CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/2/21

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STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. Strategic Strength Workshop – Philadelphia, PA

It’s been over 18 months since I’ve announced any IN-PERSON workshops. I’m elated to announce that I am coming to Philadelphia to put on my 1-day Strategic Strength Workshop

*Cue the trumpets*

My friends at Warhorse Barbell Club have agreed to host and I am so pumped.

The event will be in late September and you can take advantage of the early bird rate up until September 1st. For all the details and to register you can go HERE.

Hope to see you there!

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STUFF TO READ

Mind the Gap: Improving Pressing & Stability With a Simple Cue – Dean Somerset

See those two teeny-tiny yellow arrows in the picture above? That’s what Dean is referring to in this practical post on how you can improve you bench pressing prowess.

It’s a common mistake and one I see often with lifters who come to my studio complaining their shoulder hurts whenever they press.

A Letter to My Younger Self, Straight From the Fitness Game – Lee Boyce

Wow, this was good.

So good in fact it may inspire me to write my own edition…;o)

Intuitive Eating: How to Make It Work For You (and Your Clients) – Julia Malacoff

Most people would rather jump into a live volcano that be told to count their calories. While it’s a necessary evil for many, another popular (less annoying?) option is the concept of “intuitive eating.”

Like with anything there’s a learning curve and it takes practice, but it’s something that works well for a lot of people (including myself).

Learn more about it in this post.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/19/21

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STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. Strategic Strength Workshop – Philadelphia, PA

It’s been over 18 months since I’ve announced any IN-PERSON workshops. I’m elated to announce that I am coming to Philadelphia to put on my 1-day Strategic Strength Workshop

*Cue the trumpets*

My friends at Warhorse Barbell Club have agreed to host and I am so pumped.

The event will be in late September and you can take advantage of the early bird rate up until September 1st. For all the details and to register you can go HERE.

Hope to see you there!

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STUFF TO READ

AMRAP Sets for the Main Lifts: How and When – Tony Bonvechio

Key point: AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) is not the same as training to failure. Nevertheless, AMRAP sets can be a very key component to most training programs.

Tony gives you the details on how and why in this short read.

How to Develop with In-Place Running – Hunter Charneski

As a coach who 1) Lives in Hoth a cold-weather location many months out of the year and 2) has limited studio space this was an excellent article.

Professionalism in the Strength Coach Profession – Zach Even-Esh

  • Be kind.
  • Give credit where it’s due.
  • Ignore your “haters.”

If you’re a coach, please give this post a read.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/12/21

My good friend Bryan Krahn and I are going to be drumming up a little sumthin, sumthin in the coming months. It’ll be a training program for dads (and moms) that’ll take into account that:

1) Your time is limited.

2) You’re not 25 anymore.

3) You still want to be the most diesel looking parent at your kid’s daycare/school.

Before he and I dive into the nitty gritty, though, we’re interested in what YOU want to see from this sort of program. If you have a few minutes to kill can you maybe take some time to fill out THIS form?

It’ll only take the amount of time it takes to warm-up your kid’s Hot Pocket and it’ll help us tremendously.

Thanks!

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

The 6 Training Rules for Over-40 Lifters – Christian Thibaudeau

I LOVED this one from Thibs.

I may or may not be “stealing” a few of these ideas for the project mentioned above.

(NOTE: I totally am).

How to Return to Pressing With Shoulder Pain – Eric Bowman

95% of lifters – at some point or another – will have a cranky shoulder to work around. This article provides some valuable insights on how to re-introduce pressing when your shoulder hates you.

Things You Think Are Good For Your Youth Athlete, But Aren’t – Erica Suter

Suspiciously missing from the list: Kipping pull-ups.

Pfffft, whatever Erica.

But awesome list nevertheless….;o)

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/23/21

I’m leaving for a much needed vacation this Friday.

My wife, Julian, and I are heading down to Florida for a week. I hate being hot and sandy, but I don’t care. I’ve been sequestered in this apartment for a full year and I just need a change of scenery.

Anywhere.

I’d settle for Mordor at this point.

But Florida it shall be.1

Nonetheless, don’t be alarmed at the lack of content in the coming 10-14 days. I’ll still likely post some old stuff you may have missed the first time around (jerk).

Bye, I love you.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Maverick – Bryan Krahn

This was not a fitness related article in the least, but just a lovely and heartfelt piece of writing by my good friend Bryan discussing the passing of his dog, Maverick.

4 Metabolism Myths Debunked – Alex McBriarty

Can your metabolism be altered?

Does eating more frequently stoke the “metabolic fire?

Why did Carrie break up with Aidan in season 4 of Sex and the City?

Why, Carrie? WHHHHHHYYYYYY?

Anyway, awesome info in this one.

Everyday – Tom Furman

This article is a little old (Dec 2020), but I came across it this week and really loved the message conveyed.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/14/21

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

How to Exercise When You Have No Time – Shane McLean

You don’t need to be in a gym for 90 minutes every day in order to see (or get) results. We’re all pressed for time of late, and Shane provides some valuable insights on how to get the most for your training (time) buck in this article.

Do I Need a Large Social Media Following to Be an Online Trainer? – Jonathan Goodman

Who better to answer this question than the Godfather of online training?

How to Become a Great Trainer – Nick Tumminello

Nick is one of my favorite people in the fitness industry. He’s authentic, genuine, and doesn’t sugar coat anything. I’d HIGHLY recommend signing up for this FREE 3-part video course where he highlights some of his “secrets” to becoming a successful personal trainer.

Full Disclosure: You do need to provide your email address in order to receive the course. But don’t worry, Nick won’t spam you. He’s not a dick…;o)

 

 

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/7/21

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It seems summer decided to show up a bit early in my neck of the woods. Today is day #2 of a four-day spread of ungodly hot weather by New England standards. Yesterday hit 90 degrees and there’s talk of  two to three 95-100 degree days looming.

My wife, a Floridian, is ecstatic.

Me?

I’d rather have a tickle fight with a grizzly bear.

Nevertheless, on a personal note (and with the warm weather officially here), we booked our first family vacation since before the pandemic for later this month.

We’re heading, of all places, to Florida at the end of the month….hahahaha.

I mean, FML.

I can’t wait.

Also, speaking of travel, I’m now starting to book some workshops.

STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. I’m Coming to England (Manchester & London: Fall 2021)

👉 Manchester Info & Registration HERE (Early Bird Rate) 👈

I have confirmed that I’ll be coming to England this September to do not one, but TWO separate workshops.

  • I’ll be doing my 1-day Coaching Competency Workshop at Gudlift Gym in Manchester on Sunday, 9/12 – click HERE for itinerary and to register.
  • The following weekend (9/18) I will be in London alongside Luke Worthington to put on our 2-day Strategic Strength Workshop (host location is still being figured out)

It feels extraordinary to finally be putting events INTO my calendar rather than taking them off.

I hope to see you there!

SIDE NOTE: I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there for this Fall, and it’s looking like I’ll be making a cameo in Orlando this winter.

I’m also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.

If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

How to Stay Alive in the Fitness Industry For 2 Decades – Brandon Mancine

The picture of Aladdin and the Genie will make perfect sense once you read this quick read from Brandon.

He makes a brilliant analogy and one I never recognize despite watching this movie several times.

The Menstrual Cycle & Performance: Resources List (2021) – Julia Eyre

Looking for up-to-date resources on how the menstrual cycle affects training & performance (and how to program accordingly)?

Julia has you covered.

Where Does Fat Go When We Lose Weight? – Abby Langer

Hint: It’s not what that person on the internet who, not coincidentally has a product to sell, says.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/24/21

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STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. I’m Coming to England (Manchester & London: Fall 2021)

👉 Manchester Info & Registration HERE (Early Bird Rate) 👈

I have confirmed that I’ll be coming to England this September to do not one, but TWO separate workshops.

  • I’ll be doing my 1-day Coaching Competency Workshop at Gudlift Gym in Manchester on Sunday, 9/12 – click HERE for itinerary and to register.
  • The following weekend (9/18) I will be in London alongside Luke Worthington to put on our 2-day Strategic Strength Workshop (host location is still being figured out)

It feels extraordinary to finally be putting events INTO my calendar rather than taking them off.

I hope to see you there!

SIDE NOTE: I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there, as well as Philadelphia, PA (the latter would likely be a Strong Body Strong Mind Workshop with my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis).

I’m hoping I can pull them off, but am also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.

If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

3 Ways to Spot a Low Quality Study – Steve Kamper

You see it allllll the time on social media: People tossing out “studies” left and right to defend their position on a bevy of topics.

To their credit: citing a study is better than citing a Netflix documentary.

Suffice to say, not all studies are created equal.

Why Can’t I Build Muscle? – Christian Thibaudeau

More often than not the answer to this question is:

  • You’re not training nearly hard (or frequently) enough.
  • A squirrel eats more food than you.

However, there are instances where someone can be a true “non-responder.” Christian delves a little deeper into the topic in this article.

Does Squatting Hurt or Help Your Knees? – Tim DiFrancesco

I dig pretty anything Tim writes or pontificates on.

He’s the shit.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/17/21

STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. I’m Coming to England!

It’s been 15 months since I’ve put on an in-person workshop.

** Cue the trumpets **

I have confirmed that I’ll be coming to England this September to do not one, but TWO separate workshops.

  • I’ll be doing my 1-day Coaching Competency Workshop at Gudlift Gym in Manchester on Sunday, 9/12.
  • The following weekend (9/18) I will be in London alongside Luke Worthington to put on our 2-day Strategic Strength Workshop (host location is still being figured out)

It feels extraordinary to finally be putting events INTO my calendar rather than taking them off. I”ll have more details about the two workshops in the coming weeks, including links to register.

In the meantime: Consider this your “save the date” notice…🙌

SIDE NOTE: I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there, as well as Philadelphia, PA (the latter would likely be a Strong Body Strong Mind Workshop with my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis).

I’m hoping I can pull them off, but am also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.

If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Musings on the Emotions of Numbers – Izzy Libmann

The fitness industry is a dichotomy. On one hand we help people look, feel, and move better. (good!) On the other, we “pressure” & compare ourselves if we don’t look, feel, or move like others (bad).

This was a great read from Izzy on why you shouldn’t tether yourself to a number.

6 Common Strength Training Blunders – Josh Bryant

I dig anything that delves into the nature of helping people get strong(er). That said, there are many things that can go awry when seeking more plates on the bar.

Some great advice in this one from Josh (a brick house himself).

5 Mistakes For New Trainers to Avoid – Detric Smith

Programming kipping pull-ups is a good start….;o)

Kidding (but not really).

Detric gives plenty of food for thought for incoming trainers to consider in this very helpful piece.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/7/21

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STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. I’m Coming to England!

It’s been 15 months since I’ve put on an in-person workshop.

** Cue the trumpets **

I have confirmed that I will be coming to England this September to do not one, but TWO separate workshops.

  • I’ll be doing my 1-day Coaching Competency Workshop at Gudlift Gym in Manchester on Sunday, 9/12.
  • The following weekend (9/18) I will be in London alongside Luke Worthington to put on our 2-day Strategic Strength Workshop.

It feels extraordinary to finally be putting events INTO my calendar rather than taking them off. I”ll have more details about the two workshops in the coming weeks, including links to register.

In the meantime: Consider this your “save the date” notice…🙌

SIDE NOTE: I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there, as well as Philadelphia, PA (the latter would likely be a Strong Body Strong Mind Workshop with my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis).

I’m hoping I can pull them off, but am also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.

If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

How Much Protein Do We Need Everyday? Your Protein Questions Answered – Abby Langer

One Word: PROTEIN!

5 Best Loading Schemes for Size & Strength – Christian Thibaudeau

This isn’t a new article, but one that T-Nation.com tossed up on their Twitter feed the other day to remind everyone of how good it is.

It’s goooooooood.

Lessons in Lifting from a Dad: Year One – Me

I did a podcast a few weeks ago titled Deadlifts, Dogs & Dad Jokes. It was everything you’d expect from a podcast with that particular title.

Fucking baller.

Toward the end of the episode, one of the hosts (a new dad) asked me fitness advice for other new dads. Admittedly, I was an abject failure in coming up with anything inspirational or sage to say.

And then I recalled I actually wrote something on the topic. If you’re a new dad or know of someone who is, and you/they are in a fitness rut…

…give this a read.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 4/29/21

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STUFF TO CHECK OUT FIRST

1. I Miss Doing In-Person Workshops

It’s been more than a year since I’ve done any in-person workshops, and now that vaccinations have started to improve things I’m thinking about venturing out again soon.

I’ve already begun talks with possibly doing TWO workshops in England this Fall, but I am also itching to travel around the States too.

I’ve tossed Charleston, SC out there, as well as Philadelphia, PA (the latter would likely be a Strong Body Strong Mind Workshop with my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis).

I’m hoping I can pull them off, but am also open to other options as well – Milwaukee, Memphis, Mordor, whatever.

If you’re interested in possibly hosting me for a day or two (or know of a gym who’d be a good fit), please reach out and let’s chat.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

Don’t Be One Dimensional – DeMarco Crum

It’s okay to have a life outside of strength & conditioning.

Just as well, it’s okay to infuse your love of Star Wars, bo staffs, and/or Prancercising into your day-to-day interactions with your clients and athletes.

Just my two cents, but being authentic is just as powerful of a marketing tool as the most powerful SEO algorithm devised by Skynet.

Demarco does a nice job summarizing the same theme in this article.

The Four Horsemen of the Spine – Kelly Starrett

Just some simple, easily applicable information that will be useful for the bulk of people out there dealing with back pain.

Memorable Fitness Movies – Pete McCall

The only way this could have been more “Tony” is if this post were titled…

…“Memorable Fitness Movies (While Eating Beef Jerky)”

Suffice to say, yes, you’ll recognize some obvious choices. But you may be surprised at some of Pete’s picks too.