CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/23/17

Lots of things to get to, so lets jump right into it.

Copyright: urfingus / 123RF Stock Photo

 

CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST (IT’S MOSTLY ABOUT ME)

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston

I’m really excited to announce the Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop, coming to Boston (finally!) later this summer.

The idea is simple: there’s a corner in the industry that’s underserved….mental skills.

There are a lot of people out there who write about “mindset” and describe themselves as mindset coaches (whatever the heck that means) who, by and large, have zero academic background in that department.

Lisa, SPOILER ALERT: she’s my wife, went to school for this shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

Lisa can speak to building competency and discussing how to build the skills to develop rapport with clients. I can speak to getting people bigger, stronger, and faster.

Strong Body-Strong Mind = see you there?

To purchase you can go HERE.

2. Hardcore Kettlebell Programming at CORE

I’m pleased to announce that StrongFirst certified instructor, Justice Williams, will now be running kettlebell specific classes out of CORE starting next month.

You know, kettlebells, those cannonball looking thingamajiggies.

If you’re a beginner you’ll need to first attend the Fundamentals class on Sunday, July 16th where Justice will go over all the foundational moves like the deadlift, Goblet squat, swings, and Get-up.

If you’re already a KB enthusiast you can jump right into the program which will run for three months (meeting 3x per week) at CORE.

This will be an excellent opportunity get accountable, get fit, and learn kettlebell-specific movements all under the tutelage of an amazing coach. Check the flyer above for contact information.

3. Lift and Learn Workshop – CORE

If you’re a beginner, another great opportunity will be the Lift & Learn Workshop hosted by strength and conditioning coach, Jarrod Dyke.

Lifting weights can be intimidating:

  • Where do I start?
  • How do I warm-up?
  • How much weight should I use?
  • How often should I train?
  • Crap, did I leave the stove on?

Jarrod will spend an afternoon answering these questions (and more) in this FREE workshop on Sunday, July 23rd. For more information go HERE.

4. Cameos I Made In Other Publications

I Did a 30-Day Push-Up Challenge and Here’s What Happened – Women’s Health

I was asked by one of Women’s Health editors to write her a 30-day push-up challenge to see what would happen.

This article explains what happened.

HINT: She didn’t beat up Wonder Woman in a fist fight, but close.

Tip: Get Better at Squatting With This Drill – T-Nation

Suck at squatting? Or, rather, have a hard time controlling your squat?

Try this drill.

Which Grip Should You Use For Deadlifting? – Men’s Health

It’s a question I get a lot – and this article highlights what I often tell people.

Stuff to Read

Practical Program Design – Me

 

I’ll have the pleasure of speaking at this year’s Elite Training & Performance Summit in September in Chicago, IL.

I’ll be speaking on Practical Program Design.

The Summit’s organizer, Ryan Ketchum, and I caught up yesterday and chatted a little on what I’ll be speaking about.

It’s a quick listen, about 15-20 minutes, but I discuss some things I feel are often neglected when it comes to program design. Things not many fitness professionals hit on; and it has nothing to do with the x’s and o’s of program design.

You can check it out HERE.

BONUS: if you listen all the way through there’s a special code at the end you can use to get an even further discount on the Summit. A BIG discount.

However, it only lasts through the rest of June.

4 Easy Steps to Improve Thoracic Rotation – Mike Sirani

I like Step #1 = you have to earn the right to rotate by first “owning” sagittal and frontal plane movement.

Great stuff from Mike in this one.

Fit Pros: Advice to My 20 Year Old Self – Conor O’Shea, et al

I normally roll my eyes at articles like this, “what advice would you give your 20-year old self starting out in the fitness industry?”

But this was good. And lots of really smart and successful people chimed in.

You should listen to them.

Social Media Shenanigans

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/16/17

I know, I know: I’ve been slacking on the writing front the past few weeks. I do hope you’ve been enjoying the influx of informative guest posts of late. It’s important to me that this site remains a repository of good information and ass-kickery (and cute kitty pictures), even in my absence.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of international travel and crime fighting.1 I promise I’ll be back on task starting Monday.

Lets get to this week’s list of stuff to check out.

Copyright: welcomia / 123RF Stock Photo

 

CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST (IT’S MOSTLY ABOUT ME)

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston

I’m really excited to announce the Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop, coming to Boston (finally!) later this summer.

 

The idea is simple: there’s a corner in the industry that’s underserved….mental skills.

There are a lot of people out there who write about “mindset” and describe themselves as mindset coaches (whatever the heck that means) who, by and large, have zero academic background in that department.

Lisa, SPOILER ALERT: she’s my wife, went to school for this shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

Lisa can speak to building competency and discussing how to build the skills to develop rapport with clients. I can speak to getting people bigger, stronger, and faster.

Strong Body-Strong Mind = see you there?

To purchase you can go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3. Elite Fitness & Performance Summit – Chicago, IL

 

And speaking of being pumped, I am really – and I mean really – pumped for this event.

First off: Take a look at the roster of speakers (HERE).

Second: Holy shit, I am one of them.

Third: Cue trying not to destroy the back of my pants.

This is one of the premier events of the year for fitness professionals and entrepreneurs alike. And it’s taking place in an awesome city. What’s not to be excited about?2

The early bird special only lasts through June (and it’s an amazing price).

However, if you go HERE you’ll get an additional $100 OFF the early-price. BOM CHICKA BOM BOM.

Stuff to Read

6 Hip Mobility Drills Everyone Should Perform – Mike Reinold

The internet likes to dazzle us with advanced mobility drills that would make a Cirque du Soleil performer be like “what tha……?”

Loved this post by Mike outlining some of his favorite, simple, hip mobility drills that don’t require being a superhero.

Today’s Lifters Are Snowflakes – Charles Staley

The title alone should entice you enough to click and read.

As always, Charles nails it.

When to Work Harder, How to Work Smarter, and When to do Both – Nia Shanks

In light of a blog post a wrote last week with a similar vibe – Easy Training is Good Training – I felt this literary masterpiece by Nia was a nice compliment.

Social Media Shenanigans

**Admittedly, I was lame last week and wasn’t on social media much. I mean, I was in London for fuck’s sake.

Twitter

Instagram

Landmine Jump Squat. This is a variation I think I first saw @benbrunotraining talking about a few months ago. The “fixed” plane of the barbell makes it a bit more user friendly – especially for beginner & intermediate lifters – so as to jump and land on the same spot each time. An additional advantage is the rotary stability component of the drill. Because the barbell is on one side, the individual has to fight to stay upright more and engage the core musculature. All the same coaching cues apply here as with any other jump exercise: 1) End how you start. Notice how Dan (one of my collegiate baseball players) starts and ends with a degree of hip flexion; or “soft” knees. The idea is to ABSORB force (land quietly) and not with a thud. 2) he also sticks the landing and resets with each rep, which can then be progressed to more of a reactive exercise. I.e., limited ground contact time. Nice way to add a little jump/power development into your training.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/9/17

I’m abroad in London this weekend not hanging out with the Queen.

I’d be lying if I said I was a bit reticent about coming given the current climate. But every time I am here I’m reminded about how much I love this place – the people, the culture, the zippy public transportation.3

As this post goes live I’m either geeking out at the WWII Museum, walking along the South Bank, or reenacting scenes from the movie Notting Hill. You know, because that’s what cool people do.

“Oopsie Daisies”

Nonetheless I’m in London, and lets get to this week’s stuff.

Copyright: welcomia / 123RF Stock Photo

 

CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST (IT’S MOSTLY ABOUT ME)

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston

 

I’m really excited to announce this workshop in Boston later this summer.

 

The idea is simple: there’s a corner in the industry that’s underserved….mental skills. There are a lot of people out there who write about “mindset” and describe themselves as mindset coaches (whatever the heck that means) who, by and large, have zero academic background in that department.

Lisa went to school for this shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

Lisa can speak to building competency and discussing how to build the skills to develop rapport with clients. I can speak to getting people bigger, stronger, and faster.

Strong Body-Strong Mind = see you there?

To purchase you can go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3. Elite Athletic Development Sale Palooza

Mike Robertson and Joe Kenn’s flagship resource, Elite Athletic Development 1.0, 2,0, and 3.0, is on SALE this right not, through this weekend only, for $100 off each.

EAD 1.0 – dives into both Mike and Joe’s training/coaching philosophy

EAD 2.0 – goes rabbit hole deep into program design.

EAD 3.0 – goes into superb detail on specific topics like breathing, core training, youth athletics, and a host of other things.

Also, as a bonus, you can choose between either the DVD set or digital format.

Nothing, and I mean nothing compares to this series with regards to the art of coaching, program design, and making your athletes into badass mofos. If you’re a coach and are remotely interested in getting better, take advantage of this sale.

Stuff to Read

The Most Dangerous Exercise – T-Nation

I had the opportunity to chime in on this doozy of an article alongside the likes of Lee Boyce, John Rusin, Paul Carter, TC Luoma, Bret Contreras, Mark Dugdale, Dan John, Christian Thibaudeau, and a few other guys who make me look like a skinny Steve Rogers.

Some Tenets – Bas Barbell Club

A simple article with a simple premise: if you’re new to training and having a hard time differentiating between sound advice and eye-wash, this will point you towards the former.

How Should Runners Lift Weights – Jason Fitzgerald

Wait, runners (and endurance athletes in general) should lift weights?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Social Media Shenanigans

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Here’s a great example of sucking it up. I felt AWFUL warming up today for deadlifts. I like to use “indicator sets” as I’m building up to my work weight. And indicator set is a weight I know I can crush and perform with good bar speed. On deads this tends to hover in the 405-455 range. If I make it my bitch I know I can probably proceed. If not, and it feels like a bag of dicks on the way up, I know I likely need to adjust the plan that day. Today’s indicator set (455) didn’t feel great. Not bag of dicks level, but not too far off either. My top set today was supposed to be 525×2. I contemplated adjusting, but then said screw it, decided to pony up, and go for it. Not my prettiest set, but does go to show that sometimes you just need tell your inner dialogue to shut up and lift the damn weight. Happy I hit this today.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/2/17

Man oh man, can you believe it’s June? We had an unseasonable cold month (even for Boston standards) this past month, so I was glad to see May go, but seriously….June? Already?

I had a busy week this past week so I didn’t have ample opportunity to get much writing done, sorry! I do have some good ideas percolating around in my head for next week, so I promise to try to make up for it.

Nonetheless, here’s this week’s list of stuff to read….

Copyright: urfingus / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First (It’s All About Me)

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto & Boston

Lisa and I will be in Toronto in two weeks presenting our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop. We’re really excited since it will be our first family get-away since Julian was born.

We’re bringing him with us by the way….on a plane…..at four months old.

Holy shit, what the hell are we doing?4

There are still some seats available, and you can go HERE for more details.

However, we’re really excited to announce we’ll also be doing a workshop in Boston later this summer.

This graphic took me an hour to make. Not kidding.

The idea is simple: there’s a corner in the industry that’s underserved….mental skills. There are a lot of people out there who write about “mindset” and describe themselves as mindset coaches (whatever the heck that means) who, by and large, have zero academic background in that department.

Lisa went to school for this shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

Lisa can speak to building competency and discussing how to build the skills to develop rapport with clients. I can speak to getting people bigger, stronger, and faster.

Strong Body-Strong Mind = see you there?

To purchase you can go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

Stuff to Read

Hypertrophy-Stability-Motor Control Continuum – Sam Spinelli

Nice article from Sam Spinelli on Dean Somerset’s site on a concept I wish more fit pros would consider: finding the right “place” on the continuum where your clients possess ownership of movement via stability/motor control which then leads to hitting goals, whether they’re for function, performance, or aesthetics.

Bryce Harper vs. Hunter Strickland: The Ridiculousness of Basebrawling Shows Itself Again – Jeff Passan

Not fitness related, but I always enjoy Jeff’s writing.

Garbage reliever does a garbage job and does a garbage thing leading to a garbage scenario.

The Best Pelvic Floor Exercises: Beyond Kegels – Dr. Sarah Duvall

Dr. Duvall wrote an excellent article for this site a few weeks ago titled 5 Things to Consider With Postpartum Training. It was excellent because I have excellent taste in the people I choose to provide additional content on this site….;o)

Given she lives in Boston as well we decided to meet up yesterday in a local coffee shop. We got to talking about pelvic floor issues, specifically prolapse (because, what else do you talk about in a coffee shop?), and one sentence she said made me want to jump up and give her a high-five:

“Women need to lift heavy so that more serious shit doesn’t happen (I.e., prolapse). A three-year old isn’t light.”

Now, “heavy” in this sense is subjective. But all things considered, assuming proper exercise technique and progressions have been met, there’s no reason to think women can’t be more aggressive when trying to train postpartum.

I love her message and it’s quite a stark contrast from the litany of other “pelvic floor specialist” out there regurgitating drivel who have very little experience actually coaching people; let alone having the educational background to back their claims up.5

Social Media Shenanigans

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People “hang out” on their lower backs too much. It’s more back friendly to use your active restraints (muscle) than passive restraints (ligaments, bone) in an effort to gain stability. The latter is often why so many people’s backs hurt all the time. The top video is a prime example. Look at how I finish the lift…I sorta just “hang out” on my lumbar spine. Ouch. Alternatively, the bottom video showcases me engaging my abs (producing a flexion moment) to create more stability, better alignment, and less of a burden on my lumbar spine. Put another way: I’m not substituting lumbar extension for hip extension. And you see this in a plethora of other ways too: watch people perform carries, planks, or any number of exercises. Teach people to respect tension and to gain stability the right way. The small things matter.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/26/17

My cat is adorbs.

But lets get to this week’s stuff.

Copyright: urfingus / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1. Updated Speaking Gigs – Bath, UK and Boston, MA

I’ll be in London in two weeks for the Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint with Dean Somerset. Unfortunately it’s a “closed” event for Third Space employees only.

However, I will be making a cameo appearance in Bath on Friday, June 9th at Lift the Bar to put on a quickie 4-hour lecture/hands-on workshop titled The Shoulder: From Assessment to Badass. If you happen to be located in that neck of the woods you can go HERE for more information.

ALSO.

My wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, and I are excited to announce we’re putting on our Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop in our home turf in Boston.

It will be a small, intimate affair, so spots are limited. No joke.6 Early bird price is now in effect ($199), and CEUs will be made available via the NSCA.

To purchase you can go HERE.

***As a reminder, Lisa and I will also be in Toronto, ON in three weeks for Strong Body-Strong  Mind, and early bird rate is still going on for Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando in October. You can go HERE for more details on both.

2. Last Chance for Some Free Meat

The peeps over at ButcherBox are hooking my readers up.

I wrote about my experience with them earlier this week, but to summarize: they sent me some meat, I like meat, so now they want to send you some (free) meat too.

All this week readers of TonyGentilcore.com can get $10 off their initial order AND receive two additional, 10 oz. Ribeye steaks at no extra cost.

What’s not to love about that?

It’s a great service –  I mean, come on, meat, delivered to your door – and it’s soooooo good. The taste is readily apparent. Treat yourself. Go HERE and thank me later.

Stuff to Read

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body – Dr. Lisa Lewis

For some reason, especially in the fitness industry, people have this notion you have to persevere and “power through” when you’re feeling depressed or down.

If you hurt your knee or back when you train you attend to that right away

Your mental health is no different and is serious business. In her latest article for Girls Gone Strong, Dr. Lewis sheds some light on a very powerful topic.

3 Drills That Will Fix Your Power Clean – Michael Anderson

I don’t do a lot of OLY lifting, but when I do, I listen to Mike. He’s an excellent coach and this was an excellent article.

Understanding Pronation and Supination (and How it Relates to Overcoming Plantar Fasciitis – Rick Merriam

I thought this was a very interesting read and a nice reprieve from the “oh, your feet are fucked, might as well wear orthotics” diatribe.

Social Media Shenanigans

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Here’s an example of how paying meticulous attention to details and using the right coaching cues can make the most seemingly simple looking exercise more effective. Last night I was guiding @therealalexandrashow through one of @bretcontreras1 booty circuits. We got to the Quadruped Band Glute Raise and I noticed Alexandra was getting a bit more movement though her lower back than I’d like (top video). This defeats the purpose of the exercise (which is to bootify the glutes. Kinda hard to do when someone sacrifices hip extension for excessive lumbar extension). I told Alexandra to engage her abs more and to ONLY get movement from the hip (bottom video). She immediately felt a difference and noticed waaaay more booty. Pay attention coaches. Even the most subtle tweaks can make a huge difference in how an exercise feels and where someone feels it.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/19/17

I like ice-cream.

And lets get to this week’s stuff.

Copyright: donatas1205 / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

Last year Lisa and I had the privilege of presenting together in Austin, TX and London, UK, and we’re elated to be heading to Toronto next month to pick up where we left off.

It’s an event Lisa and I feel is needed and pinpoints a drastically underserved component in the fitness industry.

In a nutshell I spend part of the day breaking down assessment, program design, and technique on a few common lifts such as the squat, deadlift, get-up, and BOSU ball lunges (<— kidding).

Lisa speaks to more of the mindset and psychological side of the equation. She discusses strategies on how to better build rapport and “buy in,” in addition to encouraging more competency and autonomy with our clients/athletes.

All of which is a wonderful way to organically build your business and brand. And, you know, make more money….;o)

This, I feel, is what separates this workshop from others.

Lisa’s not some warm & fuzzy personal trainer who likes to talk about feelings and pretends to know what (s)he’s talking about.

She’s a real-live doctor and went to school for this shit. Plus, she lifts heavy things.

For more information and to sign up, please go HERE.

UPDATE: I believe CEUs have been added to the event. Woo-hoo!

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3. Latest Men’s Health Cameo.

I helped contribute to THIS article over on MH.com discussing the importance of recovery days: what they are and why they’re so important.

Stuff to Read

Your Warm-Up Doesn’t Have to Suck – Jaclyn Moran

Well, it doesn’t.

Why Fitness Goals Shouldn’t Be About Aesthetics – Brogan Driscoll

The Huffington Post (UK) interviewed my good friend, Luke Worthington, who’s not only the best looking man I know (I hate him), but also Head of Trainer Education for Third Space and a coach I respect a ton.

As always, he provides a ton of great advice.

The Case for Hypertrophy – Bryan Krahn

Bryan is such a good writer it makes me sick to my stomach.7

Social Media Shenanigans

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/12/17

Remember last week when I said I was going to switch gears and start doing this series earlier in the week rather than Friday?

Yeah, that was dumb.

We’re back to Fridays.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

Last year Lisa and I had the privilege of presenting together in Austin, TX and London, UK, and we’re elated to be heading to Toronto in about a month to pick up where we left off.

In a nutshell I speak to a little assessment talk, program design, and breaking down technique on a few common lifts such as the squat, deadlift, get-up, and BOSU ball lunges (<— kidding), and Lisa speaks to more of the mindset side of the equation and how we can help build better rapport and “buy in” with our clients/athletes. Not only that: but also how to encourage more competency and autonomy with your clients as well (both of which help you make more money).

For more information and to sign up, please go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3) Recent Podcast Appearances

Lift the Bar Podcast w/ Stuart Aitken

In this episode Stuart and I discuss entrepreneurial shenanigans and professional development.

The Strength Running Podcast

Endurance athletes and lifting weights. It’s a thing.

Stuff to Read

4 Steps to Deeper Learning – Mike Robertson

I have such a hard time absorbing information and retaining it. Mostly because there’s so much of it out there! I thoroughly enjoyed this post from Mike and took a lot from it.

4 Reasons to Do the Touch and Go Deadlift – Lee Boyce

I’m not going to lie: I’ve always been a coach who rolls his eyes at people who perform the touch-and-go deadlift.

As I always say, “it’s a DEADlift not a BOUNCElift.”

Hahahaha, get it?

Anyways, this article from Lee made me think twice about my idiocy.

The Effects of Eating a Truckload of Protein – Mike T. Nelson

“Out of all the things you could do to improve your health, performance, and body composition, worrying about too much protein is WAY down on the list. In fact, if you’re going to worry about protein at all, it might make more sense to worry about not getting enough.”

Social Media Shenanigans

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 5/2/17

For the past, well, I don’t know how long I’ve posted my “Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work” post every Friday.

This past Friday I did not post it. As a result the internet shut down.8

Okay, it didn’t…but it did feel weird not to post it. And while I’d like to sit here and say it was because of something cool like, say, I had a man-date with The Rock or I was fighting crime, the truth of the matter is, with my schedule being switched around with an infant in tow, it makes it easier to post at the start of the week rather than the end.

You didn’t really care? Oh, okay then….lets get right to it.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

Lisa and I are happy to announce we’re bringing back our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop.

Last year we had the privilege of presenting together in Austin, TX and London, UK, and we’re elated to be heading to Toronto, Ontario to pick up where we left off.

In a nutshell I speak to a little assessment talk, program design, and breaking down technique on a few common lifts such as the squat, deadlift, get-up, and blindfolded chainsaw juggling, and Lisa speaks to more of the mindset side of the equation and how we can help build better rapport and “buy in” with our clients/athletes.

For more information and to sign up, please go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3. The Bigness Project Re-Hatches

A make zero effort to hide my fandom of Jen Sinkler. I think she’s one of the kindest and most authentic human beings I know.

I also think she one helluva a coach and someone who’s a Jedi master at producing and curating quality fitness content. A few months she and Kourtney Thomas (another fantastic coach) released The Bigness Project.

If the title doesn’t give it away it’s alllllll about getting big or diesel or jacked (or whatever your adjective of choice is), and it’s directed towards women. Namely, it’s to prove a point: that women can and should train to add muscle (and not be afraid or timid to do so).

It’s an amazing 14-week program designed for women, by women and also includes a mindset component and thorough exercise glossary.

You need to act quick, though, because it’s being pulled from the virtual shelves by the end of this week. If you want to participate and get the Bigness, you have to go HERE by Friday.

Stuff to Read

MASS – Monthly Applications in Strength Sport – Greg Nuckols, Eric Helms, Mike Zourdos

If you’re a strength athlete, physique competitor, or just someone who likes to look like a brick shit house (or help people look that way) this will be right up your alley.

Every month, they sift through 50+ journals and 1,000+ studies to handpick the cutting-edge research that’s most relevant for building muscle, gaining strength, and getting leaner.  

Pretty much everyone who reads this site – except my mom – should be down with that.

If you want to stay on top of the research but, like me, hate reading research (nor have 40+ hours per month to dedicate to it) then this is a no-brainer.

Subscriptions can be monthly, yearly, or, for the all-out ballers out there, lifetime. This week only MASS is being offered at 20% OFF the regular price.

Go HERE to check it out.

Scaling the Squat – Zach Long & Andrew Millett

Having the ability to regress or progress an exercise based on the needs and ability level of an athlete/client is a skill that any fitness professional should strive to have.

This is never more apparent than when coaching the squat.

The phrase “it’s not so much about contraindicated exercises as it is about contraindicated lifters” never sings to high than in this article.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Formation Strength – Amanda Wheeler & Lori Lindsey

This is a newly minted website by two (more) coaches I respect a ton…Lori Lindsey and Amanda Wheeler.

It’s a site dedicated to former athletes and women and strives to articulate a message that goes against the status quo directed towards much of female fitness.

I encourage you to check it out.

Social Media Shenanigans

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Gratuitous cute Julian pic of the century. Sorry, I’m biased.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 4/21/17

The baby’s asleep, the baby’s asleep!

Okay, I have anywhere from 30-whateverthefuck minutes to get this written. Lets go.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

Lisa and I are happy to announce we’re bringing back our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop.

Last year we had the privilege of presenting together in Austin, TX and London, UK, and we’re elated to be heading to Toronto, Ontario to pick up where we left off.

In a nutshell I speak to a little assessment talk, program design, and breaking down technique on a few common lifts such as the squat, deadlift, get-up, and blindfolded chainsaw juggling, and Lisa speaks to more of the mindset side of the equation and how we can help build better rapport and “buy in” with our clients/athletes.

For more information and to sign up, please go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

3) MASS – Monthly Applications in Strength Sports

I was sent an advance copy of MASS last week and it’s stellar stuff.

It’s a monthly research review specifically curated for strength and physique athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts. Every issue of MASS is created by Greg Nuckols, Eric Helms, and Mike Zourdos.

I hate reading research. I can think of a number of things I’d rather do – wash my face with broken glass, go to a One Direction concert, talk about my feelings with my wife, so on and so forth. I’m not kidding, I hate it.

This is the perfect way for me to stay on top of the game without making my brain hurt: have other smart people I respect a ton break things down and interpret things for me….;o)

Greg, Eric, and Mike are giving away the first issue FREE. You know, to suck you in. But trust me: it’s worth it (I mean, it’s free). After the fact it will still be a very reasonably priced continuing education resource for all fitness professionals.

Check it out….HERE.

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work

Hip Flexor Tightness: The Most Common Error in Stretching – Dave Tilley

My head hurt from shaking in agreement so much while reading this article. This is something I harp all…the…time with clients/athletes and even when I speak to fitness professionals on the topic.

You (likely) don’t have “tight” hip flexors. And, how you’re stretching them is only feeding the problem in the first place.

If Your Doctor Doesn’t Work Out, It’s Time For a New One – Lee Boyce

I wish this dreamboat was my doctor…..;o)

This is a message I can get behind.

The health/wellness industry is all about being more REACTIVE than PROACTIVE. I get it: much of a doctor’s education is in treating ailments with medicine and not with the iron, and that’s cool. But I’d be remiss not to point out we’d likely get people sustained results by educating and nudging them to workout rather than pop pills.

Thanks for writing this Lee.

Wheat Belly Deception: Understanding Wheat, Insulin, and Fat Loss – Adam Bornstein

It’s one of the most popular books on weight loss. But here’s why Wheat Belly is a stomach full of weight-loss deception.

Social Media Shenanigans

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Always a good day at the office when a client hits a PR. Here’s Shukri hitting 355 lbs, and he makes it look easy. I started working with Shukri three months ago and we had to deconstruct his deadlift. His previous PR was 350 lbs, but in his own words it ” would make your eyes bleed.” He liked to pull conventional, but I switched him to modified Sumo as it allowed him to maintain a more upright torso and didn’t require as much upper back strength, a weak link we’ve been working on. With tweaks in hand, we had to revamp his approach starting at 225 lbs. Every week we focused on doing more work. Weird, linear periodization works…? This PR was a legit PR. Solid technique. The road to 400 is within reach.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 4/14/17

Lets get right to the chase shall we?

Copyright: urfingus / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1.  The Cutest Pic Ever. EVER!

After a hectic travel schedule the past two weeks it’s been a comedy of errors in trying to catch up on work, emails, programs, articles to write, sleep.

I had every intention of writing more content for the site this week, but life got in in the way. Namely, this little Gremlin:

But how can I be mad at that?

So freakin cute.9

2) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

Lisa and I are happy to announce we’re bringing back our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop.

Last year we had the privilege of presenting together in Austin, TX and London, UK, and we’re elated to be heading to Toronto, Ontario to pick up where we left off.

In a nutshell I speak to a little assessment talk, program design, and breaking down technique on a few common lifts such as the squat, deadlift, get-up, and blindfolded chainsaw juggling, and Lisa speaks to more of the mindset side of the equation and how we can help build better rapport and “buy in” with our clients/athletes.

For more information and to sign up, please go HERE.

3) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

Our Vancouver shindig in April sold out, but Dean and I have recently announced a stop in Orlando, FL later this year, October 21-22nd at Spark Fitness.

I’ve never been to Orlando. There’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign up.

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work

How to Build a Stubborn-Ass Muscle – T-Nation

Calves, traps, pecs, tibilias anterior, we all have stubborn areas of our bodies we’d like to make more jacked.

In this compilation article I was fortunate enough to help contribute to, seven amazing coaches chime in on how they were able to bust through a growth or strength plateau.

Flat vs. Round Back Deadlift – Adam Pine

Adam is one of the best deadlifters I have ever seen in person. He knows a thing or two about picking things up off the ground. I enjoyed this article/video; especially the part breaking down advantages/disadvantages of flat vs. round back deadlifts.

The Easiest Nutrition Fix for Fat Loss – Ashleigh Kast

I like to keep things simple.

This is simple.

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

Instagram

Lisa representing her Cut the S#!t Get Fit tshirt courtesy of @rafmatuszewski. No surprise, she busts it out on bench day.

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