Life vs Training
Understand that your situation is not unique and neither is the answer. We all must adapt to keep moving forward. The alternative is denial and failure.
Read now
Main Blog RSS feed
Why Train?
I really have no goal or specific performance aspirations as they don't peak my interest. What I want your opinion on is, what is the reason for me to do this?? Am I just going to be a good "worker outer"? I love lifting weights but at some point you have to ask yourself, what's the point?
Read now
Life and 5/3/1 Training
I've done many versions according to what I was looking for goal-wise or what I was doing in life at the time. I am not going to go over how each version worked out but they all lead to me increasing strength over the long haul. One example I will bring up is the fact that I followed Jack Shit for 8 months...3 of those cycles I didnt go for any rep records at all, I trained twice a week. At the time I didnt think I was getting stronger but I knew I wasn't getting weaker (boy was I naive).
Read now
5/3/1 and Coaching Athletes
The most important thing to understand when training athletes is the difference between G.P.P and S.P.P. Also, it's important to understand that mastery in a specific discipline does not mean mastery in weight training. In fact, it is usually the opposite; master of one thing, beginner of another. This is very lucky for you, whether you are a coach or an athlete. What this means is that you don't need advanced or fancy training methods to achieve results. Besides the huge pile of dung that is "sport specific training", the misunderstanding of training mastery by elite athletes is ruining training.
5/3/1 and Bodybuilding
The main movement stays the same and keeps strength in the program. This allows you to progress from week to week and actually get stronger, something lacking in about 99% of non-assisted bodybuilders' routines.
Read now
The Great Rack Pull Myth
This is a classic case of an idea that works beautifully in theory but, at least in many cases, fails to pay off in the real world. The theory behind rack pulls is that they allow you to use more weight than you normally can handle in conventional deadlifts, which helps target certain sticking points, namely the lockout position—a real sore spot for many lifters. Sounds good, huh?
Read now
How Simple Is the 5/3/1 Training Program To Use?
From Jim: Don't confuse complexity with effectiveness. A program only needs to be as complex as to make progress. One thing that I preach to myself is that I'm always a beginner; the basics will always work. The only thing...
Gear vs Raw Lifting
The drama that is the Great Gear Debate is overwhelming. Powerlifting is one of the few sports where men will criticize what another man is wearing. I never thought powerlifting could end up on Bravo but it certainly looks like it might.
Read now
A Year of 5/3/1: The Results
Under his own admission, Gabe thought these goals were pipe dreams. However see his progress after a year of dedicated training with the 5/3/1 program.
Bodybuilding, Being Independent and the Importance of Training Partners
Are you saying you don't need to get slapped in the face before every set?
Listen, this is what I learned. When I was at the University of Arizona and Rob Waldrop, who was the Outland Trophy Winner (awarded to the best college football interior lineman), was squatting. This guy was insanely strong. That day he was squatting in the mid-600's for 7 or 8 reps, and he was just getting under the bar when some kid yells, "C'mon Rob, lets go man!"
Rob just stopped...
Total Responsibility = Strong, Pro-Active Men
Just wanted to thank you for the awesome program and share my progress.
I am an illustrator and currently work as a concept artist at a computer game studio so I spend most of my time at a desk. I started weight training 1 year ago. I did a 5x5 program with a trainer for 6 months then I had to move countries; that is where 5/3/1 comes in.
Read now
I am an illustrator and currently work as a concept artist at a computer game studio so I spend most of my time at a desk. I started weight training 1 year ago. I did a 5x5 program with a trainer for 6 months then I had to move countries; that is where 5/3/1 comes in.
Quick Interview with Jim Wendler: Beginner Mistakes, Individualization, and Your Path
What is the worst thing you see people doing? Keep it fitness related.
Novice lifters listening to novice lifters on message boards – it’s like two Navy recruits running a nuclear submarine. Nothing good can happen.
Using the Rower for Conditioning?
This story was told to me by my good friend and former training partner, Kevin Deweese. A young man told Kevin that he'd like to train, look and be strong like Bill Kazmaier (Kaz).
Read now
Behind the Shield Podcast
I have been doing a lot of podcasts recently; or at least more than I'm used to. Am I that interesting or do I just blow a lot of hot air? Probably a bit from Column A and a bit from Column B. The latest podcast to be uploaded is from Behind the Shield. As usual, there are a lot of things discussed, a lot of tangents and some quality information.
Read now
The Truth on Genetics and Athletes
In athletics, genetics is often used as a reason for success and failure. It is a term that is used primarily as physical modifier; he who has the body and athletic ability to play his sport has great genetics. However, sports is filled with many people who are insanely successful despite not having the traditional physical attributes associated with his sport.