EC on Superhuman Radio

Written on June 11, 2008 at 8:00 pm, by Eric Cressey

Hey Gang,

Just a heads-up on a free interview with me that you can download at Superhuman Radio. It’s episode #168 – and we discussed Maximum Strength in detail.

Enjoy!

21st Century Nutrition and Exercise for Women

Written on June 9, 2008 at 10:09 pm, by Eric Cressey

Great news for the female readers of my blog – especially those in New England:

Cassandra Forsythe and I will be presenting on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29 on the topic of nutrition and exercise for women. Cass and I will cover a lot of new research as well as easy practical applications of this information. For more information on the seminar, you can download the registration brochure at the following link:

21st Century Nutrition and Exercise for Women

Spaces are limited, so don’t delay. Hope to see you there!

You Know You’re a Powerlifter When…

Written on June 6, 2008 at 6:30 pm, by Eric Cressey

…you can’t even put your energy drink down long enough to warm up!

I’m All About Efficiency…

Written on June 5, 2008 at 9:25 pm, by Eric Cressey

…but this might be a bit much.

New Wearable Feedbags Let Americans Eat More, Move Less

Frequency Deloading

Written on June 4, 2008 at 9:43 pm, by Eric Cressey

Q: I recently purchased your e-book, The Art of the Deload, and really enjoyed it. You did a great job of outlining several different methods that I plan on using in the months to come. I did have one follow-up question on the “Exercise Reduction Week” deloading approach. You talked about making some modifications to go from four days per week to three days per week during the deloading period. Are there certain people for whom this work would better than others?

A: Great question – and the answer is ABSOLUTELY!

I like the frequency reduction deloading strategy for athletes in particular. Many of them already have a lot of training going on with lifting, conditioning, movement training, tactical work, and sport practice. Simply dropping volume of these sessions doesn’t really “deload” their hectic schedules. Many of them would rather go to 2-3 full sessions per week than they would keep the four and do less volume in each appearance.

However, for the ordinary weekend warrior for whom lifting is the only form of exercise he gets, I think the frequency is valuable. It favorably affects the endocrine, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Additionally, each time that lifter goes to the gym, it’s a chance to do some mobility, activation, and foam roller work that can help to keep him healthy long-term.

So, to recap, if you’re a busy athlete, you can reduce your frequency. If you’re lifting as your only form of exercise, keep the frequency up.

Learn more about The Art of the Deload.

Ignorance is Bliss

Written on June 3, 2008 at 8:07 pm, by Eric Cressey

Researchers have just produced aerial photos of an “uncontacted” tribe in the Amazon rainforest.

Going with my gut instinct, I’m going to venture a guess that hut pictured below is the tribe’s gym. Yes, that’s exactly what it is. How intuitive of me…

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that it doesn’t have a Smith machine, leg extension, or rotary torso machine. In fact, I’m guessing that these folks don’t care about their six-pack abs or what’s going on at XYZ internet forum. I am, however, guessing that they a) move a lot, b) don’t eat refined crap, and c) probably have better mobility and are healthier than most people who claim to be “in shape.” I doubt any of them have heart disease, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or even that nauseous feeling you get after your girlfriend forces you to watch “The Batchelorette” while you could be watching a Red Sox no-hitter.

So, for those of you who think you can’t learn anything from a tribe in the Amazon, think again. Move more – and without machines. Wear shoes less. Eat more green stuff and meat (and preferably kill it yourself with a spear). Stand more and sit less. Train your body for function.