WATCH: Ed Coan and Dave Tate Discuss Weak Point Training
WATCH: Ed Coan and Dave Tate Discuss Weak Point Training
Ed Coan and Dave Tate explain their rationales and favorite accessory movements and variation lifts for training weak points.
5 Dynamic Effort Method Principles to Master
5 Dynamic Effort Method Principles to Master
As I said in Part 1, conjugate is one of, if not, the most effective training systems when it is executed properly. Moving a light weight fast isn't enough to make the dynamic effort method work. Moving a light weight fast with intention is.
Instagramification
Instagramification
Try to keep an open mind when trying a new, proactive approach to anything, even if it doesn’t quite feel right at first — whether it be your job, social media, or a new program. Just because it doesn’t feel good right away doesn’t mean it won’t later on.
Pushed by Pain, Pulled by Purpose
Pushed by Pain, Pulled by Purpose
I hope my story encourages you to realize that your past does not hold you back, no matter the story. There is always a way to use negative experiences for good and help others. It is also at that point you are no longer pushed by pain, but otherwise, pulled by purpose.
4 Max Effort Method Principles to Master
4 Max Effort Method Principles to Master
In my opinion, conjugate is one of, if not, the best training systems — when employed properly. If it isn’t working, don’t disregard the system; instead, check your application.
More Conjugate For A Little Old Man
More Conjugate For A Little Old Man
I recently turned 78, and that certainly hasn’t stopped me from training. After the responses from last month’s article, I decided to delve a bit deeper into my little old man conjugate training program. Enjoy!
12-Week Conjugate Deadlift Cycle for a Raw Lifter
12-Week Conjugate Deadlift Cycle for a Raw Lifter
Remember Cody, my client I talked about in my last article about benching? He absolutely destroyed at the Iron City Open and got a 10-pound deadlift PR total. The secret to his success? It’s in this program… because it IS this program.
The Running Shoe Caste System
The Running Shoe Caste System
“Buy nice; don’t buy twice.” That saying might apply to elitefts equipment, but it might also apply to running shoes when it comes to doing cardio… Any suggestions for replacing a 27-year-old pair of sneakers?
The Best Bang for Your Buck: Wrist Wraps
The Best Bang for Your Buck: Wrist Wraps
Want to get the most out of your wrist wraps? Or maybe you don’t know where to start when it comes to all of the wrist wraps elitefts offers. Look no further than this article, which rounds up some of the best wrist wrap guides and related workouts.
Understanding Groin Injuries: Complex Groin Injuries
Understanding Groin Injuries: Complex Groin Injuries
When a doctor who knows how I train gave me his diagnosis, I had no idea what to do because I hadn’t met anyone that had this constellation of stuff. Neither had he. The best foundation we came up with was based on the same principles in the previous articles.
Build a Professional Rugby Team Through This Academy Program
Build a Professional Rugby Team Through This Academy Program
I am currently working as a consultant for a pro rugby team, and I was asked about the type of player I would require moving into a pro team. Fair warning: What I wrote here may be considered heretical in the strength and conditioning world…
Putting Our Equipment to the Test at Monster Garage Gym
Putting Our Equipment to the Test at Monster Garage Gym
It’s one thing to read about elitefts equipment, but it’s something altogether different to see it being used in the hands of competitive powerlifters at Monster Garage Gym.
WATCH: Joe Sullivan Demonstrates Crocodile Breathing
WATCH: Joe Sullivan Demonstrates Crocodile Breathing
The cue “push into your belt” has lifters focusing on the front of their bodies. But this operates under the assumption that the torso will expand in 360 degrees, not just out toward the front. In order to have the best brace, we need to rework our understanding of doing so in the first place.
Plyometrics for Group Programming
Plyometrics for Group Programming
Plyometric work is easy to teach, and depending on the variation you choose, easy to recover from. It doesn’t need a huge investment of time from both a learning curve and application perspective. Its inclusion is a no-brainer!
What A Powerlifter Can Learn From An IFBB Pro
What A Powerlifter Can Learn From An IFBB Pro
As strength athletes, we care only about lifting the weight from Point A to Point B, but from a bodybuilding perspective, that is dead wrong, but how does that translate to powerlifting? The idea is to challenge the muscle — not just focus on completing reps and sets.
How Many Times A Day Do You Train?
How Many Times A Day Do You Train?
One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was train less. But thanks to a little advice from Dave Tate, I started looking at training in a whole new light. Strength comes from so much more than lifting heavy weights in the gym.
These Four Walls
These Four Walls
Recording a podcast episode with my mentor (and cousin) John Alvino made me reflect on the pivotal role training has played in my life. Quite frankly, without it, I don’t know where I’d be. Inside these four walls, training has been my therapy, my drug, and my anchor.
A Career Development Plan for GAs and Interns
A Career Development Plan for GAs and Interns
Although this article is directed at those supervising GAs and interns, if you’re a student reading this article, you can use these strategies to help to plan your own professional development as well.
Concepts of High-Level Strength and Conditioning Methods Applied to the Sport of Powerlifting
Concepts of High-Level Strength and Conditioning Methods Applied to the ...
Over the last few years, I’ve had more time to visit some major universities and professional teams and talk shop with some very good strength and conditioning coaches, and these are some of the trends we’ve noticed in the weight room and think powerlifters should start implementing.
Everything You Need to Know About The Max Effort Method
Everything You Need to Know About The Max Effort Method
As with anything in training, the answer always is “it depends.” With the max effort method, I can do one of these things for two hours just on advanced principles that deal with the max effort method, or I can do one very that’s simple. I choose simple.
WATCH: Doctor Deadlift Teaches The Hook Grip
WATCH: Doctor Deadlift Teaches The Hook Grip
The doctor is in! Specifically, Doctor Deadlift (whose real name is Cailer Woolam) is here to teach you why you should switch over from your alternating grip to a hook grip and show you how it’s done.
It's On Us to Become Better Strength Coaches
It's On Us to Become Better Strength Coaches
I’m here to remind everyone that we all have a part to play in making our field better and safer for our athletes. It’s on us to ensure our athletes, schools, and overall profession are all the best they can be. Start by implementing these 5 simple steps in your program.
WATCH: The Definitive Guide to Hill Sprints
WATCH: The Definitive Guide to Hill Sprints
Before you go find yourself a hill to sprint up via Google maps (steep hills, such as those in landfills, are ideal), don’t forget to warm up and stay hydrated. It’s a sprint, so go all out!
Training for Strongman in a Commercial Gym
Training for Strongman in a Commercial Gym
Most strongman competitors I work with don’t have a strongman gym nearby — but they do have a commercial gym. This 4-week program will help just about anyone in that all-too-common situation.
WATCH: Why You Should Check Out Yessica Martinez's Training Log
WATCH: Why You Should Check Out Yessica Martinez's Training Log
Doing more gen pop or accessible workouts doesn’t make someone any less strong. Just ask elitefts athlete Yessica Martinez. Or, better yet, read her training logs to see how doing yoga or some gen pop exercise could lead to some bigger numbers in the squat.
The Myths of Iron
The Myths of Iron
My niece and nephew recently took weightlifting classes, and I am baffled by what they are being taught. This information is not only wrong, but it puts them at greater risk of injury. Quality knowledge is easily accessible, so why are we stuck in this loop of bad information?
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #21 with Dave Tate
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #21 with Dave Tate
In this episode of Table Talk Podcast, Dave Tate is hosting solo once more and has plenty to say about a variety of subjects, such as JM Blakley not knowing how to use the Internet and things he’s learned in his training career, and more.
Conjugate For A Little Old Man
Conjugate For A Little Old Man
People have asked me to write about how I train. I haven’t done it because I figured you guys thought it’d be boring… until now. Here’s a look at my training and the process behind it.
OSU Football Practice Starts August 2
OSU Football Practice Starts August 2
The upcoming 130th season of Buckeye football is an exciting and nerve-wracking one, as former OSU Head Coach Urban Meyer retired last January, leaving the program in the hands of Ryan Day. We'll get a preview of the upcoming season with the team's 1st fall practice.
Conditioning Without Running
Conditioning Without Running
Stop killing kids by making them run so much. Stop running them into the ground with running… and in general, stop it. It defeats the purposes of building them up.
Off-Season Conditioning Lanes
Off-Season Conditioning Lanes
These off-season lane options are meant to keep them in the ballpark of being in game shape without beating the crap out of them. They don’t have to be ready all the time; just ready to get ready. If you think they are not sport-specific enough or intense enough, that’s why.
Powerlifting Takes More Than Just Brute Strength
Powerlifting Takes More Than Just Brute Strength
Powerlifting is so much more than physical strength. Yeah, that’s part of it, but only a fraction of the big picture. Are you strong mentally? Are you strong intellectually? Are you strong emotionally? Let’s find out.
4 Things I Learned in Prison
4 Things I Learned in Prison
My bodybuilding mentor invited me to run a training seminar for inmates at the second-largest prison in Washington state. Let’s say I learned a few things while I did my time… teaching inmates, that is.
Key Components of a Youth Athlete’s Initial Training Program
Key Components of a Youth Athlete’s Initial Training Program
A bad program can tarnish more than reputation; it could end a young athlete’s future. These kids are in the most important developmental years of their lives, so it’s up to us to give them the tools to be the best they can be, and these key components are a good place to start.
Universal Pro Gym: Full Service With a Personal Touch
Universal Pro Gym: Full Service With a Personal Touch
Universal Pro Gym’s clientele might mostly be made up of bodybuilders, but that doesn’t stop owner Bob Caron from ensuring that all people who walk through the doors get a personalized experience and a variety of services — including an on-site barbershop.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #20 with Alwyn Cosgrove
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #20 with Alwyn Cosgrove
Alwyn Cosgrove made quite the splash at the SSTSS 2019 event, so it’s only natural we’d have him sit down with Dave… plus, we have a couple of other guests joining Dave and Alwyn. Any guesses? Their last name starts with ant and ends in O…
Understanding Groin Injuries: Tendon Injuries
Understanding Groin Injuries: Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries suck. The healing process for tendon injuries is slower than it is for muscle tears. If you ended up rupturing your tendon, you may require surgery. But there are still some things you can do in terms of rehabbing certain tendon injuries…
A New Perspective on Proper Plank Execution
A New Perspective on Proper Plank Execution
If you’ve been doing the plank in order to get a 6-pack, you’re probably doing it wrong. Utilize these techniques for a better perspective and understanding of the plank and to optimize your performance.
Start Here: Your 3 Core Offerings
Start Here: Your 3 Core Offerings
From a revenue standpoint, you should consider packages to be your gold standard. Combining nutrition coaching with exercise coaching (either personal or group training) will get a client to their goals faster but should bring you more value for your time.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — Cailer Woolam on Gaining Weight and Going for WRs
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — Cailer Woolam on Gaining Weight and Go...
Believe it or not, Cailer Woolam gets a lot of questions about why he’s not gaining weight to break more records. But at age 24, he’s got plenty of time and work ahead of him.
The Best Conjugate Training Plan
The Best Conjugate Training Plan
If you understand the conjugate method, can devote 4 to 5 hours of training per week, not competing in sports but is trying to look and feel better, boy, have I got the perfect program for you!
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #19 with Leslie Eiler Thompson
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #19 with Leslie Eiler Thompson
This podcast stands out from the rest of the Table Talk Podcast episodes because this time, Dave isn’t the one asking the big questions; this time, the host of The Rogue Ones Podcast is interviewing Dave.
5 Things Beginner and Intermediate Lifters Should Understand
5 Things Beginner and Intermediate Lifters Should Understand
Newer lifters seem to think that they can squat 1,200 pounds in less than a year of training. I hate to burst your bubbles, but that’s not going to happen. It’s a long game, and you need to understand that if you’re going to survive in this sport.
So You Want to Be A Collegiate Strength Coach: The Pros
So You Want to Be A Collegiate Strength Coach: The Pros
I’ve covered the negatives about being a collegiate strength coach. If that didn’t scare you off, good — because there are some really awesome things about the job, too. For me, the pros outweigh the cons. If they didn’t, why would I still be doing this?
Skip the Arch in Your Bench Press to Build More Absolute Strength
Skip the Arch in Your Bench Press to Build More Absolute Strength
In order to show real strength, arching isn’t the way to go. In order to build more strength for different sports, arching is pretty much a waste of time. But I’m not criticize arching. On the contrary, there are advantages to it if you are a competitive powerlifter.
The Villain Bar
The Villain Bar
If you’re a Marvel fan, you might know that Ant-Man and The Wasp produced an evil offspring, Red Queen. Likewise, elitefts’ heroic Rackable Cambered and SS Yoke bars came together and created the nefarious Spider Bar. What makes this bar so villainous? Read on if you dare…
Add 10 Pounds to Your Bench With This 15-Week Conjugate Cycle
Add 10 Pounds to Your Bench With This 15-Week Conjugate Cycle
When a Union Fitness client approached me for training, I was foaming at the mouth. He had experience in powerlifting and wanted a conjugate training approach. With this program, he added 10 pounds to his bench! You might as well give it a try.
Safe Sport Act Update: Keep Your Gym Up to Code
Safe Sport Act Update: Keep Your Gym Up to Code
Gym owners: Here's a quick reminder that the Safe Sport Act will extend to your businesses starting December 1st, 2020. Not sure about the requirements? Listen to this Two-Brain Business podcast episode for a refresher course.
The Mind-Muscle Link
The Mind-Muscle Link
You must slow down to truly get a feel for the mind-muscle connection. I know some of you who do slow-motion reps or time under tension think you do not need to slow down. Well, then, this article is ESPECIALLY for you!
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #18 with Vincent Dizenzo, Matt Rhodes, and Jim Wendler
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #18 with Vincent Dizenzo, Matt Rhodes, and Ji...
Watch out, Dave — there’s a new host in town. Actually, there are 3 hosts in town, and they’re taking over Table Talk Podcast while Dave is on vacation. Expect some wild stories with Vincent Dizenzo, Matt Rhodes, and Jim Wendler as they answer your questions.
At War with the ME Culture
At War with the ME Culture
Social media is toxic when it comes down to good teamwork. There’s no “I” in team, and there’s no “me” in team, either. So let’s try to figure out how to flip the “M” in me upside-down and change that Me to a We.
Advice for High School Linemen
Advice for High School Linemen
I’ve made a lot of mistakes when I was younger, and I believe it’s part of a coach’s job to pass on the knowledge and experiences I have gained from my own athletic career, such as never being average, striving for perfection, and detailing everything.
If I Don't Have a Practitioner, Where Do I Go for Help?
If I Don't Have a Practitioner, Where Do I Go for Help?
I don’t care if it’s a physical therapist, a chiropractor, or a medical doctor. You need someone who looks at the overall picture, not just the area that’s giving you trouble.
The Most Important Training Article You Will Read This Year
The Most Important Training Article You Will Read This Year
elitefts has a strong focus on the freedom of education — so strong that we’re willing to invest in all of the content we provide for you. For 20 years, the strength of this value has enabled us to earn your trust, and therefore, produce more content.
Game Day Lifting (with Sample Training Session)
Game Day Lifting (with Sample Training Session)
During Richland High School’s last football season, I combined the conjugate method and the tier system for programming game day lifts. Seeing the results thus far, I intend to continue the program with a few adjustments — but not before sharing it.
Happy 4th of July from elitefts!
Happy 4th of July from elitefts!
This Fourth of July weekend, the S5 Compound will be the training grounds for elitefts athlete Meana Albersworth, who's working on getting her lifts up for her upcoming meet. Enjoy the fireworks and hot dog eating contests. May your gains be great!
Strength and Conditioning is Failing: Solutions to the Problems
Strength and Conditioning is Failing: Solutions to the Problems
In the first three parts of this series, I discussed the current failings of the strength and conditioning fields. In this fourth and final installment, I’ll try my best to solve some of these problems — something that could very well take decades but needs to be done.
How Strength and Speed Training Can Help Build Your Aerobic Capacity
How Strength and Speed Training Can Help Build Your Aerobic Capacity
Strength and speed training positively influenced my client’s Ironman competition outcome, an event that is very aerobic- and lactic power-based, but why? Let’s take a closer look at energy systems as a whole to find out.
Strength and Conditioning is Failing: Certifications and Qualifications
Strength and Conditioning is Failing: Certifications and Qualifications
Previously, I’ve discussed relationships with sports coaches and administrators. In Part 3 of this series, I’ll cover some of the biggest issues and names in our field: certification, qualifications, the NCAA, NSCA, and CSCCa.

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