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The Next Fitness Power Couple?

I think my wife and I are starting to become a fitness power couple.

Copyright: maxutov / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: maxutov / 123RF Stock Photo

 

We’re not quite at the same level (or stratosphere) as the Cosgrove’s (Alwyn and Rachel), but in the past year it’s been pretty cool to see my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, gaining some attention from my neck of the woods.

(Not So) Humble Brag Alert

As most who read this website know, Lisa is a psychologist with a doctorate in Sports Psychology. She has a special interest in mindset, mindfulness, and exercise/behavioral psychology, and as it happens this is an area or niche that’s been receiving a ton more attention in the fitness industry of late.

We all tend to be our own worst enemy and Lisa can speak to many of the mental roadblocks and clusterfuckery (<– my words, not hers) that can often hamper progress or even prevent people from starting to exercise in the first place.

It’s been a treat to see people reach out to her for her expertise.

In the past year:

  • She’s performed several I Am Not Afraid to Lift workshops with Artemis Scantalides (the next one with Lisa is this November here in Boston. You can go HERE for more information and to register).
  • She and I have been invited to Austin, TX and London to put on our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop.
  • She’s also seen her name in print in the likes of Women’s Health Magazine and EliteFTS.com.

And while she’s a doctor, she’s also a doctor who lifts. #fitnessstreetcred

To say I’m proud would be an understatement. And to say I’m excited to see what the future holds for her (and us) would be even more of an understatement.1

One of the bigger “events” of late was Lisa being invited onto The FitCast a few weeks ago to record an episode.

She CRUSHED It. I’m totally not biased.

You can listen to her episode HERE (and look for another episode in a few more weeks. She and Kevin recorded Part II a few days ago).

More to come, I’m sure.

Categoriespodcast Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 9/2/16

Note from TG: be sure to scroll all the way down for some bonus material.

Wow – it’s September already. It’s Labor Day weekend here in the States, which means summer is more or less over, and so is any chance of me getting a sick tan this year. Noooo.

There’s no sense whining about it. It is what it is. Lets jump right into this week’s list of stuff to read.

34178802 - books on a dark background

Copyright: donatas1205 / 123RF Stock Photo

A quick reminder that Dean Somerset and I will be hosting our last LIVE event together of 2016 next month (weekend of October 15th) in Minneapolis, MN.

The stellar folks at Movement Minneapolis were kind enough to offer their four walls to host our Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop. You can check out all the details along with sign-up information HERE.

Also, speaking of the workshop, Dean and I filmed it last Spring over in Norway and are planning on releasing it as an 11+ hour digital product titled the Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint in the next coming weeks. Catchy title, right?2

 

We’d still highly recommend attending a live event if you ever get the chance to do so; each one is always a little different and nuanced. However, the likelihood Dean and I will ever travel to North Platte, Nebraska or, I don’t know, the country of Moldova is slim. No offense North Platteians, I’m sure it’s a lovely place to visit.

Filming the event and making it into a digital product is going to get our information into more hands, which is kind of the point: we want to help more fitness professionals do a better job at assessment and writing effective programs, as well as helping non-fitness professionals better understand anatomy and exercise technique.

Get ready people: it’s coming.

Muscle Confusion Is Mostly a Myth – Brad Stulberg

I love, love, LOVE that this kind of information is starting to “bleed” into the mainstream media. I also love that names like Brett Bartholomew and Vern Gambetta – two highly respected strength coaches used in this story – are the go to sources.

Next time someone tells you how they need to “mix things up in the gym to keep the body guessing”…

  • Roll your eyes
  • Tell them the reason why nothing never works for them is because 1) they’re probably not working nearly as hard enough as they think they’re working and 2) adherence (and allowing enough time for something to stick) is going to trump any “muscle confusion” protocol.
  • Show them this article.

The Online Training Bullshit Detector – Eric Bach

Sure, you can train clients online. But should you?

That’s the question Eric Bach poses in this nifty article. Yes, I just used the word nifty.

Surviving the Dr. Oz Diet (and other fad advice) – Dr. John Berardi

I really liked this article by Dr. Berardi, and not for the reasons you might suspect. It DOES NOT shit on Dr. Oz (which, frankly, is easy to do).

Rather, it’s about learning how to better coach your clients, and how to best set them up for success and weed through the crowded fad diet bonanza.

BONUS

My good friend Mike Robertson invited me onto his phenomenal Physical Preparation Podcast earlier this week. Mike’s a big deal and one of the coaches I look up to most. His podcast is also one of the most informative ones out there and I never miss listening to it myself.

I was honored to be invited on, especially considering the caliber of coaches who have appeared prior to myself. I mean, who the eff am I?

We had a blast catching up and discussing everything from assessment, a typical training session, CORE, and of course, my cat.

LISTEN HERE.

Categoriespodcast

Podcast Bonanza: International Edition

Apologies on my end for the increased incidence of abrupt posts of late. I do want to disclose some significant life events and projects that have transpired in recent days and weeks, however I’m afraid I have to play the nebulous card and keep everyone in the dark for the time being.3

Everything is hunky-dory, all is well. I’m just stupid busy with several projects and my writing has been slacking as a result

To help make up for it, I wanted to share two appearances I made recently on two separate (international) podcasts.

1) Sigma Nutrition Radio – How to be an Effective Coach

You’re reading that correctly, I was invited onto a nutrition podcast.

The idea of me discussing the efficacy of high-carb vs. low-carb diets, gluconeogenesis, gluten intolerance, and the absurdity that there’s such a thing as “Paleo brownies” (and that people keep a straight face when they argue that they’re somehow healthier than “regular” brownies) is daunting in of itself.

Nutrition is not me strong-suit.

Luckily, the host, Danny Lennon, knew as much, and he and I had a lovely chat on coaching instead. I had a great time recording this episode, and if nothing else you get to listen to a British accent intersperced in the conversation for 45 minutes.

2) Make Your Body Work Podcast – When Too Much Exercise Becomes Too Much of a Good Thing

Top Canadian trainer, Dave Smith, invited me onto his podcast to discuss the follow reader questions:

“I spend a lot to time training and do a few races each year. My times have actually improved a fair bit recently, and I’m 41, not getting younger, but I don’t love what’s happening to my body composition. I look soft. I know that strength training is the ticket, but I find it hard to make time for weights, run, and have time to recover. When I lift, my running seems to suffer. How can I do it all and get the results I’m looking for. Ha! I guess I’m hard to please. Thanks, from Robert.”

He and I spend about 25 minutes discussing the answer.

CategoriesInterview podcast Product Review

Podcast, Cats, and Jump Training, Oh My

It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in Boston so this one is going to be quick.

1. Here’s a Picture of My Cat.

This was taken ten minutes ago, which demonstrates three things:

  • I’m 100% certain I was a crazy cat woman in a past life. Who’s the beautiful, beautiful Princess?
  • It is, in fact, a sunny day today.
  • My cat is like WTF!?!

2. Listen to My Latest Podcast Appearance

I made another appearance on the DeLeo Training Podcast recently. It’s always an honor to be invited onto any show, let alone for a second time in a matter of a few months.

This time around Joe and I discuss the importance of coaches having their own coach, the advantages of percentage based training, and why strength is the foundation for pretty much everything.

Except for being able to slay on a guitar. You don’t need a big deadlift to be able to do that.

 

3. Jump Training 101

In anticipation of the release of their Elite Athletic Development 3.0 resource next week, Mike Robertson and Joe Kenn are sharing some killer FREE content this week.

During the seminar itself they filmed strength coaches Bobby Smith and Adam Feit (<– a featured guest poster on this site) discuss their approach to jump training.

You can watch PART I of their presentation on Vertical Jump Training by going HERE. All you need to do is enter your name and email and you’re all set.

Trust me: Bobby and Adam cover a ton of material that is sure to help you and/or your athletes leap over boxes, cars, volacanos, but probably just boxes.

Don’t worry, Mike and Ken won’t spam you. Because, you know, they’re not a-holes.

Categoriespodcast

Deadlift and Chill: Appearance on the Fit Info Club Podcast

Deadlift Black and White Attempt

Guy Bortz was kind enough to invite back onto his show for a second time this past week, and the link is now live.

I know there are a lot of fitness podcasts out there jockeying for your attention, but Guy is building quite the empire with the guests he’s been able to line up:

  • Dan John
  • Dr. John Rusin
  • Nick Winkelman
  • Greg Nuckols
  • Dean Somerset
  • Mark Fisher
  • Tony Bonvechio
  • Pete Dupuis
  • Kamal Patel
  • Max Shank
  • Mike Israetel
  • Mike Boyle
  • General Hawk from GI Joe

You should listen – he’s doing an awesome job. And I think what I like most about this podcast is that it’s very conversational in tone.

Just two dudes talking shop.

This time around we discuss my leaving Cressey Sports Performance, branding, how to do it well, and we also touch on training hips, shoulders, and deadlifts.

And there’s some small-talk about movies at the start….;o)

You can go HERE to listen.

Categoriespodcast

The Mind Muscle Project

If you’re at work today doing nothing but counting down the hours till Friday, or need something to detract your attention from throwing a stapler into your co-workers face, may I suggest my appearance on The Mind Muscle Project – Australia’s #1 health/fitness podcast.

Hosts Lachy and Raph invited me onto the show a few weeks ago, which at first was a bit intimidating because 1) it’s an Australian show, and who the hell is this Tony Gentilcore dude? and 2) they’re very much involved in the CrossFit community and I’ve never even attempted a kipping pull-up.

As it happened, I was one of the rare NON-CrossFit’centric guests they’ve invited onto the show.

Too, I’m an American (who has visited Australia4) who pronounces Woolloomooloo (<– a neighborhood of Sydney) like an American.

You need to listen to the start of the podcast to get the joke.

Nevertheless, my initial “stage fright” was quickly extinguished once the fellas and I started chatting. And we chatted about a number of things: warm-ups, assessment, my qualms with CrossFit, shoulder shenanigans, and I probably referenced a kangaroo or two.

You can listen on iTunes HERE (Episode #76) or HERE if you’re not on iTunes.

(NOTE: fast forward to the 7:45 mark for the start of the interview)

Categoriespodcast

Appearance On the Legendary Life Podcast

I was invited onto the Legendary Life Podcast hosted by Ted Ryce recently.

It was an awesome experience and Ted is one of the greats when it comes to interviewing and producing a highly entertaining podcast.

But I can’t help but ask: Me? Legendary?

I can understand if I hit the winning home run in Game 7 of the World Series, or, I don’t know, somehow beat Jason Bourne in a fist-fight.

That’s legendary.

Then again, I did clean my cat’s litter box this morning and washed the dishes. Soooooooo, I’m pretty much Batman.

  • Kidding aside, I had a lot of fun recording this episode.  In this episode you’ll learn:
  • Why most people plateau in the gym 3
  • Ways to get faster results from your workouts
  • How to avoid the #1 mistake most guys make in the gym
  • High reps, low reps?
  • Which rep scheme is best?
  • The “train hard=>get hurt=>go to physical therapy” cycle
  • Why you should set a performance-based goal
  • Why effective workouts don’t have to be complicated
  • Most common mistakes personal trainers often make
  • Quality vs Quantity: Movement matters
  • Why strength is the foundation of your fitness
  • Why modern life sets you up for injury
  • How to deal with shoulder pain
  • How to workout with an injury
  • Why the skill of coaching is underrated

—> Listen to Legendary Life <—

Categoriespodcast

Earn Your Worth: Appearance on the Super Strength Show

I was up late last night watching football the Golden Globe awards.

I’m a movie nerd, so I get all jazzed up watching every year and try to play along to see whom I think will win. The Revenant – starring Leonardo DiCaprio – crushed.

It won Best Actor (for Leo), Best Picture (drama), and Best Director (Alejandro Inarritu, who also won last year for Birdman).

It just came out in wide-release this past weekend and I’m heading to an early showing today at noon. Holla!

So that means I have to get my butt in gear this morning if I want to make it. Weights need to be lifted, emails need to be answered, and articles need to be procrastinated on.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some new content, but in the meantime I wanted to share one of my latest appearances on another stellar podcast.

This time around I was invited onto the Super Strength Show hosted by Ray Toulany.

Ray’s an amazing host and has one of THE best voices I have ever heard. I’d pay him to read a phonebook it’s that sultry.

In this episode Ray and I discuss some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout the years with regards to training clients, understanding quality of movement and progressive overload, and I go into some detail on my approach to program design (and why most people never see results).

It’s a fun interview, and if you have some time to kill today on public transportation or you want to listen to something as you plow through some TPS reports you can do so HERE.

Motivation and Movement LAB – February 20-21st (hosted by Mark Fisher Fitness)

Registration is now LIVE.

I had a blast at this event last year, and this year the MFF crew has upped the ante and made it a TWO-day event.

Along with Mark Fisher, Harold Gibbons, Michael Keeler, and a few other MFF members, I’ll presenting with Pete Dupuis, Artemis Scantalides, and Michael Ledbetter.

Early Bird price is $179 (which is a steal). Find out more HERE.

Categoriespodcast

Be Strong: Appearance on PT Pintcast

Sorry for my lack of writing prowess this week, but as you know FREAKIN STAR WARS COMES OUT IN THREE DAYS!!!!!!!!!

And that’s pretty much taking up all my physical and mental fuel at the moment. I’ve been going through my various Star Wars apparel to figure out what I want to wear, and when Lisa heads out to work each day I may or may not be practicing lines with my cat, Dagny.

I play Han (of course), and she’s Chewbacca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWsf9-VXcRE

 

Tell me she doesn’t sound like a cute Chewbacca. Tell me. TELL ME!!!5

At least I didn’t dress her up or anything. I mean, it’s not like I’m one of those real losers who’ve been camping out at their local theater for the past few weeks in their Jedi cloaks.

Okay, in all seriousness I’ve been busy with a few other small projects this week and catching up on some article writing. I promise to have some new content up for you starting tomorrow.

I do have a little something for you today, though: my appearance on the PT Pintcast.

Don’t the play on words confuse you. It’s a podcast directed towards the physical therapy crowd, particularly PT students. The cool thing is that it’s recorded over a pint of beer (hence the name) and the host, Jimmy McKay, brings a very approachable and chill vibe to the show.

The only caveat was that I don’t drink, so we had to settle for me guzzling an energy drink instead.

I was honored to be invited on, and little did know at the time I was the first NON-physical therapy guest (episode #40) to ever make an appearance. No big deal.

It’s a brief interview – running a little over 30 minutes – but one I feel sends a great message to both personal trainers and physical therapy students/professionals alike: Know your role.

Go HERE to listen.

Confirmed 2016 Dates For the Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop

 

Dean Somerset and I are in high-demand for 2016, and we’re happy to announce two confirmed dates for our Complete Shoulder and Hip Workshop. More to come soon.

TORONTO: at The Wreckroom the weekend of March 19-20th.

SEATTLE: at Vigor Ground Fitness & Performance the weekend of April 9-10th.

Early bird specials apply for both (so act now) and CEUs will be available. And hugs.

Categoriespodcast

Appearance on the Strength Doc Podcast

I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited onto several podcasts in recent weeks, and all of them have been unique in the sense of their general flow, topics covered, and conversational approach of each host.

Earlier this week I was invited onto the Strength Doc Podcast with Dr. John Rusin.

It only makes sense our world’s would eventually cross paths. Doc and I have a lot in common.

1) We’re both bald.

2) We’re both jacked.

3) And we’re both doctors. He = a doctor in physical therapy. Me = a doctor in being awesome. Same difference.

John’s a very smart guy, genuine, and someone who’s been providing a ton of excellent content over on T-Nation for the past year or so – to the tune of 1-2 articles per week at times.

The two of us had been going back forth about coming onto his show and the stars finally aligned earlier this week. Funnily enough, after recording the show he was like “dude, I’m so back logged and a head of schedule that my plan is for this to go live sometime in February.”

Later on that day he emailed me and was like, “I sent this to my guy (who’s a strength coach and physical therapist too) to be edited, and he’s so hot on it that we’re pushing it to THIS Friday.”

Me: “holla.”

Being invited onto the show was an honor in of itself. But even more of an honor was the unsolicited remarks I received afterward from other coaches who listened in on the episode:

“Tony I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying your interview with John!”

“Great job on the podcast man!”

“Tony, after listening to your podcast it’s safe to say we’re BFFs.”

At the end of the day I just try to come across as someone who’s genuine in his own right, transparent (not pretend I know all the answers), and as someone who gives a shit about this industry.

I seem to be succeeding.

I’d love for you to take a listen, and, if you enjoyed the episode, please give Doc some love on iTunes and toss him a 5-star rating. He deserves it.

iTunes: HERE

Direct Download (non-Mac users): HERE