Author: Dr. Michael Hartle
Dr. Michael Hartle is not only a chiropractic physician, but he is also a StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor, a board-certified Clinical Nutritionist (DACBN), a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and an Active Release Technique (ART) provider since 1995. Dr. Hartle is also in the second year of studying for his Ph.D. in Exercise Science.
Raised in the frozen tundra known as Minnesota, he once lived in Hawai'i while his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor during Vietnam. He has been practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the last 26 years.
A nationally-ranked powerlifter, who has won several national titles with USA Powerlifting (USAPL), Dr. Michael is also the former Vice President of USAPL and Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee. He was the Head Coach of the USAPL World Bench Press Team for eight years, winning the 2004 World Championship Team Title. His best competition lifts are 705lb squat, 535lb bench press, and 635lb deadlift with a best combined total of the three lifts of 1,840lbs in the 275lb weight class.
After Dr. Hartle retired from competing in powerlifting for 20 years, he started playing semi-pro football as a defensive tackle. He played for 10 years and loved it. His football team, the Adams County Patriots, won the National AA Semi-Pro Football Championship in 2008. He treats, trains, and advises all kinds of patients: babies, the elderly, youth athletes, NCAA student-athletes, and professional athletes. He has coached junior high football and track and field, volunteering his time, for 16 years. He has three sons and three grandchildren who keep him busy with their personal endeavors, including hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse, track, field and, of course, academics.
Every time I teach the deadlift, a particular question comes up: whether to perform “stop reps” or “touch and go” reps during sets. Let's discuss the differences between them and what we can learn from each.
Quality and quantity are important together, in almost equal amounts, when it comes to forcing the body into the physiological and neurological adaptation necessary to achieve the goals you're after.
I am neither discussing different types of headaches, nor the strength properties of a barbell and its ability to resist bending and becoming permanently deformed. I am talking about what your body needs to generate prior to loading it.
This length of time may seem like an eternity, but taking long rest intervals between work sets is one of the keys to building strength.
The addition of the SFB and SFL to the StrongFirst curriculum means we all have the chance to optimize our use of kettlebells, barbells, and bodyweight training.
Many years ago, the president of USA Powerlifting asked me, "Did you ever notice that those who train with heavy weights have better looking skin and look more alive than those who just do cardio only?"
This not very well known condition is actually quite prevalent in our society today. People of all ages suffer from it without realizing, and once a person is afflicted with this condition, it is difficult to overcome.
The triceps brachii are often overlooked in the deadlift, even by competitive powerlifters. But when engaged properly, they help you generate more strength and power and reduce injury.
The barbell front squat is an effective squat variation, is just plain hard work, and has a carryover to sport and life that cannot be ignored. Here are the essentials you need to know.
