The Useful Strong Stuff Journal Vol. 12

Strength in all things is important.  Strength in all times is important as well.  The world is going through some strange and trying times right now.  We cannot forget that we can approach these times with strength.  In the gym we learn proactivity over reactivity.  Consistency, discipline, sacrifice are the things we learn in the gym.  Right now we are all being tested and there can be an inclination to set aside these lessons.  These lessons are still true though, holding these lessons up, that is how we stay strong in all times and in all ways.

Every week I spend a lot of time reading and looking for new ways to get stronger, healthier and more awesome.  Here are some of the best things I have found this week.

Strength and Conditioning

Cuing the lats for the deadlift https://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/60-second-deadlift-tip-squeeze-the-orange/

Exercises to improve back strength for the deadlift https://www.elitefts.com/education/5-exercises-to-improve-back-strength-in-the-deadlift/

Setting up bands for the bench press http://www.brandonsmitley.com/thirst-gym-terre-haute-how-to-set-up-bands-for-the-bench-press/

Thoughts on preparing for big lifts and other difficult actions https://kabukistrength.com/196380-2/

The Useful Strong Stuff Journal Vol. 11

Strength in all things is important.  We must constantly be building these strengths.  Without doing so, we resign ourselves to mediocrity, boredom and everything pathetic.

Every week I spend a lot of time reading and looking for new ways to get stronger, healthier and more awesome.  Here are some of the best things I have found this week.

Strength and Conditioning

A discussion on belts and torso/core strength.  https://www.elitefts.com/education/athletes-and-wearing-belts/

Warmup protocols from Matt Wenning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4E-0uaG1Kk

This is a really good article on training in a more smooth fashion as to eliminate harsh jerks and jolts that create damage to the body https://www.elitefts.com/education/smoothing-it-out/

Considerations for returning to the gym post-layoff https://www.elitefts.com/education/the-gym-is-open/

This article is full of bench press tactics and hacks that can really improve your pressing.  These hacks are all doable with minimal equipment so that’s cool too.  https://www.elitefts.com/education/7-intermediate-bench-hacks/