CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 11/21/14

Greeting from Los Angeles! I landed at LAX a little less than a hour ago, and as you can see I wasted no time firing up my laptop to bang out a quick post today.

 Photo Credit: Natasha Bishop

I have a few hours to kill so I might as well do something. Dean’s (Somerset) flight doesn’t arrive until later this afternoon, and since he’s my ride from the airport to our hotel this weekend I might as well try to be somewhat productive between now and then.

Not that I haven’t been productive already.

On the flight over from Boston I was able get some writing done, finished a few programs, tinkered with my presentations, and took a quick power nap. I never sleep on planes, like ever. So the fact I was able to snake 20 minutes was a bonus.

And while I’m on the topic of my flight: I’m not one to complain, but I was a bit miffed at Virgin America that they didn’t offer any free snacks on a six hour flight.  I mean, what the hell!?!?!

Not even a bag of peanuts. Or a rice cake. Nothing!

And to throw some salt on the wound, I was so hungry when I got off the plane and so focused on finding something to eat, that when I did, I completely forgot I left my phone charging in the arrival terminal.

It wasn’t until I walked through the security check point and into the next terminal that I realized my boo boo.

Thankfully there was a nice TSA employee (I know, right? They do exist) at the checkpoint who was kind enough to walk back to the phone charger station thingamajiggy and snatch it up for me.  I’m hoping that’s my only snafu for the entire trip. Fingers crossed.

So yeah, I’m in LA! Holla!

On my approach in I saw the Hollywood sign, and I’m trying my best not to creep people out with one-liners from my all-time LA based movie, Swingers.

“You’re so money, and you don’t even know it!”

Others on the list: Heat, Collateral, Escape From LA…;o)

Unfortunately I won’t have much of an opportunity for too much sight seeing, but all I really care about is soaking up all the vitamin D I can muster in the next two days. It’s gorgeous here!

Next stop CrossFit 714 (located in Orange) for mine and Dean’s workshop!

And on that note, here’s some stuff to read….

The Truth Is…..Maybe You Just Suck? – Bryan Krahn

Yet again, Bryan holds no punches with calling people out on their shenanigans.

Finding Your Ideal Squat Depth – Bret Contreras

Here Bret provides a video on how you can go about finding YOUR ideal squat depth based if YOUR body type and limitations.

Not all squat depths are created equal!

The Cost of Getting Lean – Ryan Andrews & Brian St. Pierre

In this eye-opening infographic, the team at Precision Nutrition gives insight on what it REALLY takes to get to a certain level of body fat. It’s not all unicorn kisses and rainbows people.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 11/14/14

A week from today I’ll be on my way out to sunny California. I’ve never been to California. In fact, the furthest west I’ve ever been (in the States at least) is Las Vegas, twice.

I’m making the trek to Los Angeles next weekend for mine and Dean Somerset’s Excellent High Five Workshop. I know it seems like a week doesn’t go by where I don’t say something about our workshop, so some of you will be happy to know that this is the last stop in 2014 for the Dean and Tony show.

What can I say?  We’re in demand!

We’ve been through the east coast (Boston, DC), given Canada some love (Edmonton), and we’ve also gone international stepping off of North America to Europe (London), that we figured it was high-time to give the West coast peeps some action.

Don’t worry South – we may be coming to your neck of the woods in 2015!  Think: Austin, TX. I’ll be so pumped if that happens!

I’m really looking forward to next weekend’s trip though. So much so that I’ve been foregoing my usual West-Coast rap boycott and playing more Dre, Pharcyde, Masta Ace, and The Alkaholiks at the facility this week.

We have an awesome two-days planned with some cameo appearances from a handful of “fitness celebrities” sprinkled in for good measure. Spots are still available if you’re interested. Go HERE for more information.

How to Fix a Broken Diet – Dr. John Berardi

Nutrition has been and always will be the one bottleneck for most people. It’s the nature of the beast for many people to overanalyze and pontificate over the most minute things.

“Should I eat 1.1 grams of protein per body weight or 1.2 grams?”

“Carbs are bad. Apples have carbs. Hence, apples are making me fat!”

“Tomatoes are a fruit. Pizza has tomato sauce. Pizza is like eating fruit!”

Likewise, there are a million and one buzzwords that the industry uses to allure and entice people into a mindset:

“If your grandmother wouldn’t recognize the ingredients, then do eat it.”

“Only eat whole foods.”

It’s no surprise people are more confused than ever as to what they should and should not be eating. Dr. Berardi attempts to be a voice of reason with this excellent article.

 How to Lose – Jen Sinkler

I’m a Jen Sinkler fan (but really who isn’t?) I’d argue there’s no one in the industry who’s as well-rounded and open minded as she is.

Name someone else who’s not only an ex professional athlete but who has also dabbled in CrossFit, tumbling, Olympic lifting, Strongman training, kettlebells, AND Powerlifting?

I wouldn’t be half surprised if Jen said she’s going to run for President, be the first person to walk on Mars AND that she’s Wonder Woman.

She’s awesome. And this article is awesome.

10 Rules of the Insanely Strong – Matt Kroc

Need a little motivation to lift heavy things today?  Read this.

You’re welcome.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 11/7/14

Soooo, who’s as excited as me to go see Interstellar this weekend? I bought two tickets for Lisa and I to go see it this Sunday afternoon in IMAX.

Admittedly, I’m a little biased. I’ll go see anything Christopher Nolan makes. The man can do no wrong. He could write and direct a movie about Tracy Anderson saying the alphabet backwards while curling 3 lb pink dumbbells and fighting Batman…..in space, and I’d be like “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!”

Quick Movie Fact: did you know writer/director, ChrisNo1, filmed an entire hour of this film with IMAX cameras???

As a quick reference, remember the opening sequence of The Dark Knight, when the camera panned down from the sky towards the top of the building where the bank robbers zip-lined into the next building, which was a bank, and then chaos ensued where they started shooting one another, the Joker appeared (he was one of the robbers!!!!), a bus came out of no where and plowed through the bank walls and he escaped?

That scene was filmed with IMAX cameras.2

Needless to say I’m super excited, and I may write up a quick review at some point this weekend like I did HERE. It all depends on whether or not I faint from excitement when the movie starts.

Think Critically and Don’t Believe Everything You Hear. Example: “Forks Over Knives” – Kelsey Reed

I like to eat meat, and I don’t really care for any program (or person) who tries to convince me that eating meat is the equivalent of shaking hands with Hitler.

I “get” the message that documentaries like Forks Over Knives – and more recently, Fed Up – are trying to convey. The Western Diet is crap and it’s killing people. 100% agree!

But to use the approach that eating meat is the main culprit – without taking into context all the other variables in people’s diets (loads and load of processed foods, sugar, lack of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as well as lack of exercise), not to mention the conversation that TOTAL (excess) calories matter – is shameful at best, sensationalistic BS at worst.

I felt this short rant and take on the movie by Kelsey was fantastic and brought up many valid points. Don’t believe everything you hear!!!

The 5 Jackasses of Fitness – Dan John

Per usual, Dan writes yet another fantastic article.

22 Habits of Unhappy People – InfoBarrel

Nailed it!

For Your Additional Reading Pleasure

Here’s a recent article I wrote for Men’s Health titled What to Do Instead of Kipping Pull-Ups.

Here’s an article I appeared in on The Daily Burn titled 5 Major Benefits of Total Body Workouts.

Also, as a reminder Examine.com’s Research Digest is on sale for 20% off through this weekend (ends on Nov. 9th). I feel it’s a fantastic resource for professional development, and even if you’re not a fitness professional is worth a look if you’re interested in staying on top of relevant nutritional topics.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 10/31/14

Happy Halloween everybody!

I, for one, can’t stand Halloween. Not a fan.

I’m always asked if I’m going to dress up or anything and I always respond with some form of eye roll. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

I “get” that some people love it, view it as a day to have fun and dress up like a Superhero or a slutty starfish (or whatever), not to mention it allows people reckless abandon to crush some Skittles and Starbursts!!

To me, though, Halloween is an introverts worst nightmare, and I’d rather avoid it all costs.

Except for when this happens.  Sorry, I can’t help it.  Y chromosome and all…..;o)

So have fun tonight people.  Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. I’ll be in bed by 9 PM.

Not kidding.

Quick Heads-Up!

The early bird special for mine and Dean Somerset’s workshop in Los Angeles at the end of November ENDS THIS WEEKEND!!!!!

CrossFit 714 is hosting the event and it’s a beautiful facility with a TON of open space (so much room for activities!!!!).

It’s going to be an eventful two days with equal parts lecture and hands-on coaching. This isn’t some lamo workshop where all you do is sit there and listen to the two of us talk about assessment, fascial trains, and whether or not it’s better to squat with a high-bar position or low bar. That is part of the deal (and I may or may not include a slideshow of nothing but my cat), but we do make a concerted effort to make the weekend as participatory as possible.

There is a lot of DOING!! We talk about stuff and then we do it. As a group.

Okay, the way I worded that last sentence is kind of weird. Lets just roll with it, though. Nooooo awkwardness here.  No sir.

Did I mention pants are optional??

Nevertheless, after this weekend the price of the workshop increases by $100. Save yourself $100 by going HERE.

Now on to the list!

Can “Diet” Make You Fat? The Truth on Artificial Sweeteners – Joe Leech

Listen, you can find research to back or deny anything. I’m sure if I looked hard enough I could find a research study validating the efficacy of sticking your finger in an electrical socket to increase testosterone by 717%.

I felt this was a fair assessment on artificial sweeteners.

Everything You Think Is Wrong With Your Deadlift Is Probably Right – Greg Nuckols

Like, whoa. This was one of the better articles I’ve read in a while on the deadlift and definitely made me view things in a different light.

I’m talking beer googles are off and everything!

How to Perform Band Assisted Pull-Ups (and An Advanced Variation) – Nia Shanks

I know some coaches and trainers like to poo-poo on band assisted pull-ups, but I like them. Here, Nia demonstrates how to perform them correctly as well as demonstrates a variation that I felt was pretty cool.

In fact I added it to my “why didn’t I ever think of that?” file.

It’s a large file.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 10/10/14

Anyone go see Gone Girl last weekend? It’s the latest film from one of my favorite directors David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club, The Social Network) starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, based off the best selling novel by Gillian Flynn (who, in a rare feat, also helmed screenwriting responsibilities for the big picture adaptation).

Unless you’ve been living underneath a rock for the past 1-2 years, it’s the book that pretty much everyone has been reading on the beach or on the train.

It’s about a married couple – Nick and Amy Dunne – who, seemingly have a perfect relationship. That is until Nick shows up to their home on their fifth wedding anniversary and finds Amy missing.

Gone. Out of thin air.

But not without signs of shadiness in the midst.

I read the book last year, and was really happy to hear when I learned that Fincher was going to be the one directing the movie. Gone Girl is a dark, daaaaaark book….and given Fincher’s affinity for dark material (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, in addition to his films mentioned above), this pairing was/is a home run.

Without giving too much away – OMG, there’s such an epic twist!!! –  the film lives up to the hype of its predecessor.  Affleck and Pike are both amazing as Nick and Amy. And while this role is serving as sort of a “breakout performance” for Pike, she’s actually been around the block in Hollywood.  She’s no newbie.

But it’s the supporting cast who deserve some major kudos as well.  Carrie Coon, who plays Nick’s sister, Margo, is excellent (and serves as the comedic relief). Kim Dickens who plays Detective Boney is equally as impressive; as is Tyler Perry.  Yes, that Tyler Perry.  Madea Tyler Perry.

Annnnnnnnd, for the guys, if none of the above sounds remotely interesting, Emily Ratajkowski (AKA the hot girl from the video Blurred Lines) gets neked.  So there’s that.

But it’s Fincher who is the real star if you ask me.  The man can do no wrong. The pacing of the story, the cinematography, everything……demonstrates how much of a master he truly is.

For what it’s worth Gone Girl is legit. I give it a solid A, or in nerdspeak, 5/5 Lightsabers.

And now on to this week’s stuff to check out.

The Real Reason Why Tracy, Jillian, Oz, Oprah, Selter, Mercola, Food Babe, etc Are Winning the Information Game – Joy Victoria

I thought this was an excellent post by Joy, and something that I’ve been pondering myself.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve done my fair share of mud throwing with most of the names listed above.

Doing so is exhausting, though.  And, really, what’s the point?  The reason why the likes of Oz, Selter, Food Babe, etc are so successful with their message is because the people who listen to them have nothing to compare it to.

Joy digs MUCH deeper into this mentality, and I encourage all of you to read it.

The Science of Steroids – Greg Nuckols

I had the pleasure of meeting Greg in person at the Fitness Summit in KC this past Spring. Very cool dude.  And strong. I saw him pause squat 600 lbs beltless for a few easy reps.  Actually, I take that back. I hate his guts!!

Anyways, I am by no means a steroid expert, but I do feel there is a lot of incorrect information floating out there in the interwebz.  I felt this piece by Greg did a nice job of setting a few records straight.  It’s science heavy, so you’ve been warned.

Post Rehab Essentials 2.0 – Dean Somerset

 

Dean’s Post Rehab Essentials 2.0 is on sale through this weekend. This is without question one of the best resources for fitness professionals to learn more about assessment and programming strategies for many common injuries.

What’s more you can earn some CEUs while you watch!

And Dean will make you a cake!

Okay, I lied on that last one.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 10/3/14

I’m heading down to Washington, DC this weekend for the NSCA Personal Training Conference. It’s the first time I’ve been invited to speak by the NSCA, and, sheepishly, it’s the first time I’ve ever attended an NSCA event.

I’ve been certified through the NSCA (first as a CPT, and later as a CSCS) since 2004, and I almost feel like them inviting me down to speak isn’t so much about my role as a fitness authority or because they’re intoxicated with my prose, wit, and charm. Rather, it could very well be they’re enticing me down so that they can slap me on the wrist!

Whatever the case may be I’m excited to be speaking and honored that I was invited.  The line-up looks amazing. Fitness celebs like Bret Contreras, Nick Tumminello, Dean Somerset, Alan Aragon, Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, and I think Batman are all slated to drop some serious knowledge bombs over the span of the weekend.

Note to Self: DO NOT use the term “bomb” in any context while down in DC.

Anyways, I’m up early because I had some things to do before heading to the airport and I wanted to get this latest stuff to read list up before I left.

Have an awesome weekend!

Long, Lean Muscles: Oh, the Irony – Bret Contreras

I know it seems like I’ve been linking to a lot of Bret’s stuff as of late, but it’s hard not to: the man has been on a roll lately!

I really have nothing against yoga or pilates. I understand that not everyone is interested in lifting weights and that we’re all unique snowflakes with different goals, likes, and dislikes.

Different strokes for different folks, as they say.

I also recognize that yoga and pilates offer their own bevy of benefits. Heck, rather than come across as the douchey jerk who does nothing but talk smack, I even tried them both myself. And liked them!

Tony Takes a Yoga Class

Tony Takes a Pilates Class

What I hate, nay, deplore…is how yoga and pilates are (generally) marketed, especially towards women. After reading some of the marketing garbage some (not all) yogis and pilatites (??) put out there, one would think riding a unicorn through the Fountain of Youth while playing Patty-cake with a Leprechaun would play second fiddle.

Yes, yoga a and pilates have a ton of benefits.  No, they aren’t the end-all be-all panacea of health.  And no, they certainly don’t lead to long, lean muscles.

Unlock the Power of Your Hips – Matt Vincent

If you want to squat big weights and not move like C3PO’s pet turtle, read this article.  Just adding in a handful of exercises and taking 5-10 minutes out of your day to “unglue” those hips can make all the difference in the world.

The 4 Most Dangerous Types of Training – John Rusin

Don’t read into the title too much. The main point of the article is to highlight some of the more common areas on the body injured during participation in the above modalities, and then offer some ways to help solve or alleviate said injuries.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/26/14

I’m gearing up for a busy next few weeks.  This weekend is the Cressey Sports Performance Fall Seminar where I, along with all the other CSP coaches, will be keeping 150+ attendees entertained for the day. This may or may not include a shadow puppet reenactment of the final final fight scene in Rocky IV.

Next weekend I’ll be speaking at the NSCA Personal Trainers Conference in Washington, DC.

This is my first invite by the NSCA and my first time attending any NSCA event, so I’m really looking forward it. I always like catching up with old friends and colleagues (and meeting new ones), and there’s no denying it will be a jam packed two days of learning.

I’m slated for two 50 minute “hands-on” lectures (one in the AM, the other in the PM) where I’ll be discussing the Athletic Shoulder. Which reminds me, I need to send the NSCA my walk-out music:

And, at the expense of sounding like a broken record, I’ll be back in DC the third weekend in October for mine and Dean Somerset’s Excellent High-Five Workshop.

What’s more – I wasn’t going to say anything until it actually happened, but I decided a little bit of a “heads up” was in order – I’m currently working with the peeps over at Copter Labs (again) on a kick-ass website redesign.

The new site is not only going to look amazing (I’ve seen the exterior and interior pages and I have to say, they’re super sexy), but it’s going to allow me to better “systemize” things/take over the world and make my lift infinitely easier.

Much of the general vibe will remain. It’s a fitness site and I’ll be discussing fitness things. But I’ll be adding some components to make the site more aesthetically pleasing, in addition to allowing me more opportunities in spreading the TG brand.

Like I said, I wanted to give you all a brief heads-up so that you’re not taken for loop when you log on to my site in the near future and spontaneously start making out with your computer screen.

On that note, here’s this week’s stuff to check out:

The Ten Worst Types of Personal Trainers – Bret Contreras

This one had me laughing quite a bit.  Some of it ties into what I wrote yesterday pertaining to much of the eyewash you come across in commercial (and private/boutique) gyms. The bulk of it, however, is just hilarious commentary on the observations Bret has made on all the various “types” of personal trainers out there.

The Curves You Earned – Dr. Kathy Dooley

This post wins my internet high-five for the week.  It’s short. It’s sweet.  Sends an amazing message. And it’s awesome.

Ask Dr. Mike: How to Deadlift Properly – Dr. Mike Roussell and Todd Bumgardner

Whenever I come across the word deadlift I sometimes feel like that character, Dug the Dog, from the movie Up whenever he sees squirrel.

This was an excellent vlog on some of the common mistakes beginners make with regards to their deadlift technique.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/11/14

Well, if you’re reading this post you know I landed safely in the UK!!

I purposely didn’t program this post to go up automatically because 1) I’m superstitious and 2) due to my proclivity for superstition, I somehow convinced myself that if I pre-programmed this post to go up – due to travel – something bad would happen, because, you know, I’m logical like that.

In any case I made it (!!!), and I’m so stoked to be here and this is pretty much what I looked like when I stepped off the plane and went through customs at Heathrow:

By now, after this post goes live, I’m either aimlessly walking the streets of London doing my best impersonation of Austin Powers or asking around for directions to where they’re filming Star Wars.

Or on a quest for some Cadbury chocolate (per the request of Lisa).

Before Dean and I melt people’s brains with strength and conditioning knowledge this weekend, I have a day and a half to be a tourist here in London, so if anyone has any recommendations (that aren’t too “touristy”) I’d love to hear them and take any suggestions in the comments section below!

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

How Prolonged Sitting Impacts Your Body – Michael Mullin (via EricCressey.com)

In other news, water is wet; you need to breath oxygen in order to live; and Justin Bieber is a douche to the douchiest degree.

9 Ways to Use Mechanical Advantage Drop Sets For Strength – John Romaniello

Looking to add a little variety to your training repertoire? Or, maybe you’re looking to bring up a lagging or weak body part?  Try adding in some mechanical advantage drop sets!

Back Pain? Here Are the Best Positions for Sex – Dr. Stuart McGill

I don’t care if we’re talking about getting out of a chair, lifting weights, sex, or back friendly twerking moves, if Dr. McGill chimes in I’m going to listen.

You know you’re going to click.  Do it! Do it. Do it!  Pun totally intended.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 9/5/14

You know the saying  “the calm before the storm?”  Yeah, well I’m experiencing the opposite of that right now.

I leave for London in the middle of next week for mine and Dean Somerset’s 2-day workshop, and while I’m super excited for my first trip to Europe – Note to self: DO NOT, for the love of all you can eat buffets, forget your passport!! – I’m not super excited about all the work that needs to be done before I leave.  Programs need to be written, article deadlines, so on and so forth.

Instead of the calm before the storm, it’s more like the maelstrom of chaos before the epic shit-storm.

Alas, it’s the epitome of a first world problem. Oh, woe is me:  I’m going to Europe next week and I have a lot of things to get done before I leave. Boo-hoo. Next thing you know I’ll be complaining about knee space and getting into a fist fight on my flight over because someone has the audacity to recline their seat.

Seems to be a lot of that going around lately…..;o)

Oh, before I forget. Speaking of mine and Dean’s workshop, the early bird special for our event in Washington, DC in October ends this weekend. After this Sunday (Sept 7th) the price jumps $100. That’s money you could be saving for a date night, gas, or, I don’t know, The Tower of Orthanc LEGO set.  Hey, I’m not judging.

Dean and I feel this workshop is a perfect fit for any coach or trainer (or serious fitness enthusiast) who’s looking to take his or her skill-set with regards to assessment, program design, and coaching to the next level. We purposely cap the total number of attendees to a few dozen because we prefer to keep the setting as personal and intimate as possible.

Don’t worry, there’s no Sade or candlelights involved.

You can click on the link below to find out more information as well as to register (and take advantage of the early bird discount).

Click Me

Lets get to this week’s list.

Nutrition Debate: Are Eggs Good For You? – Dr. Mike Roussell

It’s always an adventure whenever Lisa and I go out for brunch. Almost always I’ll inevitably order an omelet, and sometimes, just to see the reaction of the server, I’ll DOUBLE my order.

Server: “That’s six eggs sir, which is a lot. Are you sure?”

Me:  “Hmmm, you’re right.  Better triple that order.”

I have to chuckle to myself that ordering six eggs is somehow considered “a lot” of food and that it merits Man vs. Food kind of reaction.  It’s not really that much.

One egg = 60 kcals

Six eggs = 360 kcals, in addition to whatever accoutrements or sides I decide to toss in (a litrle cheese, some bacon, onions, etc).

Compare that to the traditional pile of pancakes, French toast, or waffles that most people order which can easily tally up to 800-1000+ kcals.

Even funnier is when I go through the line at the grocery store and the cashier shows concern over my cholesterol levels because I have four cartons of eggs in my cart.  Mind you, they never say anything to the person a head of me who’s cart is full of chips, cookies, mac-n-cheese, and other processed garbage.

Anyways, I LOVE articles like this which help explain that eggs – whole eggs, none of this egg white crap – are one of the most nutritious and healthy foods out there.  And even if you don’t agree with that assertion, at the very least, it helps dispel many common myths.

A Woman’s Worth – Molly Galbraith

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Girls Gone Strong, Molly gets a little personal and shares her story of struggling with self-esteem and trying to “fit the mold” of what society deems is the ideal female body type.

In reality it’s all BS.

Humbling Exercises for the Egotistical Lifter – Chad Rodgers

There’s without a doubt a spectrum of exercises that I range from “oh, that’s cute” to “OMFG I hate life.”

The guys over at Show Me Strength break down some exercises that, if you’re up for it, will make you lean towards the latter.

Bonus

T-Nation recently released their list of 22 Best Deadlifting Articles. I’m honored to have three of my own on that list (and Eric has four, always the one-upper!!).

If you happen to have a hankering for deadlifts, this would be a great start.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/29/14

It’s hard to believe that two weeks from today I’ll be in London walking the streets taking in the sights and sounds and (hopefully) not coming across as an annoying American tourist.

I’ll be getting in early Thursday morning after an overnight flight and I’m sure I’ll be knackered to the gills, but hoping to not get in a barney with a bloke on the tube over seeing a man about a dog.

That would be all to cock.

^^^^ LOLs.

See what I just did there?  I’m familiarizing myself with some British slang. I have no idea what I just said, but it sounds harmless enough. I’m pretty sure I just asked someone “where’s the bathroom,” but by all accounts I could just have just easily said something along the lines of “your breath smells like fart and onions.”

I’m still learning.

Anyways, I’ll be in London for mine and Dean Somerset’s Excellent Workshop High-Five, and as a gentle reminder there are still a handful of spots open for out little shindig near Washington, DC the weekend of October 18th.

For a full itinerary and details on accommodations and price click the link below.

CLICK ME (<—- That Tickles)

Hope you see you there!

And on that note I wanted to wish everyone an amazing weekend.  Here’s this week’s stuff to check out.

Finding Balance – Michael Mullin, ATC, LAT, PTA, PRC

Nowadays it seems like you can’t walk more than ten feet before a trainer or coach starts blabbing off about asymmetries, apical expansion, rib position, and zones of apposition.

In short, breathing (and how much we suck at it) is all the rage and more and more fitness professionals are jumping on the PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) train.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing.  We’re big fans of PRI at the facility. Several our of staff members have attended some of the PRI modules and we’ve also had a handful of PRI practitioners and instructors come in to speak on the topic (including the author of the article linked to above).

We use it and know it works.

That said, it’s amazing how many people sing its praises, incorporate into their programs, and yet have no idea what it actually is, or does, or how to explain it to their athletes and clients.

Even worse are those trainers who buy into it so much that they start playing faux practitioner and forego their main responsibility: having people train and lift weights. It’s a sentiment I touched on HERE.

Nonetheless, I felt this was a fantastic article summarizing PRI’s general philosophy and approach to attaining “balance.”

Seven Laws of  Building Athletic Muscle – Eric Bach

Having an athletic looking body and actually being, you know, athletic is a tough feat to accomplish. In this article Eric breaks down the “Laws” that will help you get there.

Best Friends – Jason Lengstorf

This isn’t a fitness related article, but I loved it nonetheless.

Curiously, I just Google imaged the term “best friends” – just because – and low and behold 99.99% of the images were of women or had a “feminine” connotation. Dudes can have best friends, too.

And there’s nothing to be ashamed of for that.

Bonus

And if that last article was too “girly” for you, here’s T-Nation’s list of their 22 best article on everything and anything on the DEADLIFT.

Not for nothing, between myself and Eric (Cressey) we wrote seven of the 22 articles listed. Holla!!!

Pick Stuff Up Off the Floor