3 Simple Modifications to Squat When in Pain

Our bodies are built to adapt. How else would we ever develop the strength (mental and physical) to meet challenges or compete in sports, let alone recover from them to be stronger, more capable, more resilient than before? That means that our training can be hard. It should be hard at times. But what can […]

Podcast Episode #17: Dr. Stu McGill

 StrongFirst Podcast Episode #17 Summary Dr. Stu McGill discusses optimal back health and its importance when strength training. Show Notes 00:55 — Craig introduces Dr. Stu McGill. 4:46 — Dr. McGill discusses animal models and how the cervical spine of a pig is similar to the human spine. 09:17 — Discussion of Pavel’s core […]

Podcast Episode #12: Dr. Chad Waterbury

StrongFirst Podcast Episode #12 Summary In this episode of the StrongFirst Podcast, your host Craig Marker talks with Dr. Chad Waterbury about strength and conditioning. Show Notes 00:44 – About Dr. Chad Waterbury, who was trained as a neurophysiologist and Doctor of Physical Training. 3:36 – Dr. Waterbury discusses visualization and its benefits. 04:34 – […]

Cultivating Recovery

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn Take a moment to do an internet search for me: Recovery strategies in fitness. I’ll wait… A search for “recovery strategies” likely sent your head spinning. In the last few years, recovery strategies have become another fad blazing through the […]

G-Tox: A Proven Tool for Accelerated Grip Recovery

Tension and relaxation training go hand in hand. During your next training session, try adding this new drill to your fast and loose arsenal to boost performance through accelerated grip recovery.

Podcast Episode #22: Jon Engum

 StrongFirst Podcast Episode #22 Summary Jon Engum, StrongFirst Master Instructor, joins your host, Craig Marker, to talk about martial arts, flexible steel drills, his new book Trembling Shock, and the Dome of Strength in Chicago. Jon and Craig will also discuss training people in different cultures. Show Notes 01:45 – Discussion of cold exposure […]

Podcast Episode #13: Dr. Kelly Starrett

 StrongFirst Podcast Episode #13 Summary Dr. Kelly Starrett talks with Craig Marker about strength, conditioning, and moving well. Dr. Starrett is a coach, physical therapist, author, speaker, and blogger, as well as the owner of San Francisco Crossfit and MobilityWOD.com. Show Notes 01:15 – Dr. Starrett talks about his early work and his relationship […]

Four Mobility Drills to Fix your Performance Killing Feet

We often blame our feet last for performance problems or tension leaks. But as our main connection to the ground, they are the foundation to all movement and the vessels through which we generate power and express our strength. Neglecting them is not an option. Learn four drills by  Master StrongFirst Instructor Karen Smith to […]

Flexible Steel and StrongFirst: Announcing a Partnership

Flexible Steel is a necessary and valuable piece of the training puzzle, a piece people are frequently missing. Imagine the joy of owning the effortless flexibility of a child, while also possessing the strength of an adult.

How to Power-up Your StrongFirst Practice by Applying the FMS Principles

At the core of the FMS principles is the understanding that all movement exists in a hierarchy built upon the developmental sequence. This is a complicated way of saying, “You have to walk before you can run.”