Internet Archives

Here is a handy little site that allows you to search back through the billions of webpages from as far back as 1996. If you are looking for something on a site that you use to visit but is no longer there, give this a shot and see what you can come up with. http://www.archive.org/web/web.php

Steve Maxwell’s Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility

Steve Maxwell. Really, that should sum it up. The man has enough knowledge of physical culture to overflow the Mariana Trench. He’s the type of person that when speaking, one would be wise to close their mouth and take notes. One of the only good things remaining on the Dragon Door forums is a backlog of 2000 odd something posts by user “Steve Maxwell”, which should be required reading for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of strength and conditioning. That being said, there has yet to be a product produced that carried Maxwell’s name that I have not found useful. Truth be told, I had reservations with his more recent materials, or the “Spartan Series,” which appeared to be piggy backing on the marketing of the 300 movie. Had Steve turned capitalist running dog, succumbing to the mighty dollar with DVDs full of more fluff than stuff? After having the privilege to view some of the titles in the series, my faith was restored and then some. Seriously, it’s Steve “Mother-F******” Maxwell. The Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility, a bit over 3 hours of non-stop info – no fluff. The 3-disc set is broken down as follows: Disc 1: Intro to Joint Mobility Neck Series Shoulder Series Elbow, Wrists, Hands & Fingers Series 78 minutes Disc 2: Spine & Lower Back Series Hip Mobility 62 minutes Disc 3: Toe, Foot, Ankle & Knee Series Spinal Rocking Series 52 minutes Within each series, Steve demonstrates and explains a wide variety of movements to target the mobility, strength and conditioning of all the joints in the body. The exercises presented are influenced from a range of traditions and filtered through Steve’s numerous years of experience as a trainer, athlete and movement specialist. If you have any familiarity with the other joint mobility programs out there, such as Z-health, Warrior Wellness or the more recent IntuFlow, then many of the joint specific movements will be very familiar. Steve simply adds his experience to the presentation and explanation on how to perform the exercises. Then there are other movements presented that are more uncommon, such as the Dance of the Shiva (Lappa on Youtube). I personally found more interest, and for me some new stuff, in the ground engagement and floor exercises. Again, if you are familiar with the work of Scott Sonnon, like Body Flow and the newly evolved Prasara, portions of the material presented will be nothing new. Yet, Steve further rounds out the encyclopedic nature of the product by introducing additional floor movements influenced from his grappling and yoga experience. A lot of these ground series exercises are used to strengthen and condition the joints in order for them to perform without injury under stress. The Spinal rocking series contains a ton of useful information and kinetic chains specifically useful to grapplers, but also anyone interested in possessing the athleticism to move around effortlessly, controlling their own bodyweight under gravity. If you are purchasing this product with the intention of having a routine all laid out for you, then you will be disappointed. There is no such routine or follow-along like in the Z-health and Intuflow programs. This is as the title suggests an encyclopedia that catalogs all of the joint specific movements that Steve has experienced and found useful in overall performance, health and longevity. It remains up to the user to intuitively string together a routine that fits their specific needs. Although, if you have a nagging body part that needs some extra TLC, you could plug in the appropriate series and run through the exercises, performing enough reps to alleviate any pains. Steve also hints at a future “advanced” mobility product in the works, though some will find the exercises in this set plenty challenging. Overall, I’d rate Steve Maxwell’s Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility a 9.5 out of 10. The only thing missing is some discussion on program design. I for one, have no problem with it, however there are more than enough individuals out there that need to have a laid out, fully developed “routine” to follow along with. If this is the case, then I would suggest exploring IntuFlow or R-phase of Z-health. If however, you want a large collection of movements to target every joint in the body and provide a lifetime of variety, then this product is for you. This is an excellent value for 50 bucks. Hell, I just checked Ebay and this is going for about $40 shipped to your door. Given the depth of information, you are really getting the best of a handful of other DVDs for less than the cost of one of the other popular programs.

StrongLifts

Cool blog with tons of lifting info. There is even a post with the Texas Method. This is definitely one to keep an eye on. StrongLifts Blog

Ross Enamait - New Book & DVD

Enamait's much anticipated DVD project was released today. A 90-page manual plus a 108 minute DVD is a bargain for $25. If Ross' past products are any indication, this DVD will blow you away. I am hoping my copy is here by the weekend. Full Throttle Conditioning "The Full Throttle Conditioning package includes a 108 minute DVD and a 90 page companion manual. Within the DVD, Ross gives you a backstage pass to his conditioning dungeon. Watch how he takes simplistic tools and creates intense and effective conditioning workouts. Expect to be challenged, as you learn a proven, effective, and efficient conditioning system. The companion manual contains additional information regarding topics such as program creation, sample workouts, and the science behind the system. This program is not based around a specific piece of equipment. The principles can be applied to almost any exercise or tool."

Dick Hartzell and Elite FTS Jumpstretch Index

A ton of useful Jumpstretch videos by Dick Hartzell were added to Youtube by EliteFTS. There is some excellent info here - Jumpstretch Index Here is the elbow video just to give you an idea of the many possibilities of using bands:

Ross Enamait on Jump Rope Training

Ross' new article on Jump rope training - Jump Rope Training - Part II

New from Beast Skills - The Muscle-Up Tutorial

Jim has done it again. His site Beast Skills continues to impress with a new tutorial to master the elusive muscle-up. Be sure to check out the videos in the article. The muscle-up is, in my opinion, a valuable skill to work towards with many real world applications. It could save your life. Well that may be an extreme case, but regardless this seemingly simple bodyweight move is an impressive asset. Beast Skills - The Muscle-up Tutorial

Bigger Faster Stronger - BFS Magazine Archive

Bigger Faster Stronger has opened up its BFS Magazine archives, which span the past 10 years. The BFS Mag covers a wide variety of topics and includes top-notch information on training, coaching, athletic development and nutrition. So grab a cup of coffee and cozy up to the computer screen - there is a lot of good reading here: BFS Magazine Archive

Rippetoe and Kilgore - Starting Strength FAQ

Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore is a highly recommended resource for beginning (and most likely many who think they are "advanced") strength trainers. By reading this book and learning to do the lifts properly, you will be well ahead of the curve. Everyone should have a copy of this book in their library. Bodybuilding.com forums has an excellent, excellent, excellent FAQ for Starting Strength as well as a Q&A thread for anyone needing further answers or advices from fellow lifters familiar with the program. It's a worthwhile read. Starting Strength FAQ @ Bodybuilding.com Starting Strength Q&A Thread

Diesel Crew Grip Article

The Diesel Crew continues to draw attention to an otherwise invisible sport. Straight to the Grip Contest Part II: Grippers Part III: Gripper Sets

The 7-Minute Rotator Cuff Solution

The 7-Minute Rotator Cuff Solution is an excellent resource for restoring and maintaining shoulder health and strength. I first read this book way back when I was in high school about the time I started seriously lifting weights (I used a lot of the Health for Life material when I first started out). I'm glad I came across it when I did because I learned early on what not to do in the gym to protect my shoulders. Grab some jumpstretch bands and you'll be in business. The book has long since been in print, so you'll be lucky to get your hands on a copy for a reasonable price. OR you can read it here: The 7-Minute Rotator Cuff Solution

JumpStretch Flex Bands Again?

Seems like I'm getting on a Jumpstretch craze. The more I read about them and try out the different exercises, the more I like them. Here is a list of band resources from Elite FTS - Jump Stretch Band Exercises. I need to pony up and buy the product. As of now I only have a strong blue JS band and several pallet bands that I don't have any other bands to compare the resistance to. An average band is on the way along with some videos, but I'd like to have a full set. You can get your bands directley from JumpStretch Inc. along with training materials. EliteFTS also sells the Jumpstretch flex bands, which is linked on the left sidebar. Ironwoody sells a comparable product and is actually a better deal when you purchase the pair. For those on a tighter budget you can search Mcmaster (linked on your left) for pallet bands, which in my opinion are a great product for the price.

JumpStretch Flexibility Routine

My old post with the link to a ton of Jump Stretch Flexband articles is one of the most clicked links on this blog. Here is another site that has a Jump stretch flexibility routine, with motion illustrations. Awesome. I'm fairly new to using bands in my training, so I do not know if this is the same Jump Stretch flexibility routine as outlined by Coach Dick Hartzell - the father of Jumpstretch - eventhough the site says that it is the one. I do have the tape of the original flexibility routine on the way in the mail, and I'll report back after I get a chance to view it. Link here: Jump Stretch Flexibility Routine

Handy Tool - Google Book Search

Google is just awesome. Here is a tool that you can use to search who knows how many book titles. You can read limited previews of recent materials as well as full versions after a few simple clicks. It's like your own digitized personal library: Google Book Search

EliteFTS Training for the Female Athlete

Weight training for women is an often misunderstood topic. I hear from a lot of women that they do not train like the boys because they don't want to end up looking like a man. This is far from the truth. In the following two articles by Joe Defranco, we find that resistance training for both men and women should following the same basic principles for optimal performance. Should Females Train Differently Than Males? talks about the subtle differences between male and female resistance training that may surprise some of you. Training for the Female Athlete shows why it is important for women to properly strength train to prevent several gender specific injuries. And for an excellent resource on women's weight training, be sure to check out Stumptuous.com, where even us guys can find useful information.

Gymnastics Training

Drills and Skills is a great site for anyone interested in gymnastic type training. If you are looking to work up to some new bodyweight skills, here is the place to search. Some of the exercises can be dangerous without proper supervision or coaching, so please take the site's disclaimer seriously. A little common sense goes a long way. Drills and Skills

Steve Maxwell Calf Workout

I was digging through some of Steve Maxwell's older posts and came across this calf workout he suggested for adding on a little mass. I did this mini routine the other day after my push workout, and I'm still feeling it. If you try this, be sure to plan on not being able to do any jumping or running afterwards. "Here is a calf program that has never failed to give great results. Do 25 smooth, full range, single leg calf raises, stretch for 10 sec. and immediately do 100 single leg hops as high as you can. With no rest, go back and do 10 or 15 more calf raises, stretch for 10 sec.and perform 50 more single leg hops. Stretch the calf for thirty seconds. Now do the other side. Your calves will really be pumped. You may want to massage them to get the blood flowing. Do several sets of 20 tibial dorsi flexion on a leg curl machine or use a Dard if you have one. I have seen clients add some serious size from this workout. Steve Maxwell " If you do not have a Dard and don't feel like buying or making one, then you can do what I do and use a dumbbell. Girls, you'll have no problems. Guys, you'll have to cross your legs like a woman (hey, it's more comfortable anyways) and ignore the looks you get if you workout at a gym. Simply hold the dumbbell in position with your hands while you do the tibial dorsi flexions. The handle rests on top of your foot. I actually prefer this method as you can adjust the position of the weight as you do the exercise; making it harder the closer the dumbbell sits to your toes and easier the closer the dumbbell sits to your ankle. You could probably slide your foot in the handle of a kettlebell as another option.

The Forgotten Lifts: Odd Lifting

Here is a picture of Arthur Saxon performing the Two Hands Anyhow lift. Since 1905, Saxon has held the record in this lift with an incredible 445 pounds - that is with a 335 pound barbell and a 110 pound kettlebell). Much can be learned from these old time strongmen. Within the last 10-15 years, more and more people are getting interested in "functional" weight training and utilizing methods that were once popular lifting modalities by strongmen throughout the world. A lot can be learned form the study of history. This is a neat little website featuring odd lifting or the "forgotten lifting." Forgotten because these are the lifts that were popular by the old time strongmen, which have largely been forgotten in today's society. Weightlifting: The Forgotten Lifts If you want more information on the old time strongmen, be sure to check the links to the left for the Sandow Plus and the Maxalding sites. They will be well worth your time.

MIT Open Course Ware

"The Massachusetts Institute of Technology will become by year's end the first U.S. university to offer all of its roughly 1,800 courses free on the Internet, a school official said on Friday." see the full article here: Yahoo: MIT to offer its courses free online by year end In the mean time you can check out the already listed courses here at the MIT Open Course Ware site. While this will not get you a piece of paper that states you took such and such number of hours and received some arbitrary degree, you will still have access to some of the best information from one of the finest institutions in the country. For those with a passion for education this is the ticket. I find it amazing the amount of good information that you can find online. I already hold two degrees, and I'm heading back to school in the coming months to further my education. I will definitely be referencing the MIT site for years to come or as long as I can keep an Internet connection.

Interactive Human Anatomy and Physiology

Get Body Smart is a good site if you are interested in human anatomy and physiology. It's worth checking out and could be helpful in studying for a class or getting that NASM cpt/cscs certification. Get Body Smart Interactive Human Anatomy and Physiology