It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done one of these, so lets jump right into it.
1. I wanted to first thank everyone who’s gone out of their way to reach out and to say such nice things about the new site.
Words cannot even express how much more I love the new site, and it makes me happy to know that others out there feel the same way.
There are still a handful of things that need to be addressed both functionally and aesthetically. Like the shirtless picture montage of myself set to the background music of the Karate Kid soundtrack (You’re the best! Around! Nothing’s ever gonna keep you down!). But all in all I feel the transition to the new site has been an easy one.
FYI: I’m referring to the original Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. Not that Jaden Smith remake piece of garbage made a few years ago.
One thing I’ve implemented to the site that I feel many are unaware of is the Miscellany section. It’s an area where I can do more “off-topic” writing.
I know, I know…my writing as a whole lends itself to be more off-topic in nature. But I wanted there to be more of a sense of separation between my fitness writing and my nerdier other half that likes to write about progressive house music (check out my EPIC chill mix on Spotify), cheese, zombies, and my secret (but not really) obsession with movies.
As an example I went to see the new movie Whiplash this past weekend.
HERE’s my first attempt at writing a review.
I’ll be awesome if you checked it out and let me know what you think!
2. Speaking of other things I’ve written as of late, and for those who aren’t remotely interested in what I have to say about artsy-fartsy independent movies that don’t have any explosions, HERE’s recent article I wrote on MensHealth.com on a simple fix you can use to make squatting more knee friendly.
HERE’s an article I helped contribute to on WomensHealth.com on some of the best combination strength moves.
And HERE’s one where I made a cameo that popped up on the Daily Burn’s site written by Jordan Shakeshaft on gym etiquette.
3. Lisa and I were walking home from the gym yesterday when we passed this bike outside of Trader Joe’s.
Like it’s even a question!?
4. Hey Los Angeles!!
Do I have your attention?
Dean Somerset and I are going to be in your neck of the woods the weekend of November 22nd for our 2-day Excellent High Five Workshop.
We’ll be hosted by CrossFit 714 located in Orange, CA and we’re expecting a baller event.
As if hanging with Dean and I isn’t enough, as it turns out we have a few fitness celebrities who are going to be stopping by as well.
Best selling author of Man 2.0 Engineering the Alpha (and my former editor at Men’s Health and LiveStrong), Adam Bornstein, will be attendance. His co-author and good friend of mine, John Romaniello, may also stop by.
Master Strong First instructor and FMS instructor, Dr. Mark Cheng, will be stopping by to pwn all of us in kettlebell shenanigans.
In addition, and I think this is super cool, celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson actually signed up to attend.
Kinda cool to know that guys of his caliber and stature still make an effort to learn.
On top of that we still may have a few more appearances from other fitness big wigs to add. Nevertheless, it’s looking as if it’s going to be an amazing weekend.
For more information on the itinerary, cost, etc you can go HERE.
5. I never quite understand why some people will get super duper butt-hurt over something I write. On one hand I understand that, by my own accord and choice, I offer myself to open criticism by the public for anything I write. It comes with the territory, and I get that. I’m a big boy and I can handle it.
Sometimes I cry.
Okay, all the time.
I’m crying right now.
The point is, I wish some people would read an article – preferably all the way through – and learn how to disseminate the text as it applies to them.
Case in point: CrossFit.
I’m over the CrossFit bashing. I did it a few years back, like every other strength coach, but have more or less done a 180 in terms of my feelings towards it.
I have good friends who “do CrossFit,” and who also own or coach in their own boxes. I’ve also trained at a CrossFit gym. I don’t “do CrossFit,” but I do utilize their open gym hours.
GASP!!!
I know, right?
Next think you know I’m going to admit to ordering a soy burger or becoming BFFs with Tracy Anderson.
That said, I still have my qualms with CrossFit. While it’s starting to get better, I still feel most (not all) do a piss-poor job at assessing (or ramping) their clientele to better match workouts to one’s injury history, or better yet ability level.
I also still adamantly abhor kipping pull-ups.
Relax. I understand that kipping pull-ups are a different beast compared to strict pull-ups…much like, as Christian Thibaudeau noted recently, a push press is different compared to a strict military press.
There’s “technique” involved to a kipping pull-up (weeeeeeeeeeeeeee), and more to the point, it’s part of the culture and is something that’s tested (in CrossFit. No where else).
Okay, fine.
But that doesn’t make it a good fit for most of the people who are doing them.
For me, if someone can’t do a STRICT pull-up they have no business attempting a kipping pull-up (even if it does allow them to do “more”).
Joint distraction forces on the shoulders and lumber spine notwithstanding – and there’s a SHIT-TON of it – it’s just common sense in my eyes.
If or when someone can do (several) strict pull-ups, maybe, MAYBE kipping pull-ups can enter the conversation. But if I were going to be honest with myself: I still think they’re, for lack of a better term, dumb not my first choice. And most people aren’t close to being appropriately prepared to handle them in the long-term.
This is something I’ve stated repeatedly – in both the article linked to above, as well as continue to do today……..
Strict pull-ups BEFORE kipping pull-ups.
Which is why I find it perplexing that I still get hate mail from CrossFit coaches (or participants) saying that I don’t know what I’m talking about and that I’m just a hater despite them AGREEING WITH ME!
I don’t get it.
All they see if me dissing CrossFit, and they take it as a personal attack on them and their box.
Stop being so butt-hurt! If what I write doesn’t apply TO YOU or what you do with YOUR clients, then don’t get so offended.
I’m not saying you have to agree with me. And I certainly don’t want to insinuate that everything I write is the Golden Rule. It’s not. Except for anything I write about Matt Damon and how awesome he is. It’s pretty much fact. No debate.
*Puts fingers in ears*
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la. I can’t hear you.
All I ask is that you pause for a second and read what I’m saying.
It’s akin to when I write something like “dips aren’t a good fit for people with a history of shoulder issues,” and then someone inevitably shoots me an angry response “WTF Tony!! I do dips all the time and my shoulders feel fine! You suck! And your cat is ugly!”
I’m obviously not referring to YOU, and what I’m writing doesn’t apply. And my cat is a beautiful, beautiful princess!!!!
So, angry, fails to see my point CrossFit coach, here’s the deal: if you’re someone who advocates strict pull-ups before kipping pull-ups, congrats….we’re on the same page. No need to add me to your Billy Madison People to Kill list.
Obviously, I’m not referring to you. Deep breaths. Relax. It’ll be okay.
However, if you’re a coach who blindly has all of your clients kip, and many of them (not all) are dropping out like flies due to various injuries to their shoulders and backs, well then I have to ask….why?
For the elite of the elite – and for those best prepared – fine, kipping pull-ups okay.
But for everyone else, why?
