CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: Any Day Now Edition

Normally my “Stuff to Read” post goes up on Fridays, but in the event I get called into action tomorrow I wanted to make sure I got this up early.

Copyright: oksix / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Soon I’ll be a dad. And soon my kid will be yelling at me “you’re ruining my life!”

*slams door*

I’m going to laugh so hard.

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. 2 Workshops Coming Up

Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Vancouver, April 1-2nd.

Dean Somerset and I will be in Vancouver that weekend to talk shoulders and hips and to start a tickle fight.

For more information and to sign up you can go HERE.

SUNY Cortland Health & Wellness Conference – Cortland, NY, April 8th

I’ll be at my alma mater the weekend of April 8th speaking at what I believe is the 4th or 5th annual SUNY Cortland Conference. Other guest speakers include my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, Mark Fisher, Brian St. Pierre, and Dr. David Just.

For more information you can go HERE.

2. Men’s Health

Check out THIS article I helped contribute to on MensHealth.com titled 6 Reasons You’ve Stopped Losing Weight.

HINT: it has nothing to do with starting a detox diet of Unicorn tears with a squeeze of lemon.

3. Oh, and this happened

In case you missed the title of the next Star Wars film was revealed the other day along with the poster.

Commence 11-month long nerd boner………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….now.

The Bigness Project: How to Look Like You Lift – Kourtney Thomas & Jen Sinkler

I received an advance copy of this program last week, and I love it. I love everything about it. Who says women can’t (or shouldn’t) train for size? Kourtney and Jen (pictured above) have done a really nice job coming up with a program targeted towards women (but men can do it to!) that’s well designed and complete with everything you’d need to be successful.

All I know is that my wife is sooooo excited to give this program a go once she gets the clear from her doctor. It’s on sale through this Friday night (1/27) so you don’t have much time left to save.

Shoulders: I Like Them Big, Buff, and Beautiful – Julia Ladewski

I think the pic says it all, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give this article a read.

“When you’re at the gym, or maybe the beach or even people watching at a fancy dinner event, what’s one of the first things you notice on a fit, in-shape woman?

Her legs? Maybe.

Her butt? Probably.

More often than not, her shoulders.  Why? They grab your attention. They are eye level and a fit woman’s shoulders pop.”

6 Foundational Movements That Every Person on Earth Needs to Master – John Rusin, et al.

I was pumped to be asked to contribute to this article, featuring knowledge bombs from other stellar coaches like John himself, Joel Seedman, Eric Bach, Dr. Ryan DeBell, Tim DiFrancesco, and Luka Hocevar.

The only movement not listed? Sparta kicking global warming in the face.

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NOTE: I was a slacker on IG this week and only posted this one about an hour ago. I suspect 1 million views by 6 PM. Give or take 995,000 or so.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/20/17

Lets get right to it shall we?

Copyright: donatas1205 / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. I Am Not Afraid to Lift: The Retreat

Save over $300 off registration with the Early Bird rate for I Am Not Afraid To Lift® – THE RETREAT with Artemis Scantalides, Julia Ladewski, and (my wife) Dr. Lisa Lewis on May 5-7, 2017 at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

Designed BY women FOR women this weekend retreat is sure to be a treat (<– HA, get it?) covering anything and everything with regards to lifting things (bodyweight, kettlebells, barbells), nutrition, and mindset training.

I’ll be there too, albeit on Daddy Day Care duty with a then 4-month old. Any dudes wanna hang out? Anyways, it’s going to be an amazing weekend and a lovely opportunity to surround yourself with other positive, powerful, intelligent, and unabashedly strong women.

Go HERE for more details.

2. Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Vancouver

Dean Somerset and I will be in Vancouver, BC, Canada the weekend of April 1-2nd, 2017 putting on your flagship workshop.

It may be the only time we’re on the west coast of North America all year so whether you have to hop on a plane, drive a few hours, or take a hovercraft….get there.

Go HERE for more info and to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD rate.

3. Push, Pull, Legs Podcast

In case you missed it earlier this week I made a cameo appearance on the Push Pull Legs Podcast.

And now this week’s list of stuff to read…

How to Look Like You Lift – Kourtney Thomas

I really dug this article from Kourtney Thomas. One quote stood out:

“Building a muscular physique requires deliberate work.”

It ain’t just gonna happen.

The Best Way to Get Motivated for the Gym – T-Nation

I had the pleasure of being asked to contribute to this article that was featured on T-Nation earlier this week. Having a little trouble motivating yourself to get to the gym? Know someone who feels the same way? Slide this article on their desk or pin it to their door. They’ll get the message.

4 Warm-Up Mistakes You’re Probably Making – Tony Bonvechio

Don’t worry: this won’t be your typical slap on the wrist article reminding you to do your warm-ups. And it won’t cause you to toss your face into a brick wall from sheer boredom (you know, cause most articles on the topic are boring as shit).

Tony’s a legit coach. Listen to him.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/13/17

It’s Friday the 13th.

Copyright: tang90246 / 123RF Stock Photo

 

I don’t know about you, but I never understood the Friday the 13th urban legend. Where did it come from? It can’t be all that bad.

Speaking of Fridays, guess what? Lisa got the “thumbs up” from her OB the other day and our little guy is good to go for his “launch” in two weeks. This time two Fridays from now I may be calling myself “Dad.”

Holy shitballs.

Stuff to Checkout Before You Read Stuff

1. I Am Not Afraid to Lift: The Retreat

Save over $300 off registration with the Early Bird rate for I Am Not Afraid To Lift® – THE RETREAT with Artemis Scantalides, Julia Ladewski, and (my wife) Dr. Lisa Lewis on May 5-7, 2017 at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

Designed BY women FOR women this weekend retreat is sure to be a treat (<– HA, get it?) covering anything and everything with regards to lifting things (bodyweight, kettlebells, barbells), nutrition, and mindset training.

I’ll be there too, albeit on Daddy Day Care duty with a then 4-month old. Or should I say doody? Anyways, it’s going to be an amazing weekend and a lovely opportunity to surround yourself with other positive, powerful, intelligent, and unabashedly strong women.

Go HERE for more details.

2. Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Vancouver

hipandshoulderfb-banner

Dean Somerset and I will be in Vancouver, BC, Canada the weekend of April 1-2nd, 2017 putting on your flagship workshop.

It may be the only time we’re on the west coast of North America all year so whether you have to hop on a plane, drive a few hours, or take a hovercraft….get there.

Go HERE for more info and to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD rate.

3. I helped contribute to THIS article via BuzzFeed News on Surprising Weight Loss Tips.  Lots of other smart coaches and trainers chimed in as well.

Lets get to this week’s list…

The Top 17 Nutrition Myths of 2017 – Kamal Patel

It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes an avalanche of information overload and hyperbole when it comes to what you should and shouldn’t be eating.

Kamal Patel of Examine.com sets the record straight on many of the more common myths circulating out there.

7 Lifting Rules That Actually Don’t Matter Much – Travis Pollen

“Rules” are meant to be broken. You know, like that one my wife makes about cleaning my dishes when I’m done with them and to not leave them in the sink. Pffffffft, whatever.1

Motivation vs. Dedication – Tanner Neuberger

I had a gentleman reach out to ask me to read his article and to tell him what I thought. Well, I thought it was good enough to post on this week’s list.

Sha-ZAM.

In short: YOU are in charge of your own change.

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Band assisted front squats. Many might utilize this variation because it looks badass (which is as good of a reason as any), but there actually are some legitimate benefits. 1) It allows trainees to “feel” what it’s like to hold heavier loads, so there’s a great CNS potentiation window involved, and a little confidence booster to boot. The accommodating nature of the band coincides with the force-velocity curve in that you’re getting more “assistance” in the ROM where you’re weakest and less where you’re biomechanically stronger. 2) In my client Mike’s case the bands also help him to stay more upright and not fall forward with the heavier load. We do make sure NOT to rely on the bands too much. In this block there’s another day where no bands are used and we utilize more sub-maximal weight. 3) It looks soooo badass. Creaky pegs aren’t mandatory: FYI….?

A video posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 1/6/17

Lets get right to things shall we?

Copyright: vimvertigo / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1.Push Pull Legs Podcast

My wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis made an appearance on the Push Pull Legs Podcast recently discussing the psychology behind lifting heavy things, getting women to strength train, and training during pregnancy. She’s a superstar!

Check it out HERE.

2. The 3-Week Beginner Workout Plan

I was asked to contribute to THIS recent article on MensHealth.com detailing a beginner 3-week workout plan outlined by stud trainer BJ Gaddour with myself taking the reigns on what to do after the initial three weeks.

3.  The Lifting Dead

I also had an article go up recently on BodyBuilding.com outlining the benefits of dead exercises. Namely, how the Dead Squat, Dead Bench, Dead Row, and Dead 1-Legged RDL can help you blast through sticking points.

You can check that out HERE.

5. I’m Coming to Vancouver

Dean Somerset and I just booked out first speaking gig together for 2017, and it’s in lovely Vancouver the weekend of April 1-2nd. We’ll be putting on our Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint workshop.

For all the deets you can go HERE.

5. COREssentials

And lastly, we’re getting prepped to launch our 6-week beginner course at CORE. Granted I’m biased but I feel this program is going to help a lot of people and help them get over the hump of being intimidated by strength training.

What will differentiate this program from others is that, in addition to the sick techno & house music the stellar coaching on teaching the basics, there will also be a nutrition and mindset component too. The idea is to meet up in 2x per week in a group training format with (optional) nutrition and mindset 60-90 minute breakouts every other weekend.

core-02

The course will start in a few weeks and there will only be 10 spots made available.2

For more information please use the Contact function HERE.

And on that note lets get to this week’s list of Stuff to Read…

Is Your Upper Body Holding Your Back Squat – Andrew Millett

An often overlooked snafu with regards to one’s ability to back squat well is shoulder mobility; or lack thereof.

In this article Andrew offers some excellent drills to help you be less sucky in that area.

Basic Anatomy of Stretching the Quads – Dr. Ryan DeBell

Ryan helps to break down the (basic) anatomy of all the quadricep musculature and how to more effectively stretch them.

IASTM & Foam Rolling: Do They Work How You Thought? – Dr. Jarod Hall

This is an older article (but it’s new to me). It’s awesome.

HINT: foam rolling does not break up adhesions and scar tissue.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 12/23/16

Happy Holidays everyone!

Copyright: bravissimos / 123RF Stock Photo

 

I hope all of you have a safe and happy Holiday this weekend.

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. COREssentials

Beginning in mid-January 2017 I’ll be offering a new 6-week “beginner course” at CORE, called COREessentials. Get it?

The idea is to champion FOUR things:

1. Building Autonomy
2. Building Accountability
3. Building Competency
4. Building Community
5. BONUS: to build you into one sexy motherfucker.

Okay, that’s five things…but hopefully you get the idea. The program is going to target beginner level lifters who may either be lost in their training – just kind of haphazardly piecing together workouts with no rhyme or reason – or who may be intimidated altogether with the idea of strength training. The umbrella goal is to build focus and purpose with training.

The Deets

START DATE: Mid-January, 2017. Likely Monday, January 16th.

1. Groups will meet 2x per week at CORE (250 Cypress St, Brookline, MA) in predetermined AM and PM time slots.

2. Sessions will be 60-75 minutes in length and each one will be supervised by strength coach Jarrod Dyke, CSCS (I’ll be making cameo appearances as well and will be involved with the programming). The course will stress the basics – teaching participants various bodyweight, kettlebell, and (sometimes) barbell based movements designed to set the stage for continued success and growth (you know, that autonomy thing mentioned above).

3. There will also be a nutrition/mindset component as well. Shannon Wheel, a Boston-based Registered Dietitian, will be holding a few sessions throughout the course of 6-weeks covering nutrition as well as helping participants develop behavioral-based habits to compliment the training.

Too, my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, a behavioral and exercise psychologist, will be offering a mindset component designed to augment the process. She’ll tackle what goes on in our heads, and how to best curtail the roadblocks and negative self-talk that often hampers progress.

4. Weekly “homework/reading” assignments will be part of the process, along with email correspondence from the coaches to help keep participants on task.

5. There will also be a lot of EDM and 90’s hip-hop played (if I’m coaching anyways), and the likelihood of spontaneous dance or rap battles breaking out will be very high.

If you’d like more information or you know someone in Boston who may be a good candidate for this program please use the “Contact” function HERE.

On to this week’s list of stuff to read

So You Want My Advice For Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain? DON’T Avoid It – PJ Striet

Yes, yes, and yes.

This is the EXACT message I relay to people during this time of year. The fear mongering and demonizing involved with having the audacity to indulge in yummy food this time of year is absurd.

Awesome read from PJ. Loved how he broke down the “math” and explained things.

Strength Coaches Opinions of Physical Therapists – MyRehabExpert.com

I had the opportunity to offer my opinion in this compilation article – also featuring Eric Cressey, Mike Boyle, Dan John, Bret Contreras, Alwyn Cosgrove, and many others – describing:

  • Scenarios where we felt a physical therapist dropped the ball on a client.
  • What we tend to look for in a quality physical therapist.

20 Strength Coaches You Should Follow on Instagram – STACK.com

Looking for some new coaches/trainers to follow on Instagram, and not just those “fake” ones that have a 717:1 (Selfies:Actual Content) ratio? This was great list compiled my STACK.com and I was very honored be included. Kinda surprised, actually, considering all the cat pictures I post.

Social Media Highlights

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Lisa will be 35 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Forget the idea that we’re quickly approaching the “shit is now getting real” window and that I’m equal parts excited and trying not to destroy the back of pants. How cool is it that Lisa’s still getting after it in the gym? Strength training through pregnancy can be a tricky thing and I always default to how the woman feels and whether or not anything makes her feel weird. Prior experience plays a key role here. In Lisa’s case: 20+ years of strength training prior (and the load used in this video – 155 lbs – is no where near her 1RM). All that said I do find there’s still a lot of stigma with training through pregnancy and unfortunately many women are told to stop lifting weights. Of course no pregnancy is the same, but assuming one is healthy and has experience there’s no reason not to keep up with it. Modifications need to be addressed as a woman progresses (in the case of the video above we elevated the trap bar, even with high handle setting, to accommodate for her belly), but we need to do a better job at relaying the message that pregnancy is NOT a disease and doesn’t mean you have to be relegated to the elliptical and pink dumbbells.

A video posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 12/16/16

Okay, which one of you nerds went to go see Rogue One last night? Without giving away any spoilers, on a scale of 1-10 (1 = being forced to give Jabba the Hut a sponge bath and 10 = owning your own X-Wing), how good was it?

Lisa and I are set to see it Christmas Eve and I can’t wait. And since I haven’t see it (yet) there’s no point in dilli-dalli’ing around: lets get to this week’s stuff to read.

Copyright: epokrovsky / 123RF Stock Photo

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

Some of you may recall me mentioning a 6-week program I was going to run out of my studio, CORE, this past fall. Long story short: I mentioned it and then asked people to contact me via email if they were interested.

Little did I know that my Contact Me function on my website was being an asshole at the time and it never relayed any of the messages people had sent. I figured no one liked me and that I should just pack up and move to Milwaukee. Because, you know, why not?

Fast forward a few weeks and I suddenly had an epiphany and realized there must have been a glitch. I went into my dashboard on WordPress and low & behold I had 150 or so unanswered emails that had been sent my way that I never responded to. 10-15 of them were from people asking about the 6-week program. FML

Oh, before I forget, I need to answer a few here:

  1. Yes, Matt Damon, we can hang out.
  2. I’d love to have you sponsor the website Audi. You can send the car over next week.
  3. Infraspinatus.
  4. Preheat oven at 425 degrees. Let settle for 20 minutes. Enjoy.

Okay, thanks for waiting. So, back to this 6-week program.

COREssentials

I’m going to be starting a new 6-week “beginner course” at CORE starting in mid-January of 2017.

The idea is to champion FOUR things:

1. Building Autonomy
2. Building Accountability
3. Building Competency
4. Building Community
5. BONUS: to build you into one sexy motherfucker.

Okay, that’s five things…but hopefully you get the idea. The program is going to target beginner level lifters who may either be lost in their training – just kind of haphazardly piecing together workouts with no rhyme or reason – or who may be intimidated altogether. The goal is to build all of the above in addition to focus and purpose with training.

The Deets

START DATE: Mid-January, 2017. Likely Monday, January 16th.

1. Groups will meet 2x per week at CORE (250 Cypress St, Brookline, MA) in predetermined AM and PM time slots.

2. Sessions will be 60-75 minutes in length and each one will be supervised by strength coach Jarrod Dyke (I’ll being making cameo appearances as well and will be involved with the programming). The course will stress the basics – teaching participants various bodyweight, kettlebell, and (sometimes) barbell based movements designed to set the stage for continued success and growth (you know, that autonomy thing mentioned above).

3. There will also be a nutrition/mindset component as well. Shannon Wheel, a Boston-based Registered Dietitian, will be holding a few sessions throughout the course of 6-weeks covering nutrition as well as helping participants develop behavioral-based habits to compliment the training.

Too, my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, a behavioral and exercise psychologist, will be offering a mindset component designed to augment the process. She’ll tackle what goes on in our heads, and how to best curtail the roadblocks and negative self-talk that often hampers progress.

4. Weekly “homework/reading” assignments will be part of the process, along with email correspondence from the coaches to help keep participants on task.

5. There will also be a lot of EDM and 90’s hip-hop played (if I’m coaching anyways), and the likelihood of spontaneous dance or rap battles breaking out will be very high.

If you’d like more information for you or someone who may know in Boston who may be a good candidate for this program please use the “Contact” function HERE. <— It works this time.

And now this week’s list:

What the Top Fitness and Rehab Experts Are Doing Differently This Year – Mike Reinold

Was cool to be asked by Mike to contribute to this piece. Lots of very smart coaches detailing how they’re always still learning and trying to get better.

Egos in the Strength and Conditioning Industry: Written by Not a Male – Erica Sutter

Ever wonder what not to do in the industry to make a name for yourself? Erica provides some feedback.

Super Simple Guide to Writing Kick-Ass Training Programs – Chris Merritt & Todd Bumgardner

Been making my way through this product this week and it’s not surprising that I love it. Chris and Todd are two coaches I respect a ton and whom you should be listening to (if you aren’t already). There’s a reason why many coaches turn to THEM to make them better coaches.

Learn what it takes to become more efficient with writing effective training programs. Sale price ends this weekend. Go!

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Ain’t nuthin but a G thang.

A photo posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 12/9/16

Hey guess what?

Only seven more days until Rogue One opens. I’m not excited at all. Nope, not me. No excitement here.

I do have to admit something, though, and it’s not going to win me any nerd cred. In fact, I may lose some.

I’m not going to go see it opening weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A

 

I know, I know…how can I call myself an avid Star Wars fan and not go see it opening weekend? What kind of nerd am I? What’s next? Saying The Hobbit trilogy is better than LoTR? That Pluto is, in fact, a planet? Or that I never thought about how could Superman possibly have sex with Lois Lane and not, you know, kill her?3

Here’s the deal: last year when The Force Awakens came out my wife and I practiced a degree of delayed gratification and held off seeing it until Christmas Eve. We treated it as an early Xmas gift to one another and then followed suit with an all-you-can-eat steak dinner at Fogo de Chao.

When you think about it that’s a pretty stellar evening, right? So when we knew Rogue One was coming out around the same time this year we decided it would be nice to repeat it. Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” more than X-Wing vs. AT-ACT Walker battles.

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. The Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete

TODAY (12/9) is the last day to save $100 off this awesome product. There’s very little resources out there dedicated solely to developing the (complete) female athlete. Adam Feit and Bobby Smith (along with Mary Kate Feit and Dr. Sharon Wentworth) really do a superb job at breaking down everything from assessments and ACL prevention to developing linear/lateral speed to jump training to strength to power to E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G

It’s professionally filmed and there are also CEUs available to help add a little more value. But honestly, the resource itself is MORE than enough. You’d be crazy not to take advantage of this if you’re a coach who works with female athletes.

Check it out HERE.

2. Manchester By the Sea

 

Lisa and I saw this last weekend and loved it. It’s heartbreaking, but the sprinkling of comedic relief (mostly via interactions between Casey Affleck’s character and his nephew) provide for a well-rounded experience. This is definitely in my top-5 so far this year, and I don’t really see it being nudged out in any way.

If you get the opportunity to see it, I’d highly recommend it.

And now, lets get to this week’s list of stuff to read.

The Sneaky Adductors – Julie Read

This is a little bit of an older post (from this past June), but I came across it this past week and have been impressed with Julie’s work. I can appreciate her sense of humor and writing style.

Her info is spot on, but what’s even more impressive is her art-work. It’s amazing. The cool thing? If you join her newsletter you can get access to all of her prints. I’m going to print them all out, frame them, and put them up in my gym.

Should Personal Trainers Give/Receive Gifts During the Holidays? – Tim Henriques

This was a very thorough breakdown of what can be an awkward or dicey situation for some trainers and coaches out there.

Note to my clients: the answer is yes. Yes, trainers should receive gifts. Especially in the form of beef jerky and/or all expenses paid trips to where ever….;o)

What to Eat During the Holidays: Be Human, Win the Week, & EAT IT ALL – Chris Hitchko

My Yahoo homepage is flooded with stories left and right about how to go about “managing” the holidays with regards to food consumption.

Chris reminds us that restricting yourself isn’t the path to happiness. Eat what you want.

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The latest edition to CORE. A subtle reminder to patrons on bathroom etiquette…?

A photo posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 12/2/16

Lets talk movies for a second. Because, why not?

Copyright: dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo

 

We’re smack dab in the middle of the time of year where most of the studios release their “Oscar bait” movies, and there’s still a ton of them I need to see. My current “to see” list includes:

  • Manchester By the Sea
  • Moonlight
  • Denial
  • Jackie
  • Allied
  • Sharknado 17
  • Elle
  • Fences

Anyone reading see anything listed? Thoughts? I was reflecting, though, on what have been my favorite movies I’ve seen so far this year?

In no particular order: Hell or High Water, Arrival, Green Room, Jason Bourne, Morris From America, Sully, Don’t Breath, The Invitation, and, while I haven’t seen it yet, do you really think I’m not going to put Rogue One on this list?4

 

What are some of your favorites you’ve seen in 2016? Looking forward to anything in particular?

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. I’ve been really enjoying the Complete Guide to Training the Female Athlete. As noted in yesterday’s interview with one of the coaches involved, Adam Feit, there aren’t many resources out there dedicated to the female athlete, so it’s been refreshing (and, admittedly, eye opening: there’s a lot of cool stuff in there) to dive in.

 

If you’re someone who works with female athletes you’d be crazy not to give this resource your attention. It’s currently on sale for $100 off the regular price. Check it out HERE.

2. I’m attempting to start the process of planning my 2017 travel schedule. I’ve had a few people reach out expressing interest in inviting me to their location to put on a workshop. There’s a slight monkey-wrench coming to fruition this coming January with a baby on the way, but I still have every intention of traveling if or when the opportunity presents itself.

So, whether you’re looking for a Tony G show, a Tony + Dean (Somerset) event, or even a Tony + Lisa shindig (Strong Body-Strong Mind), please shoot me an email.

3. I wrote what I think is a pretty good article for Men’s Health recently on mistakes a lot of people make with fat-loss programs.

In short: they should be called MUSCLE-RETENTION programs. You can check that out HERE.

4. Anthony Renna invited me onto his new Stop and Give Me 20 Podcast. Short and sweet (and awesome).

Give it a listen HERE.

Lets get to this week’s list.

10 Things I Learned in 10 Years as a Kettlebell Instructor – Dan Cenidoza

Even if kettlebells aren’t your bag, you’ll still gain a lot of insights from this article.

What You Need to Know About Your Athletic Daughter – Mary Kate Feit

A sorta “PSA” geared towards parents who are on the fence about their young daughters lifting weights or doing anything in the gym that doesn’t involve an elliptical machine.

The Ultimate Guide to Landmine Presses – Nick Tumminello

I always love Nick’s perspective and innovative way of thinking. I wish my brain worked like his.

Social Media Highlights

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My fitness roots. In the summer of 1996, after my freshman year of college, I came home for summer break and was pumped to hear that a gym opened up in my hometown of Groton, NY. Prior to that the only access to weights I had was my high school’s gym that was more or less a dungeon. The Groton Fitness Center was my first gym home and foray into expanding my fitness horizons. I remember picking the brains of the older jacked guys who trained there, one of which told me to start putting raw eggs into my protein shakes. I totally did it. It was also the place where I was introduced to EDM. One of the bodybuilders who trained there listened to it when he worked out, and I always made sure to workout at the same time. This is where Tony’s Techno Tuesdays began. You’re welcome @cresseysportsperformance. It was also the gym where I’d perform all the T-Nation.com programs I’d come across. In many ways it was the place that allowed me to plant the seeds of what I was to become as a fitness professional. Lots of personal history happened passed that red door you see in the picture. It was such a treat to stop by today to get a lift in and to reminisce. I’m sure many of you also have a sacred gym space you adore. I hope you do.

A photo posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 11/18/16

Lets jump right into it.

Copyright: maglara / 123RF Stock Photo

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1. Hey, hey, hey…it’s my wife’s Birthday tomorrow. Anyone who knows Lisa well knows how much she loves b-days.

lisa-on-london-bridge

Year 36 was a huge year for her. It was her first FULL year of life being married, which was excellent of course. She traveled with me to Europe, twice. Also excellent. And she’s currently busy building a human being inside her. Like, whoa.

In addition, she started to make some waves within the fitness industry this past year. She’s made numerous appearances on several health/fitness podcasts, our Strong Body-Strong Mind workshop we do together became a thing (NOTE: we’re taking requests for 2017), and she and Artemis Scantalides are building something special with their I Am Not Afraid to Lift workshops.

In fact, the two of them (along with Julia Ladewski) are putting on a stellar retreat in Arizona next year.

It’s designed by women for women.

If you’re a woman and interested in being surrounded by other like-minded women in learning anything and everything with regards to kettlebell training, the barbell lifts, nutrition, and mindset strategies…this event is going to be right up your alley.

You can go HERE to check out more details.

And finally……LISA JOINED FACEBOOK in 2016! You can go HERE and “friend” her if you want. I’m sure she’d love a b-day shout out.

2. I also wanted to take the opportunity to remind people about the Pedestal Footwear Kickstarter that’s currently underway. I’m a big fan and fully support their product and mission.

They’re only three-days in and 80% towards their goal. Amazing stuff.

Take a look….

3. One more day down until the premier of Rogue One. Not that I’m excited or anything.

And now, the stuff you should read….

6 Reasons You Should Care About Your Poop Health – Krista Scott-Dixon

As if I could resist sharing something like this.

Despite my cheeky, juvenile tone…this is actually a very serious topic and wonderful article explaining what it means when your poop looks a certain way. It actually tells you a lot.

There Is No Such Thing As a “Girl” Version of an Exercise – Meghan Callaway

I think the title says it all.

Fit Pros: the words you use matter.

The easiest culprit to toss under the bus here is the “girl” push-up. I hate, nay, I fucking hate the connotation it breeds.

“Oh, you’re a girl, you’re weak and frail, so we’re going to do this (shitty) exercise instead.”

No, stop it.

How to Be a Good Fitness Writer – Erica Sutter

I’m a sucker for energy drinks, Star Wars references (obviously), deadlift videos, and articles about writing.5

I found this article to be brilliant in its simplicity.

No other way to summarize than to quote Erica directly from an exchange we had the other day when I said how much I enjoyed this article:

“No easy answer but just to write, screw up, and get better!”

BTW: About the only other way the picture above could be more staged (perfect posture, smiling, cup of coffee within arms reach) is if Erica had a copy of Stephen King’s “On Writing” underneath the cup of coffee. Pffft, amateur….;o)

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 11/11/16

First things first: thank you.

I’ve been laying low on the writing front lately recovering from last week’s launch, and realized I never took the time to say those two words.

Thank you to everyone who purchased the Complete Shoulder and Hip Blueprint last week. It was a surreal experience on my end to have so many people lend their support and say such kind things about the resource.

Copyright: szefei / 123RF Stock Photo

As first product launches go I’d say it was a splendid success. I’d rank it somewhere between Miracle Mop and iPhone territory. Give or take a few dozen million units sold.

I may write something about my experience with the whole shebang down the road. I’ll discuss things like why I waited so long, why I chose this particular product, how Dean and I went about setting everything up for the launch, things I learned, mistakes I made, and whether or not I drank enough caffeine to kill a T-rex.6

Would that be something people would be interested in checking out and reading?

PS: psst, if you missed the party you can go HERE.

Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

1) No big deal…A Tribe Called Quest released their first album in 18 years today.

I was a junior in college the last time they released an album. Well, shit.

I grew up listening to 90s rap (and Tribe in particular) and remember the first time I listened to The Low End Theory…which I still feel is the best hip-hop album of all time and is still in heavy rotation for me. I can’t express how excited I am for this. I have a feeling that today’s squat sesh will be a good one.

2) I Am Not Afraid to Lift Retreat

Artemis Scantalides, Julia Ladewski, and my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis just announced this amazing event.

It’s designed by women for women.

If you’re a woman and interested in being surrounded by other like-minded women in learning anything and everything with regards to kettlebell training, the barbell lifts, nutrition, and mindset strategies…this event is going to be right up your alley.

You can go HERE to check out more details.

If it’s any consolation I’ll be there too, but I’ll be on baby-watching duty. By the time this event happens Lisa and I will have a 4-month old, and I figure he and I can hit up the pool area or maybe head out to the Glute Lab and chill with Bret Contreras. My little guy has gotta learn about glutes sooner or later….;O)

3) Advanced Kettlebell Ballistic Workshop at CORE

Also, speaking of Artemis: she’ll also be hosting an Advanced KB Ballistic Workshop at my gym in Boston on Sunday, December 11th.

You can go HERE for more details and to sign-up (under EVENTS).

And now….stuff to read.

The Most Important Lesson From Lifting – T-Nation

A bunch of solid coaches – myself included – provide some of their “life-lessons” learned from years of working with iron.

Give it a read. There are plenty of inspiring insights.

Small Biz Owners: Ask Yourself This Question Everyday – Doug Spurling

This one is short, but so, so sweet.

Want to separate yourself from the masses…do this.

Prescribing a Walk in the Woods – Kevin Carr

Humans are designed to move. So, MOVE will ya.

Kevin Carr breaks down some of the science behind one of the most UNDERrated forms of exercise there is.

Social Media Highlights

I see many of my colleagues doing this and figured I’d jump in on the action. You know, cause I’m important.

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Front squats. The bane of my existence. I’ve never been sound with these and have never placed much emphasis on them in my training. And it shows. I suck at them. Well, as I tell my clients: “the only way you’re going to get better at something is by doing it.” And by following a program that someone else writes so you HAVE to do them….?. This was my 3rd set (of 4) of 4 reps with 250 lbs. Some cues I like to use with myself: 1) big air and brace like a mofo. 2) don’t pass out. That’s pretty much it. Funky beats optional. You can follow along with the program I am currently using at drjohnrusin.com/FHT-program and use the promo code TG10 to save some money. Maybe buy a bag or two of beef jerky. Scrumptious.

A video posted by Tony Gentilcore (@tonygentilcore) on