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Team Barbarian Blog

The Benefits of Super-Set Training: More Intensity – Greater Results

In the world of strength training there are many different methods of building muscle and getting insanely strong.  Some of these high intensity training techniques should be used sparingly and infrequently, whereas others are simply useless.  With so many exercise gimmicks and quick fix fads on the market, wouldn't it be great if there was a safe and natural way to build more size and strength in less time?  There is.  The strength and size building strategy that you should consider incorporating into your program is called “superset” training. Conventional weight training typically involves using "straight sets." A straight set is performed by doing a series of repetitions of an exercise, then stopping for a set amount of rest before doing another set of the same exercise. There is nothing wrong with this traditional form of training, but supersetting has a few distinct benefits. A superset is an advanced training [...]

By | June 13th, 2018|
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Sleep Like A Champ

Most athletes focus on their training programs and nutrition plans, but what about rest and recovery? Good sleep is one of the cornerstones of good health and is a powerful “training tool” in itself. While 7 to 9 hours is widely accepted as the optimal amount of sleep for most adults, getting too little can negatively affect your health. Sleep deprivation has become so common that many people may not even realize they are suffering from it. Some of the serious problems that a sleep deficit can cause include: A weakened immune system Poor memory Poor concentration and mental performance Poor physical performance Stress related disorders such as heart disease, ulcers, and depression Reduced growth hormone produced (accelerating the aging process) Hunger and weight gain […]

By | February 23rd, 2018|
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Strongman Training for Athletes

How can flipping a tire, pulling a heavy sled, or carrying a sandbag help you become a better athlete? For the giant men we’ve watched on television, these are tests of strength, power and determination, a challenge which pushes them to their physical limits.  They pull trucks, deadlift cars, throw kegs, and pick up huge boulders.  In a primal, gritty way it is also a test of what they are made of. These are the events of strongman contests, a sport which has gained fame through ESPN's "World's Strongest Man Competition.  It is the athlete's version of extreme manual labor, and has drawn a large audience of viewers due to the surprising appeal of large men moving large objects. But there are other athletes who are now participating in these unorthodox training methods.  A growing number of coaches, trainers, and athletes are recognizing the effectiveness of incorporating odd implement exercises, [...]

By | January 15th, 2018|
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Effective Strength Training Principles

It seems like the debates over effective resistance training program design will never end. Throughout my career as a trainer I have studied and implemented countless strength and hypertrophy regimens. What always intrigued me was that so many of these programs promote what appeared to be completely antagonistic training philosophies! One guru will insist that only high volume training is ideal for muscle growth, while another expert declares that low volume, high intensity training is the key. Other routines were so convoluted that you would spend more time contemplating the complex variations therein than actually training! This is called “analysis paralysis”. What became apparent, however, was that despite all of the conflicting information, the most effective programs typically share common elements and principles. Rather than focusing on the different theories, it will serve you better to look at the big picture: the fundamentals. The intention of this article is to [...]

By | January 15th, 2018|
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Work on Your Ground Game: A Big Step to Getting Stronger

What if I told you that there is one neglected body part that you could strengthen which would lead to an increase in full body strength and mobility? It might not be what you expect. I'm talking about your FEET. If you suffer from foot, ankle, knee, low back pain, or related problems including shin splints, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, „fallen‟ arches, or Achilles tendonitis, then this article should be of particular interest to you. Your feet may be holding you back from becoming stronger. The feet are the body‟s base of support. During exercise, sport, and most daily activities, force enters the body through your hands and feet, with the feet supporting the bulk of this workload. However, whereas most people understand the importance of grip training and how strong hands contribute to a strong upper body, our feet are often neglected. Most people just shove their feet [...]

By | March 10th, 2017|
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Not All Pain is Gain: Natural Pain Management Methods

Pain's Purpose Aristotle called pain the "passion of the soul." Although we may not look at pain quite so romantically, it’s important to recognize that pain serves a constructive purpose. Pain is a warning signal that you may be in danger or at risk of injury. The sensation of pain tells us that something are doing may cause the body damage, and in this way pain is our innate method of self-protection. You can imagine the problems that would arise if you were unable to feel pain! Pain is usually divided into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute pain generally short-lived and gradually disappears through the course of normal healing. Acute pain typically has an identifiable cause. Chronic pain persists for more than six months. Some chronic pain sufferers may have symptoms for months or even years. This could be the result of a specific injury or chronic medical, [...]

By | November 9th, 2016|
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