Fil states: “I’d love help in increasing my one arm dumbbell overhead press.” While more details certainly would have helped me give more directed information, I can still talk about this in a more general way. Pavel Tsatsouline popularized an old Russian saying: “To Press a Lot You Must Press …
Constitutional Types and Training
This is a largely unspoken principle, yet it affects every person in different ways. If we understand it, we can better put the principle into right action. We all know that we are individuals. What works well for one person doesn’t work well for another. Still, we’re all human, therefore …
Which Oldtime Strongman are You?
The Mighty Atom Eugene Sandow George Hackenschmidt They’re all great oldtime strongmen…but you’ll notice they have different builds. Which one are you like? While everyone spouts that they have the best training system, is it true for you? The lack of understanding about constitutional types is one of the biggest …
6 Strength Training Measuring Sticks
How do you match up? While you shouldn’t necessarily compare yourself to other people out there, it can be useful from time to time.These six measuring sticks can be helpful guidelines for how you might want to structure your training and what your weak points might be. Deadlift – Bodyweight …
You can’t learn it from a book
I love books. You may have seen some of the videos I’ve done in front of my book shelves. Here’s a photo in case you haven’t… Yes, I read a lot. I find it is a great way to gain information, plus I enjoy it. There is a problem with …
What to do about Failure?
Michael asks an important questions: Have been engrossed in Mental Muscle for several days (not finished) and am trying to set anchors. there is so much to remember!! Been listening to your tape on strength so my visualizations are of the three primary lifts in powerlifting. I have used visualization …
I blame Descartes
Based on the correspondence I get many people fall into three camps regarding hypnosis. 1) They think it’s BS 2) They think it’s a magical solution 3) They think it’s a useful tool Let’s discuss these in order. For those thinking all hypnosis is bunk, it’s often because they’ve seen …
Stoneland – Stone Lifting Documentary
If you’re interested in strength, this is well worth watching. Nothing is more ancient in the strength world then lifting stones. For all of time it happened anywhere were stones were, which is most places. Stoneland is a short documentary movie put together by the people at Rogue Fitness. Known …
Brian Shaw and Arthur Saxon Agree
In reading Ironmind magazine, I came across the following from Brian Shaw, in an article by Thomas Van Vleck. If you’re not familiar with Brian Shaw, he’s been dominating the World’s Strongest Man competition in recent years, with four wins. He’s also twice won the Arnold Strongman Classic. So, yeah, …
Saxon on Mental Training
In this article, we break down how the Iron Master, Arthur Saxon mentally approaches a heavy lift, specifically in this case the bent press. From what he has written about we not only know tips on physical technique, but his thoughts leading up to and during the lift. If you …
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 …
All Downhill After 30
Ricky asks, I read someone say hypertrophy is very difficult after the age of 30. I was wondering what your experience with this is, and also is strength being built even if you don’t experience it…? Do you believe everything you read? First of all, no, I don’t believe that. …
How to Do Squats with Proper Technique
The following is a guest article from Paul Vandyken. Squats are a multi-joint exercise that engages most of the large muscles of our lower body. They hit our glutes, hips, hamstrings and thighs. Squats done properly are also perfect for our cardiovascular system. And if you’re looking for great butt …
Master the Chaos of Combat with This Simple Strategy
“No Battle Plan Survives Contact With the Enemy” – German military strategist Helmuth von Moltke. Combat in all forms, whether on the battlefield, the sports field or arena, or the business boardroom is always extremely chaotic; nothing ever goes according to plan. But just because no plan survives first contact …
Meeting Wim Hof
This past weekend I was at the Longevity Now Conference in Anaheim. One of the speakers was the Ice Man, Wim Hof. In case you’re not familiar with him he’s the holder of 26 world records including the longest ice bath, climbing Mt. Everest in shorts, completing a marathon in …