Let’s talk progress
Or more specifically, the lack of it. Suppose you’ve reached the end of a training block and there’s been almost no progress on the scale or in the mirror. Your instinct can be to point the finger directly at "the workout." And it could indeed be your program. But honestly, that’s probably not the issue. Almost any reasonable training program will work for just about everybody—provided they hold...
This is Helmut Strebl
One of the most shredded guys on the internet. Google him. Just prepare to feel like a fat turd. Recently, a flimsy article ran with Helmut's image and the usual clickbait to “see his secret diet.” The diet was probably bullshit, but at least it suggested ol' Helmut doesn't eat much when trying to look like an anatomy chart. Which is no surprise to anyone that's been within a mile of that lean....
Should you train on vacation?
Working out on vacation is a hot topic this time of year. And understandably, it’s also a source of considerable anxiety. 'Cause I've known people who stress so much about training on holiday that they quite literally turn vacation upside down to find a gym. Or worse—choose not to go away at all. So how do I approach this subject with clients? Well, I hate to say it, but it depends: * How long...
The Rock Lied
Responding to questions with nothing more than "it doesn't matter" has to STOP. “How many reps should I do?” Doesn't matter. Just work to near failure. "Should I eat toast or oatmeal?" Doesn't matter. A carb is a carb. Often it DOES matter. Sure, it's born out of good intentions. Folks are easily distracted and spend way too much bandwidth on stuff that might add 20% to their progress (the...
Punch the clock
A big problem with the health and fitness industry is a proclivity to strip all nuance from complex topics to make everything a neat, shareable soundbite. This perpetuates a one-size-fits-all fallacy that fails to consider individual circumstances, leading to poor advice and unrealistic expectations. Take progress, for example. Yes, you "should" try to lift more weight or do more reps each...
IT’S TIME WE MEET IN PERSON
As much as I love being an online fitness coach, the fact that I rarely see my clients and colleagues in person can be a real drag. It's why I always loved continuing-ed seminars. Not only are they fun and informative getaways, they allow me to meet up with clients and friends and network with other like-minded professionals. Plus I always return home with my batteries fully charged (though...
Muscle needs an incentive to grow
You gotta ask for more to get your muscles to wake up and lay down new tissue: * Lift more weight * Complete more reps at the same weight * Add more working sets Otherwise, your triceps are perfectly content to sit back and relax as you fart around in front of the dumbbell rack doing 8 sets of kickbacks with 5 reps in reserve. However, there is more to progression than just, well, MORE. And this...