Weight-lifting shoes



 

When choosing weight-lifting shoes, look for a shoe that is as flat as possible.  Shoes like the ones pictured here or even "old school" Chuck Taylors are preferable to more cushioned shoes commonly worn by runners or for general use. Whether heavily cushioned shoes are even ideal for running is certainly subject to much current debate (and a different blog post).  However, If you do wear a heavily-supported running shoe, you will want to get a different pair of resistance training shoes.

Biomechanically, it is preferable to wear a shoe that allows... read more

Distance Running and Resistance Training



Can distance runners benefit from resistance training?

What are the specific benefits?

Are there any particular risks specific to runners?

How can a runner prevent overtraining while running high mileage and also performing resistance training?

Should runners perform "special" resistance exercises specific to running to maximize resistance training benefit?

Can runners lessen the chance of injury by resistance training?

These are some issues I recently considered while developing a Continuing Education course tentatively (and creatively :-)) entitled "Resistance Training for Runners". 

The potential resistance benefits for runners include... read more

"Say Cheese..."

One question I get frequently:

"How do you get motivated to go to the gym?" 

Here is a simple technique to get you started: take a picture of yourself (with minimal clothing) and look at it once per week until you reach your goals. Most successful fitness transformations (mine included) start with someone seeing a picture of themselves that shocks them.  While just a first step, the picture can be the spark that triggers your successful transformation. 

I actually saw a video of myself in 1998, and I could not believe the person in the video was... read more

Congratulations Alex O'Loughlin

About a year ago, I got a call asking me if I wanted to train a young actor named Alex O'Loughlin for a new movie called "The Back-Up Plan". 

I met with Alex, and he told me his goals. It was clear to me that Alex was going to give 100% from the first session.  I designed a fairly complex program, and Alex followed it perfectly.  Alex got in amazing shape for that role as almost everyone who has seen the movie or the trailers has noted. Many people got their first glimpse of Alex O'Loughlin last week as... read more