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Seeking a Strong MOFo

We need your help.

Copyright: mearicon / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Strong MOFo (That’s You)…Apply Here

Strong Man Over Forty

Who’s “we?

For the past year myself and Bryan Krahn (you know, the meathead writer guy with the bulldogs and the second best hair in the fitness industry1 have been meshing together ideas to curate what we believe to be the “ultimate” training program to finally service what we consider to be the most neglected demographic out there:

Basically guys like us.

Men (and women) over 40…who are experienced lifters, yet are now a bit beat up. (The days of chasing PR’s are now taken with a big grain of salt and a fat dose of ibuprofen).

NOTE: I know full well we’ll be getting a bunch of men and women writing something to the effect of “Hey Tony & Bryan, I’m 38 can I still participate?” To which I say, “Hell no. See you in two years punk.”

Just kidding. Of course you can!

Really, our goal is to target men/women who are 35+ years old. It’s just there was no witty acronym that coincided with the number 35.

YOU are a man (or woman) who still cares about getting or being strong, however you also have other goals:

  • You wanna have good symmetry (big arms, pecs, maybe a badonkadonk), bring up lagging body parts, and/or otherwise look good naked.
  • You wanna move well and not roll out of bed feeling like a broken down tin man.
  • You wanna gain back or maintain some semblance of athleticism. Not Bo Jackson Tecmo Bowl levels of athleticism, but it would be nice to be able to sprint 30 yards without pulling a hamstring.

  • More importantly, you want training to be both productive and fun.

But above all, you’re really busy…not just with work, but with family (or maybe you’re not busy, in which case I hate you), and you want to see the fruits of your labor.

FYI: Both Bryan and I are newly minted dads as of 2017, so we know how easy it is for training to take a back seat when “life” gets in the way.

However, we didn’t let life (or age) prevent us from still making progress and gains in the gym.

Here’s me hitting my first 600 lb deadlift a few weeks ago a month away from turning 41:

Here’s Bryan looking diesel as shit (and that hair!) at 44:

Sleeveless September.

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Many training schedules nowadays aren’t realistic and are hard to stay committed to due to time requirements. We recognize that for many Strong MOFo’s training needs to be efficient….45 minutes to an hour, max.

Get in, get out, get jacked.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, Bryan and I think we have a solution, and we’re ready to transition to the next stage and elicit some help.

And that’s where you come in.

Beta Testing Strong MOFo

We would never send a client a training program unless we first used it ourselves to work out the kinks.

Similarly, we’d never even consider putting together a product of this nature out for sale unless we had dozens of real-life beta testers following it to the letter and offering their feedback (and especially their criticisms):

  • What did they like? Dislike?
  • What phases worked best for them?
  • Which felt too long? Too short?
  • Which days made them feel invigorated, excited to train, or otherwise prefer to jump into a live volcano?

All of this feedback is gold and can help turn a decent program/product into a high-selling industry changer.

One that will help people get stronger, move better, feel less shitty, and more confident.

Which is why we’re making this baller offer:

We’re looking for highly committed, experienced lifters to follow our Strong MOFo program for four months.

The Deets

The program will be hosted by Tony’s CORE Online app, which in an online service he provides via his website. This offers a few benefits:

  • This will allow you to follow the program on your phone (but relax, you’ll also have the option to print it out too, you geezer).
  • You’ll have immediate access to video tutorials and explanations of all exercises.
  • You’ll also have access to a community forum to converse with other beta testers as well as to ask questions to Bryan and Tony.
  • Selfishly, it’s more convenient for us to go this route rather than deal with a plethora of Excel spreadsheets and emails. This way, there’s a “home-base” for everything.

Cost: We’re offering this beta program at a price of $249. This will cover four months of programming (and is less than what Bryan and I charge for one month of distance coaching).

Start Date: The start date is Monday, December 18th. We’re announcing this now for a few reasons:

  1. This will allow for enough time to wrap up any current program you’re plugging through.
  2. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we know that entire week is usually a wash for most people.
  3. You have ample time to get acquainted with the software/system.
  4. Because we said so.
  5. End Date = four months later.

Requirements

  • You have to be a minimum of 35 years old.
  • You have to have experience lifting weights. If you’re unable to deadlift, then, um, this may not be the program for you.
  • You have to have access to a well-equipped commercial or home gym. The last thing we want to be doing is tweaking someone’s program who only has access to dumbbells up to 40 lbs, a treadmill, and a rubber ducky.
  • You have to be relatively injury-free. Aches and pains are one thing. A frozen shoulder or six-months post back surgery is another

We’re so excited for this and can’t wait to have you on board.

—> Sign Up For Strong MOFo <—

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 11/3/17

The baby fell asleep at his normal time last night and Lisa wasn’t going to be home for two hours.

What to do? What to do?

Stranger Things season 2 ya’ll.

I watched two episodes and am trying really hard not to put my laptop down and watch two more at this moment.

Must……keep…….typing.

Lets get to this week’s stuff to read.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

But First

1) Mid-Atlantic Regional NSCA Conference – Philadelphia

I’m excited to be presenting alongside some other prominent coaches at this year’s Mid-Atlantic NSCA Conference in Philadelphia, PA this coming December.

Hope to see you there.

2) 6 Mistakes You Make When Deadlifting That Are Screwing Up Your Back

Men’s Health reached out and asked if I’d be willing to chime in on this one?

  • Does a bear shit in the woods?
  • Does Han love Leia?

Of course I’ll chime in.

3) Online Trainer Academy – Early Bird Ends

Building a successful online training business can be daunting. There’s a lot of noise out there and it can be hard to separate yourself from the masses.

My good friend, Jon Goodman, has produced the most complete and thorough resource on the topic. If you’re looking for help on the what’s and why’s and how’s on the particulars of building a online business, one with integrity and that will help give you some financial freedom, look no further.

This course is only offered twice per year and the early bird opt in (which saves you $200) ends tonight. What’s more, since they’re always adding and updating information, next year the course will be $500 more expensive. So this is your last chance to save a boat load of cash.

Improving Shoulder Motion: Lat Inhibition – Dr. Quinn Henoch

My new man-crush is Quinn Henoch.

LOVE his work.

Awareness Is Great, Action Is Better: Here’s How To Just Do the Damn Thing – Jill Coleman

When I made the decision to leave Cressey Sports Performance a few years ago it scared the shit out of me. I used that fear to help motivate me not to fail.

It worked. I think.

In this article Jill does a much better job of articulating how to handle tough situations.

Unorthodox Core Strengthening Exercises – Andrew Millett

1. That’s a piss-poor looking plank. 2. There are no plank variations in this article.  I just chose this picture because it was free….;o)

Social Media Shenanigans

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It was either this or a ridiculously cute Ewok.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 10/27/17

Lets dive right into things.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

 

But First

1) Mid-Atlantic Regional NSCA Conference – Philadelphia

I’m excited to be presenting alongside some other prominent coaches at this year’s Mid-Atlantic NSCA Conference in Philadelphia, PA this coming December.

Hope to see you there.

2) Strength House Podcast – The One Where They Dissect My 600 lb Deadlift

I’ve had a lot of people ask me about my 600 lb deadlift that I hit a few weeks ago: How did I  prepare? What did my programming look like? Did I destroy the back of my pants? You know, all the important stuff.

My coach, Greg Robins, and his partner in crime, Tony Bonvechio, go into great detail on my technique and programming in their latest episode of The Strength House.

 

3) How To Build a Strong Online Training Business 

There are few things I’m steadfast on:
1. No one has to back squat.
2. Bacon is delicious.
3. Attack of the Clones is the worst of the Star Wars movies. It just is.

Oh, and there’s one more thing: I think any trainer who is serious about pursuing online training should FIRST spend 2+ years training people in person.

There are so many variables and nuances one learns from coaching people in person that it’s pretty much impossible to appreciate them if you end up bull-charging into online coaching out of the gate.

That being said, in this day and age, online coaching is kinda-sorta a thing. Actually, it’s more than that. For many it’s a viable and extraordinary way to add an additional revenue stream to compliment your income, or in some cases to make into your livelihood.

My good friend, Jon Goodman, author of the world’s only textbook on online training, has a free 4-day course on building a successful online business. I checked it out and it’s awesome, but free registration ends on October 29. Grab it while you can, and you’ll learn…

* Lesson 1: How to properly offer support to online clientele (and why most online trainers do this really, REALLY badly).

* Lesson 2: How online trainers should approach assessments (and the key mindset shift you MUST make).

* Lesson 3: How to sell online training over the phone in 11 steps (without being SLEAZY).

* BONUS: You’ll also get a free copy of Jon’s ebook, “The 16 Lasting Laws of Online Training”

The LAST day to download this FREE 4-day course is October 29th. Don’t miss out.

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work

The Ultimate Pull-Up Program – Meghan Callaway

This is one of the best resources I’ve ever come across on the topic of how to make pull-ups/chin-ups your bitch.

Meghan is a fantastic coach and I know of zero people who are more passionate about the topic than her.

She looooooooves pull-ups. And, honestly, there aren’t many people who can do what she can do. It’s pretty impressive.

If you’re looking to conquer your first pull-up (and then some), look no further. Last day to save $50 off the regular price is today (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

Should You Squat Tall Athletes? – Mike Robertson

Mike’s written many phenomenal articles throughout the years. This one may be in his Top 5. Really, really good.

So You Want To Be a Writer? – Tim Henriques

There are many coaches and trainers out there wondering whether or not that have the chops (maybe “prose” would be a better word here?) to write.

Strength coach Tim Henriques provides some excellent insights in this post.

Social Media Shenanigans

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CategoriesUncategorized

Complete Shoulder and Hip Blueprint: Boston

It’s been a glorious ride.

For the past three years Dean Somerset and I have had the opportunity to practice karate travel together all over North America (and Europe) presenting our Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint to the masses.

Here we are at Movement Minneapolis

All told we’ve had over 500 people – ranging from personal trainers, strength coaches, yoga/pilates instructors, physical therapists, chiropractors, people who like to lift heavy things, and Chuck Norris2 – attend the course, in addition to having over 100o people purchase the online video series.

This November, though, in Boston, MA, will likely be our LAST workshop.

Well, not the last last workshop.

It’s not like he and I had a falling out or something and hate each other’s guts. That could never happen.

Rest assured we have plans to do future workshops together, just not this workshop.

Why Should You Come Hang Out With Us In Boston?

1. I’m serious, I’m 99.7% sure this will be the last live Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint event in the foreseeable future.

Now, granted, Brett Favre retired and un-retired 33 different times and even Crystal Pepsi has managed to make several comebacks, so I’ll never say never.

But unless Disney decides to put Dean and I in some magical vault alongside a pair of glass slippers and several Dwarfs, and re-release us every 40 years, this will be our last CS&H workshop.

2. I’d venture a guess there aren’t many workshops that can give you the same experience as us. We geek out over some geeky shit, but we also make things very digestible and fun:

  • Every workshop is different and we’re pretty flexible in terms of catering the two-days to what our audience wants to watch and listen to.
  • Plus, I swear a lot.3

3. Learn to connect the dots, if any, between assessment, corrective exercise, and effective strength training strategies for common shoulder and hip ailments and dysfunctions.

100% of your clients have shoulders and hips, I think.

I can almost guarantee you’re going to learn something that you’ll be able to apply right away to help your clients/athletes get better.4

4. It’s an amazing opportunity to network and meet other like-minded individuals.

5. CEU deadlines are coming up at the end of the year and I’m willing to bet you’re someone who’s waited till the last minute. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

This sucker provides 1.4 CEUs (via the NSCA).

6. The weekend of this workshop is an extended Holiday weekend, so most personal training clients will be peacing out anyways.

Why not come visit a cool city, do some sightseeing, and make a weekend out of it?

The Early Bird rate is currently in effect – $100 off the regular price – and seats are limited. Click the link below for full details on the itinerary, location, payment options, and which is Dean’s favorite Spice Girl.

—> Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint <—

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work: 9/15/17

Sorry I was absent from writing some content this week. It’s a busy two-week window on my end with travel to Chicago this weekend (for the Elite Training & Performance Summit) and next weekend to Toronto to visit friends.

I’ve got a few blog ideas percolating in my brain at the moment, so I should have some fresh content to melt your faces next week. I hope.

Lets get to this week’s list.

Copyright: wamsler / 123RF Stock Photo

CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST

1) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Boston

The Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint is finally coming to Boston. Not “fake” Boston, either, on the outskirts of the North or South shore, and we end up calling it a Boston workshop.

No, this sumbitch is going to be IN Boston, at AMP Fitness located near Government Center in the heart of the city.

This shindig goes down the weekend of November 11th and the early bird rate is currently in effect. Hope to see you there. And by “there” I mean HERE.

2) The One Thing Young Athletes Are Lacking

I wrote this article for STACK a few years ago and they recently re-purposed it on their site. I still stand by everything I say.

Am I allowed to give myself a slow clap?

Stuff To Read While You’re Pretending To Work

“Science” and The Barbell Hip Thrust – Doug Kechijian

All I have to say is that it was a breath of fresh air to read an article on the hip thrust that didn’t devolve into a shit-show of platitudes, N=1 summaries, and ad hominem attacks.

Understanding The Shoulder Pain Epidemic in CrossFit Athletes Parts I & II – Dave Tilley

Now if it were me writing this article series all I’d say is:

“Yeah, stop doing kipping pull-ups. Seriously, stop. No. NO! Stop it. Stop.”

But I didn’t write it. Besides Dave goes into much more detail, and it’s excellent.

Peak Perform University – Curated by Joe Dowdell

This weekend is your last chance to get in on the initial launch of Peak Perform University.

It’s a continuing education resource geared towards fitness professionals curated personally by Joe Dowdell, who owned and operated one of the most successful gyms in NYC history, PEAK Performance.

In it you’ll have access to material produced by some of the biggest names in the industry: Pat Davidson, Bill Hartman, Dean Somerset, Perry Nickelston, Joel Jamieson, and yours truly.

You can think of it as an abyss of content: there’s already a hefty database to choose from, and there will be additional, CEU accredited material added month by month.

If you’re a fitness professional looking for an easy and convenient – no travel! – way to expose yourself to some of the top coaches in the industry this is a splendid way to do so.

The best part: you can choose however many courses you’d like to view, there’s no requirement to the number you have to purchase, and you can take however much time you want to view them.

Social Media Shenanigans

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/11/17

As you’re reading this I’m likely 35,000 feet in the air making my way back from Florida to Boston. What’s also likely is Lisa and I trying not to destroy the back of our pants juggling a 6-month old lap to lap in an effort to keep him at bay and not terrorize the rest of the passengers.

Knowing today was going to be a wash in terms of productivity I planned a head and prepped this week’s list of stuff to read a day early.

Lets get to it.

Copyright: epokrovsky / 123RF Stock Photo

 

Check This Stuff Out First

1) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

There’s only less than three weeks left to take advantage of the Early Bird rate for Dean Somerset and I’s workshop in Orlando, at Spark Fitness, the weekend of October 21st.

I’ve never been to Orlando. I bet it’s going to be beautiful in October. Yet, there’s no way in hell I’m visiting Disney World.5

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

HEADS UP: We’ve also added Boston into the mix later this year. Not Burlington Boston or Beverly Boston, two cities that are lovely, albeit not (that) close to Boston.

No, this is IN Boston. In the heart of the city Boston, at AMP Fitness.

Early bird rate is in effect now and if you’re super eager to sign-up you can go HERE.

2) Elite Fitness & Performance Summit – Chicago

 

I’ll be in Chicago this September alongside some other phenomenal speakers for the Elite Fitness & Performance Summit. The cast includes:

  • Nick Tumminello
  • Mark Fisher (if I have to follow him on stage I’m going to be pissed)
  • Josh Henkin
  • Nick Berry
  • Molly Galbraith
  • Krista Scott-Dixon
  • Ryan Ketchum

And many, many more.  It’s one of the most action-packed fitness events of the year, so be sure to reserve your seat ASAP.

Stuff To Read

Precision Nutrition ‘Hot Topic’ Report – John Berardi

I trust the people over at Precision Nutrition implicitly. If there’s ever a topic on nutrition I’m curious about or if a client has questions I almost always defer to them.

Today’s nutrition climate is sooooooo confusing and dichotomous. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? It’s sometimes hard to ascertain if something is BS or legit.

Well, PN (or, more specifically, the legend himself, John Berardi) just released this awesome, FREE, multi-day mini-course covering nutrition “hot topics” like whether grains are good/bad for you, the good and bad detoxes, whether you should be worried about GMOs, the facts about post-workout nutrition, nutrient timing, calorie counting, and, like, do unicorn tears really increase protein synthesis by 119%?

All the important stuff is covered.

The Best Fat Loss Article On the Motherfuckin’ Internet – Aadam Ali

There’s a kid-friendly link somewhere on the internet that refers to this as the “Best Fat Loss Article on the Motherlovin‘ Internet.”

Fuck that.

This.

THIS ladies and gents is what it means to write with infotainment in mind.

Tony Was a Weirdo, So Mark Started a Gym – Pete Dupuis

True story:

Pete sent me an email last night saying:

“You okay with me publishing the following tomorrow? Don’t want to overstep, so asking first.”

I then proceeded to read the greatest piece of literature ever written.6

I wrote back:

“I got teary eyed reading that. Please, publish that motherfucker.”

Thanks Pete (and Mark). That meant a lot to me.7

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

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I love this slide on scapular winging. Mostly because I look jacked, but also because it’s a term that’s vomited out there by personal trainers & coaches without much thought. Dr. @quinn.henochdpt notes that while it is a thing (congruence between the rib cage and shoulder blade)…REAL scapular winging is a medical diagnosis where the Long Thoracic Nerve fails at innervating the serratus anterior. Much of the time what’s “diagnosed” as scapular winging isn’t really much of anything and nothing more than a lack of tension and motor control that can be addressed rather easily. In this pic I’m using a ground based movement first, a side lying bottoms up kettlebell swivel and press, to teach context of tension and CONTROL of movement. No scapular winging. Weird. Stop tossing out words and terms that likely don’t mean anything and giving everyone the sense they’re broken. They’re not. They (probably) don’t need 37 different corrective exercises to fix their winging. They just need to learn how to do a push up correctly or something.

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CategoriesUncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 7/21/17

There was a giant leap last night. Lisa had to go away to NYC yesterday, which meant last night was the first night in Julian’s life mommy wasn’t under the same roof.

We had a blast. We ran around the apartment with scissors, visited the asbestos factory, took shots of Nyquil. It was awesome.

Note to Lisa: Julian is still alive.

He’a actually taking his morning nap, which means I have a finite amount of time to get this post done. Lets get to it.

Copyright: gregorylee / 123RF Stock Photo

 

CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston

This weekend is the last weekend to take advantage of the Early-Bird price for the Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop. After Sunday (7/23) the price jumps up $50.

 

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

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

SPOILER ALERT: Lisa’s a Jedi Doctor of Psychology and went to school for that shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

So, why not combine the two?

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

Here’s the itinerary8

To purchase you can go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

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

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

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

HEADS UP: We’ve also added Boston into the mix later this year. Not Burlington, MA Boston or Beverly Boston. Like IN Boston… in the heart of the city Boston at AMP Fitness.

If you’re super excited and want to sign-up early you can go HERE.

3. Bros Do Science Interview

When Dean and I were in London last month Rocco Venizelos of  Bros Do Science stopped by Third Space in Canary Wharf to talk shop with the two of us.

Check it out.

 

Stuff To Read

44 Things I’ve Learned About Muscle, Fat Loss, and Manhood – Bryan Krahn

It disgusts me how brilliant of a writer Bryan is.

Funny. Engaging. Goes out of his way to provide an infinite amount of actionable content.

I hate him.

The Value of Admitting You’re Wrong – Mike Samuels

It’s a trait I wish more people had in this industry…admitting when they’re wrong.

Yesterday I wrote about authenticity. This post by Mike is the epitome of that.

Certified Program Design Specialist – Robert Dos Remedios

An excellent resource from a coach with over 30 years of coaching experience. It’s on sale for $100 off the regular price, but it ends this weekend.

Hurry!

Social Media Shenanigans

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Here’s how to set up for a proper KB Swing. Top video (AKA: the pickup-n-go-and-make-my-eyes-bleed approach): a casual pick up with poor spinal position followed by a shimmying of the hips back and forth in order to get momentum going. It’s awkward. Stop it. Plus the bell dips below the knees. A kitten dies. You’re a big jerk for performing your swings this way. Bottom video (AKA: the hike-n-go-now-we’re-talking approach): bell is a few feet in front, tilt it towards you with your chest up. Hike that sonofabitch and then violently thrust your hips so that the bell is propelled in front and there’s a momentary instant where it “floats.” Return bell as close to groin as possible or without harming your future offspring. The universe is now happy.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: Complete Shoulder and Hip Blueprint Is On Sale Edition

Hey-o, guess what?

My flagship resource, Complete Shoulder and Hip Blueprint is on sale, like right now, for the first time ever, at 50% off the original price.

Why?

 

1. My (business) partner-in-crime9, Dean Somerset, is Canadian and we figured it would be a nice way to celebrate our respective country’s Independence Day.

Unity is swell.

2. My 5-month old, Julian, goes through a ton of diapers. That shit’s expensive.10

3. Why not?

It’s gotten amazing reviews and feedback from trainers/coaches from around the world, and I’m not at all biased when I say it’s pretty much the greatest fitness resource ever produced in the history of ever.

Don’t worry: I’ll be writing some actual new content in the upcoming days to coincide with the sale. Content that will educate and make you a better coach.11

In the interim I wanted to rehash some older(ish) posts that touch on some of the topics Dean and I cover in the course. Even if you don’t want to buy anything – did I mention it’s HALF OFF? – the info is fantastic, and you’ll be smarter. And more attractive.

The Difference Between External & Internal Impingement of the Shoulder – Me

Shoulder impingement is a garbage term. A lazy term. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know the difference between the two, the mechanisms involved, and how to train around each issue.

You’re Not Broken if You’re Asymmetrical. You’re Normal – Me

Copyright: erllre / 123RF Stock Photo

Taking the approach that everyone should squat or deadlift (or whatever) the same way, with the same stance and setup, like we’re all molded to fit into the same textbook algorithm of perfection is unfortunate.

Lets Pump the Brakes Internet: N0, Deadlifts Won’t Make Your Spine Explode. And No, Not Everyone Has To Do Them – Me

Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo

Sometimes trolls need to be trolled with common sense. Peppered with STFU. This was one of my favorite articles I wrote last year.

Social Media Shenanigans

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Here’s a great example of learning from your clients. This is Sara, obsessor of anything and everything glutes. As is the case with anyone in that department she frequents @bretcontreras1 IG feed. And why not? It’s a bevy of amazing content and information (and glutes!). At the end of last night’s session I was like “okay, you have 10 minutes to do whatever you want,” and she started showing me some new moves she learned from Bret and @soheefit. She started explaining a reverse hyper variation with a DB between the legs, which I then asked her to demonstrate. After a few reps I was like “ever think about wrapping a band around your knees.” Sara was intrigued, so we tried it, and Sha-ZAM…even more glutes (due to the added hip abduction resistance). We opted to play around with some ISO holds rather than straight up and down reps, but either are fine. Just be sure to engage your abs on these and not overextend through the lower back. All we did was a few 5s holds and she was feeling it where it counts. Pretty neat to talk things through with a client. Who says the learning process can’t be a two way street?

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

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

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

I’d be lying if I said I was a bit reticent about coming given the current climate. But every time I am here I’m reminded about how much I love this place – the people, the culture, the zippy public transportation.12

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

“Oopsie Daisies”

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

Copyright: welcomia / 123RF Stock Photo

 

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

1. Strong Body-Strong Mind – Boston

 

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

 

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

Lisa went to school for this shit.

I went to school to help turn people into badasses.

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

Strong Body-Strong Mind = see you there?

To purchase you can go HERE.

2) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

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

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

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

3. Elite Athletic Development Sale Palooza

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

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

EAD 2.0 – goes rabbit hole deep into program design.

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

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

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

Stuff to Read

The Most Dangerous Exercise – T-Nation

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

Some Tenets – Bas Barbell Club

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

How Should Runners Lift Weights – Jason Fitzgerald

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

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Social Media Shenanigans

Twitter

Instagram

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

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Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop: Boston

I’m excited to announce the Strong Body-Strong Mind Workshop is finally coming to Boston.

Copyright: sepavo / 123RF Stock Photo

 

My wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, and I have had the honor of presenting this workshop in both Austin, TX and London, UK last year (and will also be heading to Toronto, ON next week), so it only made sense we’d eventually try to host it in our backyard.

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

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

I can appreciate that many have their hearts in the right place, have helped plenty of people, and likely have read many books on the topic.13

With regards to mindset and mental skills, however, Lisa went to school for this shit.

She can speak to building competency and discussing how to best develop the skills to breed rapport with clients. I can speak to getting people bigger, stronger, faster, and increasing their general levels of badassery.

So, come make a weekend of it. Boston is a beautiful city. You can hang out with Lisa and I on Saturday (admittedly I’m biased, but we’re totally cool) and then explore the city on Sunday: take a Duck Tour, hit up Fenway (RedSox are home that weekend), visit Quincy Market, hang out with Tom Brady, whatever your heart desires.

All the pertinent details are in the graphic above.14

Also, spots are limited to 26 people. Like, for real, 26 people. I’m not just saying that to build a false sense of urgency.15

You can purchase HERE.

Hope to see you there!

Itinerary

I’ve had a few people reach out asking what topics will be covered during the workshop. Below is a loose itinerary which should give you an idea:

8:30am:  Registration & Coffee

9:00am: Lisa & Tony Welcome and Review of the Day

9:20am: Lisa – Motivation, Coach and Client Characteristics

10:00am: Mid-Morning Break (may or may not include an interpretive dance)

10:15am: Lisa – Psych Skills for Trainers and Coaches, Transtheoretical Model of Change, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Coaching

12:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm: Tony – Hands-on & Lecture Upper Extremity Assessment, Correctives, Shoulder Friendly Strength Training

3:00pm: Lower Extremity Assessment, Correctives, Hip Hinge, Squat, Program Design

5:00pm: Questions, Wrap-Up, CEUs, 90s Hip-Hop Rap Battle, Let’s Go Eat!