training
How to Build a Mesocycle
Training is like traveling; you have to map out the route you want to take in the timeframe you have. For training, planning your mesocycle is a good place to start that journey — you have to understand the basic principle of progressive overload and take your maximum ability to recover into consideration.
Stop Compensating Early
If you're new to powerlifting, you don't need gear. Seriously. Start training raw and see where it takes you. Oh, and if you're an athlete, I'd better not see you putting on lifting gear.
Make Light Weight Heavy with Controlled Eccentrics and Concentrics
You don't have to train in pain. How? Drop the heavy weights and work in some lighter options while focusing on using the best technique you can.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #11 with Kenny Patterson
In this episode of Table Talk Podcast, Dave Tate and Kenny Patterson talk about Louie Simmons, their time at Westside Barbell Club, the documentary "Westside vs The World," and more.
Top-3 Cardio Options for the Powerlifter, Strongman, Bodybuilder, and Athlete
Cardio can help you cut weight, get shredded for the stage, and increase athletes' performance. But with so much cardio out there, where do you start? Start here with elitefts team members' top-3 cardio items, based on their sports or areas of expertise.
Overcoming Isometrics: Myelination to Reach Maximum Potential
During my time working under the University of Minnesota's Cal Dietz, I saw the impact of the myelination phase in athletic performance. I also found it's most effectively programmed with Overcoming Isometric variations of the big lifts.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — The Big Misconception About Chuck Vogelpohl
If you're emulating Chuck Vogelpohl by ramming your head into the bar and yelling like a wild person at meets, you're doing it wrong.
elitefts Classic: So You Think You Can Bench?
This is a series of videos Dave Tate asked us to republish due to the number of times he sends them out each week on his Instagram AMA and DMs.
Getting A Bigger and Better Weight Room on A Small-School Budget
AJ Mott has 21 years of wrestling under his belt. Luckily, when it came to working on a small school budget, the Farleigh Dickinson strength and conditioning coach didn't have to wrestle with elitefts for the best deals.
How to Prepare for a Strongman Death Medley
Programming for a death medley event can be tricky. Many people make the mistake of going too heavy right away with maybe one top set — a recipe for disaster. Instead, try out my recipe for a successful death medley.
The Best Damn Specialty Bar on the Market
I can't get over how versatile the American Cambered Grip Bar is. You can use it forward and backward, giving you a total of 8 grip options. Flip it over, you've got a total of 16. I've found 250 options, and I'm sure there are more to find.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #10 with Jim Wendler and Matt Rhodes
In this episode of Table Talk Podcast, Dave Tate, Matt Rhodes, and Jim Wendler re-watch some old training videos, talk about near-death experiences, being a strength coach, and more.