Strength over 50

Static Contractions: A Forgotten Training Approach that can Build Big Strength

A Forgotten Training Approach that can Build Big Strength Anyone remember static contractions? A quarter century ago these were mildly popular. However, like many training techniques that produce significant results but require unusual types of effort, it was largely...

Preventing Lower Back Injuries with the Kettlebell Swing

Preventing Lower Back Injuries With the Kettlebell Swing Preventing injuries is vastly superior to doing rehab. A huge percentage of American men will suffer from lower back problems. Depending on the source used as many as 80% of men will have a back problem at some...

No Brain, No Gain

No Brain, No Gain Having spent many years in gyms, I am consistently surprised by the number of people who work out for years and never seem to make any progress. Not changing much if you are in great condition is probably OK. However, most people who train regularly...

The Velvet Coffin Where is your fitness journey taking you?

The Velvet Coffin Where is your fitness journey taking you? We are all familiar with making decisions about weight loss, training cycles, and workout programs. These are the routine decisions we make all the time. Few of us ever pause and think about the long game....

Two unusual exercises: big benefit zero popularity

Two unusual exercises: big benefit zero popularity Over many decades working out in gyms, I have noticed that the value of an exercise is often inversely proportional to how often people do it. The exception would be the deadlift which seems to be relatively popular...

Build REAL Grip Strength: Dump the Straps

Build REAL Grip Strength: Dump the Straps If you want to have the fragile hands and wimpy grip of a 90-year-old, lifting straps and gloves will do the job for you. Over the past few years I have seen more and more people lifting weights using straps to augment their...

Focus on the Process of Improvement not on Resolution Goals

Focus on the Process of Improvement not on Resolution Goals With Christmas just past we are entering that magical time of year when half the population resolves to lose at least 20 pounds and make massive changes for the better. In a month about 98% of these...

What can weightlifters learn from “Moneyball”?

What can weightlifters learn from Moneyball? In the past few weeks I have been reading books written by Michael Lewis, the author of Moneyball the classic study of how the Oakland As were able to use statistical data to gain a competitive edge in searching for...

A Different Type of New Years Resolution

A Different Type of New Years Resolution First blog of 2023. Monday was a holiday because there were bowl games on TV. It is now January 3. In the general population perhaps half of the New Years resolutions made with earnest enthusiasm a scant 48 hours ago are now...