I love squats. I truly believe that they are the most important weight training move we can perform. If there was only one lift you could do, I wouldn’t hesitate to make it the squat. Far beyond simply improving your power, squats have a beneficial effect on your hormones. Testosterone levels are also influenced by the amount of muscle mass activated in response to exercise. … [Read more...]
Cardio Before Weight Lifting
A light cardio warmup can improve your weight training experience.For a long time, I’ve believed that best way to get loose for swings in the cage is to take those same swings at a lower level of intensity and build up to your desired effort level. I’ve implemented this theory into my weight training and, specifically, my squats. Rather than going through a progressive … [Read more...]
Dead Lifts
I told you a while back that the king of all weight training exercises is unequivocally the squat. I won't pedal backwards on that declaration.That said, if you aim to build power, speed, strength and athleticism, you’ll want to incorporate dead lifts. As an ancillary benefit, if you go hard enough, your back will look like a cobra’s.Most folks think the dead lift is a … [Read more...]
Smith Machines
We mused on squats yesterday. Inevitably when we broach the subject, Smith machines weasel their way into the conversation. They’re not without their virtues, but be mindful; they’re slippery suckers.As a moppet of 13, I attended a fitness center in the San Fernando Valley called “Nautilus.” The place was jam packed with state of the art (for the 1989) equipment. Keiser air … [Read more...]
Early Morning Lifting
My sons and I have been optimizing to do three things.Spend more time together. Consistently get our weight training sessions in. Get better sleep.We have created a process to dominate all three in an hour.Three days a week, my young men and I leave the house for the gym at 5:45 am. School starts for them at 8:00am. We could opt to go in the afternoon, but by … [Read more...]