Andy asks: “Could you recommend an exercise with the goal of reaching max heart rate in the shortest time (for a 4 min Tabata)? For ex, would light hang snatches work? Would isometrics work? Any info would be much appreciated.” Snatches would work, depends on how light you go. So …
Muscle Control vs. Isometrics
Andy writes in a lengthy email on the topics of muscle control and isometrics with a few different questions. Read it below and then my response to follow… I’ve enjoyed reading your books and recently purchased the Muscle Control Course. I’m trying to figure out how muscle control can be …
Which Isometrics for Tendon and Ligament Strength?
Vince asks: “I have a question I’ve been doing my home gym cause of covid-19, so I’ve been looking into the old school strong men like John Grimek, George Jowett and they talk about tendon and ligament strengthening which is a great idea for super strength so at home what …
First Hint of New Isometric Results
Yesterday I shared an article about a distinction I use daily in my training. Am I practicing a movement? Am I training a movement? Am I testing a movement? While there is certainly overlap, deciding ahead of time what I am doing helps to get better results. As you likely …
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 …
Handstand Pushup Isometrics
I get asked about handstand pushups a lot. I also get asked about isometrics a lot. Here we cover both! There are quite a few different types of isometrics; I’ve cataloged nine different kinds. Of these two are made use of here. These are: Holding Isometrics Beyond-the-Hold Isometrics A hold …
Deadlift Isometrics
Using a barbell and a power rack, you can do deadlift isometrics that can directly increase your deadlifting ability. But you must understand your weak points to know which isometrics will work best. For most people, the sticking point in the deadlift is right below or above the knees. If …
Pressing Isometrics in Doorway
In the previous video, I discussed how to do pressing isometrics if you have a barbell and power rack available. In my opinion, this is the best option. But not everyone has that same equipment. If you missed that video, click here. So, in this video I give you an …
Pressing Isometrics in Power Rack
If you have a barbell and a power rack you can easily work with a number of pressing isometrics that will translate over to pressing any object. All you have to do is move the pins around so that you can work any position you want. See it in action …
Best Bodyweight Exercises For Maximizing Testosterone And Growth Hormone Response
When was the last time you performed a full bodyweight workout? Chances are, not recently. We don’t blame you; after all it is not commercially “sexy”. Yes, even though bodyweight workouts remain an effective way to jack testosterone and growth hormone levels through the roof, they are undeservedly frowned upon …
Joint Strength
Too much attention is put on the muscles, and not enough on the other tissues of the body. In this article, we’re diving deep into the topic of joint strength, a little talked about subject. Now a joint may be considered the synovial cavity, and synovial fluid that fills the inside. …
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 …
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 …
The Great Gama and The Mighty Atom
In the center of a loose earthen pit, two massive Indian wrestlers stood naked except for breech cloths, their black mustaches preened and heads shaven. Each raised a weighty gold scepter-mace, his badge of championship. This formality concluded, the two men faced each other in the open pit. The crowd …