The Missing Key to Conquering Your First Pullup: Stop Focusing on Eccentrics and Do This Instead
Shots have been fired. Shots have been fired. Some people will read the title of this post and see what they want to see… “…Tony G has lost his mind. He’s telling people that doing eccentric only pull-ups to help build their actual pull-up is wrong. He also hates kittens.” Others will know better and… Read more
1-Minute Deadlift Tip: Pause Reps
Do Paused Deadlifts I’m a firm believer in many things: The Earth is round. The Bourne Ultimatum is the best Bourne movie. And most accessory work should address a weakness or technique flaw with one of your main lifts. Enter paused deadlifts. There’s no sugar coating here: these can be absolutely brutal, but they accomplish… Read more
Do Not Cross Doesn’t Really Mean You Can’t Cross: Fitness In a Nutshell
Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to make a cameo at John Rusin’s Pain-Free Performance Specialist course that was held at AMP Fitness here in Boston. My good friend – and currently #7 on my list of Top 10 man crushes – David Otey was in town to teach the course. It was lovely… Read more
1-Minute Deadlift Tip: External Cues For the Win
External (Not Internal) Cues For the Win You’ve heard these before: Chest up. Extend your T-spine. Create torque in your hips. Those are cues which work well for some, but can sound like Elvish to many trainees, particularly when they’re new to deadlifting. Instead, get more acquainted with external cues which, contrast to their internal… Read more
1 Minute Deadlift Tip: Neck Position
High Bar vs. Low Bar HIIT vs. Steady State Cardio Carnivore Diet vs. CICO Godzilla vs. Godsmack There’s no shortage of “debates” in the health/fitness space. Ideal neck position during a deadlift is also a hotly debated topic and I can appreciate both sides of the argument. Here’s my take and what has worked well… 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
60 Second Deadlift Tip: Get the Slack Out of the Bar
“Get the slack out of the bar.” You hear this cue a lot with regards to deadlift technique and performance. I could say something as equally abstract like, I don’t know, “banana honkeydorey train whistles” or “please pass the parmesan, Chad” and seemingly get the same message across. Which is to say… …what the heck… 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