Just hit a great milestone for me, doing a set of 20 handstand pushups without break. Here’s the video: Before the form police start commented, realize that I am doing these this way on purpose. These were done in what I like to call “Easy” form. Most notably the hand …
How Did I Get So Strong?
“How did you ever get to where you are at anyway?? Where did you find the time and the resources to make it actually happen?” -Ricky This is a great question. For those that have ears to listen this should be quite instructive… I consider my strength training journey to …
Full Range One Arm Hanging Leg Raises
This has been a goal of mine for I don’t know how long, to achieve full range one arm hanging leg raises. This video captures the first reps I’ve ever done. Now, this was never a primary goal for me. Maybe even tertiary. Something I wanted to get but was …
Full Range Handstand Pushup with 30 lb. Weight Vest
My first time ever doing a full range handstand pushup with a weight vest on. Here it was loaded up with 30 lbs. As you can see I barely made it through the sticking point, but I did make it so I’m quite happy with this new PR. As I’ve …
The Double Shrimp Squat
The following is what I like to call the double shrimp squat, sometimes also called the advanced shrimp squat. I first picked up this move from Al Kavadlo. The single shrimp squat, that is with just one hand behind you holding onto the foot is an easier version and a …
To Press a Lot You Must Press a Lot
“To press a lot you must press a lot.” This saying comes from Russian weightlifting circles. Kinda like a Zen koan, there is some enfolded meaning within it. One of the simple ways of looking at it is like this: “To press a lot of weight, you must press frequently …
A Basic Bodyweight Workout Plan
Shane asks about a basic bodyweight workout plan: “What is a good place to start a body weight workout? I cannot do strict military pull ups, but have always wanted to. I’ve tried negatives etc with no success.” You start with where you are at. The main thing to do …
Workouts that Build Your Brain
I love science…but it’s not without it’s problems. One of which is that we often have theories that are just plan wrong. Remember the idea that the brain didn’t grow new neurons as an adult, and wasn’t capable of change? Couldn’t be more wrong. Jim wrote in response to the …
Which Set and Rep Scheme is Best?
Got a couple of questions around the same topic: “I would be interested in suggested set/rep strategies for different goals using body weight exercises. I am currently working my way to a 100 push-up set. I’ve been adjusting sets, reps, and rest. I’m reading about conflicting strategies. i.e. 3-9 sets …
Quick Bodyweight Workout when Traveling
As mentioned previously, I was traveling in Guatemala for a week. On my shorter travels I typically don’t workout — just getting a solid workout in before I go, and then getting right back into it upon my return. I use the travel time to recoup, kind of like a …
Adding Variety and Complexity
Think about great powerlifters for a moment. Recently, I heard an interview with one of the best out there, who shall remain nameless, saying that if he raised his arm above his head it basically would pinch a nerve and he’d pass out. I don’t know about you, but that’s …
Intensity vs. Severity
The terms we use when it comes to training, guide our thinking about training. As such I feel this is one of the most important terms to “grok” if you want to become stronger. The following comes adapted from The Master Keys to Strength and Fitness where I originally wrote …
Don’t be a Robot!
Bodybuilders get a lot of crap, especially from us in the “functional training” world. But that’s not to say there aren’t some smart and strong guys out there in that world. Recently came across this quote from Tom Platz, a professional bodybuilder voted to have the ‘Best Quads and Hamstrings …
Bodyweight Isometrics
Seeing as bodyweight and isometrics are always popular subjects to my readers, this question from Charles covers both… Recently saw you doing some 1-arm chin-up isometric holds which are very difficult but awesome for building arm and back strength. Was wondering if you know of any other powerful bodyweight isometric …
Big Muscle Gains on Little Time…
Don asks the following questions regarding muscle gains on limited time. I’ve purchased a number of your materials through Dragon Door and through Legendary Strength. Thank you for creating such great quality stuff. I have a question for you regarding training frequency for muscle gain. Could you provide any guidance …