Posts in "Program Design"

What’s All This Positional Breathing Stuff About?: The Implementation of Training Principles

You can’t go more than a few clicks on the internet before you inevitably come across some coach or trainer discussing the merits of positional breathing and how it can help improve performance in the weight room (and on the field). (๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿ‘† I guess this depends on what part of the internet you peruse…BOM, CHICKA,… Read more

60 Second Deadlift Tip: What’s the Best Grip To Use?

Which Is the Best Grip To Use? This is a tricky question and one I’m asked often when discussing how I coach up the deadlift. We have to be cognizant of balancing what will likely help prevent injury (namely a bicep tendon tear), but also allow for optimal performance and turn you into a deadlifting… Read more

Deceleration Training and Landing For the Everyday Athlete

You don’t have to be LeBron James or Megan Rapinoe in order to train more like an athlete. You just need to be realistic (and smart) about it. What’s more, being athletic isn’t only about accelerating. You also have to be able to apply the brakes – quickly – too! (and beat Rambo in arm… Read more

Simple Training Programs = OMGSTOPOVERCOMPLICATINGTHINGS

I’ve been writing training programs since 2002, and in that time I’d say I’ve written roughly 10,717 of them. Not coincidentally that’s also the total number of times I’ve wanted to toss my face into an ax whenever someone waxes poetic on their 1) killer CrossFit workout and/or 2) keto diet. We get it, you’re… Read more

60 Second Deadlift Tip: The Trap Bar Counts As Deadlifting

“Home base” for most lifters can and should be the trap-bar deadlift. There, I Said It. Come at Me, Internet Trolls I remember a few years back when I was still coaching at Cressey Sports Performance another trainer who was there observing for the day walked up to make casual conversation and to ask a… Read more

8 Innovative Exercises For Stronger Hip Flexors and Adductors: A Collaboration with Meghan Callaway

  Recently the indelible, delightful, and impressive Meghan Callaway and I collaborated on a series where we each shared four innovative exercises for both the hip flexors and adductors. As far as duos go, we rank somewhere in between peanut butter & jelly and Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga. Check em out. You Won’t Believe… Read more

The Art of Distraction

You ever head to the gym, get there, and then all you want to do is leave? No matter how hard you try you just can’t muster the mojo to get going and preserver through a training session. I had one of those days yesterday, actually. I stayed and swallowed a somewhat decent session down,… Read more

60 Second Deadlift Tip: Squeeze the Orange

I often tell people that what “connects” you to the barbell during the deadlift isn’t your hands. Rather, it’s your lats. Having the ability to engage them and firing on all cylinders during the set-up and execution has profound ramifications on deadlift technique and performance. The thing is: For some trainees, asking him or her… Read more