The Way
John, I was wondering a couple things. First, what is your spirit animal? Second, which historical warrior do you imagine yourself as when you are attempting a PR? (I assume everyone does this, right?)...
2010 Recap
This is my recap for 2010. This past year has been exciting, full of growth and progress. Talk To Me Johnnie was launched and CrossFit Football made it into it’s second year. We have been working on a site redesign and many other advances to come. For my year end wrap up, I have decided to answer a few questions I did not get a chance to respond to in 2010...
MU
Hey Guys, Just wondering why there are no muscle-ups in the CrossFit Football programming? I've heard that if you can do heavy weighted pull-ups (like 100 extra pounds) then you can do a muscle up no problem but I don't know if this is true. Does this have anything to do with the program doing a ton of weighted pull-ups and chin ups? Thanks, Jay Jay, before I go threw the reasons you [...]
Self-improvement is masturbation
I pulled myself out of bed on the 26th with thoughts of improvement and New Year's promises. I had been crushing my training & eating as of late, and yesterday, I decided to abandon it. I ate way too much and drank beyond my means and was feeling it. I fired up my espresso machine and reflected. A prominent fictional figure was quoted as saying, “Self-improvement is masturbation. Now self-destruction… “ Is this accurate? [...]
Deadlifts & Viagra
Hey John, Love the program and thank you for what you do for us. I was a collegiate rower over a decade ago, but since then have given up the long steady-state work and have fallen in love with strength training. I’ve been on the Amateur program for about 1 year now and I’ve been making good strides in my overall strength. But I know I have a weak link…my lower back (and [...]
Regeneration
John, I wanted to thank you for the training as I am stronger, faster and becoming an all around a better athlete because of it. However, lately I have been getting my ass kicked in the training. Got any recovery tips to help me recover and keep making progress? Thanks, R & R As you can imagine playing a 16 game season in the NFL takes a toll on the body. Add to [...]
Stingers and a Strong Physique
I have a client playing college football for Montana next year. He has had issues with stingers any suggestions to help with those. I am thinking heavy farmers walks and deadlifts. Maybe some bridge work. Any suggestions would be helpful. He is playing tight end. Thanks, Jake For those you that have never played contact sports or were not privy to bone crushing hits on a daily basis, a stinger or burner is [...]
Strength Training for Young Athletes
Johnnie, What's your take on what age young athletes should start lifting weights? I am working with a group of 11 and 12 year-old baseball players doing mostly speed and agility work because their parents are terrified of strength training. Sandy H. Lets take a look at how kids unfold. As children grow in size and develop muscle mass, they also develop increased strength. These strength improvements are independent of any training stimulus. [...]
Mecca of Power
I was in Fairfield, CT last month for a certification and Zach Even-Esh took a drive up from New Jersey to say hello. Zach and I have been emailing for over a year and finally got the chance to meet up. He loaned me a collection of old PL'ing articles for light reading on the plane ride home. I was reading an old article from Joe Weider in 1969 by Dick Tyler entitled [...]
Zombie Preparation Part II
In wake of the Zombie Preparation Part I, I decided to expand and outline some transportation options and stealthy mean for dealing with those pesky zombies. Everyone knows I am a fan of everything of anything with wheels…one to eighteen…I love them all. I am lucky enough to be the owner of a few cars, trucks and motorcycles and love my mountain bike and beach cruisers. When the zombies attack you will have [...]