What's up everyone? I'm sure most of you are on the doorstep of a long weekend, for those that aren't, well it can still be a good weekend. I know I'm looking forward to spending time with friends and family, hopefully everyone you all are too.

​With that, let's get you this week's random insta post of the week;

3 Drills That Will Fix Your Power Clean Form- Well we know if it's an olympic lifting article, it's going to get my attention, but an article on a site like Stack from a friend and mentor? Yup you bet it's landing here. A good piece from Mike Anderson about cleaning up that power clean form, many coaches use this with athletes to develop power, let's not let it get messy.

You're Supporting the Get Rich Schemes of 21 Year Olds, and It's Ruining Fitness- Long name, great content. Thanks to Matt Ibrahim for bringing this article to my attention. A read through the title of this piece will give you a really good idea of what's inside. READ IT, ALL OF YOU, I'm right there with Lee Boyce on this one. Stop supporting the posers and recognize the difference between them and the quality coaches out there.

3 Specialty Bars Every Gym Should Have, and 3 That Are Awesome To Have- Those that have stepped foot into CORE know we have a generous plethora of bars to pick from which makes life just a little easier for us all. Not all gyms have that many options and as someone that's had to get creative because of this, I hope more will start to consider at least the first 3 bars Dean Somerset talks about here. I'm all for thinking creatively, but sometimes you can't quite chop enough of that square peg off, to fit it in the round hole, no?

YES it's finally warm out, but in very New England style, it went from chilly to offensively hot and sticky. Oh well, it still helps put those dark days of February and January more in the rearview. Everyone have their favorite outdoor activity planned for the weekend? Maybe even a couple? Enough with the small talk, here is the (only) insta post of the week.

Now that you've seen my muddy face for the 3rd time, here's the good stuff;

Good Things That Get Ruined When Taken to Extremes- We as a society tend to take things just a wee bit too far, I think we can all agree on that. Even the really good things can turn into bad things when we do this. Give Nia Shanks post a read and maybe it'll prevent you from turning into one of those really annoying people.

Acknowledge Your Fit Privilege- We train and move so we have the ability to do things that we enjoy doing for a long time. Be it, playing a sport, wrestling with the kids, or just being able to get up out of your chair without help, we all have our reasons. James S Fell's article here is a look at what can be done for the other's that aren't so mobile or strong. (Side Note: Not a fan of seeing Paltrow as the first picture, but still an interesting piece).

How to Get More Professional Referals- On the more business side of things this week, it's not a really mystery that you need a good network of professionals to make your training top notch. Pat Rigsby's post from last month is a really good guide on how to make it happen, and he knows a thing or two about making it happen.

What's a haps everyone on this Friday? Sadly I do not have a random insta post of the week this week, womp womp. It's been a bit busier than expected and have seemingly forgotten to stop to take it all in ever so often. Oh well enough babble, let's have a look at what you need to read. 

How is Fitness Not a Real Job Anyway?- Anyone that's been a trainer for longer than a hot minute and done it as a full-time job has had this experience. Your friends and loved ones often question whether or not you actually work. Well yeah, sorry kids, we don't work the regular 9-5 snoozer you do, don't be all jealous. Have a read of this piece from Dean Somerset if you really want to know why is it in fact a "real" job.

4 Reasons to Do the Touch-and-Go Deadlift- Speaking of things that "don't count" in other's opinions, here's a good one from Lee Boyce on T-Nation. I've never been one that's needed to be convinced that there are benefits to both sides of this argument. Maybe after your set your eyes to this you can be convinced too, if you need to be that is.

Stop Calling Yourself Gross- Ladies listen up and click on this article, please. Neghar Fonooni is a smart lady and knows what's up, it's worth your time. I don't completely understand your pain, but I know it's not the easiest for you all. Especially those of you that are doing what you can in and out of the gym, just give this one a read and I hope it helps.