …
Examine.com Stack Guides – Supplement Combos for Maximum Results 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 »
Gym attire is a funny thing. Guys stress over what Nike or Under Armour shirt is gonna make them looked jacked. Girls lose sleep over which pair of Lululemon leggings will make us sneak a peak at their butt (joke’s on you – we were gonna look at it anyways). What we wear up top …
