Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/21/18

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Ljubljana, Slovenia AND Los Angeles, CA

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

Ljubljana, Slovenia – October 20-21st. (<— EARLY BIRD ends THIS WEEK)

Los Angeles, CA – November 17-18th. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

All registrants to this course (as well as future dates in 2019 in Detroit, Philadelphia, Minas Tirith) will receive a free download of CSHB 1.0 so that you’re up-to-speed on the content Dean and I will be covering.¹

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

The line-up is spectacular and I’m honored to be included amongst such esteemed company – Pat Rigsby, Mark Fisher, Molly Galbraith, Kellie Hart, Craig Ballantyne, and Scott Rawcliffe, to name a few.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and into to registration HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

What people need to do LESS of in the gym: missing reps and foam rolling for 20 minutes. MORE of: showing up (consistently) and training with intent.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) September 20, 2018

Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Here’s another gleaming example of why the details matter. Had a new client come in yesterday who’s been frustrated by recent lower back woes. Diligent spinal hygiene is critical when it comes to dealing with low back pain, and part of that equation is the popular Birddog exercise. It’s an excellent drill to hammer home core/ spine stability, however it is almost ALWAYS performed poorly. Top Video = way too much low back movement where she’s falling into excessive lumbar extension and getting most of her movement from that area. Again, great drill if it’s performed well. If not….fugetboutit. Bottom Video = Tony intervention. Lumbar spine is now locked in and exercise technique much cleaner. This was challenging for her and goes to show 1) seemingly inane details matter and 2) I’m awesome. Also: Rage Against the Machine in the background obviously helped.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Sep 16, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

How Do Trainers Work? Meet Tony Gentilcore – Exercise.com

This was a fun (written) interview I did with the people over at Exercise.com who asked questions pertaining to my start in the industry, what services I offer (and why), and my training style, among other things.²

Why Shoulders HAVE to Move Differently – Dr. Ryan DeBell

Much like we always say everyone will squat and deadlift differently based off individual variances in hip anatomy, the same can be said when it comes to the upper body.

Everyone………is………different.

Respect anatomy.

A Fitness Pro’s Guide to Sexual Harassment – Molly Galbraith (via the PTDC.com)

Read it.

September 21, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/14/18

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Ljubljana, Slovenia AND Los Angeles, CA

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

Ljubljana, Slovenia – October 20-21st. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

Los Angeles, CA – November 17-18th. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

All registrants to this course (as well as future dates in Detroit, Philadelphia, Minas Tirith) will receive a free download of CSHB 1.0 so that you’re up-to-speed on the content Dean and I will be covering.

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREE days of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

3. Appearance on the Saved By the Barbell Podcast

Last weekend Dean Somerset and I were in Houston, TX to put on our (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint workshop.

Of course the first thing we did was hit up some BBQ.

Immediately after that we recorded this episode of Saved By the Barbell hosted by Kevin Warren.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

If YOU (the fitness professional) can’t explain the “why” behind an exercise or modality in a program how in the heck do you expect your client/athlete to buy into it much less understand it?

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) September 12, 2018

Instagram

View this post on Instagram

30 Days of Deadlifts Day 19: Get Those Hips Through, Yo The lockout can be problematic for some people in that one of two scenarios comes about: 1. Substituting excessive lumbar extension for hip extension. 2. Butt sticking out syndrome. In either case the cue is to tell people to “finish tall” or “stand tall” or “stop doing that because my eyes hurt.” Finish with the hips (squeeze the glutes) at the top.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Sep 12, 2018 at 12:45pm PDT

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

The Key to Your Body Goals: No Matter What They May Be – Michael Gregory

HINT: Lift. All. The. Weights

Detailed Group Training – Lance Goyke

I wrote a post last week – HERE – on why I like semi-private training.

This was a fantastic post by Lance expounding on the concept a bit further – albeit focusing more on larger groups.

Valuing Ourselves Beyond the Physical Aspect – Jessi Kneeland

In my experience working with women on body image, I have become convinced that complimenting and praising a woman’s appearance in today’s social atmosphere actually does her — and all women everywhere — a disservice.

September 14, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/7/18

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Upcoming Locations Below

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

Houston, TX – THIS weekend (Sept 8-9th).

Ljublijana, Slovenia – October 20-21st. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

Los Angeles, CA – November 17-18th. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements¹, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREEdays of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Had a distance coaching client send me an email this AM admitting he hadn’t been training for ~4 weeks and was embarrassed he’d be lying to me.

I wrote back: “No need to apologize. You can’t make me judge you.”

Life gets in the way sometimes, the weights aren’t going anywhere.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) September 2, 2018

Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Here’s my client @katie.halpin learning how to groove a solid single leg hip hinge with this variation – Bench Assisted ValSlide RDL w/ Reach – I stole from the crew over at @warhorsebarbell. Works like a charm.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Sep 4, 2018 at 1:05pm PDT

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Online Trainer Academy – Enrollment Now Open (But Not For Long)

There’s more and more demand for online trainers today.

If you’re looking for a way to better leverage your expertise AND earning potential, this is the way to do it.

Jon Goodman is essentially the Professor Dumbledore of online training. Except, you know, he doesn’t have a beard, and he’s not an actual wizard and stuff.

But by golly is it impressive what he’s built with the Online Trainer Academy.

Open enrollment only lasts until September 11th. Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself

Do It and Diet – Dan John

Dan John writes something, anything, I’m going to read it.

You should too.

Dr. Stuart McGill on Footwear, Focal Point, and Cues In the Deadlifts – Travis Mash

Not many people can be so succinct and pithy with their words and pack a punch. Dr. McGill is one of those people.

Thanks for sharing this one Travis!

September 7, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/31/18

Apologies for the lack of writing content of late.

It’s been a hectic few weeks getting things prepared for upcoming speaking events and travel. The good news (well kinda good news: I’m gonna miss the little booger) is that my one and half year old, Julian, made the transition to full-time daycare this week.

Woo-hoo I’ll soon have my mornings back to write!

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Upcoming Locations Below

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

Houston, TX – is NEXT weekend (Sept 8-9th).

Ljublijana, Slovenia – Octobver 20-21st. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

Los Angeles, CA – November 17-18th. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements¹, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREEdays of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

I often say fat loss programs should be reframed and we should instead refer to them as “muscle retention programs.” HEAVY weight training should still be prioritized during this time to nudge the body into keeping as much muscle as possible while in a caloric deficit.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) August 27, 2018

Instagram

I’ve had my friend and colleague, @kimlloydfitness do all the photography for my website since 2009. Yesterday we had a photoshoot and she took this candid shot of Julian and I.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Aug 26, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

I’m a Coach, Not a Therapist – Krista Scott-Dixon

It can be intimidating if not downright terrifying when a client or athlete confides in you and shares intimate details of their personal life.

There have been times I wanted nothing more than to stick my fingers in my ears and start yelling “La la la la la la la, I can’t hear you, la la la la la” when I client started telling me about their divorce, affair, financial woes, that they actually liked Attack of the Clones.

All fitness pros need to read this article.

Like it or not, as Krista notes in the first paragraph….”you’re more therapist-like than you think.”

Forget About Squat Depth – JL Holdsworth & Geoff Girvitz

I love the intro to this article:

“Warning: This article may cause heart palpitations, ulcers, and sleepless nights. It will make anyone who’s not a competitive powerlifter question everything they thought they knew about the squat.”

How to Choose a Personal Trainer: Myth vs. Reality – Nick Tumminello

As per the usual: Nick offers some insights that not many can emulate. I always appreciate his candor and perspective.

August 31, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/24/18

Copyright: gregorylee / 123RF Stock Photo

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Houston, TX

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

All registrants to this course (as well as future dates in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia, Minas Tirith) will receive a free download of CSHB 1.0 so that you’re up-to-speed on the content Dean and I will be covering.

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements³, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREEdays of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Does everyone need to squat? Nope. But your ability to competently do it provides a profound upgrade to your exercise (and movement) repertoire. Also: finding the RIGHT squat for your body, injury history & ability level matters.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) August 23, 2018

Instagram – 30 Days of Deadlifts

I’m a week into my series “30 Days of Deadlifts.”

This was the video that kicked things off.

Plenty more to come so be sure to follow or check in on me over in IG world.

30 Days of Deadlifts (not necessarily in a row). Success with the deadlift will always be predicated on having a masterful setup. If you start in a poor position, you’re (probably) going to have a poor deadlift. 1. Use The WEDGE. 2. Think: “Armpits over the bar, with maximal hamstring tension.” Start there are you’re going kick ass

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Aug 17, 2018 at 10:19am PDT

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Key to Career Success – Dr. John Berardi

John first started writing for T-Nation back in the early 2000’s and eventually started Precision Nutrition which is now a 200 million dollar company and one of the most respected entities in the industry.

How?

How did he do it?

Was there some secret morning ritual, a daily hack, or maybe he cut a deal with Rumplestiltskin?

None of the above, actually.

As always John keeps it real and provides a ton of practical insights.

Building a Successful Career: Positioning and Intent – Dean Somerset

Not to steal any light from the first article, but this was also a fantastic read from my brother of another mother, Dean Somerset.

In short:

1. Put in the work.

2. Leverage your strengths.

3. Dean and I are non-sexual life partners.

5 Years of Insane Gains – Paul Carter

Why couldn’t have Paul written this back in 1993?

Why?

Whhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyy?

This is a MUST read for anyone newbies out there reading.

August 24, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/17/18

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Houston, TX

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements⁴, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREE days of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.⁵

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

Client: “This is hard.”

Me: “Does it hurt? As in are you in pain?”

Client: “No, it’s just freakin hard.”

Me: “Okay, cool, you don’t pay for easy. WU-TANG!”

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) August 16, 2018

Instagram

My wife is a beast. She crushed her last month of training. #100%humblebrag

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Aug 9, 2018 at 11:08am PDT

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Why You Should Train the Single Leg Deadlift – Artemis Scantalides

I know some coaches find training the single leg deadlift a waste of time, but I am not one of those coaches.

Neither is Artemis.

She’s the shit.

What Coed Kickball and Medical Bills Taught Me About Fitness – Andy van Grinsven

Some really great perspective from Andy in this one.

And a sick The Notebook reference.

Well played.

The Hybrid Athlete Program – Eric Bach

Want to be strong, lean, and not move like the Tin Man?

This program by Eric is sublime.

August 17, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/10/18

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston, MA (<– THIS WEEKEND)

Last chance.

Dr. Lisa Lewis and I will be holding another Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop in Boston, MA on Sunday, August 12th.

1. We offer both a Professional and Student rate.

2. CEUs will be available via the NSCA.

3. Predator Handshakes are free.

For more details (including itinerary and registration) go HERE.

2. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Houston, TX

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

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

To register and for moe details go HERE.

3. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements (and because of Kumite), but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

I’ll also be booking a photographer soon because my current headshot is god awful.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS

Twitter

I “should” eat like so and so. Not really.

I “should” look like so and so. Nope.

I “should” train the way so and so does. No.

I should, should, should.

As my wife, a psychologist, would say: “stop should’ing on yourself.”

Just….stop.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) August 5, 2018

Instagram

This is sooooo funny. In short: there’s no such thing as “bad posture.” The only bad ones are ones you’re always doing. It’s important to allow our bodies to experience a multitude of positions and postures. Don’t listen to people on the internet who wax poetic about avoiding “x” posture at all costs. Real life is different than the internet. NOTE: for some reason my Repost app didn’t tag @beardthebestyoucanbe for the epic video. Please, everyone, slow claps should be directed towards him.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Aug 9, 2018 at 9:01am PDT

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work

Fitness: The Healthiest Industry, Creating the Unhealthiest Minds – Lee Boyce

Lee has written many things that are well-written, poignant, and thought provoking. I always appreciate his willingness to write & say things many of us are sheepish to point out ourselves.

This is superb.

The Lost Are of Conditioning For Strength, Performance, & Recovery – Dr. John Rusin & Jason Brown

Really good article on the importance of AEROBIC training, and how to program it intelligently to enhance & compliment weight training.

Why You Should Be Flexible With Your Programming – Bryan Krahn

Bryan = Dreamboat

We always discuss the importance of flexible DIETING, but not too often do we take the same concept and apply it towards our training.

Fantastic message from Bryan in this one.

August 10, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/3/18

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston, MA

Dr. Lisa Lewis and I have designed a 1-day workshop for health/fitness professionals that touches on a topic rarely discussed: the SOFT SKILLS of coaching.

How to improve exercise consistency.
How to increase motivation and competency to train.
How to assess clients/athletes and write more effective programs that better match their ability level.
How to create loyal clients (and a growing bank account).

We’ll be holding another Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop in Boston, MA on Sunday, August 12th.

1. We offer both a Professional and Student rate.

2. CEUs will be available via the NSCA.

3. Predator Handshakes are free.

For more details (including itinerary and registration) go HERE.

2. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Houston, TX

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

But now.

BUT NOW…it’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

All registrants to this course (as well as future dates in Ljubljana, Slovenia & Los Angeles) will receive a free download of CSHB 1.0 so that you’re up-to-speed on the content Dean and I will be covering.

There’s only a few days left to take advantage of the Early Bird rate for Houston.

Go HERE.

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

Lets be honest shall we.

You’re (probably) not seeing results in the gym because:

1. You’re not working as hard as you think you’re working.
2. You’re eating/nutrition doesn’t match your goal(s).

In short: the answer is YOU.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) July 30, 2018

Instagram

I’m a big fan of Band Pullaparts. They’re great for overall shoulder health, improving posture, and a nice exercise to add additional volume in for upperback strength. However I often see two common mistakes. First video shows an elbow extension-tricep thingamajiggy. I don’t know how else to explain it. Second video shows excessive rib flair/lumbar extension. Both make me sad. Third video showcases a few good reps. Motion is driven via the shoulder blades (arms remain straight) and there’s limited movement through ribcage and lower back. WU-TANG!

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Aug 1, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work

How Do You Know When You’re Body Is Ready to Squat? – Dr. Sarah Duvall

“Easy. You’re ready now.”

I LOVE this message from Sarah directed towards postpartum women. It’s time we stopped coddling women during this time with messages of frailty.

It’s not helping.

Black Women’s Bodies, Sports, Motherhood, and Serena Williams – Justice Williams

Short and sweet message from my friend Justice.

Cluster Training for New Muscle Growth – Jason Brown

I love me some cluster training.

This was a nice “Cliff Notes” version on the effectiveness of cluster training and how to incorporate it into your programs.

August 3, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/27/18

Lets get right to this week’s stuff.

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston, MA

Dr. Lisa Lewis and I have designed a 1-day workshop for health/fitness professionals that touches on a topic rarely discussed: the SOFT SKILLS of coaching.

How to improve exercise consistency.
How to increase motivation and competency to train.
How to assess clients/athletes and write more effective programs that better match their ability level.
How to create loyal clients (and a growing bank account).

We’ll be holding another Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop in Boston, MA on August 12th.

1. We offer both a Professional and Student rate.

2. CEUs will be available via the NSCA.

3. Predator Handshakes are free.

For more details (including itinerary and registration) go HERE.

2. Even More Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Houston, TX

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

But now.

BUT NOW…it’s the Even More Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

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.

There’s only a little more than a week left to take advantage of the Early Bird rate for Houston.

Go HERE.

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

It’s Okay to Struggle – Brett Jones

As it turns out the key to learning isn’t memorizing or even purposeful practice.

As Brett lays out in this excellent articles it’s something we rarely discuss……

……….struggle.

The Best Writing Advice I Can Possibly Give You – James Fell

As a writer myself I enjoyed this piece by James Fell immensely.

Improve Your Lifting Form Today: Take a Breath – Jennifer Blake

“If you want to be a great lifter, it’s in your best interests to become a great breather, too.”

Breathing is one of those “finer detail” components that can make all the difference in the world with not only how lifting heavy things feels, but also in overall performance.

And it doesn’t have to be a time-intensive, follow Alice down the rabbit hole kinda thing either. Jennifer outlines a simple (albeit very effective) strategy that anyone can apply.

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

Went in GNC to buy an energy drink and had to bite my tongue when the guy behind counter was trying to convince me how much sugar “decays” the body & then went on to ask me if I knew about Keto. “Sorry dude, wife’s waiting for me.” Byeeeeeeee

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) July 21, 2018

Instagram

This is what happens when you give your clients “free time.” You turn around and BAM….see this happening. Constant tension band RDLs.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Jul 24, 2018 at 5:44am PDT

July 27, 2018 Tony

Stuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/20/18

No funny business or LOLs today.

Lets get right to business.

BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston, MA

Dr. Lisa Lewis and I have designed a 1-day workshop for health/fitness professionals that touches on a topic rarely discussed: the SOFT SKILLS of coaching.

How to improve exercise consistency.
How to increase motivation and competency to train.
How to assess clients/athletes and write more effective programs that better match their ability level.
How to create loyal clients (and a growing bank account).

We’ll be holding another Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop in Boston, MA on August 12th.

1. We offer both a Professional ($129) and Student rate ($99).

2. This Early Bird Rate ends on Sunday 7/22

3. CEUs will be made available.

For more details (including itinerary and registration) go HERE.

2. Even More Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Dates/Locations Announced

Dean Somerset and I are currently in the throes of drumming up new content for our staple workshop series.

We’ve presented this workshop all over the world – London, Vancouver, Oslo, Prague, Boston, LA, Minas Tirith – and even turned it into a popular digital product HERE so everyone can enjoy it.

We’ve already nailed down dates in Slovenia, Houston, and LA this fall (2018) and are also in talks to bring it to Detroit, Philadelphia, Edmonton, Australia, and Singapore in 2019.

If you’re someone who’d like to host this event/participate in a tickle fight please reach out to either Dean or myself.

Go HERE to register in the announced cities.

STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

So You’re Considering Putting Your Name On Your Business? – Pete Dupuis

Unless your last name is “Brickshitdieselmotherfucker,” don’t use it to name your gym. Although, in fairness, Pete offers both the pros and cons of using your name.

Be cautious.

And if you’re last IS Brickshitdieselmotherfucker….can we be friends?

The Dark Knight Turns 10 – Entertainment Weekly

This has nothing to do with fitness, but I wanted to share this nonetheless.

Around this time 10 years ago The Dark Knight was released.

This was an excellent “back and forth” between film critics Chris Nashawaty and Darren Franich I thoroughly enjoyed.

You Can Be Tom Hanks – Dan Trink

Remember that scene in Castaway when Tom Hanks’ character is making his getaway from the island and his beloved Wilson inexplicably floats away and towards the end of the scene we’re left with that cacophony of “Wilson! Wilson! I’m so sorry. Wiiiiiiiiillllssssooonnn!!”

Yeah, I cried so freakin hard too.

Anyway, my boy Dan makes a brilliant analogy between that scene and how he explains what training WILL and WON’T do with his new(ish) clients.

Great read.

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

One of the hardest struggles as a coach is juggling what I KNOW a client needs and what they’ll actually do to stay on task and consistent with their training. You’re the boss/expert, but there’s always a smidgeon of compromise in the coach/client relationship. Important.

— Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore1) July 19, 2018

Instagram

A goal I have for most of my female clients is to help them work towards a strict, unassisted, chin-up. The #1 mistake when it comes to this goal is trainees not training the chin-up/pull-up enough. There are MANY things that can be utilized to help build context & confidence in this endeavor….including performing exercises from the floor. @ironbodybyartemis has been a huge influence on this front for me. One of the first drills I incorporate is the Hollow Position. Getting people to respect and MAINTAIN full-body tension is key, and this is a lovely drill to hammer that point home. Too, it’s the preferred position one should utilize when hanging from a chin-up/pull-up bar, so there’s loads of carryover to the actual exercise itself. Set a solid foundation here and good things are bound to happen.

A post shared by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on Jul 18, 2018 at 1:02pm PDT

July 20, 2018 Tony