Main Blog RSS feed

5 of your training questions answered.

Not training for a specific sport allows a lot of freedom and is insanely easy to do. But like training for a sport, consistency and discipline are key to getting the job done.  Like I tell my athletes, "Strong legs, strong lungs!"

For those interested, this is Jim's actual supplement list.

This is one area where Jim and I have varying opinions.  We have talked about this and he definitely understands where I’m going and generally likes the ideas.  But, for him, it’s just too complicated and may take too much mental energy that he doesn’t have time to spend.  You may find the same.  When in doubt, keep it simple.  For me, this has become very simple.  I’ll attempt to explain it via the written word.

In the world of athletes, results and efficiency are king. This variation of the Krypteia program, when done correctly, checks both of those boxes.

It reminds me of the question I’ve answered more than a hundred times, “How do I know if I’m ready to use chains and/or bands?” The answer is always, “When you stop asking the question and know the answer.”

Being sport specific in the weight room is a gimmick.  Even the people that stroke that flaccid idea know it.  You don't need to be strong to be a better athlete, but being stronger than you were is always a good thing.  Especially if done progressively, over time, with patience and while training for your sport.  These are the gains that last and that will hurt your opponent the most.

I first met Mark Valenti at the SWIS Conference in 2019; I believe we met in the restaurant/bar area.  And I don't think we talked about training one bit.  Mark and I finally got together in the London High School weight room and had an informal discussion about training, the psychology of why football is important for young men and even about Ron "Don't sass me, Birkus" Swanson.

In training, like life, nothing is free. You always have to pay a price

When: 1 Day Event, June 13, 2020 CANCELLED FOR COVID 19 SOCIAL DISTANCING LAWS

Where: Strength Guild, 2800 NE Center Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66616

What: The 2nd Annual 2020 Wendler Strength Fest consists of the N.O.V. Powerlifting Meet, a full Highland Games and a sanctioned Strongman Competition.

Question: I can only make it to the weight room one time per week. However, I have a chin/dip station at home and a weight vest. How can I make this work?

Of all the different specialty bars on the market, this is the one I recommend most. The safety squat bar develops great brute strength. It's a phenomenal way to build your lower back, legs, and upper back. The key is to not get too fancy with it. The two exercises I recommend are simple, the good morning and the squat.

I hear the term Teamwork thrown about in the work place; this became popular in the late 80's (at least that is what I remember). People championed this new attitude and strove to make it part of their businesses. Unfortunately, it's hard to change an adult culture.

Too many people live and die by their 1 rep max, to me, this is foolish and shortsighted and the exact reason people find themselves in a rut.

I recently did an Iron Radio podcast with Phil Stevens. It is an hour long and talks about training, coaching, fatherhood and leadership.  While you are listening please take some time to enjoy this rare photograph of me running.