weight training

Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | The Godfather of Strength

 

Back To School

Two weeks ago I got to spend the weekend with the “godfather” of strength training.  Mark Rippetoe, better known as Rip, put on a strength clinic here in L.A.  30 hours of squats, deadlifts, presses, bench presses, and power cleans.

The Godfather Of Strength

To say Rip is a character would be a massive understatement. Rip is a cross of Bill Parcells, who has won multiple Super Bowls as a coach, and Steve Jobs. Like Bill, you better have some thick skin because he'll gut you like a fish in front of everybody as I got see a few times.  He also has some Steve Jobs in him. Like Jobs was to technology, Rip is to strength training, he is light years ahead of the majority of us in the fitness community.

Weight = Strength

Rip has been in the strength world for over 40 years and has coached world record weight lifters, NFL players, and even cyclists. He has built a system that incorporates physics, using the greatest amount of muscle mass use over the longest effective range of motion, and loves to argue why his philosophy is the best.

My first real interaction with Rip was on Saturday morning after he and the class watched me finish up my last set of heavy squats. He said to me, “Good looking squats, do you know what you are doing wrong?”  Having read and watched all of his books and videos I knew exactly where he was going.  “Erik, you are too damn skinny! A guy your height needs to weigh 245 lbs., you need to go put on some weight.  Do you know why that’s a problem?”  I replied, “Yes, Rip because I’m at a mechanical disadvantage.”  “Fix it”, he said and walked away.

Knowledge Is Power

Rip’s personality, politics, and general demeanor are for a select few, but what I couldn’t deny was his expertise, experience and the opportunity to learn from the best.  While I have no intention of putting on 45 lbs. at this point of my life, the amount of material that I’ve learned because of him was truly expansive. I’m extremely grateful for the knowledge gained and I’ve become better at my job because of his work. 

Thanks Rip, it was an unforgettable weekend! 

Image Credit: The Guardian

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A Balancing Act

 
Karol doing her thing

Karol doing her thing

Hailing from Palos Verdes in the Super Mini Flyweight Weight Class meeeeeeet Karol! 

Karol might be petite, but let me tell you she’s mighty strong!  Karol is the sweetest, most thoughtful little lady you could ever meet and she can give any 5 Star pastry chefs a run for their money. Seriously, I've had her Yummy Coffee Cake!

Karol is a lifelong runner and had never done any weight training before I started working with her over 3 years ago.  Her balance is not something that comes naturally to her so through her dedication to single leg exercises and some good ol’ fashion squats and deadlifts she’s greatly improved her strength, balance, and posture. 

Karol you have been a pleasure to work with, the GAINZZ you have made are truly amazing! 

Mazel Tov!! 

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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip: Weight Training Isn’t Just for Meatheads

Weight Training Isn't Just for Meatheads
 

What if I told you that nearly half of my clients are endurance athletes that share one common thread—they are all very strong. How did they get this way? By lifting weights! Because most endurance sports are very repetitive and require the use of the same muscle groups over and over again, strength training is a great way to keep your body in balance so as to avoid injury. Regardless of your fitness goals, weight training will give you a mental edge over your competition, even if the only one you’re competing with is the one in the mirror. 

In the late 80s, I started competing in local 5Ks. Back then, the weight room was mostly reserved for football players and meatheads. I cannot begin to tell you how wrong this thinking was! Whether you are a runner, triathlete, cyclist, or just want to look good in a pair of skinny jeans — you need to be hitting the weight room regularly. 

Now I’m not saying you need to be jacked, yoked, or able to do a 500 lb. deadlift — but being strong makes everything easier, regardless of your current athletic prowess or future fitness goals. Below are just a few of the benefits that weight training will bring to your life:

  1. Improves your posture.
  2. Makes you more efficient at your sport.
  3. Reduces your chance of injury while performing your sport.
  4. Builds confidence.  
  5. Brings variety and fun to your workout.

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