Everyone has heard the saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” This is a principle of training I’ve been exploring more the past couple years in my training. The best way to get stronger at an exercise is not always focusing just on that exercise. Yes, …
How to Get Started with Odd Object Lifting
Recently I was asked about odd object training. Turns out I didn’t have a decent get started article on the topic, so that’s what this is for. In it I’ll cover the different types of odd objects, how to train them, including what you’re focusing on, and of course, progression. …
Hafthor Bjornsson 501KG Deadlift Record
I’ll be honest. I’m not too up to date on the current going-ons in the strength world today. But I saw several other people mentioning this, specifically that it was broadcast live over the weekend. Years back, as a fan of Game of Thrones I was made more aware of …
Aesthetics, Performance or Health?
I received the following comment in response to an earlier post about bodybuilding vs. powerlifting…as if those were the only two strength or fitness practices available. “I used to improperly lift weights in my teens and early 20’s, just going for aesthetics. I’ve spent the last couple years unwinding the …
Light Weights vs Heavy Weights
Question about light weights vs. heavy weights for strength What is better to use, heavy weights or light weights? Marcelo asks: I want to build well-rounded athleticism and strength and have followed some of the workouts from some of your programs and books such as Deceptive Strength and Indestructible body. …
Training Highlights from 2019
How was your year of training? What did you accomplish? I find it tremendously useful to reflect on and learn from the past…so that you can do even better in the future. So I’m doing exactly, that I’m showing the best of what I accomplished in 2019. Bent Pressing My …
On Body Split Routines
I mentioned this the other day in my post about over-rated fitness ideas, but I wanted to go deeper on the topic. (If you missed that you can find it here.) Body split routines are where you split up your body to work on different areas over different days. A …
Pullup and Chin-Up Isometrics
Isometrics can be used in many different ways to help you attain or expand your pullup and chin-up ability. Here I show the main isometric form that I use in my training. Generally, pullups are when your hands are positioned facing away from your body, and chin-ups are when your …
ISOCHAIN Review
Are you into isometrics? If so, you’ve got to take a look at this. Dragondoor is taking pre-orders for a new device called the ISOCHAIN. I’ll come right out and say it. This device is fairly expensive even at the pre-order price! And for the most part, it is something …
The Progression of Progression
I’m always harping on progression because that is ultimately what all of fitness is about. Challenge your body in some way and it comes back better the next time. But what that means is that you must continually challenge yourself in a progressive manner to go from where you are …
What is the Best Time to Workout?
Having exercised for around fifteen years seriously now I have explored all the options as for the best time to workout. In this video, I clearly lay out the benefits and drawbacks to different times, because there is no one clear answer. Morning workouts may be a bit harder because …
How Strength Affects Endurance Training and Vice Versa
How does strength affect endurance? How does endurance affect strength? Find out how I think about these terms in the video below, and how you should too. First, it is important to realize that strength and endurance are not separate things but exist more on a spectrum. Extreme examples of …
How to do a Barbell Bent Press
The bent press is also known as the screw press. It is not to be confused with a bench press although the name sounds similar. Rather than a real press it is more of a moving support. With practice, very large weights can be handled. It’s a challenging lift and …
How to Shoulder a Barbell
To shoulder a barbell is to get it in place by one shoulder. It is a setup for a one-handed barbell lift which includes the bent press but could also be used for side or push presses or jerks. You don’t often see shouldering a barbell anymore. This is because …
10 Reasons to Learn from Oldtime Strongmen
I came up with a list of why it may be good for you to read some of the works of the oldtime strongmen from a century or so ago. Here are ten reasons. Some of their feats of strength have not been surpassed to this day. That is quite …