Calming the Storm Between Attempts
There are lots of articles and tips on getting you revved up to perform. THIS ISN’T ONE OF THEM. Learn to conserve your energy between sets.
#63 - The Metaphysical Meathead with JM Blakley
The man, the myth, the legend JM Blakley, joins Dave and Sam to discuss getting a little better every day, the nuances of coaching, the limits we place on ourselves, and much more!
JM Blakley's *MAXIMUM INTENSITY* Bench Lockout Training Using GRIND...
Elitefts Columnist and Bench Press legend JM Blakley teaches how to get past sticking points in the bench press, specifically the lockout.
Build MASSIVE Shoulders with JM Blakley's Special Technique
Many coaches can teach you how to isolate muscles, but how many can teach you how to shut off and not use the muscles you're not supposed to use? Elitefts Columnist and Bench Press legend JM Blakley demonstrates and explains both, specifically dealing with the Shoulder and Tricep muscles in this video.
Two Weird Shoulder Exercises to Try This Offseason
You’re a big dog now and the good ol’ days of TWO heavy pressing days per week won’t work anymore. So, what’s the answer? My answer is to train shoulders specifically in a predetermined offseason with these weird exercises. They work!
Pre-Workout Ritual Instructions
Music was a huge part of my ritual, as was breathing and meditation. You want something that is your style, but also not too complicated.
Smoothing It Out
I am going to offer the second-best option that I know of to prevent injury that does not require a coach or countless hours to master. You can do it all by yourself. It is a way of executing a repetition.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — How JM Blakley and Dave Tate Built Ten...
JM Blakley and Dave Tate have had their fair share of tendon problems. From tears to tweaks, they’ve learned how to strengthen their tendons to help lengthen their careers and put up bigger numbers. From ultra-heavy reps to ultra-light ones, here’s a variety of tendon tools at your disposal.
Gut Check Rule of Fives
Here’s to increasing our “power endurance.” To “Prefontaine” our training. To go hard, go heavy, and go forever! Or, at least a few sets more than what is normally accepted!
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — Yessica Martinez Discusses JM Blakley ...
In hindsight, what was Yessica Martinez’s biggest takeaway from working with the bench press wizard JM Blakley?
Serious Training Considerations for COVID-19
So here is the decision you need to consider: should you adapt your training in favor of less dangerous styles of exercise and workload, or continue as planned on your strength journey?
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — Dave Tate and JM Blakley Discuss Their...
The idea that powerlifting might not be an option one day is terrifying, but at least Dave Tate and JM Blakley can share some wisdom for you to be prepared.
The Merits of Patience
If you are a “millennial” or, like me, a person from another generation who has become beguiled by the power and comfort of the internet and the society that it has engendered, I want to revisit the value of “the long haul.” World = Fast, Gym=Slow.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — How JM Blakley Chooses His Supplementa...
Listen to JM Blakley talk about the reasons behind his supplemental exercise choices when aiming to increase his already massive numbers. Apply these to any of your lifts and you might find what you’re missing in your current program!
How to Write Your Own Program
Following a program along blindly without knowing much as to why you’re doing it will take you nowhere. No matter who it comes from. It’s time you think for yourself.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — Does Anyone's Bench Press Impress...
There are universal traits that unite what elevates a powerlifter to the top regardless of what era you competed in. Rather than try to pick apart the differences of each we should focus on the things that the best still do today.
WATCH: JM Blakley Shares His Secrets on Bench Press Form
You won’t be able to properly improve your bench press without the proper form. JM Blakley recruits Yessica Martinez and Lily Starobin to share with us his secrets to a solid bench press form.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip – JM Blakley Challenges the Idea of Spee...
Is speed work really doing anything for your progress? JM Blakley is willing to bet that it isn’t. Powerlifting is about force, not speed.
Stress Management for Growth and Recovery
Whether it’s good or bad stress, how can we deal with stress so it does not outstrip our ability to recover? There are plenty of techniques to explore, so turn off the TV and grab your cat (or dog) so we can start trying some out.
WATCH: JM Blakley's Ultimate 6-Rep Triceps Workout
Even though it’s 6 reps, you might want to tell the person who wants to use the cable machine they’ll have to wait a bit. This exercise puts the burn in slow burn.
More Nutrition "Facts" Debunked
Nothing is bad for us, per se. What we have to do is figure out how much we need, and then supply it in the correct amounts. But to villainize sugar, carbs, fats, and other nutrients is a gross miscarriage of judgment.
WATCH: I am JM Blakley
“Our human potential is much higher than we recognize.” elitefts coach and columnist JM Blakley might be the namesake of the JM Press, but he hopes his impact in the strength sports world will go far beyond that and the weights he’s lifted.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #37 with JM Blakley
Since you guys couldn’t get enough of him the first time, we’ve asked JM Blakley to come back to record another Table Talk Podcast episode. So sit back, relax, and listen to JM’s soothing voice instruct you on how to become a better lifter!
Nutrition, Supplement, and Drug "Facts" Explained
No aspect of physical culture is more rife with myth, misunderstanding, falsehoods, and fantasy than is the field of nutrition. There is a very good reason that there exists so much confusion to this day when it comes down to what to eat: money.
9 Ways to Upgrade Your Sleep Hygiene Tonight
People tend to agree that it’s important to get a good night’s sleep, but most probably don’t actually get that sleep. Using what I’ve learned from something called sleep hygiene, you can finally get those 8 hours of shut-eye you’ve been whining about not getting.
The Mind-Muscle Link: Engagement and Focus
You go about your day unaware of your body. Think about your socks right now. Can you feel them on your feet? You felt them when you put them on, and although they are still on, you’ve let the sensation fade deep into the background… and now, you’re aware of your socks again.
The Mind-Muscle Link: Learn Muscle Attachments
I am personally giving you permission to skip today’s workout — but only if you learn about muscle origins and insertions and how they move. Watch some videos about this instead of binge-watching Stranger Things or whatever. Just sit down and educate yourself.
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.
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!
Introducing New elitefts Columnist and Coach JM Blakley
The founder of the JM Press is now part of the elitefts team. Welcome our newest columnist and coach: JM Blakley! Keep an eye out for an upcoming article he wrote about the mind-muscle connection and don't forget to follow his coaching blog.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — JM Blakley and Dave Tate Discuss Medit...
“Meditation is like a drink of water. You’re thirsty. You drink a little bit, and you feel better. Then you get thirsty again, and that’s what meditation’s like.” Meditation might not be a cure-all, but it can make a huge difference in an athlete’s performance.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast Clip — The ONLY Way to Build Confidence
“There’s only one way to build confidence, David…” JM Blakley, the creator of the JM Press, isn’t afraid to call Dave Tate out… by his full first name, then, in true coaching fashion, breaks down what it is that good trainers and coaches do.
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #13 with JM Blakley
The feedback from this Podcast has been unreal! Due to the overwhelming number of emails, DM’s and comments we have decided to blast this out to all of our channels asap. We know you will enjoy this one so much you will share it with all of your training partners and friends.