Blog
In the Lab The Difference Between Strength Deficit and EUR
A common question I hear is whether or not the Strength Deficit (SD) is the same as the Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR). For context, they both are the same test, which includes comparing the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) to the Non-Counter Movement Jump (NCMJ) Ratio,...
Strength Coach Chronicles – UNC Exercise Selection Workshop
This past weekend had the opportunity to speak at the University of North Carolina on Exercise Selection, I wanted to write a quick blog about my experience. First off, my goal for the workshop. Top of the list of what I was looking to accomplish: Use testing to select better exercises.
In the Lab – Buying a Non Motorized Curved Treadmill
So I got a treadmill recently and wanted to break down why. To be more specific, I got a non-motorized curved treadmill and that was intentional. I would not consider myself a runner, nor would I say that I am a sprinter either. But I do enjoy the act of sprinting and...
What I am Reading Pragmatic Thinking & Learning, Andy Hunt
Before I review this book I want to share with you how I find books. Simply, I pay attention. When I visit a strength coach or someone I respect, I look at their bookshelves. I either take pictures or I put it on my Amazon wish list. If a coach I respect suggests a book, I add it to my Amazon wish list…
Strength Coach Chronicles – Strength Coach Diversification
I feel as though we are experiencing an evolution within S&C for strength coaches. There are a lot more coaches who are taking on roles outside of the weight room to find ways to supplement their income through education or training. Quick classification of...
What I am Reading – Injury Free Running by Tom Michaud
This was a good book. If you work with clients that run, you will get a lot from this. But there is more to this. Running mechanics are not complicated: Phases - Stance Phase, Swing Phase Stride - Stride length, Strength frequency Stride Length - Contact to Mid-Stance...
In the Lab – Strength Coach Conditioning Tests
Let’s talk conditioning tests, not for our athletes, but for ourselves. What is fitness for a Strength Coach? Is it the ability to knock out back-to-back 300-yard shuttles both in under 60 seconds? Is it able to run 24 x 110s all under 14 seconds? Is it running 10×40-yard dash…
Limitations of Concentrically Oriented Training
Here’s a thought, all of your results are probably 30% less than they should be, if not more. Why I can say that is you are probably only going to your concentric limit with training intensity. That concentric training intensity is on average 30% less than what your eccentric limit is…
In the Lab – Buying a Back Extension/Glute Ham
There are a lot of options for buying a back extension now. The advent of remote-based training has opened a ton of options for equipment and there is a lot to consider now. Let us break down what we want to look for when we decide on a back extension. We should lay...
What I am Reading – When Breathe Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi
Mortality is an interesting conversation. I read these books from time to time. Not because I am curious about death or I seek some greater meaning from life. But does serve as a good reminder that we do have a short time on earth and we better make the most of it. ...
In the Lab – Is Buying a Cold Plunge Worth It?
Why would anyone need a cold plunge? I have a driver for this decision, which is important to note because this could be a huge waste of money. I get this question a lot, and like supplements, people will look at any modality in the vein that this will positively...
Strength Coach Chronicles – Internship Programs
Chances you have an internship program if you are in the team setting. The biggest question is what are you or the people interning getting from this experience? We all have interned in one way or another. We have all experienced the challenges of proving ourselves...