Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2019

Too Damn Hard

One stroke at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time. I’m suffocating. Somehow air will not fill my lungs. With each gasping attempt at swallowing oxygen it seems less enters. I have this strap wrapped around, no rather a boulder with its enormous size slowly compressing my chest as it collapses under its unfathomable weight . The disorientation from the sudden onset dizziness could have been from the lack of oxygen or maybe I was unknowingly clocked in the head because remember, there's a big boulder on my chest. Is this a panic attack? They do reside in the family history. Wait, what is that? read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2YxArZm via IFTTT

Too Damn Hard

One stroke at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time. I’m suffocating. Somehow air will not fill my lungs. With each gasping attempt at swallowing oxygen it seems less enters. I have this strap wrapped around, no rather a boulder with its enormous size slowly compressing my chest as it collapses under its unfathomable weight . The disorientation from the sudden onset dizziness could have been from the lack of oxygen or maybe I was unknowingly clocked in the head because remember, there's a big boulder on my chest. Is this a panic attack? They do reside in the family history. Wait, what is that? read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/315PCuA via IFTTT

It All Depends on Your Goal

It depends. That's the best answer for anyone who wants to know what to do in the gym because fitness has plenty of fads, buzzwords, crazes, and trends that just don't work. As a personal trainer, I often get asked questions regarding all aspects of fitness . Should I do cardio or lift weights first? How long should I do cardio for? Should I increase the weight or do more reps? Often these questions are asked without any background information and the person asking expects me to have one concrete, end-all, be all answer that they will follow for the rest of their lives.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Yz15oW via IFTTT

It All Depends on Your Goal

It depends. That's the best answer for anyone who wants to know what to do in the gym because fitness has plenty of fads, buzzwords, crazes, and trends that just don't work. As a personal trainer, I often get asked questions regarding all aspects of fitness . Should I do cardio or lift weights first? How long should I do cardio for? Should I increase the weight or do more reps? Often these questions are asked without any background information and the person asking expects me to have one concrete, end-all, be all answer that they will follow for the rest of their lives.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2MpSfmY via IFTTT

Be a Human, Carry a Human

The fireman’s carry is done with a simple technique that we should all master. It’s summer—that magical annual cycle that reminds us that there is more to life than punching data into spreadsheets . Engulfed in nostalgia, you leave work early, take long weekends at the lake, and even pull yourself away from responsibility entirely for a week of hiking and fishing in the mountains with your three best friends.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2ylSQ0G via IFTTT

Be a Human, Carry a Human

The fireman’s carry is done with a simple technique that we should all master. It’s summer—that magical annual cycle that reminds us that there is more to life than punching data into spreadsheets . Engulfed in nostalgia, you leave work early, take long weekends at the lake, and even pull yourself away from responsibility entirely for a week of hiking and fishing in the mountains with your three best friends.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/331xF2f via IFTTT

Everyone's Bike: The NordicTrack S22i

This stationary studio bike by NordicTrack checks all the boxes. When I got an opportunity to review the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle , of course, I said yes . I had been shopping recently for an at-home option for cycling during the rainy winter months in Oregon, so trying out this cycle was an exciting prospect. Indoor exercise equipment has come a long way from when I was in my early 20’s and there are many affordable options for those who want to skip the gym occasionally or try a training program on their own. read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/32Vlzax via IFTTT

Everyone's Bike: The NordicTrack S22i

This stationary studio bike by NordicTrack checks all the boxes. When I got an opportunity to review the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle , of course, I said yes . I had been shopping recently for an at-home option for cycling during the rainy winter months in Oregon, so trying out this cycle was an exciting prospect. read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Mjvi4B via IFTTT

The Skinny Advantage in Muscle Building

Brad Borland talks about how to build muscle as quickly as possible in the latest Six Pack of Knowledge podcast.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2KkGyvh via IFTTT

The Skinny Advantage in Muscle Building

Brad Borland talks about how to build muscle as quickly as possible in the latest Six Pack of Knowledge podcast.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Mfjctm via IFTTT

Improve Your Front Rack Position

These drills might just make all the difference in eliminating discomfort and improving your performance. Does being in the front rack position cause you to make an ugly pain face ?   Does it feel like one person is breaking your wrists, while another is aggressively pinching your shoulders when you're in the front rack? Does your back suddenly tighten up? You are not alone.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2MlUp7b via IFTTT

Improve Your Front Rack Position

These drills might just make all the difference in eliminating discomfort and improving your performance. Does being in the front rack position cause you to make an ugly pain face ?   Does it feel like one person is breaking your wrists, while another is aggressively pinching your shoulders when you're in the front rack? Does your back suddenly tighten up? You are not alone.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Y2J3Me via IFTTT

The Relationship Between Scars and Mobility

Both new and old scars can affect your movement and mobility in everyday life, during sports, or in workouts. Chances are you probably have a scar somewhere on your body . Anyone can get a scar from just about anything. Perhaps you were goofing around as a child and fell off your bike or maybe you recently took a fall down the stairs and banged yourself up pretty well. Maybe you are an athlete who had a mishap on the field that resulted in an injury that required surgery.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2YqpCfF via IFTTT

The Relationship Between Scars and Mobility

Both new and old scars can affect your movement and mobility in everyday life, during sports, or in workouts. Chances are you probably have a scar somewhere on your body . Anyone can get a scar from just about anything. Perhaps you were goofing around as a child and fell off your bike or maybe you recently took a fall down the stairs and banged yourself up pretty well. Maybe you are an athlete who had a mishap on the field that resulted in an injury that required surgery.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2yddIHq via IFTTT

An Exercise In Stress Management

Training comes down to stress management. The more you can apply, and the more you can handle, the better your results will be, and the faster they’ll come. Training comes down to stress management: it’s my job to determine how much and what kind of stress to apply, and it’s your job to get yourself ready to handle as much stress as possible.   I work as a trainer, both in person and online, specializing in getting former athletes back into game shape. A lot of the time this comes down to dudes in their 30s and 40s trading a few pounds of fat in for some more muscle. The tough part? Most of them are busier than ever, and certainly busier than they were when they felt their best.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/32NQhT3 via IFTTT

An Exercise In Stress Management

Training comes down to stress management. The more you can apply, and the more you can handle, the better your results will be, and the faster they’ll come. Training comes down to stress management: it’s my job to determine how much and what kind of stress to apply, and it’s your job to get yourself ready to handle as much stress as possible.   I work as a trainer, both in person and online, specializing in getting former athletes back into game shape. A lot of the time this comes down to dudes in their 30s and 40s trading a few pounds of fat in for some more muscle. The tough part? Most of them are busier than ever, and certainly busier than they were when they felt their best.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Gp9elh via IFTTT

Bodybuilding and Olympic Weightlifting Aren't Mutually Exclusive

Adding bodybuilding work to your weightlifting practice has its benefits, both ways. "I’m chasing performance, not looks," seemed to be the narrative from the Olympic weightlifting community for a while. There appeared to be no room for time spent on focused, strategic muscle building. I was a part of the community. I heard many say it. But I was always confused as to why functional bodybuilding and training for performance in a sport had to be mutually exclusive . It had never been for me, although I must admit, I’ve often mistakenly not kept it as a priority.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2YcVQa1 via IFTTT

Bodybuilding and Olympic Weightlifting Aren't Mutually Exclusive

Adding bodybuilding work to your weightlifting practice has its benefits, both ways. "I’m chasing performance, not looks," seemed to be the narrative from the Olympic weightlifting community for a while. There appeared to be no room for time spent on focused, strategic muscle building. I was a part of the community. I heard many say it. But I was always confused as to why functional bodybuilding and training for performance in a sport had to be mutually exclusive . It had never been for me, although I must admit, I’ve often mistakenly not kept it as a priority.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2GtQJwb via IFTTT

Should You Be Lifting Overhead?

When it comes to shoulder flexion, patience is key. In theory, we all generally embrace the idea of a safety-first motto .   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/30Syf0k via IFTTT

Should You Be Lifting Overhead?

When it comes to shoulder flexion, patience is key. In theory, we all generally embrace the idea of a safety-first motto .   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2JNEvRb via IFTTT

Don't Want to Workout? We've Got Just the Plan!

Most people don't want to exercise, but everyone needs to exercise. This plan will help. What the fitness industry often forgets is that a lot of people just don’t want to workout . This is hard to swallow for a bunch of former athletes and type A’s who got into physical training because they love exercising. We want people to feel as excited as we are about crushing a hard workout, learning the kettlebell, or beating your best Fran time.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2LZRcdc via IFTTT

Don't Want to Workout? We've Got Just the Plan!

Most people don't want to exercise, but everyone needs to exercise. This plan will help. What the fitness industry often forgets is that a lot of people just don’t want to workout . This is hard to swallow for a bunch of former athletes and type A’s who got into physical training because they love exercising. We want people to feel as excited as we are about crushing a hard workout, learning the kettlebell, or beating your best Fran time.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2JYglSJ via IFTTT

Dieting Versus Lifestyle: Change Ain't Easy

It’s natural for us to be short-sighted in our goals—because who doesn’t want massive change right now? "I want to lose weight."   That’s probably the most common reason people hire me as a fitness coach.   Many of them—arguably most of them—have tried every short-term diet in the book: The Whole30, a 6-week challenge, a 30-day juice cleanse or two-week detox, and on and on.   As a result of these 30 day promise diets, many of these same people have completely unrealistic goals about their weight loss timeframe .   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2JHJAdT via IFTTT

Dieting Versus Lifestyle: Change Ain't Easy

It’s natural for us to be short-sighted in our goals—because who doesn’t want massive change right now? "I want to lose weight."   That’s probably the most common reason people hire me as a fitness coach.   Many of them—arguably most of them—have tried every short-term diet in the book: The Whole30, a 6-week challenge, a 30-day juice cleanse or two-week detox, and on and on.   As a result of these 30 day promise diets, many of these same people have completely unrealistic goals about their weight loss timeframe .   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Gm7cT5 via IFTTT

You are the Problem, Not the Fitness Industry

The issue is a culture of too little personal responsibility and capacity for discomfort. There is a popular, “woke” narrative that the reason more people than ever are obese and in chronically poor health is a failing fitness industry—the fitness industry has failed to save us from ourselves. I’d argue that as awful as many areas of the fitness industry are, it is actually better than ever, overall . read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2LsAX97 via IFTTT

You are the Problem, Not the Fitness Industry

The issue is a culture of too little personal responsibility and capacity for discomfort. There is a popular, “woke” narrative that the reason more people than ever are obese and in chronically poor health is a failing fitness industry—the fitness industry has failed to save us from ourselves. I’d argue that as awful as many areas of the fitness industry are, it is actually better than ever, overall . read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2XV51vT via IFTTT

How and Why to Single Leg Romanian Deadlift

There is no greater exercise for posterior chain development than the single-leg Romanian deadlift (1-leg RDL) The posterior chain —you’ve undoubtedly heard people waxing prolific about this topic, particularly in response to sedentary lifestyles. It’s a great buzzword to make yourself sound smart while describing a very simple concept.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/30CnlLO via IFTTT

How and Why to Single Leg Romanian Deadlift

There is no greater exercise for posterior chain development than the single-leg Romanian deadlift (1-leg RDL) The posterior chain —you’ve undoubtedly heard people waxing prolific about this topic, particularly in response to sedentary lifestyles. It’s a great buzzword to make yourself sound smart while describing a very simple concept.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Ghn752 via IFTTT

Create Athletic Children in This Fertile Age for Fitness

Fostering physical activity from a young age instills discipline, promotes fun, and produces a more social child. I spoke to my new friend Jiang today and she informed me of something truly troubling. She felt horrible because she snatch deadlifted 100kg (220 lbs) today as her maximum instead of her programmed 140kg (308 lbs). Then I spoke to my cousin Drew today about four hours later and he was upset that he couldn’t beat his friend’s team on League of Legends despite having a significant advantage in terms of stats. Let’s get real—both of these children are 14 years old. read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2lgxZs9 via IFTTT

Create Athletic Children in This Fertile Age for Fitness

Fostering physical activity from a young age instills discipline, promotes fun, and produces a more social child. I spoke to my new friend Jiang today and she informed me of something truly troubling. She felt horrible because she snatch deadlifted 100kg (220 lbs) today as her maximum instead of her programmed 140kg (308 lbs). Then I spoke to my cousin Drew today about four hours later and he was upset that he couldn’t beat his friend’s team on League of Legends despite having a significant advantage in terms of stats. Let’s get real—both of these children are 14 years old. read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2keFLCV via IFTTT

Hacking the Hack Squat

The hack squat was originated in Germany and derives from the word hacke (heel). You'll need to know more than that to make it work for you, though. Now say that three times fast! Welcome back everyone to another episode of Breaking Down Your Workout Library. Thanks to the team at Breaking Muscle, I’ve been guided to produce another breakdown of one of my favorite exercises.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2jHfbSA via IFTTT

Hacking the Hack Squat

The hack squat was originated in Germany and derives from the word hackle (heel). You'll need to know more than that to make it work for you, though. Now say that three times fast! Welcome back everyone to another episode of Breaking Down Your Workout Library. Thanks to the team at Breaking Muscle, I’ve been guided to produce another breakdown of one of my favorite exercises.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2k4FClB via IFTTT

The Efficacy of Percentage-Based Training Programs

How do we make sure we’re using the correct weights as we base percentages off of a max that may change during a two or three-month long training block? I’ll defend percentage-based training program's efficacy for powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting until the bitter end, or when I’m muttering to myself on a park bench wearing a sleeping bag as a sport coat.   I’ve tested, to the best of my understanding, most methods of building strength for myself and my athletes. And I haven’t found a more reliable way to continuously improve in power other than using stable markers based on maxes , even if those maxes are estimated.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2GfF6sy via IFTTT

The Efficacy of Percentage-Based Training Programs

How do we make sure we’re using the correct weights as we base percentages off of a max that may change during a two or three-month long training block? I’ll defend percentage-based  training program's efficacy for powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting until the bitter end, or when I’m muttering to myself on a park bench wearing a sleeping bag as a sport coat.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/30sWKAO via IFTTT

Use Bands to Build Bulletproof Abs

Bands are particularly useful for the core because they force you to stay as tight as possible and help to create tension in your body. Physio bands are one of my best friends in the gym . They’re great for shoulder health, great for activating my sleepy lats before a big pulling day, and even useful for building some muscular endurance through exercises like lat pulldowns and triceps extensions.   Lately, I’ve also been using them for my core—to bulletproof those abs!   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/32oPOqr via IFTTT

Strengthen Your Strict Press

Different positioning for your strict press may allow for better translation into other overhead lifts.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/32iYVZB via IFTTT

Use Bands to Build Bulletproof Abs

Bands are particularly useful for the core because they force you to stay as tight as possible and help to create tension in your body. Physio bands are one of my best friends in the gym . They’re great for shoulder health, great for activating my sleepy lats before a big pulling day, and even useful for building some muscular endurance through exercises like lat pulldowns and triceps extensions.   Lately, I’ve also been using them for my core—to bulletproof those abs!   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2xK4DW8 via IFTTT

Strengthen Your Strict Press

Different positioning for your strict press may allow for better translation into other overhead lifts.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2S74Xrz via IFTTT

Loaded Carries Boring? Nah! They're Essential

Oddly, carrying is one of the most common things we do in life—and also it is one of the most challenging things. We often talk about the importance of four movements: pushing, pulling, squatting, and hinging. All the while forgetting about one very important, albeit less sexy, way we move: Carrying!   Oddly, carrying is one of the most common things we do in life —and also it is one of the most challenging things. Just ask any new mother who spends half her day walking around with a baby (why is it that all babies can sense when you’re sitting and scream bloody murder until you reluctantly stand up and walk around with them?).   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2YBmfQ4 via IFTTT

Loaded Carries Boring? Nah! They're Essential

Oddly, carrying is one of the most common things we do in life—and also it is one of the most challenging things. We often talk about the importance of four movements: pushing, pulling, squatting, and hinging. All the while forgetting about one very important, albeit less sexy, way we move: Carrying!   Oddly, carrying is one of the most common things we do in life —and also it is one of the most challenging things. Just ask any new mother who spends half her day walking around with a baby (why is it that all babies can sense when you’re sitting and scream bloody murder until you reluctantly stand up and walk around with them?).   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2RXWg2w via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 3: Execute Your Plan

And in denying your exploration into other expressive forms of movement and practices, you’re denying your own unique individuality. Part 1 of this series explored ways to choose new disciplines to add to your current training. Part 2 of this series addressed making a plan to help ensure your success in your new endeavors.   We’ll begin Part 3 with general recovery.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/324UDVu via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 3: Execute Your Plan

And in denying your exploration into other expressive forms of movement and practices, you’re denying your own unique individuality. Part 1 of this series explored ways to choose new disciplines to add to your current training. Part 2 of this series addressed making a plan to help ensure your success in your new endeavors.   We’ll begin Part 3 with general recovery.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Yvy9uJ via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 2: Make a Plan

If you want to develop yourself through many practices, even if only very slowly and recreationally, you need to create structure before you add. Part 1 of this series included suggestions on how to select new practices to expand on your current training regime based on your interests and capabilities, and explored ways to help you evaluate and decide:   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2NtACVs via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 2: Make a Plan

If you want to develop yourself through many practices, even if only very slowly and recreationally, you need to create structure before you add. Part 1 of this series included suggestions on how to select new practices to expand on your current training regime based on your interests and capabilities, and explored ways to help you evaluate and decide:   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2YqYnhH via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 1: How Do I Choose?

You want to add yoga to your Olympic weightlifting or try martial arts with your powerlifting? Let's see what makes sense.   The question will always creep up, in one form or another. Someone may ask how to include yoga into their strength training schedule. Someone else, who’s defined their fitness through bodybuilding workouts, wants to know how to get over the mental hurdle of cutting back on their gym time to start running outside.   read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2JbP9zG via IFTTT

Add New Disciplines to Your Training, Part 1: How Do I Choose?

You want to add yoga to your Olympic weightlifting or try martial arts with your powerlifting? Let's see what makes sense.   The question will always creep up, in one form or another. Someone may ask how to include yoga into their strength training schedule. Someone else, who’s defined their fitness through bodybuilding workouts, wants to know how to get over the mental hurdle of cutting back on their gym time to start running outside.     read more from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/2Yrg294 via IFTTT