Stress has always been a hot topic for me. It is a critical area in our ability to develop a well-rounded health and weight-loss plan. And for many of us, stress leads to poor food choices. The term ... Continue Reading
Blood Lactate Tests: Do You Really Need One?
In recent years, some quite advanced sports science has become affordable for the amateur enthusiast. One recent trend I have noticed is the growth of blood lactate tests. Blood lactate tests have ... Continue Reading
Whither Goest Weightlifting? Exciting Times for a Growing Sport
I guess I’m getting to that age now where memories loom larger than dreams. With nearly a half-century in the sport, I along with those in my age cohort often end up discussing where weightlifting has been ... Continue Reading
Qigong: The New (Ancient) Way of Improving Health and Performance
My name is Chris Holder and I am the head strength coach at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. We are a Division I athletics program competing in 21 varsity sports and on paper we operate and ... Continue Reading
How to Avoid Cargo Cult Science in Fitness Literature
When it comes to research in the fields of nutrition and strength and conditioning, most studies report their findings as being “significant” or not. What this means is: did the intervention work or ... Continue Reading
3 Steps to Assessing Pain: Are You Hurt or Are You Injured?
My right elbow isn’t happy with me. Every time I bend it or reach for something, it reminds me it’s still upset about the way I’ve been treating it. Apparently, it doesn’t like front squats and presses as ... Continue Reading
Increasing Pull Ups: Smart Strength With Charles Staley
Note: Charles is here on a weekly basis to help you cut through the B.S. and get to the bottom of the biggest questions in health and training. Post your questions directly to Charles in the comments below ... Continue Reading
Life After Kids: 4 Weeks to Get Your Fitness Back
My six-year-old daughter is off school for the summer, and she’s been having fun taking care of her two younger siblings, ages four and almost two. The other morning she decided she wanted to get them ... Continue Reading
Bad Advertising and Hubris: Will CrossFit HQ Ever Apologize?
In 2013, Hyundai released a viral video advertisement that depicted a man attempting to commit suicide in his car. He gets into the Hyundai in his garage, turns on the engine, and forlornly begins to ... Continue Reading
The 3-Day Vacation Workout Plan for Masters Athletes
When I was younger, I thought passing forty was going to be awful. Not because I’m scared of getting older, but because I was worried about a decline in my physical abilities. As someone who has always ... Continue Reading
Nutrition Is More Than Half the Battle, With Kalli Youngstrom, Ep 16
Kalli Youngstrom does not fit the stereotype of the "bodybuilder." She is a lifelong athlete who is also fascinated by psychology. This all comes together in her unique approach to nutrition and ... Continue Reading
8 Unconventional Uses for the Trap (Hex) Bar
Most personal trainers would agree that the trap or hex bar is an essential piece of gym equipment. Mainly because it’s the perfect regression exercise for the traditional barbell deadlift. Based on ... Continue Reading
Reality Check: You’re Not That Elite (Yet)
Absorbed into the screen of your computer, you sit in silence and watch the flawless execution of a rep. The seemingly effortless move from start to finish has your mind searching for answers. Like a ... Continue Reading
The 1 Mental Muscle You’re Not Using (But Your 5-Year-Old Is)
Training is ninety percent mental, fifty percent of the time, for 88 percent of the population. Or something like that. Right? Training being mental makes for a nice buzz phrase, and while it’s ... Continue Reading
12 Reps – The Breaking Muscle Digest – Vol. 1, Issue 18
If you don't see content you love, send your requests to: winslow@breakingmuscle.com Featured Article of the Week: The Ultimate 90-Day Bodyweight Training Plan - This plan delivers amazing results in ... Continue Reading
4 Tips for Building Your Own Bodyweight Training Programs
As a mom who works at home with three kids, bodyweight training has been a lifesaver. A workout you can take to the playground is bound to be a keeper. And I'm not the only one who feels that way. ... Continue Reading
Got Shoulder Strength? Try These Old-Time Strongman Isometric Holds
The following exercise goes by a number of names including “holding at arm’s length,” “holdouts,” and, for one version in particular, “the crucifix.” Regardless of the name, this exercise was commonly used ... Continue Reading
Rowing Is Here and It’s For Everyone
“Rowing is here!” exclaimed former world-champion rower Josh Crosby at a workshop I recently attended. For years, Crosby has touted the merits of rowing, predicting, “Rowing is coming.” Now, Crosby ... Continue Reading
At Arm’s Length: Old-Time Strongman Tests of Shoulder Strength
The following exercise goes by a number of names including “holding at arm’s length,” “holdouts,” and, for one version in particular, “the crucifix.” Regardless of the name, this exercise was commonly used ... Continue Reading
Living a 1940s Lifestyle to Build 21st Century Fitness
Many people discuss being paleo, but I only know a few who actually live a paleo lifestyle. Becca and Winslow Jenkins have multiple egg-laying hens and forage, hunt, and fish for food. Eric Frohardt hunts ... Continue Reading
The Secrets to Pain-Free Hypertrophy Training
What is pain-free hypertrophy training? It’s exactly what it sounds like. By using advanced training methods, you can achieve both the addition of lean muscle and the reduction of body fat without breaking ... Continue Reading
The 5 Best Strength Training Finishers
You’ve charged through your training session, or at least what was on paper for today. And truth be told, you’re feeling good. You even have ten minutes left before you need to head back to your daily ... Continue Reading
Post-Workout Beers: Smart Strength With Charles Staley
<p">Note: Charles is here on a weekly basis to help you cut through the B.S. and get to the bottom of the biggest questions in health and training. Post your questions directly to Charles in the ... Continue Reading
Breaking Down the CrossFit, #SugarKills, and Coke Debate
CrossFit, Inc., is out to rewrite the script of fitness worldwide - more so than they have already, which is a lot. CrossFit has truly revolutionized the fitness industry and I have never been reticent ... Continue Reading
