progress equals happinessI think I know the source of happiness.  Took me over 40 years, but it’s this:

Progress.

Progress in career.  In family relationships.  In fitness.  In understanding.  In friendship.  In health.

Even if the progress is slow (like it is for our turtle friend pictured here).  In some cases, slow (more…)

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Darrin

Ever see “Lady In The Water”, the M. Night Shyamalan movie?  Remember the guy who only worked out with ONE of his arms?  Pretty funny filming to make him look all lopsided – one arm huge and ripped, the other arm normal.

train weaker side first
image from about.com

Ever feel like you are (more…)

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lifting weights without a spotterThere are two basic reasons for a spotter:

First, a spotter helps prevent injury that could be possible if you are either caught with too much weight over you or forced to use really bad (dangerous) form to complete the last rep.

Second, a good spotter helps you get the (more…)

Continue reading about Tips For Training Without A Spotter – The Big 7

Man-Running-proressionProgressive overload.

If you’ve been lifting for some time, you’ve no doubt heard that phrase.

The brief explanation: Over time, you need to consistently add work to your muscles, beyond what they are used to doing.

This can take the form of going up in weight.   Or adding more reps.  (more…)

Continue reading about The 5 Secrets of Cardio Progression

I’ve got a favor to ask.  Can you review this variation I came up with for the traditional “triceps kickbacks” and weigh in with your opinion?

See, I love this exercise as a “finishing” extra at the end of a workout.  (There’s no way this should replace The Big (more…)

Continue reading about Triceps 30 Degree Kickbacks – good or bad?

chinese-squatter1If I were to say to a roomful of average Americans, “I’ve run 4 times a week, every week, for the past 10 years, without an exception, even when I was sick,” I’d get most of the audience nodding their heads in appreciation and admiration.  I’d probably even get some (more…)

Continue reading about Bodybuilding Snobs vs. Strength Training Snobs vs. Running Snobs

do more pull ups chin ups pullups chinupsToday we’re going to talk about chin-ups and pull-ups.  They’re usually one of the most frustrating exercises for new lifters.

Everyone would love to be able to hop up to a chin-up bar and bang out 15 reps right?

But can you do it?  Are you actively working towards doing (more…)

Continue reading about How To Increase Your Pullups and Chinups

This is a revised and updated version of an article I wrote a while back for Caleb.

set-pause-resume-squatsMany of you are new to bodybuilding/weight lifting.

Some of you have been working hard and diligently for months or years.

But all of you will reach a level where you aren’t (more…)

Continue reading about Set/Pause/Resume – To Get An Extra Rep Or 2 Using New Fibers