Posts in "Program Design"

Measures to Strengthen and Prevent Achilles Injuries

Hi, my name is Tony and I ruptured my Achilles tendon earlier this year.  It was the first significant injury of my life and one that, as it happens, happens often (and without warning). Since my injury six months ago I’ve met numerous people who have gone through the same dumpster fire of an experience..And… Read more

Stuff I Struggle With: Installment 1

No need for a witty introduction here. The title says it all. Stuff I Struggle With 1. Writing Periodized Programs for Gen Pop Clients I know this may ruffle a few feathers out there, but I really struggle with the idea of writing periodized (meaning, several weeks or months in advance) training programs for the… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: The Power of the Slow Start

Slow Start Deadlift Whenever someone rounds their back on a deadlift two things happen: A baby seal dies. I have to fight off the urge to throw my face into a fire. Caveats exist, however. Everyone at some point will round their back. Elite lifters will do it – sometimes on purpose – to lock… Read more

The Missing Key to Conquering Your First Pullup: Stop Focusing on Eccentrics and Do This Instead

Shots have been fired. Shots have been fired. Some people will read the title of this post and see what they want to see… “…Tony G has lost his mind. He’s telling people that doing eccentric only pull-ups to help build their actual pull-up is wrong. He also hates kittens.” Others will know better and… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: Pause Reps

Do Paused Deadlifts I’m a firm believer in many things: The Earth is round. The Bourne Ultimatum is the best Bourne movie. And most accessory work should address a weakness or technique flaw with one of your main lifts. Enter paused deadlifts. There’s no sugar coating here: these can be absolutely brutal, but they accomplish… Read more

Do Not Cross Doesn’t Really Mean You Can’t Cross: Fitness In a Nutshell

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to make a cameo at John Rusin’s Pain-Free Performance Specialist course that was held at AMP Fitness here in Boston. My good friend – and currently #7 on my list of Top 10 man crushes – David Otey was in town to teach the course. It was lovely… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: External Cues For the Win

External (Not Internal) Cues For the Win You’ve heard these before: Chest up. Extend your T-spine. Create torque in your hips. Those are cues which work well for some, but can sound like Elvish to many trainees, particularly when they’re new to deadlifting. Instead, get more acquainted with external cues which, contrast to their internal… Read more

1 Minute Deadlift Tip: When To Consider Using a Sumo Style Deadlift

When To Consider Using a Sumo Style Deadlift To me, the conventional deadlift (feet closer together, hands outside knees) is the most advanced variation of the deadlift and likely not the best starting point for most lifters. Yet, purists out there would prefer passing a kidney stone through their eyeballs than ever consider reverting to… Read more