The Paradox Breathing Crunch for Stronger Abs and Bigger Lifts

An Excerpt from Deadlift Dynamite The paradox breathing technique, developed in the USSR by opera singer Alexandra Strelnikova for applications obviously unrelated to lifting, will teach you how to tense your abs while “packing” your belly with air. Lie on your back with your legs straight.[i] If you are top heavy, anchor your feet under […]

Keeping A Resilient Back as We Age

Meeting Pavel for the first time about twenty years ago changed my life. It is a story that has been told in these pages before. I was impressed with this quiet gentleman who knew so much about training systems far from the American tradition. We discussed the eloquence of Russian sport science that produced performance […]

A Look Inside the StrongFirst Lifter (SFL) Barbell Instructor Certification

The lifts, the preparation, the weekend itself, and priceless bits of advice—the barbell and its ultimate instructional experience, the SFL Certification—are demystified.

What You Need to Know About the Lats and Your Front Squat

Whether you do the bodybuilding, weightlifting, or powerlifting rack while front squatting, using your lats to the maximum is key. Once you understand the anatomy and kinesiology of this powerful muscle, you will know why.

How I Achieved a 3 x Bodyweight Deadlift (and You Can Increase Your Deadlift, Too)

A few years ago, my deadlift was at a crossroads. I decided to use StrongFirst principles to guide a simplified training approach. Here's what I did and how you, too, can increase your deadlift.

Kettlebell Deadlift ➔ Barbell Deadlift

An Excerpt from Deadlift Dynamite If you know your way around the kettlebell, you have an unfair advantage when it comes to learning barbell skills. Start with a barbell half-deadlift because it is less demanding of skill and flexibility. And it really teaches you to drive the hips forward, an essential element of Andy’s competition […]

Podcast Episode #08: Dr. Judd Biasiotto

StrongFirst Podcast Episode #08 Summary: In this episode of the StrongFirst Podcast, your host Craig Marker talks with Dr. Judd Biasiotto, sports psychologist and author of The Search for Greatness, about going from dead last in powerlifting meets to setting world records, and the mindset that helped him overcome many challenges. Many of his challenges […]

Busting a Squat Barrier: an Excerpt from The Search for Greatness

When a man is determined to improve his performance on a lift, he will do whatever he can to break that plateau. Dr. Judd Biasiotto is one of those men, and his story and the methods he used to break a world record will inspire you.

Training Shoes: My Recommendations and Why

Over the years, I have gathered various training shoes and each has its specific purpose, both for powerlifting and general training. In this article, I discuss each of my training shoes in detail and explain what I use them for.

The Single-leg Deadlift: The Most Underutilized and Powerful Skill

Adding the SLDL into your training will improve your balance and help you hit personal records in your pistol, get-up, and barbell deadlift, while having carryover to many other skills.