I’ve had my plate full the past few days, and hence, explains the lack of blogging prowess recently. As it happens, Tuesday is generally my “off” day where I spend the bulk of it catching up on things that I don’t have time to do otherwise – brainstorming articles, writing programs, answering emails, crushing protein shakes. You know, the important stuff.
Yesterday was a bit of a break from the norm because, for the second week in a row, I made the trek down to Boston University Strength and Conditioning (only like a 20 minute walk from my apartment) to train with former CP intern (and current BU Grad. Assistant Strength Coach), Dave Rak.
Outside of being an absolutely beautiful facility, the staff is equally as impressive, and I can’t thank them enough for allowing me the opportunity to come in, get my diesel on, and then watch them in action.
For those curious, Anthony Renna produced an entire episode on Strength Coach TV highlighting the facility. Check it out below:
For the record: he also profiled Cressey Performance, too.
Nevertheless, Dave and I got an epic training session in which consisted of the following:
A1. Trap Bar Power Shrug 4×4
A2. 1-Legged Double Tap Skips 4×20 yds
A3. TRX Ys 3×8
*** Sadly, I don’t include nearly enough “explosive” work into my programming, so it was nice to follow someone else’s lead, and step outside my comfort zone. The trap bar power cleans were the shiznit, and something I’m definitely go to implement more often.
B1. Bench Press 5×5
B2. Trap Bar Deadlifts 4×5
*** Yeah, it was meathead central yesterday. I actually performed speed pulls from a deficit the day prior, and questioned myself whether or not it was a good idea to pull “heavyish” two days in a row. Who needs a spine anyways?
Like an idiot, I threw caution to the wind, and deadlifted anyways.
Still, I ended up pulling 495 for an easy 5. I think I need to finally stop being an asshat and shoot for that 600 lb (c0nventional) pull I’ve been talking about for the past two years. It’s on like donkey kong baby!!!!
We finished things off with a quick upper-body finisher:
C1. Fat Bar Overhead Press 3×8
C2. Standing Landmine Press 3×8/arm
C3. TRX Inverted Rows 3×8
High five, chest bump, smoke bomb, smoke bomb, mission accomplished!
Great session, Dave. Thanks!
Yesterday was also a bit of conundrum because I’ve literally been glued to Kevin Smith’s new book, Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good.
I actually went to a Q & A last week where he was scheduled to speak for 90 minutes, but ended up throwing down comedic bombs for almost three hours!
It was nerd central for sure, but it was awesome listening to him speak about his film career, why he’s retiring from directing, addressing all of his critics, that whole incident on Southwest Airlines (the one where he was kicked off for being a flight risk for being too fat), and, of course, lots and lots of dick jokes.
As an added bonus, everyone who attended received a signed copy of his book. And, like I said, I’ve been flying through it – I only have like two chapters to go. Anyone who’s a film nerd, or just wants to laugh (or likes a lot of dick jokes), should definitely check it out.
In case you’re wondering, I was still semi-productive yesterday. I’m putting the finishing touches on a new t-nation.com article tentatively titled Strong Eye for the Weak Guy.
I’m approaching it as more of a “passion” piece where I explain why, as a coach, I lean more towards the camp of telling people to stop training in front of the mirror and just focus on getting strong. Put another way: if you train to actually get strong, you may actually LOOK strong, too. It’s weird how that works.
Keep your eyes peeled for that one soon. Likewise, with things dying down a bit at the facility due to the baseball season right around the corner, I should have a fairly good run of writing up my sleeve, and plan on having some good content up on t-nation for the next 3-4 months – which may or may not include a collaboration with Ben Bruno.
Hint: It totally does include a collaboration with Ben Bruno.
Moreover, I’ve been asked to speak at a still super secret event that will be taking place in Toronto in mid- June (I’ll also be speaking in Edmonton the weekend of June 3rd). It’s going to be targeted towards personal trainers and should be an outstanding event once everything is set in place. Stay tuned for more info on that as well.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is……I’m pretty much going to be taking over the world. Canada will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine!
