Posts in "coaching"

The Difference Between Good and Bad Stiffness

Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking about muscles here…;o) The Difference Between Good & Bad Stiffness Having “tight” or “stiff” muscles is often viewed as a bad thing. Not losing a match of Squid Game bad, but bad nonetheless. When someone presents with a (true) muscular length limitation there are increased risks… Read more

Confessions of an Introverted Strength Coach Revisted

People are often surprised when I state I’m an introvert. Confessions of an Introverted Strength Coach What most people fail to recognize is that “being an introvert” is part of a spectrum. No one is 100% introverted, nor are they 100% extroverted. Everyone’s a little of both. Another common misconception is that introversion is somehow… Read more

You’re Not Broken If You’re Asymmetrical. You’re Normal.

One of the more flagrant “mic drops” I toss down whenever I speak to a group of fitness professionals (remember when we used to be able to do that in person?) is that forcing people to adopt a symmetrical stance while performing basic lifts such as deadlifts or squats is more likely hurting people rather… Read more

Psych Skills for Fitness Pros II: Inside the Coach’s Mind Explained

In November my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, will be putting on a 2-day LIVE workshop in Boston that focuses on psychological skills geared toward fitness professionals. I, admittedly, am a bit biased and think Lisa’s content is superb. I’ve stated on numerous occasions that what’s helped me develop most as a coach over the course… Read more

5 Ways I Include Single Leg Training In My Programs

Single leg training isn’t sexy to talk, much less write about. In terms of excitement factor I’d rank it somewhere between a watching a NASCAR race and picking lint out of your belly button. I can understand the cacophony of subsequent eye rolls and yawns that are being directed my way. “An article on single… Read more

Success in the Fitness Industry: Reality vs. Expectations

Success in the Fitness Industry: Reality vs. Expectations People who know me well know how much I’m obsessed with movies. I enjoy reading about them (what’s coming out or on the horizon of coming out), debating them (what’s the better 1997 release: Boogie Nights or Good Will Hunting?), and whenever possible… …watching them. I’ll watch… Read more

Carrots and Celery and Priming People to Kick-Ass

Do you recall a few years ago when (then) NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, initiated a proposed ban on the sale of large-sized sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, sweetened teas and coffees, as well as energy and “fruit” drinks? The Big Gulp Experiment The idea was that by prohibiting restaurants, delis, sports arenas, movie theaters, and… Read more

How To Make Your Programs Programs Your Clients Will Actually Follow

This article is not going to dive into the x’s and o’s of program design. For that you can peruse my Resources Page and find plenty of options to fit your fancy. Instead, today, I wanted to peel the onion (so-to-speak) and discuss the layers of program design that rarely get discussed. Copyright: wavebreakmediamicro /… Read more