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Raise the Floor, Not the Ceiling

Raise the Floor, Not the Ceiling

If you've been on the forum for a few minutes, you've heard the term "Raise the floor, not the ceiling". This is a folksy way of reminding you to build a base of training before you worry about your 1RM or anything similar. Too many of us don't spend enough time training consistently and yet we believe we are "owed" strength. Your current effort level affords you exactly what you've earned.  Here's a couple ideas/examples that will support the idea 
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5/3/1

Weight Vest Training - Better Than Average

For those of you that KNOW that it's time for a change and are ready for it mentally/physically - stop messing around and start doing what YOU need to do. Here are few things I've done to help me:
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15 Ideas on WALRUS Training

15 Ideas on WALRUS Training

I jokingly call this WALRUS training because it is the fat, gross cousin of the Navy SEAL.  This is for the Suburban Commando; able to mow any lawn, shovel any driveway or clean out any amount of gutters.  Obviously, this is very tongue in cheek.  If you can rip off 200 squats, 100 push-ups and 50 chin-up/pull-ups with an 80lbs vest in 30 minutes, you are going to be in pretty good shape (and strong) for just about anything.
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My Conditioning by Era

My Conditioning by Era

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!"
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Hail Victory! London Red Raiders Post Season Honors

Hail Victory! London Red Raiders Post Season Honors

I watched "average" teenage boys become headhunters; boys that are taking their first steps into becoming Men of Action.  In a few years, I hope they can take the lessons of aggression, leadership and action and put them to good use for themselves, their family/friends and where ever their lives take them. 
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4 Ways to Physically Dominate

4 Ways to Physically Dominate

If you don't work with athletes there is still plenty to take away here.  If you do work with athletes and you're realizing that your entire strength training approach is a disaster, start with just one of the above and don't give up on the journey.

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5/3/1 and Muay Thai

5/3/1 and Muay Thai

Let's start with whether or not the Krypteia program is suitable for someone who is also doing Muay Thai 3x's a week. 
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5/3/1 Bench Press Questions

5/3/1 Bench Press Questions

Question: 
You have listed 5x5/3/1 as the go to template to use for bench on the hardgainers template. Also I have noticed it pop up on other programs sort of the way widowmakers go with squats and BBS goes with the press. My question is have your thoughts now changed regarding the use of 5x5/3/1 as the go to for bench?
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To Kill Yourself Or Not

To Kill Yourself Or Not

Question: I know everyone’s different, and guys like Walter are also freaks of nature. Just curious as to your thoughts on how “killing himself” like he did worked so well, when in reality it wouldn’t for most?
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Sled King

Sled King

There seems to be a theme lately with people who are hurt/injured and can't do certain movements. Trust me, I know your pain.
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Making the Hard (Exercise) Choices

Making the Hard (Exercise) Choices

I serve our country abroad, and am getting ready to go back overseas. We have a yoke rack, Texas/BC powerlifting bar, and lots of plates/accessories. The weight adds up, and we are dangerously close to our maximum allowance, the exceeding of which would be no bueno for our bank account....what do you recommend?
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Instagram Training Q/A

Instagram Training Q/A

A few weeks ago, I did a Q/A on Instagram. Keep in mind that I asked that the questions be short/answers short - like most people I find typing on a phone ridiculous and impossible to write 16 week training cycles.  So I tried to be as precise with my answers as possible while not being so damn boring.
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