I had the opportunity to catch up with my good friend and long-time colleague, Mike Robertson, on his Physical Preparation Podcast earlier this week.
microgen@123rf.com
Just Two Dudes Talking
He and I go back to the early 2000’s. You know, when smart phones didn’t exist, cold plunges and eye rolley alpha-male behavior was (less) of a thing, and the show Alias was my life (due to an insatiable crush on Jennifer Garner).
I think this was my third time on his podcast which means I’m approaching Ryan Gosling 5-timer club on Saturday Night Live territory. We approached this as more of a “two dudes just catching up” conversation as opposed to doing something more traditional like going into the weeds on deadlifting mechanics or why improved scapular upward rotation helps with everything from shoulder ouchies to curing gluten intolerance.[footnote]Don’t believe me? Look it up on PubMed. No, wait, don’t!!![/footnote]
In this show, Mike and I talk about the power of consistent training, how my philosophy has changed over the years, and why after years of reluctance, I finally decided to become a gym owner.
We had a few technical difficulties throughout the show, so apologies because the audio is a bit suspect. He did his best to clean it up and I hope you still enjoy the show!
I’ve long stated that the largest “gap” in knowledge for most fit pros isn’t the area of program design or the “x’s” and “o’s” of how to improve scapular upward rotation.
It’s the soft skills of coaching.
I.e., what’s going on in your head.
In more sage words…
…what’s really lacking in most fit pros’ repertoires is how to leverage your own way of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to maximize your effectiveness as a coach, your rapport & working relationships with clients, and your own resilience and mental health.
This November my wife, Dr. Lisa Lewis, will be hosting Part 2 of her Psych Skills for Fit Pros course: Inside the Coach’s Mind.
Volume One covered motivation & behavior change.
Volume Two will go deep(er) into the coach’s psychology.
This live event will be held at Ethos Fitness & Performance in Boston’s beautiful South End district and it is NOT necessary to have gone through volume 1’s material in order to follow along. While everything is “connected” when discussing psychology, this will be new, stand-alone content covered.
I’m excited to announce that I will be part of the Raise the Bar Conference. An event focused on the missing links in our industry: Communication, collaboration, connection, behavioral psychology, business & marketing skills, and much more.
As always, Erica comes in hot (but in a way that makes a lot of sense and is hard to argue with). The excuses most young female athlete make (but really, it’s mostly the parents) as to why they shouldn’t strength train are just that…
It’s the one thing I feel most everyone needs to address before they utter the words “ice baths” or “organic acai berry extract” when it comes to recovery (and overall health in general).
Improving sleep hygiene is undoubtedly the “x-factor” for most people, and this podcast sheds a ton of light on it.
Full disclosure: I personally use Athletic Greens on an almost daily basis, and have so since 2010. That being said, I DO NOT push them onto my clients or athletes.
I also eat a metric fuck ton of broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, spinach, and other “real” greens.
There’s no doubt some brands out there more nefarious with their marketing that others; some claiming improved body pH levels, detox properties, or, I don’t know, X-ray vision.
Single leg training isn’t sexy to talk, much less write about. In terms of excitement factor I’d rank it somewhere between a watching a NASCAR race and picking lint out of your belly button.
I can understand the cacophony of subsequent eye rolls and yawns that are being directed my way.
“An article on single leg training?! Come on, Tony. What’s next keto recipes?”
5 Ways I Include Single Leg Training In My Programs
Single leg training is important shit.
Now, more often than not whenever there’s an article written on single leg training it’s under the guise or in congruence with taking a massive dump on bilateral training (think: squats and/or deadlifts).
The implication being one should avoid bilateral or two-legged training in lieu of performing only unilateral or one-legged training.
I think it’s a stupid argument to have on par with which is better: Low-bar vs. high-bar squats? Or mint chocolate chip vs. mint Oreo ice-cream?
With deference, almost always, the appropriate answer to the single leg vs. bilateral debate (and, really, any question in the history of ever) is “it depends.”
Some people are more concerned with being brutally strong with the “Big 3” and are only worried about optimal force production. If that’s the case bilateral movements should make up the bulk of training.
Conversely, some people, especially athletes, need to marinate in a diverse pool of movement. In that case single leg training is going to take precedence and play more of an integral part in their training and programming.
Are there people out there who debate ice-cream? Don’t be cray-cray.
Suffice it to say, here’s my take on the debate: BOTH are important, BOTH play a significant role in a well-balanced program, and BOTH should be used simultaneously.
If we’re being honest, though, we generally don’t have to pull any arms behind backs in order to convince people to perform bilateral movements like squats and deadlifts.
It’s pretty much bro-code.
Single leg work on the other hand?
Well, that can be a bit of a harder sell.
It’s unfortunate because even if someone’s goal is to be a brick shit house (or a house of shit bricks, I’m not here to judge) single leg training has many benefits, mmmkay.
Including but not limited to:
Joint health and integrity (I have yet to find an individual with a history of knee, hip and/or back issues who doesn’t benefit from a healthy dose of single leg training).
Improved balance.
Improved foot/ankle/hip stability. Or, stability in general.[footnote]Google “Mike Boyle & Lateral Sub-System” for more insight on this front.[/footnote]
A fantastic way to train rotary stability (<— a fancy schmancy way of saying something will work your core).
Greater specificity to sport (and real life).
Improved strength & hypertrophy (depending on how it’s implemented).
Helps address weaknesses and imbalances from limb to limb.
Reduced wear and tear via less axial loading.
More exercise variety.
And the list can go on.[footnote]I’m certain I’m omitting some obvious benefits, but my kid woke me up early this morning and my brain is running on fumes as I write this. So, fuck off.[/footnote]
Below are (some) ways I like to include single leg training in my programs.
1) Treat Single Leg Training Like Eating Broccoli
It’s just, you know, something that has to be done.
It’s hard for me to peruse the list I made above of all the benefits and not include some semblance of single leg training in a program (regardless of someone’s goal).
There aren’t many scenarios I can think of off-hand where it won’t help.
Be a better athlete? Check
Be a better lifter? Check
Beat Jason Bourne in a knife fight? Check.
All the bases are covered.
That said, one pet-peeve of mine and something I notice all….the…..time as a coach is that people tend to go way too heavy.
I’ll watch some guys grab the 80+ lb dumbbells and perform walking lunges and think to myself “why?”
But this is after both my corneas jump out of their eye sockets and then proceed to jump into a bucket of battery acid.
Their knees are caving in every which way and it’s evident most are unable to control the load. This kinda defeats the purpose of doing it in the first place.
Stop training your ego and lower the load.
I’d rather people use a load they can control and perform it for high(er) reps than to grab the heaviest weight possible and make perhaps do more harm than good.
ALSO…..
It’s my own preference as a coach, but I much prefer people to adopt more of a forward lean when performing lunge variations.
When you assume a more upright posture during lunges it makes it easier to crank through the lower back which can also result in excessive rib flair; I.e., a more unstable position.
The inner dialogue should be more “shoulders over knees” than “shoulders over hips.”
2) Potentiation (Or, Turning “Stuff” On)
I often have my clients perform a single leg movement before squatting or deadlifting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Y73sPHKxw
I find it’s a nice way to turn “stuff” on and to prime the body for the extracurricular shenanigans going down shortly thereafter.
Goblet variations are my go to here (less grip intensive): Goblet Reverse Lunge, Goblet Forward Lunge, Goblet Reverse TO Forward Lunge, Goblet Split Squat, Goblet Bulgarian Split Squat, Goblet Whateverthefuck.
The idea is to go LIGHT and to OWN the movement.
I like to use 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps per side.
Pants optional.
3) Adding Isometric Holds
If you really want to humble someone (and to make their glutes scream for blood mercy) try adding in some isometric holds.
I LOVE using these with my clients/athletes as it forces them to use sloooooow down, to stay more cognizant of body position, and it also aids in more time under tension.
4. Combo Movements
Another way I like to include single leg training into my programs is to combine two movements into one.
This is a fantastic way to make the movements a bit more challenging and also serves as an opportunity to stroke my evil strength coach beard (despite the fact I don’t have one).
You want sore, I’ll give you sore.
Goblet Step-Through
Rear Foot Elevated Kang Squat
5) Fake Single Leg Training
Least we forget single leg training can be too advanced of an option for some people. Whether it’s due to novelty or “just because” we can incorporate “fake” single leg options to help ramp people to the real thing.
I’m more concerned with setting people up for as much success as possible rather than making them feel frustrated.
In that light here are two excellent options I use all the time:
Wall Press RDL
Here, we can still groove a single leg hinge pattern, but in a supported fashion.
For those who have balance issues this is an excellent choice.
B-Stance Squat
With the offset (or B) stance, we place more load on the front leg. Again, this is a great option for those with stability/balance issues and who aren’t quite ready for actual 1-legged squats (you sadistic bastard).
Since I won’t be traveling anytime soon to present, I decided why not bring one of my workshops to YOU? I will be putting on my popular Coaching Competency Workshop this March over the span of three weekends.
I figured chances would be high many attendees would be fighting off the urge to commit seppuku staring at their computer screen for seven straight hours so made the executive decision to spread things out
3 Hours on 3/7
2 Hours on 3/14
2 Hours on 3/21
All attendees will receive a recording (and CEUs)1.
You can register at the EARLY BIRD rate now through 2/15. For more info go HERE.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be one of 55+ industry leaders taking part in Kabuki Education Week that’ll be taking place February 1-7, 2021.
Kabuki Education Week – Hosted by Kabuki Strength – is a unique opportunity to attend 40+ live hour-long lectures (with Q&A) presented by the most respected and well established educators, coaches, clinicians, and athletes in the strength & fitness industry. This event brings together a wealth of knowledge across multiple domains; all condensed into week-long virtual format that allows you to attend as many courses as you choose with the added opportunity to purchase recordings.
You can register for my presentation (and save 50% through the end of the year) – The Hip: From Assessment to Badass –HERE.
Alternatively you can register for the ENTIRE event at the Early Bird rate – HERE.
This will undoubtedly be an event you won’t want to miss as the line-up, speaking as a fan boy myself, is one of the most impressive I have ever seen.
You can now purchase CORE @ Home for whatever you want to pay.
During the first quarantine I started a platform where I’d deliver 20-40 minute workouts that could be performed in everyone’s living room using minimal equipment.
In all I filmed 36 workouts using nothing but bodyweight, bands, and kettlebells and/or dumbbells. With many people still reticent to head back to their regular gyms (not to mention the scarcity of gym equipment out there to purchase) I figured this would be a nice opportunity to help.
Now that many parts of the US (and world) have started to implement a second wave of shut-downs, this resource is timely.
Whether you want to spend $1 or $99 (FYI: the latter enters you to win a 5×7 shirtless pic of me), the workouts are ready and available to start.
In lieu of yet anotherrecent episode of “who’s being an epic asshat in the fitness industry” (I.e., another fitness pro taking credit for another’s work) – I wanted to re-hash an old(er) article I wrote a few years ago on the topic of plagiarism.
It’s on sale this week only (until Friday, 9/6) at a hefty discount.
If you’re a strength coach, personal trainer, you work with athletes, non-athletes, Doug from accounting, or ninjas, this resource will make you a more well-rounded health/fitness professional.
I had some questions for Mike about the product, but more specifically about his coaching philosophy and what he feels we (as an industry) need to do better.
TG: Mike, first things first: When I came onto your podcast a few weeks ago I introduced you to muy new favorite obsession: the Take It Personal Radio Podcast. How much do you love me it? Which has been your favorite episode (I know it’s hard to choose)?
I have only two words:
Life changing.
Seriously, I love that show so much. I mean, it’s all of the artists I grew up listening to, chopped and mixed to perfection.
My favorite so far is the Wu-Tang episode, but anyone that really knows me knows that I’m a pretty massive fan of the WU!
Note from TG: It’s hard to pick my favorite, but if I had to choose I’d go with the DJ Premier Tribute. Eight freakin hours or Premier beats. My head just about exploded when I listened to it for the first time. And then there’s the Native Tongues (Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Money Love, etc) tribute that’s something like 12-13 hours long.
MR: Simple: To push our industry forward, and over time, positively influence 10,000 trainers and coaches across the globe.
Unfortunately what I’m seeing nowadays is a dearth of trainers/coaches who have gone the traditional route – school and a certification – and then struggle to be of any value whatsoever on the gym floor.
They can’t interact with other humans.
They can’t progress or regress clients.
And forgot about asking them to write a program! Their brains are so scattered and influenced by random Instagram trainers you can’t get a cohesive, streamlined program out of them to save their lives.
And while I may sound a little harsh, the fact of the matter is, it’s not really their fault.
This is the culture we’ve created for training and coaching.
So my goal is to fix that.
To show trainers and coaches how systems and procedures can make their lives easier, and help them get better results.
To show them it’s not about knowing 1,879 exercise variations, but knowing 10-15 really good exercises, being able to progress/regress as necessary, and then coach the hell out of them.
And to show them that if you act like a professional and get really good at what you do, this can be an amazing career.
One where you can make real money and have a life outside of the gym as well.
At the risk of sounding bold or narcissistic, here’s where I’m at:
I’m only 41 but I don’t think it’s too soon to start thinking about my legacy.
What did I bring to the table?
Did I really make an impact?
Or did I live a life where I could’ve done more, and instead settled to play small ball?
If I go out tomorrow, I want people to be like “That Mike Robertson wasn’t perfect, but damn he did his part and made a massive push to drive this industry forward.”
TG: I, uh, taught my toddler to go pee-pee in the potty last week. That’s my legacy…haha. I know this is about as lame of a question as I can ask (but I’m going to ask it anyway). What are some common mistakes you find coaches make with regards to program design?
MR: I don’t think it’s a lame question – it’s actually one we need to be asking more often.
Here’s a brain dump:
Having no clear goal.
Having too many goals and “program jumping.”
Not knowing the basics of program design (sets/reps/time under tension, how they all work together, etc.)
Poor (if not awful) exercise selection.
A lack of cohesiveness across all elements of the program (resistance training, conditioning, etc.)
Failing to meet a client/athlete where they’re at.
Failing to give a client/athlete some of what THEY WANT in the program.
Letting their beliefs/training focus influence that of their clients/athletes.
Being too boring with their programming.
Being too random with their programming.
I mean I could go on and on here, but hopefully you catch my drift.
As an industry, we have a looooooooong way to go to get our program design skills up to snuff.
TG: What do you feel has been the biggest change or maturation in your own programming since you first started coaching? As an example, for me, it was the under-appreciation of sub-maximal training; I’m a firm believer (now) that easy training is good training.
MR: Man this is a really tough one, so I’m going to give you two:
1 – I do a better job of planning and programming all elements of a program nowadays. For instance in the past, I was a powerlifter so I skewed everyone towards a strength focus.
Because if it was good enough for me, it was good enough for them. Right???
It’s taken me a long time to break that habit, but now I can write a really smooth and well-rounded program for virtually any client or athlete.
TG: Oh man, good one!
2 – The second piece is I’m better at streamlining and transitioning clients between two programs.
Let me explain that in a bit more depth…
Imagine taking a client who is doing an accumulation phase and they’re using like 60-70% of their 1 rep max.
Then the next week, you decide they need to move to max strength and so you start crushing them with 90% loads.
Can you imagine how jarring that is to the body?
So it’s been a big goal of mine to smooth out all of the elements I have to program for my athletes – from speed/power, to strength, to conditioning – and trying to make those transitions from block to block smoother and easier on the athlete.
It’s never perfect, but I’m light years of where I was even a few years back.
TG: Complete off-topic, but is Bill (Hartman) a cyborg?
He is, but here’s the strangest part – he’s not alone.
There are actually a few hiding in plain sight in our industry.
I’m sure there are others, but these three I can confirm from first-hand experience.
TG: I lived with Eric for two years and was a business partner for eight, I can confirm he’s not a T-1000 (but close).
One of my biggest pet peeves in this industry (other than kipping pull-ups) is how some coaches take this bravado approach and more or less “bully” people into thinking that THEIR way is the only way to coach “x” exercise.
I feel this is a narrow-minded take and fails to appreciate (much less consider) each person’s individual anatomy and how that will dictate set-up and which variation of certain lifts will be best suited for them.
Your take? Agree? Disagree?
MR: Couldn’t agree more.
TG: Okay, whew, good. Cause if you didn’t shit was gonna get awkward.
MR – and that’s where I think progressions/regressions come into play.
I have a model for what I want a squat/deadlift/push-up/whatever to look like, but I also realize that everyone is going to move different.
They have different lever lengths.
Their body (thorax, pelvis, hips, etc.) are positioned differently.
They have different joint structures on top of that.
So while I might have my model, I also have to realize that every/client athlete is going to find the strategy that works most effectively for them, based on their goals.
Part of the evolution of coaching is realizing that how you think/feel/move is great, but it shouldn’t necessarily impact how you train other people.
Once you get there, training and coaching become a lot more fun.
TG: One missing component of program design, I feel, is centered around the soft skills of coaching. It’s one thing to write a solid program, but then how it’s executed and coached is whole different matter.
I know you touch on this in the certification, but can you maybe elaborate on this here?
MR: Look man, I got by for my first 3-5 years on the floor because of soft skills, so I’d like to think I’m better to speak on this than most!
A big part of my success early-on was due to my ability to relate to people, to empathize, and to build rapport – NOT due to my coaching or program design skills.
I know John Kiely has talked about this in the past, but there’s actual research out there that shows if a client likes you and has positive emotions about you, that they could potentially get better results than someone who might have a “superior” program!
TG: The fuck outta here Mike Robertson! What’s next? Telling me bacon isn’t delicious? That Bachelor in Paradise isn’t where one find true love?
Isn’t that crazy?
When they like you, they have the right biochemical make-up when they enter the gym, and they end up getting better results.
But this is why I’m such a stickler for finding that blend between the hard and soft skills.
Relationships, rapport, and trust are critical – if you don’t have them, you won’t have success in this industry.
Period.
But the results are fast tracked when you have streamlined programming and coaching on top of that.
I’m sure you would agree, it’s not an either-or proposition – but finding the balance that works best for you as a trainer or coach.
Complete Coach Certification
I know I say this all…the…time, but it needs repeating:
Those who invest in themselves will last longer in this industry, are less likely to burn out, and, frankly, will often make more money and be more successful.
There aren’t many coaches whom I direct other coaches to more than Mike.
I’ve learned a ton from him throughout the years, I still do, and he’s really outdone himself with the Complete Coach Certification.
It’s on sale this week only and includes the option to pay with installments rather than one-lump sum. Everything from basic anatomy, breathing mechanics (<– SO important), keys to coaching, program design, and Mike’s “R7” protocol is covered.
There’s also a bevy of additional bonuses, including training templates, exercise regression/progression charts, and access to Mike’s fitness business webinar.
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.
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.
SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
Twitter
It’s official: just signed a new lease for a larger gym space.
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.
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).
NOTE: For the Singapore event you’ll need to use THIS link.
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) The Complete Trainers Toolbox
I’ve been pretty mum about it, but this is dropping next week…
SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
Twitter
One thing I try to keep young trainers/coaches more cognizant of when writing training programs is grip intensive exercise. Example: Row paired with DB Reverse Lunge. Both require a lot of grip. Maybe switch to GOBLET Reverse Lunge? Boom, you’re a program writing Jedi.
Mike Robertson’s podcast is always a must-listen, but this one featuring my good friend Pete Dupuis was particularly eargasmic.
Pete has an uncanny ability to keep things real when it comes to discussing fitness business shenanigans. If you’re a gym owner (or plan to be)….fire this episode up.
Last week was the first week in many weeks I hadn’t posted a Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work.
I hope you weren’t too sad.
Not first time watching Titantic sad, but, you know, maybe my cousin didn’t wish me a Happy Birthday on Facebook sad.[footnote]Not the end of the world, but still kind of a dick move.[/footnote].
Anyway, be sad no more. Lets get to this week’s list.
I’ll be in London in three weeks for this 2-day assessment, program design, PRI, deadlift till our faces melt off bonanza.
My buddy Luke Worthington (London’s handsomest man alive) and I are really excited for this workshop. We’re going to do a deep dive into the systems we both use to help our client/athletes get better.
What’s more, this event will be held at the brand spanking new Third Space location in the heart of London.
We had such a great response when Lisa and I hosted a SBSM Workshop in Boston last year that we decided to do it again this summer.
I’ll be speaking to assessment, coaching up common strength exercises (squats, deadlifts), and how to better “match” your programs to your client’s abilities and goals.
Lisa will be discussing how to better manage client expectations, motivation, and how to adopt better mindset strategies for success.
The umbrella theme of this workshop is to enhance the SOFTskills of coaching, how to garner a connection, and build rapport with your athletes/clients.
Spots are limited
Early Bird rates apply for both students ($99) and professionals ($129)
CEUs will be available (NSCA)
For more details (including itinerary and registration) go HERE.
Dean Somerset and I are currently in the throes of drumming up new content for our staple workshop series.
We’ve presented this workshop all over the world – London, Vancouver, Oslo, Prague, Boston, LA, Hoth – and even turned it into a popular digital product HERE so everyone can enjoy it.
We’ve already nailed down dates in Slovenia, Houston, and LA this fall (2018) and are also in talks to bring it to Detroit, Philadelphia, Edmonton, Australia, and Singapore in 2019.
If you’re someone who’d like to host this event/participate in a tickle fight please reach out to either Dean or myself.
You don’t always have to deadlift to improve your deadlift. Lana shares some insights and exercises she likes to help with performance on the sumo deadlift – especially for women.
Dan’s a coach I feel more people need be more aware of.
I’ve known him for several years, first meeting him when he was an assistant strength coach at Boston University, and now as the head S&C coach at Northeastern University here in Boston.
He’s one of the most forward thinking coaches I know.
He recently made a cameo on Mike Robertson’s podcast and, well, you should listen to it.
Social Media Shenanigans
Twitter
Not many things annoy me more than when a doctor tells a client of mine to stop training or to avoid exercising altogether. Instead to just rest. Outlier scenarios aside, rest = watching Netflix for 4 weeks. Sorry, that isn’t gonna “fix” anything.
Man am I in a funk. This has never happened before, but I’m struggling to come up with content to write.
I can’t say for sure, but it “may” have something to do with a soon-to-be one-year old that’s growing more and more mobile by the day.[footnote]Who am I kidding? It has EVERYTHING to do with that…haha.[/footnote].
In any case I apologize for my lack of writing prowess. Rest assured I’ll be making a comeback sooner or later.
I’ve had the honor of presenting at two previous iterations of the Motivate & Movement LAB (the brainchild of MFF’s Harold Gibbons) and it’s unequivocally one of the most unique events in the fitness industry.
Think: TED Talk, but with deadlifts and lots of f-bombs.
Anyways, the next LAB is this coming February, and will feature myself, Dan John, Pete Dupuis, my wife (Dr. Lisa Lewis), and several of the MFF coaching staff including Brian Patrick Murphy and Amanda Wheeler.
2) Appearance on the All About Fitness Podcast
Host Pete McCall does a superb job with this podcast and keeps things light and entertaining.
In this episode I discuss my journey towards my 600 lb deadlift.
You can go HERE (Episode 85) or HERE (Episode 85) via iTunes.
I’ll go a head and say it: I feel this is one of the single most important courses I have ever taken.
If you train women it behooves you to understand the intricacies surrounding this topic: pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, incontinence, etc.
Dr. Sarah Duvall covers everything from assessment/screening to corrective exercise (tons of attention to proper breathing mechanics) to training considerations immediately postpartum (1-4 weeks) onward to a year plus.
What’s more, what I truly dig about Sarah’s approach is that she advocates women to eventually “lift shit to fix shit” (my words, not hers). Sooooo, there’s that.
FYI: Use the coupon code TONYG at checkout for an additional $50 off your purchase.[footnote]Sha-ZAM.[/footnote]
Per the usual Mike takes a rather complicated topic and dumbs it down for us peons. I REALLY liked his breakdown on the differences in adaptations between aerobic training and anaerobic, and how it’s the former (aerobic) that will likely help with better progress in the weight-room.
The deep squat screen can tell you a lot about a person. It can tell you his or her’s ability to achieve adequate ankle dorsiflexion, as well as much hip mobility, thoracic extension, and shoulder flexion they have.
About the only thing is doesn’t tell you is their favorite installment in the Fast & Furious franchise.
But what does the deep squat really tell us? Travis sheds some light.
Very comprehensive article that covers a litany of popular recovery strategies:
– Those that work well
– Those about which science is uncertain
– Those that don’t seem to work as planned or much at all.
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Be sure to “finish” your push-ups. Scaps shouldn’t be retracted, touching, or making out at the top. Think about pushing away so they move around rib cage (protract) on each rep.
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.
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.
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).
