Happy Birthday, Arnold Schwarzenegger

I’m a bit late but I’m sure he won’t mind. A lot of guys like me cite Arnold as their inspiration for first picking up a weight or choosing a career in fitness. Others more thoughtful view Arnold as the ultimate example of the American dream: the peculiar immigrant with the even more peculiar accent taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded to him by a generous nation to achieve...

Everything Matters and Everything Is Connected

Just today someone asked about my “coaching philosophy.” That's not even bullshit. Seriously, someone did ask me. But do take note, when you read “people always ask me...” you can comfortably assume there’s a trailer load of horseshit on the way. Anyway, after I was asked, I ended up thinking a lot about it and decided it was this: “Everything Matters.” Not exactly “go heavy or go home” or “if...

The *Actual* Fundamentals of Physique Progress

As a coach, one of the biggest lessons you learn is that folks tend to think they’re way more advanced than they really are. On a scale of 1-10 in terms of development (with 10 being a Pro, and 1 being a rookie) most believe they’re in the 7-8 range, and just need a few cutting edge secrets to get to 9 or beyond. I mean they’ve been working out for YEARS, how could they not be upper-tier, right?...

The New Hybrid Workout Program

The gyms are back open! Sure, you might have to deal with scheduling workouts and social distancing protocols. Who cares? You're back in your happy place, your iron sanctuary, your— —or... maybe not yet? After a few months away and a whole lot of adapting, folks are starting to dig training at home. At least that's what many clients are telling me. Which is surprising considering how out of sort...

The Washington Redtails

The Washington Redtails. Clever. Hits a lot of notes (military, black history) most everyone could get behind. Even keeps "red" in the mix for easy brand reckoning. Years ago I had a Native Studies prof who was an OG in the "pro sport teams should change their names" movement. However, she didn't have a problem with names like Sioux or Blackhawks or even Indians and Chiefs. If anything naming...

Reframing the “Alpha” Male (based on research that ISN’T BS)

A well-worn cliche in strength training and bodybuilding circles is the Alpha Male: the dominant leader of the group. Alpha stems from the theory of the pack-leading Alpha Wolf, which was famously observed by animal researchers studying pack wolf behavior. Over the years the term has been used to describe many positive characteristics of masculinity — being bold, confident, and protective — but...

I’m getting older. Again. 🎂

As the title says: I'm getting older. 🎂 This has made me self-reflect on what I've learned about training over 40. I've even come around and changed my approach on a few ideas. So, with that as the setup, here are five key thoughts: * * * 1. As I move closer to 50 than 40 (good Lord) I realize how silly most of the age-related "truths & rules" of training really are. Apparently if you're...