Myth: Bodyweight Exercises are Endurance Way back when I was in my commercial gym and bodybuilding days (because that was the only thing I knew about how to train…and got next to zero results with) I heard people talk about bodyweight training with scorn. “Pushups and squats are only good …
Downward Dog and Hindu Pushup Side Foot Variation
This is a variation of Downward Dog that I had never seen before that stretches the side of the torso, the hips and the hamstrings all at once. I picked it up at a yoga class I went to with my wife. And I always love to learn new things. …
Headstand or Handstand Pushups?
The other day I shared the story of when I first got into bodyweight training, how doing a handstand pushup was one of my first major goals. Just one, to lower down from a handstand, touch the head to the ground and press back up. It took me a couple …
Re-use it and Regain it Faster
The common phrase “use it or lose it” is one of those principles that applies to all movement. Flexibility is definitely one area we can look at it. I’ve been known for my bridging skills over the years. Whether this was supporting half a ton on top of my wrestler’s …
Strength Training Twice Per Day?
Keith asks: “What are your thoughts on strength training twice a day?? I’ve only done it once a day but I may be in a situation where I need/want to do it twice a day?? What would the approach be (Same muscle group or different muscle group). Thank you in …
High Volume Bodyweight Training?
Hamid asks: I want to know what are your thoughts on High Volume, High Frequency Basic Bodyweight training like Push-ups, Squats and Situps. Can these really make trainee strong just like Great Gama, Herschel Walker and Mike Tyson? Prisoners also do mostly Basic Bodyweight training and they get very impressive …
Extended HSPU or Freestanding?
Yesterday, I shared Emil’s story of the long time it took him to achieve handstand pushups (HSPU). I echoed that my journey to my first ever HSPU took about the same amount of time. Emil also asked this question: “Do you think I should try to build to extended ROM …
Consistency for 6 Months
I wanted to share this from Emil as it describes the persistence, commitment to progress, and consistency to achieve real strength. I meant to reply to your fantastic email covering our communication on that Murder workout I once did I believe it would be about 1.5 years sincd then if …
How to Lockout Arms on a Bridge?
Logan, how do I get my upper back to bend when pushing up into the bridge? I can push up off the floor so my head fully clears the floor but I cant get my arms close to being straight locked-out not even close. My arms stay bent real bad. …
One Arm Chin-up Pulley Assisted
There’s a new training tool I’ve been playing with. While it can be used for a variety of things I purchased it with one thing in mind, helping me to train for a one arm chin-up. I’m still early in the process, but I’m liking it so far. The one-arm …
Kill Your Neck
Recently I was asked, “What’s your opinion on the wrestler’s bridge and neck problems?” This person also pointed me to a video by someone named Jeff Cavaliere saying that bridging will “kill your neck”. Neck Exercises that KILL Your Neck (DO THESE INSTEAD!!) My reply… Ha! I am very much pro-bridging. …
Doing chin-ups past 60?
Davy asks: “My question is about age. It is not something you ever refer to but I have read by older retired bodybuilders, etc. that after 60 y/o, you should never do chin ups or movements that put so much strain on the joints. I’m in my 60’s and can …
14 Reasons to Do Pullups
In my mind, pullups are one of the best groups of exercises you can do. Let me list the reasons why… They strengthen the arms particularly the biceps which, beyond just being a beach muscle are very helpful for lifting things, including your body. The strengthen the back, notably the …
Golfer’s Elbow Stopping Pullups
Norman asks: “I always love reading your messages. I would like to hear your thoughts about golfers elbow, the reason why I cant manage to do a single pullup.Tried everything: rest, stretching, strengthening even changing diet choices as to inflammation. Nothing works. As a strongman you sure know this condition. …
Greasing the Groove with Pullups
Yesterday I shared that I got a doorway pullup bar so I could begin training this exercise again. With this I had a good opportunity to train my pullups differently than I had in a long time. Greasing the groove. This phrase and method was popularized by Pavel Tsatsouline. It …