Under the Bar - The Letter
Needless to say I spent the next hour or so tossing ideas around and keep coming up blank.
Top 3 Dynamic Squat and Dynamic Bench Cycles
In the spirit of the 4th of July, we are going to focus on explosive (re: dynamic) training. So listed below are the top 3 cycles for the squat and bench.
Hostile Takeover- The new direction of EliteFTS.com
As a strength and conditioning coach it is my job to stay on top of the latest findings and keep myself updated on the most advanced training methods out there.
Going Heavy
For those that don’t know how I train or how I think – it all comes down to one thing; Going Heavy.
Step-Up, Set-Up, and Bench
If you look at any of the biggest benchers out there, raw or equipped, two things that they all have in common (besides freakish strength) are solid bases from which to bench and great leg drive.
Accessory vs. Supplemental
We get asked all the time what the difference between an accessory lift and a supplemental lift. After doing some research, I came up with the following ideas. I got these from “A System of Multi-Year Training in Weightlifting” by A.S. Medvedyev. To make things easier here are some basic definitions;
Devil’s Advocate: The Seven Seals
When training your lower back, think about it two ways; to strengthen your lower back and injury prevention. These don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Many people who have very strong backs injure themselves.
Matt Rhodes' Westside Template
Matt is one of the least physically gifted lifters that I have ever seen.
Under the Bar: Feedback
One of the first things I learned to appreciate was feedback in the weight room.
The Devil’s Advocate: Random Thoughts
The Monday after the 2005 Arnold Classic I had to attend a meeting about 45 minutes away and found myself driving the back roads of Ohio
Under The Bar: Planning a Powerlifting Meet
There are several reasons why we have not run meets over the past few years and they are all time and business related.
Starting Over By Mike Miller (as told to Dave Tate)
I was watching our new bench video with Bill Crawford this weekend and I asked him what he thought. He said, “The video is great but your benching technique is horrible.”
A Day in the Life
The alarm goes off signaling for me to get my ass up and moving. Today is dynamic squat day and I have to be in the gym by 8:15 to begin the session by 8:30
To the Critics
Being a part of Elite Fitness Systems for the past couple of years as well as powerlifting and competitive sports, I have been exposed to a lot of critics telling me what I’m doing is wrong or, in the case of football, what the team is doing wrong.
Your Program Sucks!
We have happened upon a new age of strength and conditioning. I have seen this coming for sometime now but tried to dismiss it as a fad.
Under the Bar
Over the past couple years I have seen a shift in the type of questions I receive each day.
Training with Angelo Beradinelli’s Progressive Evolution System
I want to acknowledge the guys from PES for welcoming me into their group.
Got Bench?
I don't care what gym you train at there's always that one question that, essentially, is used as a measuring stick of your masculinity; “How much do you bench?”
Why?
We’ve all been there. Whether it be in front of our families, while lying in bed with a significant other or while sipping on a few cold drafts with a new acquaintance at a bar, we’ve all encountered the question; “Why do you powerlift?”
Dragging Humor
“What on earth are you doing young man?” blurts the utterly bemused dog walker, as I was about to complete a 200ft trip of backward dragging. Knowing that she’d struggle profusely in trying to piece together what was going on, I politely stated that I was just doing some ‘fitness exercises’.
Five Things I Needed To Change as an Intermediate Lifter
As an intermediate level powerlifter I realize that I cannot train like the Elite Level powerlifters.
Under The Bar: The Iron House Open
I learned more about training during my preparation for this meet than I have any other one in the past. This is because it was one of the worst training cycles I have ever had. We will start with the meet and work backwards.
The Road to 700 by Mike Miller (as told to Dave Tate)
I began to seriously power lift in October of 1999. I had weight trained off and on since I was 15...
To The Beginner by Mike Miller (as told to Dave Tate)
This article is intended to provide insight for the individual who is just starting out in powerlifting.
Southside Gym
Dave trains at the mecca of powerlifting, Westside Barbell Club. What could I possibly add to the knowledge that pours out of that holy place?
My Trip to Westside Barbell
This visit would be different than those previous because I was actually going to train on Saturday and Sunday as a bench and squat seminar attendee opposed to just watching the action.
Variation on Max Effort Training
There are two variations to this structure. For the sake of time and space, I will only discuss one at this time. The second variation is a bit more complicated and is recommended for an experienced lifter only.
Big Numbers at the 2003 IPA Worlds
We both attended the 2003 IPA Worlds in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this past August 8-10 and it got both of our competitive juices flowing. You couldn't help it. The chalk dust in the air, the screams of intensity, and the huge weight being moved was too much for two competitive athletes to handle.
Westside Raw- Is it possible?
I've heard every excuse in the book on why you cannot train in the same manner as Westside Barbell.
Squat Training: A Different Perspective
The program listed below was done by one of my training partners, Kevin Deweese.
A Change of Epic Proportions: A Story a Long Way From Finished
About 4 years ago I told myself I would become a strength coach. At this point in time, I had no idea what steps needed to be taken or where this career path would take me.
My Diary
My intent with this article is to give you a sort of inside look at what I was thinking going into and during the meet.
FINNISH FINISH - NATIONAL APPROACH TO BOX SQUATTING
Today many lifters talk about box squatting. Opinions vary alot. Some still state that using a box is a trick which has no effect to contest maxes at all.
Training the juniors
What you learn while young you practice in the older age. When it comes to power lifting, the skills and techniques help you through your whole career.
John Bott's Squat Rehabilitation Program
On June 17, 2000 while competing in the IPA York Barbell Strength Spectacular I completely ruptured my right patella tendon while setting up with my opening squat attempt of 780 pounds.
THE SPECIALIST BY KENNY PATTERSON
Kenny Patterson: As a bench press specialist I train somewhat different
from the other members of the Westside Barbell Club.
Preparation for the 2001 IPA Nationals
Here is a training diary and some thoughts on my preparation for the 2001 IPA Nationals.