Back Gains: the best Back Exercises out there

We're on our journey through the Five Exercise Patterns You Ought to Know, and this week we're talking about your back. Over the past few weeks, we've covered the Hinge, like deadlifts, the Squat, and the Press, like bench press or overhead press. Today we're talking about the PULL category, or all the exercises that … Continue reading Back Gains: the best Back Exercises out there

Heavier Weight vs Lighter Weight: Which is Better?

I love when my clients come to me with questions like this one: which is better, heavier weight and fewer reps? Or lighter weight and more reps? Let's break down this question and see how it works. The short answer: neither is best As long as two criteria are met, either approach can be useful … Continue reading Heavier Weight vs Lighter Weight: Which is Better?

How much do you Bench, bro?

On our journey through the "basics you ought to know" I've written about the hinge and the squat, two of the major five exercises to know if you want to get stronger, healthier, or overall jacked and tan. You learned that the hip hinge (deadlifts, KB swings, and the like) moves your hips horizontally through space … Continue reading How much do you Bench, bro?

The Squat: Your Key to Lower Body Strength and Muscle Growth

Of course, if we're going to name a single exercise as the "king" it had better show up and prove itself. I'm not the only one who has chosen the squat to represent, but I think I can make a compelling case for it.As a recap: we're talking about five main exercises you ought to … Continue reading The Squat: Your Key to Lower Body Strength and Muscle Growth

Build Your Backside: The Power of the Deadlift

I like big butts and I cannot lie... Building a strong and curvy backside has been all the rage over the last few years. As more people come into the gym to strength train using bars, plates, and dumbbells, they are learning a few key exercises that help them build strong bodies and shapely arms, … Continue reading Build Your Backside: The Power of the Deadlift

Warming up to Strength Train

Are we overthinking it? Want these updates faster? Contact me and ask to be put on my email list, where you'll be the first to learn new things and ways to make your fitness and nutrition even better.Today we're talking about Warm-ups.A warm-up for a workout is meant to do just that: warm you up. As we … Continue reading Warming up to Strength Train

Intensity, Variety, and Big Boring Basics

Want to get updates and pro-tips faster? Contact me and I'll put you on my email list, where there are no spam emails - just good information delivered right to your inbox! The relationship between intensity, complexity, variety, and progress I was having a conversation in the gym recently about "switching things up" on occasion...and … Continue reading Intensity, Variety, and Big Boring Basics

How do we actually “get stronger?”

A peek into Exercise SCience This post was first sent as an email to my email list. If you'd like what you're reading and want to receive updates faster, contact me and I'll put you on my email list! Don't worry - all my emails are written by me and I only send them out … Continue reading How do we actually “get stronger?”

I Tried Crossfit (and didn’t die)

First published January 3rd, 2018. It’s a hot and sticky Friday evening as I make my way to south Nashville. “Am I going to survive this?” I wonder as I wipe the anxious sweat off my palms. I’ve done some hellacious workouts in my time, but never this.  In the parking lot my muscles already begin … Continue reading I Tried Crossfit (and didn’t die)