Is all this twisting and folding really necessary? When we warm up, either by stretching or performing a moderated version of the activity to come, we're preparing our bodies in several different ... Continue Reading
5 Reasons to Work Out that Have Nothing to Do With a Bikini Body
In 2015 I ran my first half marathon. I went through the literal blood, sweat, and tears that one does in such a test of willpower, and when I came out the other side, absolutely amazed at what I had just ... Continue Reading
Streamline Your Swimming for Greater Efficiency
If you have watched the Olympics or any competitive swimming race, you may have noticed that competitive swimmers push off of every wall in what is called a "streamline position." This position creates the ... Continue Reading
The Postpartum Fitness Trap Strikes Again
Six weeks—that's the standard number of weeks given for women to refrain from exercising after giving birth. With my first pregnancy I made it to five weeks, but this time I was set on getting to six. I ... Continue Reading
How Much Does Happiness Weigh?
Beachbody’s Insanity program is sold with the promise: “I’ll get you a year’s worth of results in just 60 days!” The Jenny Craig diet promotes that you can: “lose up to 16 pounds in just 4 weeks!” Every ... Continue Reading
Fight Strength NSFW: Functional Range Release and Conditioning Mobility Systems
Fight Strength NSFW is once again on Breaking Muscle. On this edition of the fighting and fitness-themed podcast, hosts Jason Burgos and Phil Daru speak with Dr. Andreo Spina, the creator of some very ... Continue Reading
What Weightlifters Should Know About Body Fat
Photo by Bruce Klemens Photo by Bruce Klemens It has become cliché for those of us who have been involved in weightlifting for decades to periodically have to defend our sport when critics ... Continue Reading
Quick Tips: CrossFit Qualifiers for Masters and Teens
CrossFit has evolved over the last decade. In that evolution, the Masters and the Teens categories have become a significant factor in competition. This year, we expect over 40,000 female competitors in ... Continue Reading
How to Age Gracefully
I started boxing in my early 30’s. I fell in love with the rhythm, intensity, and aura of the ‘sweet science.’ Most the guys I boxed with were in their teens or twenties, but as a fitness fanatic, I ... Continue Reading
Parents: Get Out of the Way and Let the Coaches Coach
Parents, we need to have a talk. I’ve been involved in athletics for over 30 years now, and have noticed over the last few years that we have a very big problem. It’s you. We need to look in ... Continue Reading
Effective Training: Make Every Rep Count
A long time ago a bloke with a funny accent said, “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. ... Continue Reading
How to Self-Assess Your Movement Pathologies
A few years ago, I went to a workshop for a system that was gaining a lot of traction with well-respected fitness professionals. The workshop began with the anatomy of the diaphragm and ribs, eventually ... Continue Reading
Re-Thinking Orthodox Set and Rep Structures to Optimise Hypertrophy
Sets and reps are as old as training itself. The repetition is the foundation of every training methodology out there. Without reps, there is no training. However, the rigid structure of sets and reps we ... Continue Reading
The Athlete’s Toolbox: Build Your Base With Postural Mechanics
Every day, we, as athletes, dedicate precious time in the gym with the goal of improving our current self. Even if it is 45 minutes slammed in the middle of our busy work day, the time spent in the gym is ... Continue Reading
Community: The Real Fitness X-Factor
Photo by Bev Childress Photo by Bev Childress No shortage of fitness and nutrition advice circulates today. Nearly everywhere you look, there is a new diet or revolutionary new fitness regime. ... Continue Reading
Hold On TIght! 3 Grip Building Exercises
Having a strong grasp, a firm grip, an iron hand, is a game changer. You may have a sense of your grip strength from pull-ups or barbell exercises like deadlifts and traditional weightlifting movements. ... Continue Reading
The Proper Wrist Position for the Kettlebell Press
Let me confess right off the bat that I enjoy pressing tremendously. Single bells, double bells, I love them both! If I could meet all my goals by working on only one lift, it would more than likely be the ... Continue Reading
The Definitive Guide to Picking a Sports Performance Trainer
Youth sports are now big business. That may sound crazy, but it’s true. Every year parents spend exorbitantly to give their children as much opportunity as possible, or at least to keep up with everyone ... Continue Reading
Health Clubs Should Focus on Our Fears
It has been said many times that people make decisions for two reasons—to gain some type of pleasure or to avoid some type of pain. Let me ask you a question, would you be more inclined to exercise to live ... Continue Reading
A Practical Guide to Walking on Your Hands
Walking on your hands is great for upper body strength, balance, coordination, working out imbalances between your arms, and more. It’s also fun! This article is going to provide a step by step (pun ... Continue Reading
Muscle Progress: Reverse Linear Daily Undulating Periodization
In all walks of life, any plan is better than no plan. We’ve all heard the quotes and clichés about failing to plan equating to planning to fail. Well, there is a reason that these types of sayings are ... Continue Reading
Simple Rules for Crushing Health and Life
From the day I could talk, I knew I wanted to be seven. I was named after the famous western about a wandering cowboy. My father talked up what an honor it was to share a name with this cool, strong silent ... Continue Reading
The 7 Competitor Characteristics in the CrossFit Open
Whilst every athlete is undoubtedly unique, there are 7 broad categories that the majority of CrossFit Open competitors fit into. 1. The Fizzler At the start of the Open this athlete was enthusiastic ... Continue Reading
Does Your Equipment Hurt More Than Help?
I write this in the after-glow of today’s workout, my creative energy peaking as I slowly come down from my exercise high. I imagine that putting slightly sweaty fingers to keyboard is a common occurrence ... Continue Reading
