Strength Training

Exercises with improvised unconventional objects (e.g., sandbags, rockballs, and weight sleds) can really set your fitness practice apart. These exercises are a lot of fun and very challenging, but not so challenging that people can't do them. They have a great impact on the overall body. They challenge you in ways that fixed weight will never do, and provide simulation for real-life crises and situations. That's because they force the body to adjust to irregular shapes and uneven weight distribution. Most unconventional objects are easy and inexpensive to make, with materials like rock gravel and ... Continue Reading

"No pain, no gain!" has been recited over and over again perhaps by millions of people. It is almost a mantra unto itself. Today I venture to rock the proverbial boat on this well-worn cliche, due to its misuse by so many people. There needs to be a distinction made between focused, dedicated, relentless effort and physical pain (which is often the warning sign of an impending injury). A while ago I was watching an online video on strongman training. I respect these guys a lot, and I value the way they train. One thing ... Continue Reading

We find that many fitness professionals sometimes have misconceptions about developing strength, power, and muscle endurance. Read some of the myths below and see which ones may apply to you. If you are interested in learning more about REAL strength training, sign up for "Strength for the Streets" on our website.   MYTH ONE: Cardio activities increase metabolism the same or more than Strength training activities. FACT: Once a cardio workout is done, its effect on metabolism ends. Research shows that a high intensity strength workout can keep the metabolism up for hours to days ... Continue Reading

In our experience, there are two types of fitness programs: The first type of program is great for clients who want "beach muscles" and/or want to look pretty. The second type of program builds true strength, endurance, and power. It is important to be honest about which kind of program, and which results, you offer. In the first case, you are toning the body. But you aren't giving people the kind of strength they need to be more effective in their everyday situations, in crises, or in sports. To get those kinds of on-the-street real ... Continue Reading

Here is an excerpt from the "Strength for the Streets" Program Manual by Frank DiMeo: What separates "Strength for the Streets" from other programs is that we focus on the most difficult 15 seconds to 15 minutes of your life. We're not worried about making you pretty or slim, or helping you to lose weight. This is not a program to look like a body builder. We are going to build your strength so you can move something heavy. We're going to build your power to give you that explosive speed, and muscle endurance as ... Continue Reading