You Should Do This: Bench Thoracic Mobilizations

Your Thoracic Mobility Probably Sucks. I don't care if you have the worlds most ergonomic chair, desk setup, a standing desk and one of those bra looking posture things. Your thoracic mobility probably sucks. We sit, slouched over, Stand, slouched over, And generally live life, slouched over. And since, "tissues respond and adapt along the lines of stress applied" We end up....slouched over. But there's good news. We can make it better. Why's Thoracic Mobility Matter Anyway? Welp, this guy, subscribes to the joint-by- joint approach. The short version of which is: the joints of the body alternate needing mobility and … [Read more...]

You Should Do This: Snatch Grip RDL

  Deadlifts are Cool Again. Wasn't too long ago they weren't. But they are now, and in 3-5 years, they wont be again. How Do I Know This? I watch people do them on the reg and just because you picked it up off the ground, doesn't make it a good deadlift. "It's Not a Deadlift That Hurt Your Back. It's What YOU Did, and Called a Deadlift, That Hurt Your Back" Here's the common deadlift issues I see. <----yes, they usually all go together. Arches collapsed Knees Collapsed Hips posteriorly tilted Low back rounded Thoracic spine rounded Shoulders out of the joint Reaching for the weight Knees driving forward (and in) Why Do … [Read more...]

You Should Do This: Stir The Pot

  How do I Preface This? It's tough, because, Stir The Pot is most definitely in the running and may, in fact be, the greatest core exercise known to mankind. The problem(s) are two-fold: It's too advanced for most people (lots of digging elbows, overarched backs, drooping hips). The focus is too often on speed of movement (just get through the reps). The focus should be on: Creating TENSION, holding the plank position, the whole time. Being SMOOTH and controlled, never rushing or relaxing. What Makes Stir The Pot So Special?  It works ALL aspects and functions of the core, anti- extension, flexion, rotation, with one movement. "True … [Read more...]

You Should Do This: Rotational Side Plank

Obliques, Might be the most Important Core Muscle. But then again, that's kinda like saying, "If you can only do one exercises which would you do?" Well, I can do ALL exercises, so how's about's I just choose the one that best fits the job at hand. Thanks.. Cause really all core muscles are VERY important. But obliques, "Tie the ribcage to the hips" - Kelly Starett. Wait, But What? Think about it. Here's the functional description of the obliques: The external and internal oblique muscles rotate and side bend the trunk. These muscles also contribute to spinal stability.......Acting alone, the external oblique can flex the trunk, side bend the torso … [Read more...]

Lumbar Hyperextension, Fake Lockouts and The Pillar Position.

Booty, Booty, Booty, Rocking Everywhere... https://youtu.be/znUS2KqPYCw IDK if this is NSFW or what, it's kinda hilarious.  That line of literary genius was "spit" (that's what the cool kids say these days) by Bubba Sparks circa 2009. With the rise of Instagram "Glute Building Experts" (aka. soft core porn veiled as fitness) and Pintrest 30 Day Butt Challenges there's a whole lotta hyperextension, ie sticking your ass out, getting passed off as "technique". I guess that's what happens when your "fitness expert" is just a model with a big butt who likes to workout.... This "Duck Butt" position that you see a lot of these "experts" exhibit is actually just jamming … [Read more...]