CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 2/1/19

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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

Philadelphia, PA: April 27-28th

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: May 25-26th

Sydney, Australia: July 13-14th

Singapore, Republic of Singapore: July 20-21st

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect ($50 off regular price), so make sure to take advantage of it while you can.

3) Julian Turned Two

My son, Julian, turned two yesterday.

Yeah, he’s cute….;o)

 

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Someone turned two today.

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One of my clients posted this on his Twitter account and I felt it prudent to share. . 1. I’ve always said the best “set/rep” scheme for most people is 3×52. . Find a way to get to the gym 3x per week, 52 weeks out of the year and something cool is going to happen. . 2. In this case, Perry (my client), went to the gym 4x per week and never missed a session. . He put close to 100 lbs on his DL, hit several other personal bests, and I’m pretty sure he has the largest biceps in his office. . The best part? Not the biceps. . He had ZERO injuries all year. . I repeatedly stressed to him “easy training is good training.” Sure, we had a few ball busters in there, but all in all every session was “get in, get your reps in, and get out.” . I’m very proud of Perry and all the hard work he put in. I told him what to do, but HE did the work. . CONSISTENCY is the best training program. . 3. I’m awesome…😉😄

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

I’d Love to Get Started – Kristen Scott-Dixon

Nothing like a KSD article to kick everyone in the ass.

“All you have to do is start.

And then, moments will keep moving, as moments do.”

I thoroughly enjoy reading Krista’s writing. I mean, part me hates her guts because she’s soooo good. But then the other part of me remembers how much of a writing crush I have on her and all is forgotten.

The Future of Fitness Podcast – Eric Malzone

 

I’m always asked what are some podcasts that I like or listen to?

Here’s one.

Eric is a superb interviewer and he has an uncanny ability to make conversation flow seamlessly. He’s also one of the more prolific podcasters, releasing a new episode every couple of days with some pretty big names to boot.

Dean Somerset, Dan John, Jonathan Goodman, Sarah Duvall, Pat Rigsby, Jessi Kneeland, and some weirdo with the last name Gentilcore.

What’s more he interviews an eclectic array of fitness professionals ranging from those who focus on body recomposition or the ketogenic lifestyle to those who’s cup of tea is fitness marketing and brand awareness.

It’s superb, and if you’re looking for a new podcast to follow you’re welcome.

Is Keto REALLY the Best Diet? Dissecting the Logical and Physiological Fallacies of Keto-mania – Mike Howard

If you don’t have the attention span to read the entire article, you can pick up the gist by looking at the charts at the end.

Fucking A.

SIDE NOTE: HERE‘s my take on the Keto Craze, if you’re interested. I wrote it a few months ago and parallels very much with what Mike has to say (albeit Mike is way more eloquent than I).

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/25/19

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

Philadelphia, PA: April 27-28th

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: May 25-26th

Sydney, Australia: July 13-14th

Singapore, Republic of Singapore: July 20-21st

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect ($50 off regular price), so make sure to take advantage of it while you can.

3. I Was Memed

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Factors Affecting Squat Stance and Form – Ryan DeBell

Not only does he pull off wearing a bowtie, but Ryan also pulls off always providing consistent, actionable content that I appreciate.

This was a recent podcast he recorded, however the link above does provide a bullet point list of all the factors discussed.

Awesome stuff.

How to Use Public Speaking to Establish Authority and Grow Your Business – Mark Fisher

Not many people know this but I almost dodged out of my first public speaking event. It was back in 2009 and I was slated to speak at a local college here in Boston to a bunch of incoming freshman on “better nutritional choices in the cafeteria.”

I woke up at like 3 am that morning terrified, telling my girlfriend (now wife) that I was thinking about calling in sick.

Can you even do that?

Anyway, she talked me out of it and no one died.

Since then I have spoken well over 50+ times all over the world and I’m 100% convinced that it’s helped me grow my business.

Mark Fisher is THE best public speaker I know and you should read this.

Even Flow: Your Menstrual Cycle and Your Workouts – Jennifer Blake

I work with a lot of women and I’d be lying if I said I took this into heavy consideration.

This article made me a better coach.

Thanks Jen!

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/18/19

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

Philadelphia, PA: April 27-28th

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: May 25-26th

Sydney, Australia: July 13-14th

Singapore, Republic of Singapore: July 20-21st

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect ($50 off regular price) and ends soon.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Instagram

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (Self Study) – Dr. Sarah Duvall

If you train women, you owe it to yourself to consider taking this course.

What I LOVE about Sarah’s approach is that not only does she provide a thorough deep dive into the realm of postpartum training and considerations, but she ADVOCATES strength training as an integral component.

In her words:

“You need to lift shit, to fix shit.”

I’ve recently been re-acquainting myself with the material and it’s really helped to open my eyes to knowledge gaps  in this area in addition to appreciating just how much ATTENTION TO DETAIL is required when working with this population.

My wife is two-years postpartum and has been dealing with right sided hip pain for a while now, and it just so happens I watched the section on glute clenching and femoroacetabular movement this morning and it punched me in the mouth.

I had several light bulb moments.

Sarah currently has this course on SALE for $150 off the regular price, but it ends this coming Monday (1/21).

Go HERE, you won’t be sorry.

Cleaning Up Thoracic Rotation – Dean Somerset

Dean’s not one of my best friends for nothing.

Sometimes I hate him so much he’s so smart.

The Missing Lower Body Exercises For Strength – Nick Tumminello

It’s not just about squats and deadlifts, yo.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/11/19

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

Philadelphia, PA: April 27-28th

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: May 25-26th

Sydney, Australia: July 13-14th

Singapore, Republic of Singapore: July 20-21st

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

JUST ANNOUNCED.

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect ($50 off regular price) and ends soon.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

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Instagram

 

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FILLERS: . Low grade, low threshold, easy, activation, mobilization, stabilization, and/or stretches that target a problematic area that can be performed during rest periods of strength exercises. . 1. Great way to include more “correctives” that most people skip during their warm up anyway. In this sense the correctives are PART of the program and not the program itself. . 2. Also a fantastic way to compliment specific exercises to help “gain access” to ranges of motion needed to perform said exercise well. . Here are FOUR fillers I like to include or pair with deadlifts. . 1. Split Stance Adductor Mobilization. . 2. Monster Walks. . 3. Bench T-Spine Mobilization. . 4. Brettzel Mobilization w/ Exhale. . Instead of stalking people on Tinder between sets of deadlifts, perform one of these fillers. 5 reps should suffice.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

What 3 Hybrid Physical Therapists & Strength Coaches Want You to Know About Pain, Exercise, & Movement – Physio Network

This was a fantastic read, and what I like best is that it involves three physical therapists who actually lift weights. It’s like three unicorns talking about lifting heavy things.

Functional Power Training – Dr. John Rusin

John sent me a copy of his new training resource and it’s outstanding. But, what else can we expect from him? The foreward alone, written by Dave Tate, was enough to prompt me to want to punch through a brick wall.

If you want to train like a beast AND intelligently AND not get hurt in the process this is something you’ll want to look into. It comes with a 300+ page training manual along with 12-weeks of programming, a detailed exercise library, and training logs.

About the only thing John doesn’t provide is the post-workout shake.

FYI: I receive ZERO kickback or affiliate income for directing you to this resource. I like pointing my readers to good information and this definitely falls under that umbrella.

Reconceptualizing Youth Athleticism: Deceleration For Performance & Injury Prevention – Kevin Larrabee

Coaches are enamored with ACCELERATION.

Kevin makes a case (actually, several good ones) why placing more of a priority on DECELERATION training should be more of a thing.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/4/19

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Dates are slated for Philadelphia, Edmonton, and Sydney at the moment and you can find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

JUST ANNOUNCED.

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect and won’t last forever. Hurry up because spots will be limited.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Instagram

 

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I love Bloop, Bloop, Bloop workouts. . You know the sound when “little” Mario eats a mushroom and transforms to “BIG” Mario? . That’s what a Bloop, Bloop, Bloop workout does: it energizes and revitalizes someone.. . My client @therealalexandrashow came to CORE yesterday not feeling so hot. Her program called for heavy deadlifts, some squats, and a litany of other things she wasn’t in the mood to do after being sick for the past week. . So I went to plan B and improvised. I wrote up a little sumthin, sumthin on my whiteboard (which you can swipe to see for yourself) and had her perform that instead. . 30-45 minutes later she was done and felt like a new person. . First video is a Rotational Landmine Press variation and the second showcases a Hybrid Row I’m a big fan of (especially for anyone looking to improve their pulling strength for pull-ups). . You can check out the rest of the workout if you scroll to the end, but the nuts and bolts is this: the objective is to get the client moving and NOT beat them to a pulp. They should feel as if they trained and accomplished something, but not to the point where they feel like a Balrog came along and punched them in the face. . Next time you come across a client who arrives not feeling too swell for their session, give him or her a Bloop, Bloop, Bloop workout. They’ll love you for it.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

The Path to Improving High School Strength Coaching – Travis Mash

Some sage points given by Travis in this article detailing why hiring a (competent) strength & conditioning coach at the high school level is money well spent.

Teach Your Clients Well – Lou Schuler

It’s the new year, which means an influx of rude and seemingly obnoxious new gym goers. Here’s some tips to trainers on how to nip the unruly behavior in the bud before it gets out of hand.

How to Ace Your Internship – Donovan Muldrow

Donovan asked myself, Mike Robertson, and Chad Hobbs our take on sone pressing questions pertaining to strength & conditioning internships.

Give it a read.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Best Articles of 2018: Exercises You Should Be Doing

This is the last post of 2018.

2018 was splendid year, and I thank everyone for their continued support.

2019 is looking to be a busy year from a professional standpoint with several projects in the works in addition to my travel schedule.1 One of my main goals in 2019, however, is to get back on my writing (and reading) horse. I know the last two years have been a bit dearth (comparatively speaking) with the total number of posts and articles I’ve published. Who knew having a kid was so time consuming?

Nevertheless, my hope is that the upcoming year will be a fruitful one in terms of my writing prowess.

Stay tuned…..

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Best Articles of 2018: Exercises You Should Be Doing

Anchored KB Row

Transverse Landmine Snatch

Bench Assisted ValSlide RDL w/ Reach

Band Resisted KB Deadlift

T-Spine Rotation w/ Lift Off

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Best Articles of 2018: Guest Posts

I’m very fortunate that number of quality coaches reach out and offer to submit articles for this site. Granted they have to promise to name their first born after me AND send me a bowl of yellow only M&Ms, but that’s a small price to pay for internet fame.

Thanks to everyone who pinch-wrote for me in 2018 and gave my fingers a brief reprieve.

I’m looking forward to seeing what’s sent my way in 2019….

Copyright: sirichai_123rf / 123RF Stock Photo

Best Articles of 2018: Guest Posts

My Top Shoulder Training Tips – Dr. Nicholas Licameli

This was a two-part article that Nicholas wrote back in January and it’s excellent.

Part I – HERE

Part II – HERE

5 Exercises to Help You Perform More Pull-Ups Without Doing Pull-Ups – Meghan Callaway

There aren’t many coaches I trust more to discuss anything pull-up related than Meghan.

8 Plank Variations That Don’t Suck – Michael Anderson

FYI: The plank pictured above sucks.

Tuning Tension: Getting the Most From Your Muscle – Noah Harrison

I listened to Noah speak in person on this topic and was transfixed by what he had to say. A conversation we had after the fact led to him writing this post for my site.

Ladies: Here’s Why You’re Not Getting Stronger – Lana Sova

LOVED this line from Lana: Less cardio and more Cardi B….;o)

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Best Articles of 2018: My Picks

Yesterday I highlighted the best articles from 2018 according to what resonated with YOU. They were the articles that received the most traffic according to Google analytics.

You can check them out HERE.

Today, however, it’s my turn.

It’s all about me, me, me, and ME.  These were the articles I felt were Pulitzer worthy and yet didn’t receive the love I had hoped for.2

Copyright: sirichai_123rf / 123RF Stock Photo

Best Articles of 2018: My Picks

The Forgotten Component of Progressing in the Weight Room

This was the most recently written of the bunch – last week, actually – but one I believe sends a powerful message.

The Words We Use Matter

Stop telling clients they’re broken. Instead set them up for unrelenting success.

5 Things You Can Do Today to Retain Clients

Suggestions may or may not include an after hours fight club.

The Underrated Value of Mediocrity 

The best piece of gym advice is to show up, do the work, repeat. Average or mediocre workouts are what makes or breaks progress.

My Take on the Keto Craze

I rarely venture into the world of nutrition, but I was compelled to write this article after an interaction with an GNC employee.

Keto = not magic.

Lessons In Lifting From a Dad: Year One

I take what I said above back.

After re-reading the article, THIS is my favorite one from this past year.

How The Matrix Can Make You a Better Coach

There is no spoon.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Best Articles of 2018: Reader’s Picks

2018 was yet another successful year in many aspects, and I can’t express enough how thankful I am for such a loyal readership.

Since it’s the end of the year I wanted to take the next few days to highlight some articles you may have missed (or maybe want to read again). Today’s list highlights those articles which received the most web traffic.3

Put another way: these are the articles YOU felt were the best.

Copyright: delcreations / 123RF Stock Photo

Best Articles of 2018: Reader’s Picks

What’s Better for Weight Loss: Cardio or Lifting Weights?

It’s a debate that won’t go away anytime soon, but I attempt to offer my train of thought in this article.

I.e, I win….;o)

Exercises You Should Be Doing: Renegade Push-Up

In a surprise (to me)…this iteration of my popular series, Exercises You Should Be Doing, made the list. I guess everyone likes cool push-up variations.

And car memes.

(shrugs)

NOTE: the push-up pictured above IS NOT a representation of the proper execution of the Renegade Push-Up, or any push-up for that matter.

5 Quick Tips to Increase Strength

1. Pick

2. Up

3. Heavy

4. Things

5. Repeatedly

In all seriousness, I do go into detail on five quickie tips you can follow to help increase your strength. This article also contains what’s likely the most awkward video on the internet of 2018.4

Getting Strong(er) Is Corrective

This would probably be MY pick for favorite article I wrote this year.

Stack the Rings for Better Squat Performance

You didn’t think I’d mention a ring and NOT include a LoTR reference did you?

Pfffft, whatever.

But for real: if you want your squats to feel better, read this article.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 12/21/18

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Dates

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Check em out HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

JUST ANNOUNCED.

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?)( – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate ($50 off) is in full swing at the moment and won’t last forever.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Instagram

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

The Best of the PTDC 2018 – A Bunch of Badass MOFOs

An article I wrote for the Personal Trainer Development Center earlier this year – 3 Ways to Write Better Training Programs – made their list of top articles written for their site in 2018, in tandem with many other phenomenal articles.

It’s always a great honor to be recognized for your work. It’s even cooler when it’s alongside so many other esteemed colleagues.

From Wheelchair to Wheels – Lee Boyce

This is a BALLER story.

Next time a hangnail curtails your training, stop, punch yourself in the face, and also give this a read.

Strategies For Better Food Tracking – Jason Leenaarts

If nothing else this article drives home the point that the details – even the small, seemingly inane ones – matter.