CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

Stuff to Read While You’re Stuck at Home Not Wearing Pants: 7/10/20

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THE WEEKLY BRIEF UPDATE

I got nuthin.

I mean, I had to cancel my teeth cleaning appointment today.

That’s exciting.

Oh, hey, have you checked out my new CORE @ Home platform yet?

It’s designed so that I can deliver workouts you can perform at home – pants optional – using minimal equipment.

You have two options:

1. Subscribe for FREE and receive one workout per week.

2. Subscribe for $29.00 and receive three workouts per week (in addition to special bonus content).

My hope is that it helps take the thinking out of things and keeps people more accountable to workout more consistently despite not having access to their normal gym.

For more information go HERE.

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30 Days of Spine Hygiene * . Day 1️⃣ Bubblegum Farts. . Or . Finding (and maintaining) “neutral” spine while moving your extremities… . …which, let’s be real, is NO WHERE near as baller of a description as bubblegum farts. . I don’t know who originally named this drill, but whomever it is I officially nominate him/her to name every exercise from here on out. . Instead of something lame like Quadruped Extension-Rotation, I bet our secret wordsmith exercise namer would name it something cool like Fart Breath Rotations or Henry Cavill. . Anyway, this is a very sneaky (hard) drill and it does a superb job at locking in the abdominal brace which then aids in maintaining spinal stability while we add in movement. . Eventually it behooves us to marinate in a more diverse movement environment (rotation, etc)… . …but out of the gate, especially when working with someone with a history of back pain, I’ve found that honing in on STABILITY in that area (while also addressing mobility in requisite areas: hips, t-spine) is a fantastic approach for most. . Don’t forget to emphasize the exhale as you lift your hand off the ground, while also maintaining pressure INTO the ball. . I’m telling you it’s a sneaky bastard of an exercise. . * When in doubt read anything and everything via @backfitpro . Not only the world’s foremost mustache haver, but also not too shabby when it comes to spine biomechanics and research. . I’d HIGHLY recommend his Back Mechanic book.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE AT HOME NOT WEARING PANTS

Examine Personalized – Examine.com

This may seem surprising, but I hate reading research. It’s important of course, and I try my best to stay on top of current trends and to balance the teeter-totter between being evidence-based and respecting the power of anecdotal experience.

But yeah, I’m more likely to sit down and read Elvish poetry before reading a full-length research study.

This is why I am SO pumped to share with you Examine.com’s Personalized.

To be as succinct as possible: they scour the internet for pertinent research you’re interested in, they summarize it, it gets copy edited so that you don’t need a degree from Harvard to read it, and then it’s peer reviewed for accuracy.

They make it SUPER easy and it saves a TON of time.

Today is your last chance to take advantage of their initial LAUNCH pricing:

  • Monthly: $9/mo
  • Yearly: $75 (normally $90)
  • Lifetime: $299 (normally $399)

Click HERE to get more information.

Complimentary Circuits: Effective Programming Made Simple – Kevin Mullins

As is the case always, Kevin provides a bevy of useful info in this article.

READ IT!

How to Overcome the 8 Biggest Diet Problems – Krista Scott-Dixon

Dieting or “locking in” sound nutritional habits always tends to be the elephant in the room for most people. For some it’s eating when bored, for others it’s a sweet tooth.

And for others it’s simply all just too confusing.

Krista helps to drown out the noise.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/30/19

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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. Coaching Competency – Dublin, Ireland

This is happening Sunday, September 8, 2019 (NEXT WEEKEND).

Register HERE

So what happens when a room full of Irish(w0)men find out I’m not much of a drinker?…;o)

Whether you get paid to tell people to lift heavy things or you just like to lift heavy things yourself, in this 1-day workshop you’ll get the opportunity to listen to me talk about my how I approach assessment and gain a better understanding of how I “match” the exercises I prescribe to better fit the needs, ability level, and more importantly, the anatomy of each individual I work work.

In short, this workshop looks at the “umbrella theme” of my coaching philosophy.

For more information – including itinerary and how to register – go HERE.

2. Strategic Strength Workshop – London, England

This is happening the weekend of September 14-15th, 2019.

Register HERE

Luke Worthington and I have presented this workshop twice. Once in London last year and again this past June in Boston.

We’re bringing it back to London this Fall, my most favorite place in the world.

This two-day workshop is designed to arm fitness professionals with all the tools they’ll need to hone their assessment skills and to make their clients/athletes a bunch of bonafide, resilient, strength training Terminators.

Combined Luke and I have ~40 years of coaching experience (or one Dan John) and bring different perspectives and skill-sets to the table; Luke peels back the onion on PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) concepts and assessment, while I go into detail breaking down movement and how to better “match” the exercises we prescribe to our clients.

For more information – including itinerary and how to register – you can go HERE.

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Anyone who knows me knows I’m quite the movie buff. . It was such a treat to have the opportunity to work with Rosamund Pike (@mspike …give her a follow, she JUST started IG) while she was in Boston filming her next movie, “I Care A lot” recently. . Yes, I grilled her about Gone Girl and many of her other roles (A Private War, An Education, Jack Reacher, I promise I didn’t annoy her). . For seven weeks Rosamund showed up after long days (or night shoots) and got AFTER it: deadlifts, Goblet Squats, push-ups, chin-ups, badonkadonk stuff, “what was it like to work with David Fincher, did Tom Cruise really do his own stunts?” , and copious amounts of farmer carries. . She’s gone now (HA, pun), but it was refreshing to witness her work ethic, willingness to try new things, and overall inquisitiveness; just a lovely person in general. . I’m serious, I didn’t annoy her….😉

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

The Ketogenic Diet: Does it Live Up to the Hype? – Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon & Dr. Helen Kollias

WHEW – this was a thorough article; it may be wise to grab a few Kale shakes and hard boiled eggs cause you’re gonna be here for a while.

Krista and Helen leave no stone un-turned and cover everything from what is “ketosis,” whether or not it provides any inherent advantages over other calorically controlled diets, as well as whether or not it’s a good fit for athletes.

So the next time someone waxes poetic on how superior the ketogenic diet is, punch them in the kidney, and then have them read this.

Back Squat vs. Front Squat – Mike Robertson

Mike’s the RZA of strength & conditioning coaches.

I don’t even know what that means, but what I do know is I always learn something from him whenever I read or listen to him (and I presume he makes sick beats).

This is no different.

5 Awesome Exercises for the Hips – Meghan Callaway

That feels better.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 2/1/19

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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – 2019 Locations & Dates

Philadelphia, PA: April 27-28th

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: May 25-26th

Sydney, Australia: July 13-14th

Singapore, Republic of Singapore: July 20-21st

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Find out more details HERE.

2. Coaching Competency Workshop – Raleigh, NC

I’ll be making my first appearance – ever (<— how’s that possible?) – in the wonderful state of North Carolina this coming March to put on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop.

Full details (date, location, itinerary, how to register) can be found HERE.

EARLY BIRD rate is currently in effect ($50 off regular price), so make sure to take advantage of it while you can.

3) Julian Turned Two

My son, Julian, turned two yesterday.

Yeah, he’s cute….;o)

 

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Someone turned two today.

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One of my clients posted this on his Twitter account and I felt it prudent to share. . 1. I’ve always said the best “set/rep” scheme for most people is 3×52. . Find a way to get to the gym 3x per week, 52 weeks out of the year and something cool is going to happen. . 2. In this case, Perry (my client), went to the gym 4x per week and never missed a session. . He put close to 100 lbs on his DL, hit several other personal bests, and I’m pretty sure he has the largest biceps in his office. . The best part? Not the biceps. . He had ZERO injuries all year. . I repeatedly stressed to him “easy training is good training.” Sure, we had a few ball busters in there, but all in all every session was “get in, get your reps in, and get out.” . I’m very proud of Perry and all the hard work he put in. I told him what to do, but HE did the work. . CONSISTENCY is the best training program. . 3. I’m awesome…😉😄

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

I’d Love to Get Started – Kristen Scott-Dixon

Nothing like a KSD article to kick everyone in the ass.

“All you have to do is start.

And then, moments will keep moving, as moments do.”

I thoroughly enjoy reading Krista’s writing. I mean, part me hates her guts because she’s soooo good. But then the other part of me remembers how much of a writing crush I have on her and all is forgotten.

The Future of Fitness Podcast – Eric Malzone

 

I’m always asked what are some podcasts that I like or listen to?

Here’s one.

Eric is a superb interviewer and he has an uncanny ability to make conversation flow seamlessly. He’s also one of the more prolific podcasters, releasing a new episode every couple of days with some pretty big names to boot.

Dean Somerset, Dan John, Jonathan Goodman, Sarah Duvall, Pat Rigsby, Jessi Kneeland, and some weirdo with the last name Gentilcore.

What’s more he interviews an eclectic array of fitness professionals ranging from those who focus on body recomposition or the ketogenic lifestyle to those who’s cup of tea is fitness marketing and brand awareness.

It’s superb, and if you’re looking for a new podcast to follow you’re welcome.

Is Keto REALLY the Best Diet? Dissecting the Logical and Physiological Fallacies of Keto-mania – Mike Howard

If you don’t have the attention span to read the entire article, you can pick up the gist by looking at the charts at the end.

Fucking A.

SIDE NOTE: HERE‘s my take on the Keto Craze, if you’re interested. I wrote it a few months ago and parallels very much with what Mike has to say (albeit Mike is way more eloquent than I).

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/31/18

Apologies for the lack of writing content of late.

It’s been a hectic few weeks getting things prepared for upcoming speaking events and travel. The good news (well kinda good news: I’m gonna miss the little booger) is that my one and half year old, Julian, made the transition to full-time daycare this week.

Woo-hoo I’ll soon have my mornings back to write!

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BUT FIRST…CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

1. (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Upcoming Locations Below

This workshop will piggyback on the material Dean Somerset and I covered in the original Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

But now.

BUT NOW……

….It’s the (Even More) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint.

A bunch of wordsmiths we are.

With this iteration, though, we’ll be going a bit deeper into the coaching and programming side of things:

  • How to program around common injuries.
  • How to “connect” the appropriate exercises to the client/athlete.
  • How to squat and deadlift like a boss.

Houston, TX – is NEXT weekend (Sept 8-9th).

Ljublijana, Slovenia – Octobver 20-21st. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

Los Angeles, CA – November 17-18th. (<— EARLY BIRD rate still in affect)

All registrants to this course (as well as future dates in Detroit, Philadelphia, Minas Tirith) will receive a free download of CSHB 1.0 so that you’re up-to-speed on the content Dean and I will be covering.

To register and for moe details go HERE.

2. RISE Fitness Business Conference – San Jose, CA

I’ve had to decline speaking at this event in the past due to prior engagements1, but I’m headed to San Jose this year baby.

And I…..am…..pumped.

I’ve never been to the Bay area so I’m excited for that. But I’m even more excited for the THREEdays of melt your face knowledge that’ll be under one roof.

The line-up is spectacular and I’m honored to be included amongst such esteemed company – Pat Rigsby, Mark Fisher, Molly Galbraith, Kellie Hart, Craig Ballantyne, and Scott Rawcliffe, to name a few.

I’ll be speaking about shoulder assessment.

If you’re a fitness professional looking to take his or her’s career to the next level this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Full details and registration are HERE.

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STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORK

I’m a Coach, Not a Therapist – Krista Scott-Dixon

It can be intimidating if not downright terrifying when a client or athlete confides in you and shares intimate details of their personal life.

There have been times I wanted nothing more than to stick my fingers in my ears and start yelling “La la la la la la la, I can’t hear you, la la la la la” when I client started telling me about their divorce, affair, financial woes, that they actually liked Attack of the Clones.

All fitness pros need to read this article.

Like it or not, as Krista notes in the first paragraph….”you’re more therapist-like than you think.”

Forget About Squat Depth – JL Holdsworth & Geoff Girvitz

I love the intro to this article:

“Warning: This article may cause heart palpitations, ulcers, and sleepless nights. It will make anyone who’s not a competitive powerlifter question everything they thought they knew about the squat.”

How to Choose a Personal Trainer: Myth vs. Reality – Nick Tumminello

As per the usual: Nick offers some insights that not many can emulate. I always appreciate his candor and perspective.

CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work

Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work: 8/25/17

I have to go to a wedding this weekend. In Albany, NY.

Can you sense my excitement?

I can think of a thousand and one other things I’d rather do: watch paint dry, talk about my feelings, jump into a shark’s mouth, anything.

I’ve still got some packing to do and other odds and ends to complete today so lets jump into this week’s list.

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CHECK THIS STUFF OUT FIRST

1) Complete Shoulder & Hip Blueprint – Orlando

There’s only less than two 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.1

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) Strong Body-Strong Mind – Toronto

For real this time.

This was supposed to happen this past June, but Lisa and I didn’t have a passport for our little guy (then four months old) when we arrived at the airport and we had to cancel last minute.

Our bad.

We’ve re-scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. I can tell you – and I’m totally not biased when I say this (but I am) – there’s no other workshop like this in the fitness industry.

Lisa and I saw an underserved component within the industry – namely, mental skills – and we’ve combined our superpowers skill-sets to provide a 1-day curriculum that will help fitness professionals develop better skills to build competency, autonomy, and rapport with their clients, in addition to coaching skills (assessment, program design, exercise technique).

You can go HERE to register.

NOTE: the registration process is a little bit tricky and if you get to the point where you feel like you’re going to toss your face into the keyboard, please contact Bradley Corcoran at: [email protected]

Hope to see you there.

3) 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. You can go HERE to do so.

Stuff to Read

The Best Damn Workout Plan for Natural Lifters – Christian Thibaudeau

Awesome stuff from Coach Thibs.

I’ve had a few of my male clients implement this program and they love it.

It’s Time to Let Your Asshat Friends Go – Louie Guarino

For starters: kudos to Louie for using the word “asshat” in the title.

Second: many, MANY of you reading with fat loss goals can and will commiserate with this article.

F*** Exercise, Try This Instead – Krista Scott-Dixon

Fun Tony factoid: Stumptuous.com (Krista’s site) was one of the first fitness blogs I ever started reading. It’s also where the seeds were planted on this whole idea of infotainment and how I got into writing myself.

She’s an amazing writer and very knowledgable coach. And she swears. She’s good people.

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CategoriesStuff to Read While You're Pretending to Work Uncategorized

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

Lets jump right into it.

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Stuff to Check Out Before You Read Stuff

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

lisa-on-london-bridge

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

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

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

It’s designed by women for women.

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

You can go HERE to check out more details.

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

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

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

Take a look….

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

And now, the stuff you should read….

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

As if I could resist sharing something like this.

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

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

I think the title says it all.

Fit Pros: the words you use matter.

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

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

No, stop it.

How to Be a Good Fitness Writer – Erica Sutter

I’m a sucker for energy drinks, Star Wars references (obviously), deadlift videos, and articles about writing.2

I found this article to be brilliant in its simplicity.

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

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

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

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