It can be tough getting MMA athletes and martial artists to put enough focus into their strength and conditioning. Most love the thrill of competition and practice, but the sterile environment of many ... Continue Reading
Charles Staley’s Free 4 Week Training Program
Before I commence with the 4-week training program I’m about to share with you, I’d like to shed some light on my motivations for doing so (aside from the usual ego and career-enhancing motives that all of ... Continue Reading
Passive Leg Press: New Device Increases Muscle Power
A new research study investigated the effects of 10 weeks of passive leg press training on jumping performance, speed, and muscle power. Passive leg press training (PLP) was developed based on the concepts ... Continue Reading
Dear Coach: Why Should I Keep a Training Journal?
Dear Coach, My instructor says I should keep a log of all my workouts, but I have a hard time remembering my notebook. Plus, I can't think straight after a workout to write it all down. Why is it such a ... Continue Reading
Sunday Seven: The Week’s 7 Most Popular Articles, Vol. 21
Every Sunday we post the "Sunday Seven" so you can quickly see the 7 most popular articles of the week. This week we've got the first Primal Move workout from Andrew Read, as well as posts on choosing a ... Continue Reading
Defining Boundaries: Money, Relationships & Heroes in the Gym
In an earlier article I discussed some of the basics of boundary issues and how it is important to maintain healthy ones. In this article, I’d like to discuss some areas where, based on my own experiences, ... Continue Reading
Athlete Journal: Travis Holley, Entry 18 – 8/18/12
Travis Holley - Athlete Journal 8/18/12 (Read Travis's Bio here) Not a lot going on this week, guys and gals. It's been hot as hell in Austin, but that nothing new. Hahaha. The biggest ... Continue Reading
Athlete Journal: Charles Staley, Entry 9 – 405×7
EDITOR'S NOTE: Ever wonder how a world-class coach actually trains? Wonder what it's like to train as a "mature athlete?" Welcome to the athlete journal of Charles Staley. A big believer in practicing what ... Continue Reading
Athlete Journal: Holley Mangold, Entry 15 – My Olympic Games Experience
EDITOR'S NOTE: Welcome to the Athlete Journal of Olympic weightlifter Holley Mangold. Holley is part of Team USA headed to London this summer. Follow her journey here as she trains for the 2012 ... Continue Reading
Tai Chi Improves Lung Function for COPD Patients
According to new findings, a form of Tai Chi known as Sun-style Tai Chi, can be used as an effective form of exercise therapy for those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ... Continue Reading
Swimming and the CrossFit Games: Why Is It Everyone’s Weak Link?
The 2011 edition of the CrossFit Games saw the introduction of swimming. The first workout included an open water swim and became known as the “beach workout.” This very short ocean swim created havoc ... Continue Reading
Combining Strength and Cardio Training: Does It Work?
Designing a training program can be both tedious and confusing. What days should you skill train? When should you perform endurance training? What about scheduling speed and agility training? You need to ... Continue Reading
12 Reps with John Hackleman, MMA and Fitness Coach
EDITOR'S NOTE: Welcome to 12 Reps - in each appearance of 12 Reps, our coaches, writers, and occasional guests will be answering the same twelve questions. Go "into the locker-room" with them and get to ... Continue Reading
CrossFit Is CrossFit, Right? How to Choose a Good CrossFit Gym
Photos provided by Miguel Tapia Images and CrossFit LA. It is easy for the untrained eye to look at CrossFit programming and deem it as being completely random. They see different movements being ... Continue Reading
Forget Crunches: How to Actually Strengthen Your Core
Forget crunches, hanging leg raises, and the Shake Weight. I’m about to tell you what the single biggest bang for your buck, core stability exercise is. But first we need to look at the function of the ... Continue Reading
Defining Boundaries: As Athlete, Teammate, and Human
I am the daughter of two retired psychologists. Good ones, I daresay, though many of my friends tease me that this fact explains much about me and have wondered whether my childhood was one giant Skinner ... Continue Reading
Protein Gadd45a Is to Blame for Muscle Atrophy
Researchers in Iowa have made major progress in determining what causes muscle atrophy. Athletes often experience this when recovering from an injury. During recovery the muscles they are not able to use ... Continue Reading
Athlete Journal: Chris Duffin, Entry 14 – Surgery Looming
EDITOR'S NOTE: Welcome to the Athlete Journal of world champion powerlifter Chris Duffin. Follow Chris as he trains and competes in various events over the coming year. Chris's journal will be posted every ... Continue Reading
“Keep It Simple”: A Fitness Mantra For Moms
I’m tired of hearing moms complain about motherhood. I’m not saying I’ve never done it, but just because I’m a hypocrite doesn’t make me wrong. I hear it all the time: in the grocery store, at the post ... Continue Reading
Why Adding Weight to the Bar Is the Whole Damned Point
I made a huge mistake. Sometimes a friend, even if they are your favorite person, can lead you down a road that causes you to pull your hair out. This happened the other night. I was coerced to ... Continue Reading
Science Examines Source of Fatigue in Triathletes
It seems like common sense that completing a triathlon is tiring, right? But what exactly is happening that makes you tired? And is there anything you can do about it? Well, scientists took a closer look: ... Continue Reading
Athlete Journal: Andrew Read, Entry 15 – Super Compensation
Click here to read other journal entries and articles by Andrew Read, and look for his new journal every Monday as he trains for Ironman Melbourne. Journal Entry 15 - Super ... Continue Reading
Convict Conditioning: Old School vs New School Calisthenics (Book Excerpt)
EDITOR'S NOTE: While we normally interview our featured coaches, that was not possible with Paul Wade. In fact, Paul Wade does not do interviews and does not allow photographs of himself. Why? Because the ... Continue Reading
Sunday Seven: The Week’s 7 Most Popular Articles, Vol. 20
Every Sunday we post the "Sunday Seven" so you can quickly see the 7 most popular articles of the week. This week's diverse list of popular posts includes 12 Reps with coach Dan John, tips for choosing the ... Continue Reading
