CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 3/18/16

As many of you are aware, yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day. I don’t think I have to tell you that Boston L.O.V.E.S St. Patrick’s Day.

Not only does Boston host one of the most baller St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country1, but the city more or less shuts down for the day to jointly celebrate what’s known as Evacuation Day; a holiday that commemorates the evacuation of all the drunk people on Boylston St after the parade British forces from city of Boston following the Siege of Boston, early in the Revolutionary War.

So there you go, a little Boston history lesson for you. Who said you never learn anything on this site?

Lets get to this week’s stuff to read.

Complete Core Training – Mike Robertson

I trust Mike as a coach so much and respect the quality of content he routinely releases, that he could title something “Eat This Giant Pile of Hippopotamus Shit and You’ll Deadlift a Bulldozer,” and I’d buy it.

What this resource is NOT: a video database of unique and zany abdominal exercise you can wow your clients with on Monday.

What this resource IS: a thorough and detailed overview detailing Mike’s SYSTEM when it comes to “core” training. Which, really, is training everything.

Whether you’re a fitness professional or someone who takes his or her’s training more seriously than the average person, this would make an excellent addition to your knowledge repertoire.

As an FYI: TODAY (Friday, March 18th) is the last day to save 50% off the regular price. Go HERE and thank me later.

Business for Unicorns: The Ultimate Hiring Guide – Michael Keeler

Hire PEOPLE, not RESUMES. It’s a line I stole from Cressey Sports Performance business director, Pete Dupuis.

It’s important to hire people who are the right fit for your business in many facets: personality, work-ethic, demeanor, favorite Game of Thrones character. You know, the important stuff.

Hiring the wrong person can be a major bummer, not to mention cost you and your business major coin.

Mark Fisher Fitness business director, Michael Keeler, wrote this gem of an article on their hiring process…which even offers many parallels towards other’s OUTSIDE the fitness business.

The 12 Most Overrated Supplements – Dr. Chris Mohr

Somewhere out there a 155 lb millennial is shaking his fists at the sky: Noooooooooooooo.

TG Apparel

Did you know you can purchase some sexy TG apparel? You totes can.

Go HERE to get your t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants galore.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 3/11/16

Pardon the visual, but I’m recovering from the epic nerd-boner I got this morning after watching the final trailer for Captain America: Civil War.

How nuts/amazing/OMGSHUTUPANDTAKEMYMONEY was that?

May 6th can’t come soon enough. Much to my wife’s chagrin, you know I’m going to be one of those guys who wants to show up at the IMAX theater three hours early so I can nerd out with other nerds and show off my sweet new Captain A t-shirt (which, not coincidentally, makes me pecs look ultra pecy).

A few things before we get to this week’s list:

1) In case you missed it earlier this week, I announced a new apparel line. Relax, I’m not going all Kanye West and charging $125 for a plain t-shirt.

Nothing fancy. Just some t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants (tanks coming soon2) that have my logo on them; including a special edition “Because Heavy Things Won’t Lift Themselves” version.

Not that I’m biased or anything, but I think they’re pretty baller.

You can go HERE to check things out for yourself.

2) There’s only a few days left to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD special for mine an Dean Somerset’s Complete Hip & Shoulder Workshop at Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance in Seattle, WA this April. Go HERE for more details.

3) Also, I’ll be at Warhorse Barbell in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, April 24th for a 1-day workshop titled The Shoulder: From Assessment to Badass. For more details go HERE.

The Subtle But Essential Role of the Triceps Brachii in the Deadlift – Dr. Michael Hartle

Subconsciously I’ve been using this cue myself for years…but never really realized 1) that I was doing it and 2) why it’s so essential for deadlift performance.

After reading this I had a few my clients use this cue last night and it worked like magic. Very cool.

A Strong Mind Is a Strong Body – Dr. Lisa Lewis on the Nia Shanks Podcast

That’s my girl!

My wife made a cameo appearance on the Nia Shanks Podcast to discuss the importance of mindset and strength training…especially with regards to women.

The key point: we need to stop “should’ing all over ourselves.”

If this is a topic you’re interested in, Lisa and Artemis Scantalides will be down in the Baltimore, MD area next month at Dauntless Fitness and Health putting on their I Am Not Afraid to Lift: Power of Mindset Edition workshop.

For more details go HERE.

How to Find Your Brand’s Disruptive Opportunity – Ronell Smith

What do fishing lures, Facebook, and encouraging “disruptive” behavior have to do with building your brand? This was an excellent and informative read.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 3/4/16

Happy House of Cards Day!

Earlier this week I reminded my wife that season 4 of House of Cards came out on Netflix on Friday (today), and to say she was a wee bit excited would be an understatement.

On Wednesday she was like, “I can not WAIT for House of Cards weekend.”

That’s more or less going to be our weekend this weekend. Binge watching the shit out of HoC.

I picked out which pair of sweatpants I’m going to wear and Lisa picked out her bottle of wine. Who says romance is dead?

On that note, lets jump into this week’s list of stuff to read.

Quick Reminder: SEATTLE – there are spots still available for mine and Dean Somerset’s Complete Hip and Shoulder Workshop at Vigor Ground & Fitness Performance on April 9-10th. Go HERE for more details.

The Importance of Hip Internal Rotation for Acceleration and Deceleration in Athletes – Trevor Rappa

I’ll just quote myself from the Tweet I made the other day:

“This article made me sexually excited.”

Haiti: Hope and a History of Suffering – Bryan Krahn

This article is why Bryan is one of my favorite writers. Not just fitness writers…I mean, WRITERS.

There’s no talk of drop sets, biceps, or how everyone should eat Paleo in this article. Just some damn fine writing on a heart-wrenching topic.

Complete Jumps Training – Adam Feit

 

TODAY (3/4) is the last day to take advantage of the initial sale price (50% off) on Complete Jumps Training by strength coach, and guy I hate because I can’t jump as high as him, Adam Feit

Simply put…

If you are looking for a blueprint for jump training that you can add immediately to your own sports training program to make your athletes more explosive, then I recommend you check out Complete Jumps Training.

No BS and no stupid ankle weights.  Just smart, intelligent, well-thought out progressions to make you and your athletes beasts. Go HERE for more info.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 2/26/16

 

Before we dive into this week’s list:

1) Be sure to check out my updated speaking schedule HERE. Early bird rate still applies for mine and Dean Somerset’s workshop at Vigor Ground Fitness in Seattle at …..hint, hint, nudge, nudge.

2) Still haven’t tried Athletic Greens? What’s the dealo? Check THIS out for 50% of your first month.

3) Annnnnnnnnd this…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbdCPl1RIoM

 

5 Ways Trainers Need to Improve – Nick Tumminello

Supreme writing by Nick on this one, and he hits the nail on the head.

Point #1 really resonated with me: “Some trainers are doing half-ass physical therapy, not training.”

Understanding Mobility – Dean Somerset

One of the most thorough articles in recent memory on what “mobility” really is and how we can effectively train for it (if it’s deemed necessary). Hint: it rarely involves stretching.

ISOs and High-Tension Lifting: Why They Make Sense – Todd Bumgardner

Hmmmm, interesting.

Also, Don’t Forget

To check out Simple Shoulder Solution by Max Shank. It was just released this week, and is getting awesome feedback.

It takes a more unconventional approach to shoulder health, but that’s what I dig about it. I LIKE when coaches think outside the box and take more of a “lets do some cool shit and train” mentality. I’m 100% stealing some of his material. But, you know, giving credit. Max could kick my ass in 2.3 seconds.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 2/19/16

I’m heading to NYC this weekend to hang out with my boy Mark Fisher and his clan of unicorn loving ninjas.

For those of you who live in New York it’s a wonderful place. Their tagline “Ridiculous Humans. Serious Fitness” is so on point.

I mean, where else can you find people squatting, deadlifting, and performing immaculate kettlebell swing and Turkish get-ups, all while wearing speedos and capes and participating in spontaneous ABBA sing-a-longs?

Not to mention this happened the last time I visited….erotic bicep curls paired with squats.

 

I’ll be in town for the second iteration of the Motivation and Movement LAB.  I was honored to be invited to speak at the inaugural event last year, and was elated to witness how well-received it turned out to be.

It sold out on it’s first go. Pretty sweet.

It’s a bit of a different flavor compared to most fitness events:

  • Swearing is highly encouraged.
  • Sexual innuendos are also highly encouraged.
  • Each presenter gives a 25 minute TED-like presentation, followed by a 45 minute hands-on portion.
  • Dance-offs optional.

I had blast attending last year and was very happy I was invited back for the second go around in 2016. This time it’s a 2-Day event, eight presenters in all. I’m actually car-pooling with two them from Boston – Pete Dupuis and Artemis Scantalides.

I’m driving. And I already warned them that I preset ALL my XM channels to Electric Area.3

See you Monday.

Can Eating Too Little Actually Damage Your Metabolism? – Brian St. Pierre

One of the most thorough articles I have ever read on the very controversial topic of metabolism. Don’t be intimidated, though. Brian does a fantastic job of making things accessible and not too sciency.

Sit down, maybe grab some caffeine, you’ll be here for awhile.

Fixing Hip Shift In the Squat – Dr. Quinn Henoch

Fantastic video by Dr. Henoch and the team over at Juggernaut Training on how to fix a very common “thing” that happens when many people squat.

Building Up the Squat – Miguel Aragoncillo

And since we’re on the topic of squats, this was a great piece by Cressey Sports Performance coach, Miguel Aragoncillo, on the efficacy of the overhead squat.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

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

Gentle reminder fellas: I Love You, Even Though Sometimes I Think About Drop Kicking You In the Face. Here Are Some Flowers and Lets Go Eat An Expensive Steak Dinner Day Valentine’s Day is this weekend.

It’ll be mine and Lisa’s first V-Day as a married couple.

Since this year the actual day falls on Sunday, Saturday night is unofficially the real Valentine’s Day. Lisa is going wine tasting with a friend, and I’m going to go see Deadpool at IMAX with Kevin Larrabee.

Who says romance is dead when you put a ring on it?…..;o)

No worries: I’ll figure something out. A box of chocolates4, a foot massage, maybe a little Netflix and chill.  BOM CHICKA BOM BOM.

Quick-n-Dirty Updates

1) Be sure to peruse my upcoming speaking schedule. Dean Somerset and I will be kicking off our Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop (2016 Edition) near Toronto in a few weeks, and then it’s off to Seattle, WA.

And then EUROPE (Prague and Oslo, respectively).

I also have several solo gigs in the works in NY, PA, and MA as well. For more info and to register go HERE.

2) Eric Cressey’s $30 OFF sale on The High Performance Handbook ends this weekend. Oh snap, did I mention Valentine’s Day is this weekend? (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

What better present than 16 weeks of one of the world’s best strength and conditioning coaches showing your loved one the ropes?

Or you could buy it for yourself and tell your loved one their present is deadlift PRs, better hip mobility, and pecs/glutes for days (retroactive in 16 weeks).

Don’t miss you, go HERE.

3) Check out one of my new favorite back exercises…the Seal Row.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Should You Foam Roll Your IT Band? – Kevin Neeld

The topic of foam rolling – and foam rolling the ITB – has always been dichotomous in fitness/health circles. Some coaches love it and see great results, others hate it and deem it pointless.

There was an article that came out a week or so ago by Andrew Franklyn-Miller on why you SHOULD NOT use a foam roller on the IT band.

As you might suspect, the internet shit itself.

Kevin wrote a perfect response above. Read it.

37 Fitness Experts Share Their Biggest Workout Mistakes – compiled by Gareth Jones

This one is a doozy, but it’s full of awesome tidbits and insights from many of the top trainers and coaches around.

The Curious Case of Why People Fear Protein – Adam Bornstein

Does eating too much protein cause cancer?

Will eating too much protein cause your kidneys to malfunction?

If you eat a burger, does a baby seal die?

Adam has some insights and facts to share.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 2/5/16

Going to keep this quick today because I am the master of procrastination and have a boatload5 of catching up to do on programs, writing, probably watching Netflix (who am I kidding?).

But as my good friend, Ben Bruno, always states:

“If you wait till the last minute, it only takes a minute.”

I swear, I should just write programs that go like this:

A1. Squat.
A2. For an hour.
A3. You’re welcome.

That’ll save me so much time.

Oh, before I get into this week’s list, two things:

1) Be sure to check my upcoming speaking/workshop schedule HERE. Things start to ramp up in a few weeks highlighted by the Mark Fisher Fitness Motivation & Movement Lab in NYC at the end of the month and then Dean Somerset and I begin the 2016 tour of our Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop in Toronto in March, Seattle in April, and two stops in Europe in May.

2) I’m excited to announce I’ve partnered with the company that makes my favorite supplement in the whole wide world (seriously, I can’t live without it), Athletic Greens. Click on THIS link to receive 50% off and an all-expenses paid trip to a hug, from me

You’re Not a “Hardgainer.” You Just Don’t Like To Listen – Lee Boyce

Lee hits the nail on the head with this one.

Listen, “hardgainers” do exist. Like unicorns. But more often than not it comes down to taking a little bit of accountability and admitting 1) you’re (probably) not training/eating enough and/or 2) no, really, you’re (probably) not training/eating enough.

NOTE: the hardgainer-unicorn comment was a joke, Relax.

Exercise Spotlight: Kettlebell Windmill – Karen Smith

I see this exercise being butchered ALL. THE. TIME….interpreted – falsely – as something where you just “bend over and reach towards the floor. Weeeeeeeeeeeee.”

When I see the kettlebell windmill performed in this manner – especially by personal trainers or coaches –  it makes me want to take the kettlebell they’re holding in their hand and punch them in the face with it.

Excellent, excellent article from Karen Smith on the topic.

3 Ways to Get Out of Shoulder Pain – Andrew Millett

Andrew has been a long-time client at Cressey Sports Performance, and he’s also a well-respected physical therapist within the Boston area.

It’s amazing to see that he’s now doing more writing and putting out some awesome content.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 1/29/16

I’m sitting here at home in the throes of the dreaded “window” you’re given when you’re expecting delivery on something. In this case it’s furniture my wife and I ordered a few weeks ago.

8-2 is what I was told. And all I can think about is that I’m going to end up looking like the Crypt Keeper from Tales from the Crypt when all is said and done.

I can’t complain too much. With a six hour window at my disposal it allows me to get some work done: this blog post, writing some programs, meandering on Facebook. You know, the important stuff.

While I have your attention:

1) You can catch a glimpse of my updated speaking schedule (along with registration info when pertinent) for 2016 HERE. Of note, Dean Somerset and I will be starting our Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop tour again soon. We’ll be hitting up Toronto and Seattle in March/April, as well as two stops in Europe in May (Prague and Oslo).

We’ve also decided this will be how we begin each workshop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt10EZ0dGjk

 

2) I received a special package in the mail yesterday. No, not a movie quality Chewbacca mask (still waiting for that). But rather my advance DVD copy of Fitness University: Strength Expert Secrets.

 

This set includes interviews and hands-on/demonstration portions of myself alongside other top-notch coaches such as Dan John, Dean Somerset, Tim Henriques, Jordan Syatt, Matt Kroczaleski, Josh Bryant, and Bud Jefferies.

I still have a hard time putting myself in the same breath amongst such esteemed company. Nevertheless, this should be available for purchase soon (DVD or digital) and for those interested in either PRE-SALE information or viewing some sneak peek footage you can go HERE.

3) And finally, I had the honor of being invited onto Nia Shanks’ podcast recently. It’s a bit of a different flavor in that it’s not all about fitness, strength and conditioning, and deadlifts.

It’s very much about lifestyle, personal betterment, and empowerment.

Little did I know in accepting the invitation that I’d be the first MALE guest onto the show. Nope, no pressure there. Check out the episode HERE.

(Last Chance) Certified Speed and Agility Coach – Lee Taft

TODAY (1/29) is your last day to sign-up for this amazing course from one of the world’s foremost speed and agility coaches, Lee Taft.

And by “last day,” I literally mean last day. As in you won’t be able to enroll for the foreseeable future.

Now, I’m not saying it’s going to be tossed into a Disney Vault never to see the light of day again…..but for all intents and purposes, you WILL NOT be able to purchase this course after the 29th.

If you’d like to gain some insight into some of the content that’s included I’d encourage you to check out THIS post I wrote earlier this week on how external cueing can help develop linear acceleration.

As someone going through the course myself I’ve found a LOT of value and can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone – coach or not – interested in elevating their knowledge base and tool box in this realm.

For realz, get in on this action. (<— totally safe to click on. No nefariousness/porn here).

How I Quit Weekend Overeating – Krista Scott-Dixon

I have yet to come across anything written by Krista and not find myself pounding the table with my fists and yelling “preach it sista.”

Okay, that doesn’t happen. The “preach it sista” part. Pounding of table totally happens.

This was a solid article on a topic that many, many, many people have issues with.

Quick and Easy Ways to Assess Clients in a Group Setting – George Kalantzis

Cressey Sports Performance coach and Group Fitness Coordinator, George Kalantzis, offers some insight on how to properly screen/assess new clients coming into a group setting.

UPDATE: furniture arrived. Holy shit.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 1/22/16

My wife left for Florida last weekend for a Jedi mind-trick psychology conference, and I’ve taken full advantage of her absence living the bachelor lifestyle as a result.

Note to Lisa (if you’re reading this): these will be taken care of before you come back. Promise.

I love my wife, and I love spending time with my wife. But the past seven days have been an introvert’s dream.

I’ve been doing what any dude with seven days to himself would do: write poetry, catch up on Downton Abbey, match all the mis-matched socks, go for a mani-pedi, start a detox diet, knit a sweet Kylo Ren sweater, and walk around the apartment with no pants on 87% of the time.6

Kidding aside (like I watch Downton Abbey!), I’ve been working of course (coaching, writing, fighting crime), but I’ve also taken the opportunity to catch up on my Oscar nominated film watching.

I went to the theater and watched both Carol and Brooklyn this week.

In case you’re interested in my opinion:

Carol: solid performances by both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara (both deserve their Oscar nods). Pretty surreal to see how far we’ve come as a society – as a whole at least – in terms of our acceptance of same-sex relationships compared to what the characters had to deal with in the movie. It was beautiful to watch the slow, marinating romance between Cate (Carol) and Rooney (Therese). Grade: B

Brooklyn: amazing performance by Saoirse Ronin playing a young 1950’s Irish woman leaving Ireland to pursue a life in America, and the pursuant tug-o-war between the two worlds. Really funny movie, surprisingly, and a welcome escape of nostalgia. Grade: B+

And since Lisa abhors horror movies, I also took advantage and crushed some Netflix movies while she’s been away. I watched The Visit (M. Night Shyamalan’s latest, and, admittedly, his best in recent memory, but still a shit movie) and Goodnight Mommy (a German psychological thriller I would say is worth the watch. FYI: It’s currently a “free” stream on Amazon Prime).

I also, you know, have been spending some quality time with Dagny.

I have officially entered creepy cat lady territory x infinity.

Oh, before I get into this week’s list…a gentle reminder that Dean Somerset and I are kicking off our 1st date for our Complete Hip & Shoulder Workshop in the Toronto area in a few weeks. For more information you can go HERE.

And for a listing of all the dates Dean and I have slated thus far in 2016 (Seattle, Prague, Czech Republic, Oslo, Norway) as well as other SOLO dates I have booked you can go HERE.

Certified Speed and Agility Coach – Lee Taft

This is bar-none one of the best products I have come across on speed and agility training. And saying it’s a “product” is a bit of a misnomer, because it’s actually a detailed curriculum where the objective in the end is to earn a certification (and not some glorified agility ladder pundit).

As I noted earlier this week, I am currently making my way through the course myself and am learning a ton. Lee’s a highly respected coach with over 25 years of experience, and I have zero reservations in pointing people in his direction.

The course is still on SALE at $100 off the regular price, and will end NEXT Friday (1/29)…so you still have time to save. But, why wait? Go HERE for more information.

No Diet, No Detox: How To Relearn the Art of Eating – Bee Wilson

This was an excellent and thought provoking article published on TheGuardian.com. The psychology behind what and how we eat is where we need to focus more of our time and attention, rather than arguing over macronutrient breakdowns or fretting over the insulin spike from eating an apple. A freakin apple!

Our individual relationships with food is the key.

Not coincidentally this approach and mindset is the very reason why I LOVE the people over at Precision Nutrition. They deal with behaviors and habits over seemingly minor details like should I omit “x” food or add “y.”

The Case For Radical Vanity – Jesse Kneeland

It’s no secret many women (and men) have issues when it comes to body image. This was an excellent TED talk by Jessi Kneeland on the topic:

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 1/15/16

A few things before I defer you to this week’s list of stuff to read.

1) Fargo. Not the city, the show.  It’s amazing.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to Fargo and it (and the people) is lovely7….but the show is rocking my world right now. If it weren’t weird (and impossible) I’d totally make out with it.

My wife and I watched season one a few weeks ago within a span of three days and I just started watching season two this week.

  • In case you’re wondering, the show has nothing to do with the 1996 Coen Brothers movie. Well, there are a few similarities in terms of source material (the Coen Bros are producers of the show), but all in all it’s a stand alone storyline that’s beautifully written and acted.
  • It’s dark as shit, which I love. The show airs on F/X, so they have a little more leeway with language and the violence they can depict.
  • And on top of the quality acting, the production value is spectacular – in particular the cinematography.
  • I highly recommend if you haven’t checked it out yet.
  • AND NO SPOILERS. I still need to finish season two.

2). Dean Somerset and I announced a few NEW DATES within the last week for our Complete Hip & Shoulder Workshop in 2016. This time in Europe. Holla!

Prague, Czech Republic – May 14-15th

Oslo, Norway – May 20-21st

 

To say we’re excited (and honored) would be an understatement. We feel between both locations we’ll be able to attract people from across the continent. So, no excuses people.

These are in addition to a handful of others we’re doing across North America this year (Toronto, Seattle, etc) which you can find more details on HERE.

3). Also, as a quick aside registration for The Fitness Summit is now open to all NEW ATTENDEES. Click HERE for more details.

And now onto this week’s list.

Are Deep Knee Squats Bad For Your Knees? – Erson Religioso

Outside of being written by someone with one of the most baller names I have ever seen, this article has a ton of great info and a pretty cool graphic for those who’s heads hurt when they read a bunch of big words.

One Quick Trick To Build Hip & Core Stability – Andrew Millett

Strength and stability are one in the same, right? RIGHT?

Not exactly.

Kettlebell Deadlifting For Strength? Yes, It’s Possible – Frank Duffy

I love using kettlebells to help groove a proper hip hinge/deadlift pattern. Unfortunately, many people seem to think that once you can lift a KB for a certain amount of reps that’s all there is. Onto the barbell!

Not so fast.

Here are some fantastic progressions to take into consideration of yourself or for your clients.