CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/22/14

Before we get to this week’s list of Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work I wanted to quickly remind everyone about mine and Dean Somerset’s Excellent Workshop High-Five the weekend of October 18th in Washington, DC.

You may be wondering what the heck is an Excellent Workshop High-Five? Well, for starters we couldn’t just name this shindig “Hey You, Come Hang Out With Us!” or “An American and a Canadian Walk Into a Gym…..”

We had to give it some pizzazz.  Hence, the title.

Second, and most important, this is a two-day event, where Dean and I bleed just about everything we know with regards to assessment, program design, coaching, and everything in between.  It’s very much an opportunity to learn from two coaches who have been around the block and who have a TON of coaching experience.  Plus it’s an opportunity to earn some continuing education credits and see what I’m like before and after drinking a Spike.

For more information regarding location, itinerary, accommodations, and price you can go HERE.

Elite Athletic Development Seminar – Mike Robertson & Joe Kenn

There are a handful of coaches where whenever they talk, write, or allude to anything strength and conditioning I’ll drop whatever it is I’m doing and listen and soak up as much information as I can.

Unless I’m getting fed grapes by a Victoria Secret model, then it can wait. But other than that I’m glued.

I have an immense amount of respect for both Mike and Coach Kenn and this seminar series is about as close as you’re going to get to a master class on how to develop freaky athletes as you’re going to get.

The introductory sale of $150 off ends TONIGHT (8/22) at midnight.  In addition everyone who purchases will be able to sit in on a live Q&A with both Mike and Coach Kenn.

What’s more, if you’re a coach or personal trainer the NSCA approved this course for 1.4 CEUs. Holla!

There’s little reason not to jump on the train folks.  Go HERE, and thank me later.

4 Tips You Need to Know For a Bigger Bench Press – Adam Pine

There’s a lot more to building an impressive bench press than you think.  I really enjoyed this article by Adam because he hammers home the importance of the set-up (which is something a lot of trainees never think about).

9 Tips for Dedicated Lifters – Dan John

We should all just shut-up and listen to Dan John.  He’s always right anyway.

2 Bonus Articles From Yours Truly <——- That Be Me

The 8 Most Dangerous Exercises For Your Shoulders – this is an article that both myself and Eric contributed to on Stack.com.

So You Think You Can Design a Good Workout? – this is an article I recently wrote for MensHealth.com on the topic of program design where I hit on some quick and easy (and I hope self explanatory) tips to make your programs more effective.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/15/14

BIG weekend this weekend. My twelve year old nephew is coming to visit Lisa and I for a few days here in Boston and we’ve been spending a few minutes the past couple of nights figuring out a suitable itinerary that A) would keep the attention span of a kid his age and not make him hate life (I.e., no trips to the art museum!) and more importantly B) maintain my position as the coolest, hippest, most rad uncle this side of the Charles River.

Note to self: Omitting the word “rad” from my vocabulary would be a nice start.

A trip to Fenway?  Check.

A trip to go see the Body Worlds exhibit?  Check.

A trip to the North End for dinner and a cannoli?  Check.

Showing him his first R-rated movie? GoodFellas perhaps?  Maybe Show Girls????   Hahahahahahaha.  Just kidding Cheri (my sister, and my nephew’s Mom).

Or am I?

It’s going to be a fun weekend nevertheless. And with that, here’ this week’s list of stuff to check out.

Training Jane From Joe:  Do Women Need to Train Differently Than Men? – The Green Ranger Tony Gentilcore

This is a presentation that I filmed for Mike Reinold’s RehabWebinars.com which covers my general approach to training women.

It’s 75 minutes long and I try my best to debunk as many fallacies and misconceptions as possible. I also touch on training women through pregnancy as well as discuss programming strategies such as how to improve chin-up and push-up prowess.

The cost is $19.95, but you’re NOT just purchasing my webinar.  You’re also gaining access to the ENTIRE site which includes 100+ webinars from some of the top people in rehab, sports performance, and coaching/personal training.

Not too shabby if you ask me!

For more information and to gain access to the presentation you can click HERE.

Also…..

If you’re looking for something to actually READ, I did write a guest post over on Mike’s site earlier this week titled 3 Mistakes Coaches Make When Training Women.  In it I discuss 3 mistakes coaches make when training women……;o)

You can check that out HERE.

The Sensitive Sensible Gluten Truth – Ramsey Nijem

I felt this was one of the most fair, balanced, and understandable articles I’ve read on this topic in a while.

Celiac Disease is real.  Gluten intolerance is real.  The chances you have either of two (and by extension, absolutely NEED to avoid gluten) is really, really low.

How to Get Published – Mike Samuels

I’m routinely asked for advice by other fitness professionals on how they can go about getting published.

This 40 minute presentation by Mike pretty much hammers all the points I’d want to cover, and then some.

It’s free, and well worth anyone’s time looking to get their work published at some point.

And last but not least

Mine and Dean Somerset’s Excellent Workshop High-Five is SOLD OUT for London in September.

However the same workshop we’re holding in Washington, DC  in October still has some spots left.

You can find out more about the event – including location, topics covered, accommodations, and Dean’s favorite color – HERE.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

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

Before I get to this week’s list, I wanted to run something past all of you. Many of you know that I run a Premium Workout Group on WeightTraining.com. And if you didn’t, now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

Goooooooo Joe!

Here’s the deets:  there are a lot of people out there going to gym with no plan or purpose in their training.  They just show up, walk around performing random exercises, and then post their workout on Facebook (it doesn’t count if you don’t post it on Facebook).

The idea behind the Premium Group is to offer people some semblance of focus in their training, or a plan if you will.

I write monthly “canned” programming, you follow it, and then your general level of awesomeness is increased by a factor of infinity. Don’t argue. It’s science.

The Premium Group is amazing and I love seeing the results that people are getting. However, I want to up the ante and I’m toying with the idea of using the WeightTraining.com platform to offer more “specialized” programming.

If I were to write, say, a 4-month program dedicated solely to improving your deadlift would anyone be interested? Yes, there will be a price involved…..but not only will you get 4-months of programming written by me, but you’ll also be able to set your schedule, get email reminders of your workout days, in addition to the ability to follow/track your workouts (and progress) on your iPhone, iPad or Droid using the WT.com app (which is FREE).

Does this sound like anything anyone would be interested in?

Thanks!

This Guy Changed the Way We See Lord of the Rings . Mind Blown – via Tickld.com

This article has nothing to do with fitness obviously, but I don’t care. Any LoTR fanboy/girl will inevitably cry afoul about the ‘eagle plot hole.’

What’s the eagle plot hole you ask?

In short:  WTF DIDN’T FRODO AND THE REST OF THE CREW TAKE THE EAGLES ALL THE WAY TO MORDOR FROM THE START!!!!! GOSH!!!!!!

Whoever wrote this article should 1) be given a Nobel Peace Prize and 2) wins the internet. Forever.

Gym #Selfie Challenge: Quit Posting and Show Us What Hard Work Really Looks Like – Bri Wilson

I don’t mind people taking selfies. Like the author, I DO mind the people who post nothing but staged shots of themselves a particular pose and what I have to assume is their 27th attempt at getting the lighting juuuuuust right.

5-Move Core Shredder – Tony Gentilcore

Not to be confused with the 5-point palm exploding heart move (via Kill Bill), this was a workout I had published in this month’s issue of Men’s Health Magazine (as well as the online version) that utilizes kettlebells and helps improve core strength, iron out imbalances, and improve athletic performance.

 

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/1/14

Holey moley can you believe it’s already August!  Where does time fly?

I’d love to sit here and chat about that (and the weather), but I have some laundry to do.  Totally not kidding.

Here’s hoping I can get through the process without ruining one of Lisa’s shirts.

Cotton doesn’t shrink, right?

Enjoy this week’s list.

The Paleo Problem: Examining the Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet – Brian St. Piere (via Precision Nutrition)

Listen, I’m all for people taking more of an initiative to eat less processed junk and to focus more on whole, natural, nutrient dense, minimally processed foods.

I don’t think anyone could argue with that mentality.

In a lot of ways the Paleo Diet is a perfect fit, given it places a premium on meat, other animal products such as eggs, roots/tubers, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds.

And then there’s Primal “Paleo” which allows things such as dairy, oats, legumes, etc.

It’s not a bad place to start, and “get” why many health conscious people gravitate towards it. But in recent years some people (and organizations) have grown to become very dogmatic with their stance on how to properly follow the Paleo lifestyle.

On one side of the fence you have those who feel Paleo is the ONLY way we should eat and that humans haven’t had enough time to assimilate to a more agricultural/grain based diet.

On the other side of the fence you who have those who feel no one even knows how our Paleolithic ancestors really ate and that their diet not only was much more diverse than we give them credit for, but that the whole idea of “Paleo” differed depending on where in the world one was located.

In any case, I felt this was a baller article written by my boy Brian and I think it would benefit many people to take the time to read it…..objectively.

The Art of the Deload – Adam Bornstein

“How often should I deload” is a question I hear a lot at the gym, right after “how much weight should use?” and “Tony, why are you coaching without a shirt on?”

Loved this post by Adam which helps shed some light on a concept that many people over-complicate.

Lean & Lovely – Neghar Fonooni

I’ve been singing its praises all week, and I’ve been doing so because I truly feel this program goes out of its way to separate itself from the masses.  I love Neghar’s approach to training, as well as the message of self-acceptance and empowerment she portrays.

You only have less than a day (Saturday, August 2) to take advantage of the introductory sale price (50% off!!) for her Lean & Lovely program. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/25/14

Going to keep this short and sweet today, because 1) I’m itching to get to the gym to conquer some squats (squats = gainz!) and 2) I’ve got a few deadlines this afternoon I need to meet.  Also 3) #myeditorsaregoingtokillme

Oh, and just a heads up to everyone checking in today.  I rarely do this but I’m going to be posting an EPIC bonus blog on Sunday written by Neghar Fonooni whom I highlighted as one of my “go to” sources for female fitness last week.

It’s titled A Woman’s Journey of Strength and I feel it’s something that’s going to resonate with a lot of people, especially women.  I’ll be tossing up a notice on social media (Facebook, Twitter) this weekend, but on the off chance you don’t follow me on either of the two*, this will serve as your nudge to check in.

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

Price of the Platform – Bryan Krahn

Easily one of the best articles I’ve read this year.  Kudos to Bryan (and those interviewed) for being so forthright and honest

4 of the Biggest Quacks Plaguing America with False Claims About Science – Cliff Weathers

I’ll admit the title is a bit sensationalistic but it’s spot on.

10 Principles for Better Programming – Charles Staley

It’s not the sexiest article ever written on programming, but then again….since when does anything related to program design need to be sexy?

I love to keep things simple and this article is right on point with that philosophy. Loved this one by Coach Staley.

* = Oh, I see how it is.  When you want something you’re all like “hey baby, I love you.”  But the second I ask for something you can’t be bothered.  Whatever.  YOU’RE RUINING MY LIFE!!!!!!!

 

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/18/14

I know, I know. Some of you may have logged on today and thrown your hands up in the air (and maybe tossed in an expletive or two) expecting to read part II of Confessions of an Introverted Strength Coach.

Believe me: I had every intention of doing so, but given how popular it was (thanks everyone for the kind words), and the limited amount of time I had today to put in some quality writing* I decided I’d put it off until Monday. I promise.

Until then, per usual, here’s some stuff to read while you count down the minutes until your weekend starts.

Specialization Success Guide – Greg Robins & Eric Cressey

If you’re someone looking to take one of the “Big 3” lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift) – or even if it’s all three, or you just want to get strong – to the next level….look no further.

Admittedly, it’s less an “in depth” manual (while there are videos going over coaching cues, it’s not something that breaks down each lift), as it is more of a “how to” guide to the programming side of things.

As I noted earlier this week, I’ve seen first-hand how this program has worked for several of our own athletes and clients at CP and it’s been pretty cool to see them all set PRs on a consistent basis.

The introductory price only last a few more days, so take advantage of it while you can.

Is Your Body Made for Running? – Lou Schuler

As is par for the course, Lou writes an excellent, informative, fair piece on an always controversial topic.

Shoulders Are the New Cleavage – Revisted – Artemis Scantalides

I linked to this post earlier in the week in my Girl Power: My “Go To” Sources for Female Training, but I linked to a lot of things in that particular post and I wanted to single this one out.

I have a ton of respect for Artemis, not only for her coaching abilities and expertise, but also because she’s more than willing to discuss “touchy” or “taboo” topics openly and with a candor that not many people possess.

Here she tackles body image, and more specifically her decision not to get breast implants.

*  This is assuming, of course, that all of my writing is “quality” and that my prose is seamless, Pulitzer worthy, and either does one of two things: 1) increases your T-levels by 487% or 2) causes instantaneous conception.**

** For the record, any writer who’s that much of a pompous jerk and feels his or her’s writing is “quality,” probably only has like three people reading their stuff. As author Steven Pressfield notes in his book, The War of Art, no writer ever thinks they’re a good writer. Passable?  Maybe.  But good?  Fat chance.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

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

A New Approach to Density Training – Tyler English

For those who don’t know Tyler or are familiar with his work – shame on you!

Not only is he the author of  Men’s Health Natural Bodybuilding Bible, but he’s also the owner of one of the most kick-ass gyms in the country, Tyler English Fitness.

Needless to say he’s ripped, he’s strong, he knows how to get people into shape, and he’s easily one of my “go to” sources for sound training advice.

I thought this article on density training was on point, and something I’ve been playing around with myself with the programs I write.

Pop Tarts and Beauty Queens: It’s Time for a Reality Check Concerning Fitness Selfies and Food Porn Shared Across Social Media – Scott Tousignant

I linked to this article the other day in my blog, but in case people glossed over it I wanted to highlight it here. It’s excellent.

Everyone knows someone who’s seemingly in love with themselves, and who shares an annoyingly number of “selfies” on social media.  Just take the total number of pictures I’ve shared of my cat on this website, multiply that by number of times Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have “broken up,” and then multiply that by infinity.  That annoying.

Well, things aren’t always what the seem.

The Not So Ugly Truth About Gluten – TC Luoma

Nowadays if you’re caught eaten gluten you’re basically lumped into Satanism.

Celiac Disease is REAL, it’s something that sucks and affects thousands of people, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

That said this was an excellent piece of writing by TC which helps bring the alarmist level back to the middle.  Thank you TC!!!

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/30/14

Not to rub it in or anything, but as this post is going live I’m in route heading to Cancun, Mexico for a week of:

A.  Vitamin D intoxication
B.   Poolside reading
C.   Crushing fresh guacamole and chips. And tacos. And nachos.*
D.  Tequila**
E.   Reacting scenes from the movie Desperado. FYI:  any guy who was a teenager when this movie came out, knows EXACTLY why this movie rules. Hint:  Salma Hayek

Suffice it to say, it’s going to be hoooooooooooot, and Lisa, a Florida girl, is going to be soaking up every last second while I’ll probably be underneath an umbrella the entire time, wearing 10,000 SPF sunblock.

I’ll still be updating the blog this week.  Don’t worry, you can’t get rid of me that easily.

Connecting With Cressey – Ashley Crosby

This was a really nice write-up by Cape Cod Baseball on what the “Cressey Experience” is like.

Everything I F***** Up While Trying to Eat Like Gwyneth for a Week – Lindy West

Busting on Gwyneth is almost too easy at times. Everything from her and her husband’s (Coldplay lead vocalist, Chris Martin) uppity way of “uncoupling” to her assertion that water has “feelings,” provides ample ammunition.

Far worse is the notion that people deem her an “expert” and are willing to take nutritional advice from her.

It’s akin to me writing a book on knitting or paper mache or how to fly an F-15 fighter jet.

But back to Gwyneth. All of this “street cred” despite the fact she’s been diagnosed with osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis), in no small part due to her dietary decisions.

Anyways, I thought this was a hilarious commentary which ended up taking a turn I didn’t expect.  Kudos to the author for an honest and heartfelt review in the end.

On a quick aside, since we’re on the topic of Gwyneth, we might as well toss her BFF, Tracy Anderson into the fire as well.  This.  Was. Precious.

10 Mistakes Women Make With Diets – Dani Shugart

Slow clap to Dani for writing this.  Please share with your friends.

And that’s it for today.  Excuse me while I go hyperventilate into a brown paper bag (god, I hate flying!!!)

 

* And quesadillas.  Doesn’t matter….it’s all Paleo, right?

** (hahahahahahahahaha.  Yeah, right. The second I drink some tequila I’ll turn into the “is this real life?” kid.)

 

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/20/14

Before I get into the nitty gritty and link to some fantastic reads from this past week, I wanted to put out a quick “feeler” (not that kind of feeler. Get your mind out of the gutter) on something I’ve been thinking about doing in the very near future.

People have been asking me for eons now whether or not I’ll ever produce my own product. Much of my reticence in doing so has been the result of:

1) Not rushing into things. I figured twelve years in, and thousands of client/athlete contact hours (again, get your mind out of the gutter), I’ve amassed enough experience to toss my hat into the fitness product ring.

2) Only doing so when I felt I WAS READY. I always laugh when someone who’s just graduated college or has only been working as a personal trainer for a year states that they’re “world renowned” or an “expert.” Then, if that wasn’t enough of a red flag, are quick to promote their opus of an ebook that, according to them, will change the fitness industry and make us all wet our pants.  Twice.

Okay, now everyone’s mind is in the gutter.

Speaking personally, the only thing I was an expert in out of college or that early on in my career was sucking. And Super Mario Kart.

3) Above all, actually coming up with something worth putting out there.

And it’s with that I want to reach out to my peeps, my “Tribe” if you will, to see if anyone would be interested in participating in a Beta group for a program I’d like to test drive.

I’m still in brainstorming mode and nothing is concrete (yet), but I wanted to toss the idea out there to see if there would actually be any interest?

Basically, I’d write 4-6 months of programming (with a degree of customization involved, based of standard assessments and goals) for a minimum cost, and all I’d ask in return is honest feedback on a month-to-month basis from the participants (along with maybe a bag of beef jerky. I really like beef jerky).

Anyways, just wanted to toss that out to the universe and to place it on everyone’s radar.  If you’d like to leave a comment below expressing any interest you may have, that would be awesome.  Thanks!

There were a TON of great articles I read this week:

Another Bullshit Anti-Red Meat Study – Anthony Colpo

Red meat is blamed for everything. Cancer is the main “go to,” but other things like heart disease, obesity, and global warming are on the conversation.

Next time someone berates you for eating a burger and tries to give you a guilt trip about how you’re causing irreparable harm to your body, send them this article.  And then, for shits and giggles, and just because, make fun of them for thinking their non-GMO diet isn’t somehow genetically modified.

Pretty much everything we eat nowadays has been genetically modified to some degree.

Squat Form: Wide Stance vs. Narrow, High Bar vs. Low Bar – Israel Thomas Narvaez

One of THE best articles I’ve read in a long time on squatting technique.  Cue slow clap here.

Paleo is the Scientology of Diets – James Fell

Listen, I “get” why many people gravitate towards the Paleo lifestyle.  Anything that encourages people to eat real, minimally processed, whole foods is cool in my book.

Some people, though, take the Paleo thing too far.  Fantastic writing (and Nickleback burn) by James.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 6/13/14

Really quick before I get into the meat and potatoes of this week’s list.

1.  I love you.

2.  I didn’t even realize it was Friday the 13th until someone pointed it out to me today.  Also, apparently, I think someone told me there’s a full moon tonight.  If so, have fun with that. Good luck!

3.  If you missed it, strength coach, writer, and stronger than 99% of the population, Tim Henriques, wrote a fantastic guest post earlier this week titled 5 Life Lessons From Powerlifting.

I’m reminding people because his new book, All About Powerlifting, is quickly becoming one of my “go to” books to recommend to people regardless of training experience or whether or not they’re interested in powerlifting.  Don’t let the title fool. Yes, it’s about powerlifting….but Tim goes into great detail on each of the “big 3” and I feel it serves as an excellent primer for those looking to learn the lifts and improve their technique.

4. Only 553 days left until Star Wars Episode VII comes out.  In case anyone’s keeping track. 5 hours, 47 minutes, and 33 seconds.

32, 31, 30……..

Death By Cardio & The Fortress of Solitude – Bryan Krahn

There was an article written last week on a very popular fitness site basically telling people that cardio kills people.  I didn’t much care for it and felt it did more to bring the industry back rather than improve it.

There was a lot of research studies sited in the article itself, which, for better or worse, automatically gives people the impression that it must be accurate.

Just remember:  there was once a time where physicians advocated we smoke to improve our health!

Anyways, I really appreciated Bryan’s retort and I think you will too.

My Secret Sauce to Healthy Weight: Meal Preparation – Trish DaCosta

I had the pleasure of meeting Trish in person earlier this week and felt she was a lovely human being, and someone whom I shared many common beliefs with.

Like the idea of meal prep and how that plays a key role in weight management.

Every Sunday Lisa and I will get our groceries for the week and we’ll get home and have most of the food prep done (chicken breasts grilled, starches cooked, and beef sauteed) before noon.  And be “we’ll have it done,” what I really mean is Lisa will have it done.

Love you babe!

Yes, meal prep sucks.  Yes, no one likes doing it.  But you need to learn to suck it up and do it anyways. That, and TAKE OUT THE RECYCLING!!!!!!!!!!  HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO ASK!?!??!

Low Cholesterol: The Risks, Dangers, and Reality – Michael McEvoy

I had my first appointment with a doctor in well over a decade last summer. As I recall it was a fairly painless experience, and I only hyperventilated into a brown paper bag twice at the sight of a needle.

As part of the deal, I had some blood work done to test things like my vitamin D levels, testosterone levels, as well as cholesterol and adamantium (<—– please tell you get the reference).

A week or so after the fact I received the results and noticed that my TOTAL cholesterol levels were somewhat low (take that egg haters!!!!), and I was more or less patting myself on the back.

As it happened, a fellow Facebook friend of mine, a doctor himself, noted that, while there was nothing to be too (too) concerned about, low cholesterol levels can be just as much a sign of something wrong as high cholesterol readings.

He noted:

“If your total cholesterol is really in the 120s, you (may) have a couple of things going on….the first could be fat malabsorption due to decreased bile production or flow, the second is significant adrenal stress that leads to all of your cholesterol getting shunted to pregnenolone to control inflammation. Infections(sub-clinical) will lead to chronic inflammation that depletes cholesterol as well.” 

To which I responded:

Am I going to die?

Anyways, this was the article he sent my way which I felt was interesting and something that some of you may find interesting as well.