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Let's face it, chasing the Big Three (squat, bench press, deadlift) can get tiresome, and having an acceptable substitution that can be used for several months might be just what you need to keep the fires burning.

Both Mark and Jesse are good friends of mine and I am super happy with their success and their continued dedication to helping others.  More importantly, they have treated me and my family with respect; something I find more important than just what they offer the strength world.

This interview covers a variety of subjects: training, the new 5/3/1 Forever book, coaching high school athletes, marriage and music.

Dorian Yates' back is the centerpiece of his insane, freaky physique, and the Yates row is one of the things he credits. Ed Coan's accomplishments in the powerlifting world have been well documented and if you've ever seen Ed in person, you know he's one of the thickest people to ever set foot in a weight room. And his 900-pound deadlift, to me, is the single-most impressive deadlift feat.

Now that I've satisfied all the barbell row zealots, the exercise does have its drawbacks. This is especially true for a lifter that's made significant progress in the squat and deadlift.

The following article is the latest (3rd article) from CNBC; this one has some very basic suggestions for anyone who wants to "follow their passion" and turn it into their job.  Understand that when your passion becomes your job, you...

I am 31 5'9 and weigh a jello-like 376 as of yesterday. I have purchased your 5/3/1 2nd edition and was wondering if there were any special tips you can give me on dropping this fat suit that aren't in the book?

Q:  I am not a huge fan of caffeine (aside from my morning cup of coffee) but there are times when after a long day at work it is really tough to get up for a good workout. My drug of choice here would be sugar-free Red Bull, but I am leery to start introducing something like that to my routine. What do you think - good, bad, who really gives a crap if it works for you?

A:  If you can tolerate it, it’s fine. If not, don’t use it. It’s not like you are injecting heroin so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Stimulants, especially the older you get, have a bigger price so be sure you are willing to pay it.

Note from Jim: I've gotten a lot of success stories over the years, great testimonials from all over the world.  Not one of them goes unappreciated; I am humbled by each one of them.  This time of year (and hell,...