I’m heading down to Washington, DC this weekend for the NSCA Personal Training Conference. It’s the first time I’ve been invited to speak by the NSCA, and, sheepishly, it’s the first time I’ve ever attended an NSCA event.
I’ve been certified through the NSCA (first as a CPT, and later as a CSCS) since 2004, and I almost feel like them inviting me down to speak isn’t so much about my role as a fitness authority or because they’re intoxicated with my prose, wit, and charm. Rather, it could very well be they’re enticing me down so that they can slap me on the wrist!
Whatever the case may be I’m excited to be speaking and honored that I was invited. The line-up looks amazing. Fitness celebs like Bret Contreras, Nick Tumminello, Dean Somerset, Alan Aragon, Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, and I think Batman are all slated to drop some serious knowledge bombs over the span of the weekend.
Note to Self: DO NOT use the term “bomb” in any context while down in DC.
Anyways, I’m up early because I had some things to do before heading to the airport and I wanted to get this latest stuff to read list up before I left.
Have an awesome weekend!
Long, Lean Muscles: Oh, the Irony – Bret Contreras
I know it seems like I’ve been linking to a lot of Bret’s stuff as of late, but it’s hard not to: the man has been on a roll lately!
I really have nothing against yoga or pilates. I understand that not everyone is interested in lifting weights and that we’re all unique snowflakes with different goals, likes, and dislikes.
Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
I also recognize that yoga and pilates offer their own bevy of benefits. Heck, rather than come across as the douchey jerk who does nothing but talk smack, I even tried them both myself. And liked them!
What I hate, nay, deplore…is how yoga and pilates are (generally) marketed, especially towards women. After reading some of the marketing garbage some (not all) yogis and pilatites (??) put out there, one would think riding a unicorn through the Fountain of Youth while playing Patty-cake with a Leprechaun would play second fiddle.
Yes, yoga a and pilates have a ton of benefits. No, they aren’t the end-all be-all panacea of health. And no, they certainly don’t lead to long, lean muscles.
Unlock the Power of Your Hips – Matt Vincent
If you want to squat big weights and not move like C3PO’s pet turtle, read this article. Just adding in a handful of exercises and taking 5-10 minutes out of your day to “unglue” those hips can make all the difference in the world.
The 4 Most Dangerous Types of Training – John Rusin
Don’t read into the title too much. The main point of the article is to highlight some of the more common areas on the body injured during participation in the above modalities, and then offer some ways to help solve or alleviate said injuries.
