Our mailbag is full, so it’s time to go through some listener questions about a variety of topics. On this week’s episode we dive into questions on the barbell, peaking, explicit coaching, throwing technique, and how much strength is enough. Read more
Stop and think for a minute: it takes approximately 0.8 of a second to express maximal strength. Most athletic movements take place in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 seconds. So why do we spend such an inordinate amount of time emphasizing maximal strength? Is it because it is measurable? Is it because it is convenient? Is it a misunderstanding of the principle of overload? Read more
Yesterday as I watching the documentary Free Solo
For podcast addicts, a new episode of the HMMR Podcast and GAINcast each week might not be enough. If that’s the case for you, we have a temporary cure this week as I was a guest on the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast with Jay DeMayo. Read more
Utilizing testing to monitor training adaptations and fitness is an important part of the training cycle. Many coaches dictate workloads by prescribing a percentage of a maximum; for example, on a given strength training day, an athlete might be prescribed to lift 75% of their maximum lift. In theory, this is all well and good, but what if the tests used don’t actually test what we think they test, to the extent we think they do? Read more
Both Vern and I have been on the road a lot over the past two months, attending conferences across Europe and the US. On this week’s episode we discuss the new connections we’ve made, some key lessons learned from many of the keynote speakers, and more. Read more
Squatober is coming to an end and, depending on your social media circle, it is easy to get the impression that the squat is god’s gift to athletes. Furthermore, if you are looking for a test of manhood and mental toughness, just measure how deep one squats. Read more
There is an ongoing debate about when maximum strength training reaches a point of diminishing returns. Increasing maximum strength has benefits for athletes in nearly every sport. If an athlete increases their bench press from 200 to 300 pounds their shot put results will undoubtedly improve as a result. But will the same thing happen for an athlete that improves their bench from 400 to 450 pounds? Ask a dozen coaches and you might get a dozen different answsers. Read more
In order to get the best results, strength coaches need to work with other coaches. Sometimes this is by choice, sometimes it isn’t, but in both cases you need to figure out how to fit your method into the overall plan. On this episode Nick and Martin share some tips about how to do this effectively. Read more
Welcome back to the fourth installment of Sports Science Monthly. This month’s edition will cover one of my favorite topics: sleep. But it will also spread out to discuss recovery, the extra-time period in soccer, how to measure strength, whether sex reduces performance, circadian rhythms, and the use of ketones as a performance enhancing agent. The first overview will be free for everyone, but to read the complete August edition you must be a HMMR Plus Member. HMMR Plus is a new offering we have that gives users access to exclusive content like our article archive, webinars, online meet ups, and of course Sports Science Monthly. Therefore sign up now to gain access to Sports Science Monthly and more. To see what Sports Science Monthly is about, our April and May editions are available for free. Read more
