The Gift of Perspective: Things to Know as a New Powerlifter, Lessons 14-19
Through articles two and three we have now shared the first fourteen, of many, perspectives for the beginner and intermediate powerlifter to consider. Let's dig into the next five.
Fun Is for Children
I have some grown up advice for your training: start training like an adult and quit worrying about whether or not it’s fun. This program actually produces results, and in my book, results are a hell of a lot more fun than feel-good training.
The Gift of Perspective: Things to Know as a New Powerlifter, Lessons 11-14
We've covered the first ten perspectives for new lifters. Now it's time to get more specific about what it takes to break through the beginning stages of powerlifting.
Why We Powerlift — Getting Inside the Minds of New Lifters
I know why I lift and compete, and you probably do too. But our reasons aren't the same as new lifters who enter the sport of powerlifting. If we want powerlifting to grow for the better, we need to listen.
The Gift of Perspective: Five More Things to Know as a New Powerlifter
Continuing the perspective series, I look more closely at training, meet day, and who to look to for advice.
My First Time Competing on the XPC's Big Stage
I left the biggest meet of my powerlifting career so far with a PR total, but more importantly, I learned eight valuable lessons for the future.
The Gift of Perspective: Things to Know as a New Powerlifter
In this first part of the perspective series, I share five perspectives for you to consider as you make your initial steps into the journey that we call powerlifting.
How Do I Get Into Strongman?
I’ve covered a lot of territory, and still have so much on the horizon, but I think one of the biggest things I’ve missed over the past year relates to a question I’ve been getting often.
5 Things to Know for Your First Show
Competing in a bodybuilding show can seem overwhelming, and you may have no idea what to expect. Don't let fear hold you back.
Kickbacks, Curls, and Training Girls
How do you train a woman in her 30s or 40s with zero background in lifting? Isolate, then integrate.
How to Know If You Are Ready for Your First Powerlifting Meet
I thought about competing in powerlifting for nearly a year before actually signing up for a meet. Then I learned that I wasn’t going to figure out what I needed to do to improve as a lifter if I didn't test my abilities and face my failures.
5 Gifts for the Guy or Girl Who's Getting into Powerlifting
‘Tis the season for winter bulking, New Year’s resolutions, long lines at the squat racks, and a bunch of gym bros begging to work in on your bench sets.
Four Traps to Avoid When Starting Conjugate Training
Using the Conjugate Method has been one of the most rewarding and fun things I've ever done, but it requires ownership and a tenacity to keep looking for answers. Here are four things to avoid as you begin your quest.
Close-Grip Bench, Dips, and Chins — When and Why I Don't Program
Let’s get into how you can adjust your form, what to pay attention to, and how you can get the greatest gains from these three exercises without beating up your body.
Beginners and the Accountability Weakness
Early in your powerlifting journey, this is the only weak point you need to concern yourself with.
Hello, My Name is: Gym Visitor
During my first visit to the elitefts S4 Compound I was anxious, excited, and—yes—intimidated. These five things helped make my workout a great experience.
What to Do As A Novice Strongman — Writing Your Own Program
You need a lot in a strongman program: basic barbell lifts, accessory work, practice with the events, conditioning, flexibility, mobility, and recovery work. Use these ideas to build your own training program.
What to Do As A Novice Strongman — Practice and Training Implements
Interested in strongman? Know this first: being as strong as a Himalayan Mountain Yak is good, but being as strong as a Himalayan Mountain Yak with really good technique is better.
Find Your Weak Points By Becoming Strong
Before getting hung up on specific weaknesses and special exercises, try this simple approach first.
6 Don'ts for New Lifters Going Into a Meet
As a coach and competitor these are the recurring mistakes I witness many first-timers make.
4 Big Errors of Beginner Strength Programs
These four things can make or break your program. Do you know of them?
Three More Guidelines for Injury-Free Progress
The primary question you should ask for your training is this: How can I get stronger while staying injury free? Maximize your results with these general rules.
WATCH: Darden Q&A From the Compound — Beginners, When to Compete, Injury Prevention
Do you know the number one secret to being a great strength athlete?