December is but a few moments away as is my 46th circle around the sun...... December is the perfect time to transition into a minimalist style of training to ensure you continue training while staying mentally sound during the most hectic time of year. I also have learned through decades of experience is that your training must ebb and flow. You need phases with higher volume and phases of training with a low volume, minimalist approach. I've used this minimalist approach during hectic … [Read more...]
7 Strength Training / Coaching Mistakes that Hurt Athletes
I'm gonna kick this off with something that might sound like arrogance, but in truth, it's me taking pride in what we do and the results we've been delivering since day 1, 2002 garage days. I used to get hated on for how we trained but I look back and feel even those early days, even as imperfect as it all was, it was VERY EFFECTIVE. It was effective because we crushed the basics. We developed athletes, NOT just athletes who could lift heavy weights. These athletes were succeeding in every … [Read more...]
Strength & Conditioning Thoughts: “Perfect” Training vs DOING THE WORK
Above: The Dumbbells at Diamond Gym. To get to the heaviest weights, you must do all the work to get them from the bottom! In sports, you can be a Coach or even a fan watching practice or competition and there will be stand out athletes. If you don't know that athlete, then you have NO clue how that athlete achieved his or her skill. he may have worked his ass off for it or, he might be gifted and lazy. But in the weight room, ahhhhhh, that's a different story. You can stand against the wall … [Read more...]
Ep. 221 | NO Fads for Strength & Conditioning + Changing Lives as a Strength Coach
STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 221 In this episode I discuss my stance on having NO time for the BS Fads & Gimmicks in Strength & Conditioning along with being in the "business" of Changing Lives as a Strength Coach. I get a little emotional in this episode but I decided to just leave it, no editing, raw and uncut. Ever since I began my full time journey (aka obsession) into the field of Strength & Conditioning there have been fads, gimmicks and buzz words. In the early 2000s it … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 35 | Anabolic “Secrets” of THE STRONGEST People on Earth?
The unnecessary complications that people make for nutrition and training is staggering. It's mind boggling, actually. In fact, it is heartbreaking to be honest with you. Why the heck are people so confused nowadays? It's simple. Information overload. And, the most popular information is often times connected to supplements. The supplements fuel the marketing / advertising dollars. I am lucky that I grew up in REAL "Hardcore Gyms" where I began to learn that the biggest guys were the … [Read more...]
Training for When the SHTF: Building Athleticism vs Building Toughness?
STRONG Life Insider Training for When The SHTF: Building Athleticism VS Building Toughness? The Correct answer is you must do BOTH. If you're reading this article you're likely not that guy who just reads about it and never actually gets your hands dirty. But there are PLENTY of guys getting caught up and duped with doing things like: Barbell Cleans on 1 Leg with band suspended kettlebells hanging from the bar Training with eyes closed, standing on one leg on a balance disc, … [Read more...]
7 Random Thoughts on Strength & Conditioning, Coaching, Technology & The Fitness Industry
Some random thoughts and ranting here, hopefully to make you THINK a little deeper. And, as I write more, I think a bit deeper and take more action. Things in this world are constantly evolving, especially humans. We can not rest on what we did yesterday or what worked yesterday. I'm deeply intrigued with cracking the code on how to better change the lives of more people through strength in mind, body & spirit. As I write, I've been awake since 4 AM. LOTS on my mind and work has to get … [Read more...]
They Said “Slow Down, You’re Working Too Hard.” THEY. ARE. WRONG.
Every morning I rise early. Before the dogs went to get out of their own beds. Before the sun has risen. I get the Coffee going for myself and my wife. I begin writing. My writing comes from my inner fire, which I began to recognize in myself as soon as I began lifting weights, circa June of 1989. The emotions that came from training were a mixture of many feelings; Anger, Safety, Confidence, Intensity, Passion, Loneliness, Bonding, Aggression and then some....... The majority of … [Read more...]
Getting Stronger: Why The Power Lies In The Imperfections
Every morning I am up and at em' in a similar fashion. Nothing complicated. Nothing fancy. I understand this isn't what "sells" but oh well...... I am always ready to lose the popularity contest so I can stay true to me. I don't want to inspire you to do any fake BS. Get up early while the house is quiet...... Get the dogs outside. Get the coffee going. Play some Zac Brown Band. Get to Writing. Get the breakfast done for the kids. No need to complicate life or … [Read more...]
Marty Gallagher | Simplifying Strength Training for MAXIMUM Results
Episode 117 of The STRONG Life Podcast with my friend and mentor, Marty Gallagher. Marty is the author of multiple books and 1 of them is my ALL time favorite, The Purposeful Primitive. You can also listen to our first STRONG Life Podcast on Episode 19 HERE. Listening to Marty talk training and the overall Purposeful Primitive Lifestyle is always awe inspiring! I've spent time with Marty when he took some of the world's best Tier 1 Military Operators to a Powerlifting Meet with a … [Read more...]