Sticking points in strength training exercises (lifts) are often referred to as ‘weak links.’ We are told that in order to overcome the sticking point in a lift, we must fix our weak link. This is a misnomer and mixup: in other words, this false instruction derives from a mix of misnaming and confusion. In […]
Healthy Goals? Taking Risks is Part of Success in Strength and Fitness
Originally published on April 14, 2016, as Risk Aversion and Fear Avoidance in the Fitness Industry I was reading a long and engaging article the other day by a fitness trainer who was reacting to what she saw as hypocrisy in the fitness industry. I very much appreciated the article and I let her know […]
Is the Wrist Roller the Best Forearm Exercise?
I searched Google using the exact title of this article, and you know what I found? I found a lot of articles claiming the wrist roller was the number one best exercise for developing the forearms. I used to agree. I used to swear by the wrist roller. My views have changed somewhat. One curious […]
Linear Progression Programs in Strength Training
The term that fans of Starting Strength and certain 5×5 programs hang their hat on is linear progression. In this article, I am going to explain the meaning of this term and reveal whether such programs which rely on linear progression make sense. See also: 5×5 Texas Method eBook is a Waste of Your Time Starting […]
How To Do the Barbell Front Squat
The barbell front squat is a squat carried out with the barbell positioned in the clean position, the bar resting on the lifters front deltoids. Front squats allow a more upright torso position than barbell back squats and are an excellent alternative or adjunct exercise. This article is meant to be basic technique instruction for […]
Difference Between a Squat Rack and Power Rack
If a squat rack is a rack you use for barbell squats, what is a power rack? Is a power rack for more powerful squats? If so, what is a squat cage and what is the difference between that and a power cage? Confused? I sure am. Even people who routinely use these terms are […]