I wrote about “Strong & Useless” in my Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning. It’s when an athlete can move big weights on the barbell but can’t do basic bodyweight exercises such as lunges, pull ups, pushups, sprints, and jumps. I always say, Strong is Strong. This is why I don’t chase the 1 RM testing you see so often in high school weight rooms. The first athlete who demonstrated Strong & Useless to me held all the weight room records for his high school … [Read more...]
How to Build BEAST High School & College Athletes
I am amazed at times when an athlete feels he needs "another program" when he can't even squat 225, let alone bench 225. Or when a Sport Coach insists his athletes can Squat, Bench and Deadlift yet they struggle with push ups and a full range of motion bodyweight squat. What "special program" do you need if you can't perform light weights with the barbell basics and calisthenics? The answer is, you do NOT need a special program. You need to MASTER the bodyweight basics. Still arguing … [Read more...]
Max Effort Training Tips for Athletes & Sports Performance
Athletes need to be strong, there is NO question about it. With all the fads and gimmicks, some athletes think they need a program of all speed or all agility, and they believe they are “strong enough”. This is not the case. Heavy lifting and struggling take guts. It is HARD. It requires a strong mindset and being ready to fight and never give up. Speed work does NOT require this ‘never say quit’ attitude. Don’t fool yourself, you are NOT strong enough. It's NEVER a case of JUST speed … [Read more...]
Ep. 216 | Passion, Intensity & Training That REALLY Works
STRONG Life Ep. 216, here we GO! BOOM! This is a intense & passionate episode where I discuss the following topics: … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 211 | The Ultimate QnA on Training & Life
Here we GO! STRONG Life Podcast ep. 211, QnA style on ALL things training and life! The questions are big time varied in this episode which I LOVE. To only talk about training gets old. Living The STRONG Life is all about taking your Strength BEYOND the gym, BEYOND the weight room. The questions were pulled from this Instagram Post: View this post on Instagram #STRONGLife #Podcast QnA - I’ll be recording a … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 37 | How to Use Golden Era Bodybuilding Methods / Volume Training to Gain Size & Strength
Volume training was a BIG deal back in the 70s and then it made a comeback in the past 5-8 years. What's old is new again but the truth is, there is a time and place for everything. Who needs volume training and when should volume work be applied? When is the best time to implement volume training and who is best suited for volume work? How can you still train smart when applying volume training compared to the mistakes I made in my younger years by incorrectly applying volume … [Read more...]
205 | 1 KEY Trait of Successful Strength & Conditioning Coaches
In this episode of The STRONG Life Podcast I share The 1 KEY Trait of Successful Strength & Conditioning Coaches. And by the way, if you are NOT a Coach, then NO worries. This trait can be applied to ANY endeavor and / or career path. Remember, SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES! This quick podcast hit me this past weekend after attending and speaking at Pat Beith's Complete Speed & Power Summit. Man, I am fired UP! Every Coach who presented was also front and center learning from the other … [Read more...]
5 Thoughts (Tips) on Program Design for Athletes
I love studying and talking program design. But even more so, I LOVE Coaching. You see, LOTS of books, articles, "influencers" can TALK about program design but can you COACH? Can you COMMAND the room? I want to share these 5 thoughts (maybe you will see them as tips, maybe not) regarding Strength & Conditioning. If you're hungry to learn, this is for you. If you're "good enough" or "too busy", get back to searching for fads and gimmicks. Move along, nothing to see here, … [Read more...]
Josh Bryant & Al Vermeil: Cutting Though the Fads & Gimmicks of Strength & Conditioning
As of this article / podcast being posted, I have listened to this Bonus podcast with Al Vermeil and Josh Bryant 4 times! Yes, it is THAT GOOD! This STRONG Life Bonus was given to me by Josh Bryant who interviews Al Vermeil and I gotta say, this interview was not only inspiring and educational, it was refreshing! There are MANY times where I am just fed up with the BS of the fitness industry and the strength coach industry. Too many people worried about likes and reposts instead of … [Read more...]
Trap Bar Deadlift vs Conventional & Sumo Deadlift
There is no need for controversy in the Deadlift. ALL Deadlifts are awesome and beneficial for athletes, it all depends on when and where that specific deadlift variation is being utilized. I am not married to any exercise when it comes to training athletes and those who are, well, they are ultimately doing their athletes a disservice. You see, every athlete is different. Some respond better to certain exercises than others. Some of that response might be favored psychologically not just … [Read more...]