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LIES in the gym
You don’t have to go far in the average gym to find someone willing to give you bad information. People are full of ideas and advice about women and weights. And most of them are wrong. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common myths floating around like the alligator in the sewer stories. The difference is, of course, that there really ARE alligators in the sewer. And snakes that pop out of your toilet, heh heh.
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What you need and what you don’t
It’s tempting to think when starting out that you need a whole array of belts, straps, gloves, and suits to begin strength training, especially if you see a lot of folks in the gym all decked out like medieval cyborgs. Well, the truth is that you don’t. Here’s what you need and what you can do without.
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Old broads: the golden years of pumping iron
The other day I got an email from a woman who asked, “I’m 31. Is it too late to begin a fitness program?” Only in our youth-worshiping North American culture could such a question even be asked. In most other cultures in the world, the concept of aging equaling inactivity does not exist.
Above: Champion powerlifter and site reader Gayle busts out the biceps curl reps.
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No fat chicks
I was sitting on a cold, paper-covered exam table when the doctor told me I was too fat. The sterile, crinkly surface rustled as I shifted awkwardly, trying to conceal my embarrassment and anger. I had gone in to find out why my hip hurt so much. The doctor explained that my extra weight was putting pressure on the joint and was the likely source of the pain. Then he said simply, “Lose weight,” and left the room.
How do you start out if you’re an overfat beginner? Not by taking the usual advice, that’s for damn sure.
Eating
My FREE New E-Book on IF!
Stumpamaniacs: Have you ever missed a meal and thought Oh crap, I’m going catabolic!? Or I’m going to rip someone’s face off if I don’t get a cookie soon? Or simply wondered whether your metabolism really “slows down” to an LA-traffic-jam crawl if you skip lunch?
Wonder no more. (Short answer: You’ll be fine. Have a little green tea and a deep breath. You might even get riptshizzled and healthier, if you’re smart about skipping a meal now and again.) Science! Sex hormones! Food disasters and triumphs! Mistress Krista’s uterus! John Berardi’s abs! Blood work! It’s all here! And the best part — it’s FREE!
What's new
Precision Nutrition is hiring!
The awesome company I work for, Precision Nutrition, is hiring! If you are interested in any of these positions please email me and I will be happy to discuss more about what we are seeking.
Training
Yoga for Fighters: Releasing the Psoas
Most fighters end up with certain muscles totally overdeveloped. Because of the way grappling works, the psoas muscles get very, very tight. However, many non-grapplers also have a lot of psoas problems, simply from sitting all day. The psoas shortens and becomes tight. An overdeveloped, shortened psoas means less mobility, reduced speed, and greater risk of injury.
The Less Thinking, More Doing Program, The Sequel: Slightly More Thinking, Slightly More Doing
The original LTMD Program provided an antidote for those of you paralyzed by too much information. Phase II helps keep you moving forward while you continue to learn.
The Less Thinking, More Doing Starter Program
For those new to strength training, details can be a little overwhelming. After all, you might just want some simple advice on getting started. If so, this article is for you. This program starts you off with a few basic movements that are guaranteed to increase your overall strength and fitness if you’re a beginner.
Learning
Well Fed: Interview with Melissa Joulwan
I interview Melissa Joulwan, former roller derby chick and author of Well Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love to Eat.
More in Learning
Rants
Rant 62 January 2012: Goooooaaalllls!!
When did we all become so obsessed with producing stuff? Do I really want to be able to make more stuff, faster? I thought I left that shit behind in academia when I got off the Publication Purgatory treadmill. This year, do LESS.
More in Rants
Doh! and ouch
You look ridiculous and everyone’s staring at you: Cheap tricks for crip fitness
One of the best ways to shake self-consciousness is to confront it head-on by doing something that looks bizarre and letting the normals stare. Here are a few of my favorite ridiculous exercises for crips, gimps, and other weirdos.
More in Doh! and ouch
Women stuff
Ladies Who Lift
A beginner’s weight training course in the UK, taught by women, for women aims to change stereotypes around weight training. In order to get started and build confidence, an all-female environment is an excellent solution for many women. Here, creator Sally Moss of Gubernatrix describes the project.
More in Women stuff
Inspiration
A Couple Good Reasons (and One Bad One) to Drag Your Crippled Ass to the Gym
It can be hard to remember because your illness or disability sometimes feels like your body’s defining characteristic, but remember that your body is, in the ways that matter, the same a everybody else’s. It wants to move, to act with purpose and focus and silliness and joy. Your body does not care that it can’t do the same things other bodies can, or that it moves differently, or that other people might think it looks weird – it just wants to do what it can do, whatever that may be. What’s different about you is not nearly so important as what’s the same. Your body, just like everybody else’s body, wants to be used. Use it.