Happy Friday one and all. I know everyone has been wondering where in the heck this section has been the last couple weeks. I'll come clean, I've been slacking a bit but also been busier than expected. Never fear it has returned and I am going to give you a few extras to make up for it (hopefully).

Cut the Shit Get Fit-Episode 36 with Dr. Lisa Lewis- If you've never had a chance to listen to Dr. Lisa Lewis she had some good conversation here. The biggest thing that this industry is missing is getting clued in to what goes on within the 6 inches between the ears.

The Best Way to Front Squat Without Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Pain- Front squats pretty much suck for most of us. If you're one of those people that gets really, legitimately excited about front squats...you're weird. Anyway if you want some tips on how to make them suck just a little less, give this piece from the brilliant mind of Dr. John Rusin a look. You can thank me later.

The Strength House Podcast- Have you ever wished there was a podcast about lifting heavy things and beer? Yeah me too...wait there is, the Strength House podcast with Greg Robbins and Tony Bonvechio is here to save the day. What could possibly go wrong?

The Art of Getting Your Shit Together- Whoops I swore twice in the same Thing I've Found, oh well. Wouldn't be the first time. OK if you're a coach and you feel kind of all over the place and like you have 0 time for yourself throughout the weeks you need to read this. Mike Connelly's guest post on Tony Gentilcore's site will help trim some of the fat so to speak.

Shoulder Your Client Be Deadlifting From the Floor- Dean Somerset is a brain of a coach, especially when it comes to knowing what's up with hips and back. Guess what a deadlift involved quite a bit of? Your hips and, to a lesser extent, your back. So if he's got something to say about deadlifts and keeping your clients healthy and strong, I listen.

​Everyone recovered from their staring at the TV for March Madness? I’m pretty sure our neighbors think I’m crazy (I know what you’re thinking, very funny) after much yelling during certain games this weekend (GO BLUE). OK enough about that, you all have been deprived of a post from me for a while now, let’s get to it.
 
Let me start by asking this, when you first find an article or workout on the internet how many of you actually dig into who wrote them and what their credentials are? Do you just take those words as the word of god? Shoot I hope not, not with ANYONE, including me. Believe me I’ve had to grow over the years despite having success with clients, doesn’t mean everything I’ve done and written is right on the button.
 
Let’s do this, go to your favorite celebrity trainer or coach and check their about me, oh wait I have one here. Let’s have a look, at what exactly their credentials are, that make them an expert. Any certifications? Maybe a mention of where they picked up their training, education or teachings? Maybe a nod to the people that helped them get where they are (not their clients).

OK they’re published in magazines as well as having their own products, so not terrible. Consider this though, if I put an e-book out there on chemical engineering, does it mean I’m more knowledgeable than a chemical engineer? Not likely, so products only say so much. What is the basis of their training? OK they’re a former athlete, there’s tons of former athletes that are pushing their own fitness lines and products with just their name to back it and not actually having the foundational knowledge base, virtually pulling it from betwixt their cheeks.

I’m not saying they need a bachelor’s, masters PHD and a Knighthood in order to prove their knowledge base and they are in fact, not just pulling this out of the atmosphere. Nor am I saying that doing their routines and listening to what they have to say will give you herpes and tank your credit score, there's a time and a place for most stuff out there. My point is it takes almost 0 foundational knowledge to be a good people person, have high energy, run someone into the ground face first and arbitrarily throw a “system” together. Plenty of trainers and coaches do it ALL the time and have “success” they just don’t live in Hollywood with access to celebrities as clients, that’s the only difference really.

Just because an actor can sound smart and look the part of a doctor, would you listen to them for medical advice? A crude example and maybe not quite on the same line, but  you get the point. Let me help you with that answer just the same, NO you would not.

One final consideration, how many of you out there reading this ARE celebrities and have the time and financial budget that a celebrity does? I'm guessing not many of you and if you do…well we all hate you now…just kidding.
 
OK now that I've just emptied the cooler full of haterade I guess I should provide examples of someone that I might recommend and would be slightly better (in my opinion).
 
Here’s a pair of coaches that I can tell you, for me, they 100% know what they’re doing. One of them I know well and the other one I’ve never met in my life, just trying to provide a bit of balance.

They have a couple things in common that I'd like you to note. First, one difference is one of them isn’t so published outside their own site (as I mentioned that doesn’t make you the best trainer/coach of all time neither).

Both of them emphasize heavy lifting and yes that is important because lifting something lighter than your purse, pet or child isn't really that productive. For example, how heavy were those bags of groceries you just hauled in or the laundry basket you had to carry up 3 flights of stairs?

Yes, also they have listed where they got their foundation, that IS important. For me personally, I need to know, that you at least have the foundational knowledge before I send you anyone I give a damn about. You don’t HAVE acquire the knowledge via a formal education (it’s a bit pricey these days) but you need to spend time learning it in some capacity. Internships and mentorships are great places to pick such a knowledge base up as well.
 
It really doesn't matter how many places someone's been published. It's nice to have and see, but let’s face it, mainstream media hasn't quite figured out there's a middle between (bad) CrossFit and Tracy Anderson. The biggest things I believe you need to look for is where the coach/trainer/expert got their start, education and foundational knowledge. Giving a nod to people that have helped you is usually a nice touch I like to see as well, but not a necessity.

Finally for you all that are thinking, well why don’t these celebs with these incredible physiques that the media has implanted in our minds that we need to attain lift heavy weights, check out this.
 
Oh wait is she lifting something heavier than a hand bag? Yeah I’d say that qualifies, you’re welcome. Browse around that page for more, "Oh damn they lift?" moments.

​That's what I got for your today everyone, hope you enjoyed it on this Monday. Go out there and get after it!

I am definitely a geek. I'm excited to watch the NFL scouting combine for 1 reason, mechanics; running, jumping and all the in between. Anyone else that tells you THAT'S why they're watching, odds on they do something like what I do for a profession.

OK with that I give you the rando Insta post of the week;

There's a female theme to the articles I'm sending you to read.

F**k Thigh Gaps, Ab Cracks and Back Dimples- If you haven't read or listen to anything with Nia Shanks, you're welcome. Smart lady and great content always from her. This one should help everyone learn why the stuff we're hearing and seeing in the media is a crock.

F**k Exercise, Try This- Sorry for 2 curses in 2 titles, but trust me they're worth it. Krista Scott-Dixon is one of a trio of people that make Precision Nutrition really tick. Take a deep breath before you sink your teeth into this one.

Addiction Transfer; Are you swapping "unhealthy" behaviors for "healthy" alternatives?- If you're not sure if someone you know and care about has an unhealthy relationship with exercise, read this. Dr. Lisa Lewis is where it's at when it comes to exercise and mindset. Dive into this new piece from her on Girls Gone Strong.