Team AST Goes to Nationals!
Team AST brought home a few medals and a few records, and learned a few lessons along the way.
A Visit to the Compound
I recently got the opportunity to visit Elite Fitness Systems in London, Ohio for the first (and hopefully not the last) Learn to Train seminar, with all proceeds going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
The Military Press – Part 1
This week we’re doing a pair of videos on one of the most important yet most underused lifts we can think of – the military press. Part 1 deals with the basics of performing the lift, and part 2 will go over some of the more common mistakes people make and how to fix them….
Warm Up to Winter
With snowfall upon us, it’s time to revisit a concept that tends to get neglected during the warmer months – a proper warm-up.
The Importance of Recovery Training
When most people think of their training programs, they usually think about the fun stuff. Weight training is what packs on muscle and makes your whole body stronger, and intense cardiovascular conditioning strips off bodyfat and develops stamina and endurance in the heart and lungs. But when done week after week, all of that hard…
Learning to Deadlift Part 1 – Hip Extension
This week’s post is a video post focusing on showing a beginner how to recruit the glutes and hamstrings, which is essential both from a performance standpoint and an injury-prevention standpoint. It helps to have access to a glute/ham raise but can be done without if you’re creative enough. Part 2 will go through the…
Stop Knee Pain Before It Starts
At some time or another, almost every serious athlete is going to experience periods of knee pain. Whether it’s a runner who is feeling the effects of running on concrete, the football player who’s made one too many quick direction changes, or just your average gym rat whose knees are starting to bark at them…
Book Review: Enter the Kettlebell!
About two years ago, I decided that I needed to learn how to train with kettlebells. I didn’t necessarily feel like I had to drop a couple thousand dollars to go through the certification process, but I at least needed to know how to perform the basic movements without killing myself. Having known a few…
Book Review: 5/3/1: The Simplest and Most Effective Training System for Raw Strength
Like most of you out there who have been training for more than a few years, I’ve tried dozens (and I mean dozens) of different programs and workout splits, all promising to “Add 50lbs to Your Squat in 7 Days!” or “Add 1 Inch to Your Arms in 12 Hours!” or whatever other ridiculous claim…
Product Review: EliteFTS Blast Straps
Blast Straps, sold by Elite Fitness Systems here, are two individual D-handles attached to long, adjustable straps that attach to the top of any power rack or chinning bar. They’re designed to add an element of instability and balance to traditional bodyweight movements (such as pushups, pullups, dips and more), as well as a few…