How I Achieved Five Reps of the Iron Maiden

The Goal The idea of the Five-Rep Iron Maiden was planted in my head back in 2018 after completing the Iron Maiden Challenge at The Dome in Chicago. Training for something as big as Iron Maiden takes years of practice and after training for something for so long, it’s hard to be “finished.” Ben Eisenmenger […]

How to Get Stronger With Less Volume and More Focus

Training for the general sake of getting stronger is great. But having a specific goal within a realistic timeframe helps inform your training choices to work smarter, not harder. And smarter often means less. Here is how one strong woman got stronger with smart accessory lifts. Idle Hands Idle hands are the devil’s workshop—this describes […]

The “Secret” to Success: Visualization

Visualization may sound “woo-woo” to some, but not to those who have their sights set on meaningful goals and quality training. I strongly believe if your mindset isn’t right, then your training will suffer.

One Good Rep: How to Perform the Perfect Pull-up

Before we can achieve a heavy weighted pull-up like that required for the Iron Maiden or Beast Tamer, we need to be able to do one perfect pull-up—and that’s what I’m going to teach you today.

Get Stronger: Chronicles of a Lightweight Beast Tamer

Becoming a Beast Tamer began as an idea , but once I came up with the perfect formula I knew I could tame this Beast. The formula was simple: get stronger.

Dairy Cows and Burrito Bowls—How to Win the TSC

The StrongFirst Tactical Strength Challenge returns around the world on Saturday, October 26. The TSC is a personal challenge held twice a year, but the October instalment also sees men and women in the Competition Division vie to be crowned annual TSC Champion. What does it take to reach the top of the scoreboard? Someone […]

2018 StrongFirst Updates

Since you are likely looking ahead to 2018 and beginning to lay out your training year (you are, aren’t you?), we want to update you on some changes that may be relevant to you.

The Keys to Executing a Successful Weighted Tactical Pull-Up

Let's examine the key details in the setup and execution of the weighted tactical pull-up. Perhaps these tips can help you have a better experience at the Beast Tamer or Iron Maiden Challenge.

Chronicles of a Lightweight Beast Tamer, Part 2: The Pistol

Being a lightweight and conquering the Beast Tamer is no easy feat. Here are my tips on how to train for and execute your Beat Tamer pistol.