I often mention the principles of progression and the fact that if you understand these principles making progress in any exercise is, at the very least, simple to understand. However, just recently when I was asked about these I realize that I didn’t have them posted anywhere online. (The best …
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 …
25 Pounds of Muscle in 30 Days
It may sound unbelievable, but let me tell you a story… Almost two years back I ran an experimental group with a few Inner Circle members. All of them self-proclaimed “Hard Gainers”. The aim was packing on size over a 30-day period. (Okay, it’s not 100% muscle, but a good …
Intuition Bends Wrenches
The other day I had some time to kill. I had already gone through all my email so I did something I don’t often do…I looked at Instagram. And I’m happy that I did as I saw the following picture and post from Chris Rider. If you don’t know Chris …
Sex on Strength
I am very impressed with the quality of questions that have been coming in lately. Jon-Mikael asked the following: “I wanted to ask your take on how sex affects the body and one’s strength. I have at times “released” my sexual energy and my body feels like it is on …
Mind Muscle Connection
Anyone that has been involved in strength or muscle building for even a short amount of time is likely to come across the term, mind muscle connection. But like many things having to do with the mind it is ill-defined. Being ill-defined it is then tough to really develop as …
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 …
Body Building Versus Sports
The following is an article from Sig Klein, famous strongman and bodybuilder of the early 1900’s. I think you’ll find it interesting. Many people are of the opinion that one should indulge in body building with one view in mind – that is, competitive sports. I believe, and have heard …
How does someone even dream this up?
That was a question I received on my 1003 lb. wrestler’s bridge support. I’m not sure if that was meant in a good way, or bad, but it made me pause to think. If you haven’t seen this video, one of the feats I’ve done that I’m most proud of, check …
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 …
MMA vs. Strongman
The following is a heavyweight bout from May 23, 2015 where former five-time world’s strongest man Mariusz Pudzianowski quickly knocks out Rolles Gracie, a 4th degree black belt in BJJ and 3rd degree in Judo. In the beginning of the UFC Royce Gracie grabbed everyone’s attention by taking out much …
Maxick the Superman by Edward Aston
The following is an article written by Edward Aston, regarding the muscle control expert Maxick. In 1909 Maxick descended on London like a meteor in a flash of physical glory, and dazzled us with his most remarkable muscular achievements. He was so very different from what we had been used …
Arm Wrestling and Nail Bending
Although this question may be specific, it applies to many other areas and types of training too. The same principles apply… Wow thanks man. I took a new attitude to arm wrestling practice after reading your strongman manifesto. Best practice ever. I also focused on activating more muscle fibers and …
Getting Started in Modern and Oldtime Strongman
Christopher (no relation) asks: What are some good resources for a person who’s never done strongman training to get started? There’s alot of info out there and it can get a little overwhelming. Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks for your time! First of all it’s important to distinguish …