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	<title>Diesel Crew - Muscle Building, Athletic Development, Strength Training, Grip Strength &#187; athletic strength training</title>
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	<description>Strength and Conditioning for Elite Athletic Performance - Free Articles, Videos for Coaches, Fitness Professionals, Personal Trainers, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists for All Sports</description>
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		<title>Simple But Awesome Glute Activation Exercise</title>
		<link>http://www.dieselcrew.com/glute-activation-exercise</link>
		<comments>http://www.dieselcrew.com/glute-activation-exercise#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:09:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jedd Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[how to improve fitness and conditioning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength training muscle building workouts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength training powerlifting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength training to improve athletic performance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[athletic strength training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[improve glute strength]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[improve stride length]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jump higher]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dieselcrew.com/?p=11145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image Source: EliteTrack.com If you spend a lot of time seated, or if you travel a lot in vehicles or in airplanes, then this post is for you. Also, if you are an athlete and your sport requires you to be able to perform powerful movements with the lower body, like jumping and bounding, then [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/bosch.jpg" alt="" title="bosch" width="320" height="278" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11389" /><br />
<i>Image Source:  EliteTrack.com</i></p>
<p>If you spend a lot of time seated, or if you travel a lot in vehicles or in airplanes, then this post is for you.</p>
<p>Also, if you are an athlete and your sport requires you to be able to perform powerful movements with the lower body, like jumping and bounding, then this post is for you.</p>
<p>In addition if you run, whether in sprinting fashion or distance, then this post is for you.</p>
<p>And if you participate in strength sports or feats of strength, then this post is for you as well because today I am going to show you how you can get more power out of your glutes which will lead to better striding power when running, better leaping and jumping power, and better executtion of posterior chain strength movements such as deadlifts, cleans, throws, and braced bends.</p>
<h2>Importance of the Glute Muscles to Sport, Strength and Power Movements</h2>
<p>Your Glutes are some of the most powerful muscles in your body.</p>
<p>They are heavily involved in Power Movements like jumping and sprinting as well as directional changes.</p>
<p><strong>Unfortunately, if you spend a lot of time sitting down, then you might be making your Glute strength disappear.</strong></p>
<p>You see, when you are seated, your hips remain in a flexed position.  Over time this joint angle at the hip can cause the hip flexors to shorten and tighten.</p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fig04_03a-915x1024.jpg" alt="" title="fig04_03a" width="450" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11390" /></center></p>
<p>The image above from Human Kinetics shows the relationship between the front of the body and the rear.  With tight hip flexors, generally comes weak lower abdominals and conversely, the muscles on the opposite side, the lower lumbar muscles and the glutes get weakened and can&#8217;t do what they are meant to do.</p>
<p>When the hip flexors shorten like this and become tight, they can actually hinder the amount of power your glutes can generate because they will keep your hips from extending correctly in the movements we mentioned earlier, such as jumping, running and other unilateral and power movements.</p>
<p>To illustrate this a bit better, imagine trying to jump up in the air, but attached to your waistline is a chain on either side, connecting you to the floor, and just as you are about to really get some drive going, the chains hit their maximum length and won&#8217;t allow you to explode.  That is kind of what is going on when you have tight hip flexors.</p>
<p>Two of the main reasons to address this issue are stretching the <strong>hip flexors</strong> and <strong>activating the glutes</strong>.</p>
<h2>Understanding the Hip Flexors</h2>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/iliopsoas-bursa.jpg" alt="" title="iliopsoas-bursa" width="356" height="354" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11380" /></center></p>
<p>In the image above, you can see where the hip flexors are located, and where they attach.  A lot of people don&#8217;t realize the actual articulations of the hip flexors.  </p>
<p><strong>Per Wikipedia:</strong>  </p>
<p><u>Origins</u>:  The Psoas major originates along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies of T12 and L1-L5 and their associated intervertebral discs. The Psoas minor, which presents in only some 40 percent of the population, originates at the transverse processes of L1-L5. The Iliacus originates in the Iliac fossa of the pelvis</p>
<p><u>Insertions</u>:  Psoas major unites with iliacus at the level of the inguinal ligament and crosses the hip joint to insert on the lesser trochanter. The Psoas minor inserts at the iliopectineal arch, the thickened band at the iliac fascia which separates the muscular lacuna from the vascular lacuna. femoral nerve, L1, L2</p>
<h2>Common Hip Flexor Stretches</h2>
<p>For individuals who have tight hip flexors, one of the ways to correct the situation is with stretching.  Below is a commonly used stretch and some slight variations in order to intensify it.</p>
<p><strong>Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/stretch1-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="stretch1" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11417" />  <img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/stretch2-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="stretch2" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11418" /></center></p>
<p>One common Hip Flexor stretch is the kneeling hip flexor stretch.  Just getting into a position <i>like</i> what is shown above is not good enough, however.  You must keep the torso upright and as you move forward, keep the pressure directed into the hip flexor muscles themselves.  Improper angling here can result in stretching the quad.  The quad originates on the ilium so its path is similar to the hip flexors.  Not that there&#8217;s anything wrong with stretching the quad, but the purpose of this stretch is the hip flexor.</p>
<p><strong>With Arm Raised</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/102_6737-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="102_6737" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11427" />  <img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/102_6738-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="102_6738" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11428" /></center></p>
<p>This stretch can also be intensified by raising the arm on the same side as the leg being stretched.</p>
<p><strong>With Foot Elevated</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/stretch3-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="stretch3" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11419" /></center></p>
<p>As your flexibility increases, the rear foot can also be elevated to increase the stretch on the hip flexor and the quad as well.</p>
<p>Again, this is just one stretch that you can do for the hip flexors, along with a few modifications.  In a bit I am going to show you another exercise to try that actually stretches my hip flexor even better while activating the glutes at the same time.</p>
<h2>How to Activate the Glutes</h2>
<p>When tightness on one side of the body inhibits a muscle on the opposite side of the body, we often have to retrain the muscle to fire properly.  In the case of Glutes that have been shut down, the athlete has probably learned to use the hamstrings and muscles of the lower back to provide the force needed for hip extension.  We have to get the body back in tune by training the Glutes to fire when they are supposed to.</p>
<p><strong>Glute Bridge</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/raise1-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="raise1" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11421" />  <img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/raise2-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="raise2" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11422" /></center></p>
<p>Perhaps the most common of Glute activation exercises is the glute bridge.  This movement can be done with one or two legs, and can be modified by extending a leg or by adding resistance, such as chains. </p>
<p><strong>Quadruped Hip Extension</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/raise3-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="raise3" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11424" />  <img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/raise4-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="raise4" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11425" /></center></p>
<p>Quadruped refers to being on all fours.  One leg is then lifted upwards by means of the Glutes.  Very simple to perform, but attention must be put forth not to cheat or use momentum.</p>
<p><strong>Fire Hydrant</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fire1-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="fire1" width="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11423" /></center></p>
<p>Named after a dog lifting its leg to mark a fire hydrant, I learned this movement from Joe Defranco, and in particular, I learned that you don&#8217;t half-ass this movement (sorry for the pun, but I had to).  The way I heard Joe describe this movement is to imagine you&#8217;re sneaking into a house through a very large window.  Perform the exercise by carefully pulling the hip around the full range of motion, slowly and deliberately.  Doing the exercise like this REALLY helps you feel it.  Don&#8217;t just go through the motions.</p>
<h2>How to Do Both at the Same Time</h2>
<p>There is absolutely plenty of value in performing the above exercises.  I have done all of them and they have worked for me in varying degrees.</p>
<p>However, recently, when shooting footage for a DVD on Braced Bending, I stumbled onto an exercise that actually is highly effective at stretching the hip flexors while getting an extremely intense contraction from the glutes.  In fact, of all the Glute exercises I&#8217;ve ever tried, none of them can compare to the heightened contraction of this maneuver.</p>
<p>I call this move the Knee Driver, because I was using it to demonstrate the initial kink used when braced bending things like steel bars, wrenches and other odd objects.  In the initial kink, you use the strength of your glute to drive your knee into the bar to get it to bend, thus the Knee Driver.</p>
<p><strong>Knee Driver</strong></p>
<p><center><br />
<hr width="600" color="#d10000"/>
<iframe width="450" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O4XK7YcoTM0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<i>My apologies for the poor quality video.  I had changed the settings<br />
by accident and did not realize it was so grainy until I uploaded it.</i></p>
<hr width="600" color="#d10000"/></center></p>
<p>For me, I have never felt a Glute Exercise that caused such a deep and hard contraction of my Glute Muscles.  I mean, this exercise balled my glute up so tightly when I first tried it that I could not believe it, plus it stretched my hip flexors at the same time, and I have done it just about every workout since then in order to get my Glutes ready to go.</p>
<p>I like to perform this exercise for two sets with each leg and to do at least 6 to 8 good solid contractions per set.  I don&#8217;t even bother with a lot of the other glutes exercises I used to do, because the contractions pale in comparison to what I get out of the Knee Driver.</p>
<p>I encourage you to give this a try and report back what you have found and how it compares to other exercises you have tried.</p>
<p>All the best in your training.</p>
<p>Jedd</p>
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		<title>Grip Strength Challenge &#8211; Barbell Snatch</title>
		<link>http://www.dieselcrew.com/barbell-snatch-grip-strength-triple-extension</link>
		<comments>http://www.dieselcrew.com/barbell-snatch-grip-strength-triple-extension#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 21:05:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jedd Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[athletic strength training lift odd objects]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dieselcrew.com/?p=9323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Slight Change of Plans, DIESELS! A couple weeks back, we contested the Dumbbell Snatch and I said that during the week of June 11th we would be contesting the Barbell Snatch. I am changing that up, but it is for a VERY COOL REASON. After this week, the next four weeks&#8217; challenges will be WILD [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 4px;"><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Vasily1armSnatch.jpg" alt="" title="Vasily1armSnatch" width="174" height="239" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9328" /></div>
<p><strong>Slight Change of Plans, DIESELS!</strong></p>
<p>A couple weeks back, we contested the <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/one-hand-snatch-grip-challenge">Dumbbell Snatch</a> and I said that during the week of June 11th we would be contesting the <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/barbell-snatch-grip-strength-triple-extension">Barbell Snatch</a>.</p>
<p><strong>I am changing that up, but it is for a <u>VERY COOL REASON</u>.</strong></p>
<p>After this week, the next four weeks&#8217; challenges will be WILD CARD events to qualify for the Wild Card spots at the <strong>North American Grip National Championship</strong> on July 16th, 2011.</p>
<p><strong><u>ANYONE</u></strong> in North America can take part and instantly qualify, IF they win in just ONE of the FOUR wild card weeks.</p>
<p>Next week, the challenge will be the <strong>Two Hands Pinch</strong>.  <u>The Euro-Pinch device will not be necessary</u>.  Instead, two 35&#8242;s or 45&#8242;s or their kilogram counterparts can be used with a pipe through the middle.  An entire video demonstration will be available on my YouTube Channel showing you exactly what to do.</p>
<p>IF YOU WANT TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST IN THE NATION, BUT HAVE HAD NO QUALIFIERS NEAR YOU, THEN THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET TO NATIONALS.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s next week &#8211; let&#8217;s look at this week&#8217;s challenge!</p>
<p><font size="4"><b>This Week&#8217;s Challenge &#8211; Barbell Snatch</b></font></p>
<p>The Barbell Snatch is another OUTSTANDING drill for developing not only full body strength, power, and explosiveness, but also <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com">Grip Strength</a>, as long as you don&#8217;t mess around with a hook grip or use straps (please don&#8217;t be that guy&#8230;)</p>
<p>The Barbell Snatch is great for athletes because it trains the core, is a posterior chain dominant, and it also requires the all-important triple extension of the ankles, knees, and hips, which is also present in jumping, leaping/bounding, and sprinting.  So put this movement, or a variation, into your program on a routine basis to get the most benefit.</p>
<p>To perform the Barbell Snatch, load up a barbell and Snatch it overhead in one movement.</p>
<p><strong>For the challenge, again, no hook grip or straps are allowed</strong>.  A wrist wrap is fine for support and injury prevention and belts and chalk are also perfectly fine.</p>
<p>To see the Barbell Snatch in action, just play the video below.</p>
<p><object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6NkP_UMGz3c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6NkP_UMGz3c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>The winner this week will be the one who Snatches the most weight the most times in one (1) minute.  No press-outs will be counted.  Also, the off-hand should be used to a minimum.  My watchful eye will be checking this out.  And again, no hook grip or straps!</p>
<p>Make sure you are getting quality reps.  You should be locked out with one hand on the bar and feet in line.  Any questionable reps will not be counted.  I will begin the 1-minute time limit once you begin your first rep.</p>
<p>Get warmed up and get your best effort on film!  Remember, any number of reps at a higher weight will beat any number of reps at a lower weight.  So go heavy and go for time!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s see those submissions, and please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in winning one off the Wild Card spots at Nationals for their Division, so they can participate next week.</p>
<p>All the best in your training.</p>
<p>Jedd<br />
<strong><br />
P.S. Get on the Strongman Training DVD Early Bird List.  Put your name and email in the box below.</strong></p>
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		<title>Slippery Rock Strength Clinic Rundown</title>
		<link>http://www.dieselcrew.com/slippery-rock-strength-clinic-rundown</link>
		<comments>http://www.dieselcrew.com/slippery-rock-strength-clinic-rundown#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:19:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jedd Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[how to improve fitness and conditioning]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dieselcrew.com/?p=8798</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This past weekend, I traveled to Slippery Rock University to speak at the 3rd Annual Pennsylvania Strength Clinic. The clinic was organized by Tony Tridico (Titusville) and the on-site organizer was Dr. Jonathan Anning (Slippery Rock). The entire clinic was designed around the premise of how to build a solid strength and conditioning program and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/srulogo-300x228.jpg" alt="" title="srulogo" width="300" height="228" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8803" /></p>
<p>This past weekend, I traveled to Slippery Rock University to speak at the 3rd Annual Pennsylvania Strength Clinic.  The clinic was organized by Tony Tridico (Titusville) and the on-site organizer was Dr. Jonathan Anning (Slippery Rock).</p>
<p>The entire clinic was designed around the premise of how to build a solid strength and conditioning program and each speaker presented with this in mind&#8230;<span id="more-8798"></span></p>
<p><font size="4">Tony Tridico</font></p>
<p>Tony&#8217;s presentation focused on the Athletic Needs Analysis.  This presentation set the stage for the day, laying a foundation showing the new strength coaches in attendance how to go about setting up a strength and conditioning program, especially for addressing the needs of a variety of sports and a diverse range of skill levels.</p>
<p>Highlight of the Speech:  Tony&#8217;s presentation covered a huge topic.  Needs Analysis could be an 8-hour clinic in itself, but he did a great job in covering a wide range of information for the audience.  The one thing that particularly caught my eye was a small section he included on Injury Prevention.</p>
<p>I am working on getting the exact statistics for you, but Tony had a table that included a comparison of different types of injuries  throughout many different sports.  What jumped out at me was the high incidence of hand and wrist injuries in each sport.  </p>
<p>Of the various sports included, Baseball and Softball led them with 24% and 25% of the hand and wrist injuries.  This might surprise some people since, the injury that usually springs to mind in Baseball is arm trouble, but Hand and Wrist was the leader.  Also, the Hand / Wrist injuries were just as high as knee injuries in many sports, including Football.</p>
<p>What this means is that as strength coaches, not only must we remember to include Grip Strength training for our athletes in order to help them be as strong as possible in the weight room and in their sport, but that they can also benefit by becoming more resilient to injuries with proper Grip Training.  We can work towards bullet-proofing our athletes as a preventive measure against injuries, plus if their lower arms and hands are strong, and they do take on some form of an injury, they should also be able to bounce back quicker and return to 100% faster.</p>
<p>Tony also covered the Olympic lifts in his hands-on session and the crowd seemed to have enjoyed it quite a bit.  Tony did a great job of showing the breakdowns for the Clean and Jerk so that the attendees could start implementing some of the pulls and squats with their athletes.</p>
<p><font size="4">Jeremy Hoy</font></p>
<p>Jeremy Hoy is from Finish First Sports.  He showed in his presentation that to have a successful program, you do not have to have a huge facility.  I believe Jeremy said that his gym measures about 40&#8242; by 40&#8242; for a total of 1600 square feet.  He said he has to be innovative and think outside the box about how he can maximize his space and benefit his athletes as much as possible.  Jeremy trains athletes from the elementary school level all the way up to members of the Pittsburgh Penguins, so I&#8217;d say he&#8217;s figured out how to get as much out of his facility as possible.</p>
<p>In continuing with the Needs Analysis and Program Design theme, Jeremy presented a very good quote, and I unfortunately failed to write down the person who said it&#8230; </p>
<p>&#8220;<i>There is no best method for all athletes at all times.  There are only best methods for specific individual athletes at specific times under specific circumstances.</i>&#8221;  </p>
<p>In other words, Strength Coaches should not concern themselves with finding a magic bullet for their diverse strength programs.  Instead, they should focus on targeting the needs of their athletes, addressing those needs and be ready to shift focuses as needed and as changes develop.</p>
<p>I also found out that Hockey players&#8217; backs are TORN the Hell Up, from the postures they play in, and all the bumps they take during games, which makes perfect sense, but having never played the sport myself, I never considered it.</p>
<p>Finally, in Jeremy&#8217;s hands-on session on rope training, I thought he made a great point when he said he does NOT employ the constant moderate-intensity battling techniques that are commonly done with ropes.  Instead, he ONLY uses violent and explosive movements to help generate power.  This is particularly AWESOME because Jeremy&#8217;s ropes are about 3 inches thick, making them naturally very heavy, PLUS some sections are wrapped in duct tape, making throwing these things around explosively even more impressive.</p>
<p><font size="4">Dr. Lyneil Mitchell</font></p>
<p><b>Have you ever sat in a class, seminar, or clinic, and thought the speaker was talking directly to you?</b></p>
<p>That is how I felt as Dr. Mitchell went down through his powerful presentation.  It was like he hid in the bushes and watched me train, eat, drink, and sleep for the last seven years and took notes that he could use to build his PowerPoint.  This presentation was really a wake-up call for me in many ways.</p>
<p>Dr. Mitchell covered a variety of topics in the 50 minutes he had to speak.  Here are a few points I wrote down which Mitchell expanded upon with outstanding detail:</p>
<ul>
<li>People get dental check-ups, why not routine joint and posture check-ups with physical therapists?</li>
<li>Postural muscles are trained and re-trained by habit</li>
<li>Imbalanced tension ratios between antagonistic muscle groups lead to injury</li>
<li>Anyone who works at a desk should squeeze their shoulder blades together 5X per hour</li>
<li>Proximal Stability (core) assists with Distal Mobility (appendages)</li>
<li>The body reacts with over-inflammation at onset of injury &#8211; this is when NSAIDS are most important</li>
</ul>
<p>Perhaps the biggest point that Dr. Mitchell made that I took as a MAJOR TAKE-AWAY was posture.  After 20 years of slouching in school, college, and at work, my posture sucks, and I need to work on it.  In fact, in the week leading up to the seminar, I was experiencing nearly daily headaches and neck pain.  Following his speech, I began forcing myself into better posture and I immediately felt a dulling of my headaches and by the end of the weekend they were gone!</p>
<p>In speaking with Lyneil at lunch, we got on the subject of Grip Training, and we brainstormed some very interesting training techniques, especially for the Two Hands Pinch, with which I will be experimenting and sharing with my guys at <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com">The Grip Authority</a> soon.</p>
<p><font size="4">Jedd Johnson</font></p>
<p>My presentation was called, How to Implement Grip Strength Training,&#8221; with a subtitle of &#8220;Why I am so messed up in the head.&#8221;  I spoke on Grip Strength, its importance and how to implement it.  I focused specifically on <a href="http://homemadestrength.com/the-secret-weapon.htm">How to Implement Grip Strength Training</a> for athletes, not just in relationship to <a href="http://www.gripsport.org">Grip Sport</a>.  Also, as the subtitle points out, I covered much about myself, my training, why I love training, and how my training has changed over the years.  I covered all of this as a way to support the idea that Strength Training Programs, especially when dealing with a diverse range of athletes, must change over time.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the audience appreciated some of the humor I put out there.  Sometimes what I believe sounds like classic humor, sounds like meaningless drivel for others, so hopefully I was somewhat on the mark.  The audience was very interactive, asking and answering questions throughout, so that was great.</p>
<p>Some additional points from my presentation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Why Grip Strength is EVERYTHING from the elbow down</li>
<li>Why just training Flexion in a Grip Training program is a BAD IDEA</li>
<li>How Tension Production is a skill that must be continually developed</li>
<li>How to Bullet-proof the lower arms</li>
<li>The Difference Between Isolation and Integration</li>
<li>6 Different Paradigms for Implementing Grip Strength Training</li>
<li>Quick Wins for Grip Strength Even on a Limited Budget</li>
</ul>
<p><font size="4">Jerry Shreck</font></p>
<p>Jerry&#8217;s always great, and I am not just saying that because he drove me to the clinic.  I always learn cool stuff from them.</p>
<p>For instance, I am asked at least once a month by readers here at the site <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/slippery-rock-strength-clinic-rundown">where to get empty beer kegs for strength training</a>, and I often give the same three responses:  (1) Retired / Damaged Kegs from Beer Distributors, (2) The Stainless Steel Section at Scrap/Junk Yards, (3)  Keep the Keg You Get for Your Next Party.  Well, Jerry introduced me to another way I never thought of.  He goes to Campus Police Stations and asks them if they have confiscated any beer kegs from under-age drinking parties, and that is how he has gotten a lot of his kegs.</p>
<p>Jerry showed us his <strong>Special Needs Section</strong>.  Jerry keeps extra room at the bottom of his training documentation sheet for special needs certain athletes might need.</p>
<p>Jerry also explained why he believes <strong>Hips and Ankles Save Knees </strong>. Jerry&#8217;s presentation&#8217;s main them was injury prevention and he went into great detail on how he trains the hips and ankles to be strong and stable in order to prevent knee injuries.  His injury rates are outstanding, so it seems to be paying off big time!</p>
<p>Jerry also covered some of his Core / Torso Training methods, which I fully intend to steal and implement, right away.  BWAH HA HA!  (strokes mustache)</p>
<p><font size="4">Lorelei Kubiak</font></p>
<p>Lorelei took the group through a battery of band stretches.  I wanted to get down on the floor and work out some of the tightness I was building up from sitting down all day, but unfortunately I had to set up for my hands-on session throughout the time she was covering her drills, so I missed out BIG TIME.  Many of the strength coaches in attendance remarked about how good they felt after doing the stretches.</p>
<p>I did get a chance to watch some of Lorelei&#8217;s stretches though, and I can say that many of them would have been very difficult for me to perform in my current state of rigidity.</p>
<p>All told, this was a great clinic.  The speakers were excellent, and for being a one-day clinic, I think I learned quite a bit.  I really liked how it was all built around the common theme of Program Design.  Any new Strength Coach, at ANY level of sports would have benefited.</p>
<p>Next seminar for me is in June at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA.  Below is the information, if you are interested in attending:</p>
<p><font size="4">Juniata College Pennsylvania State Strength &#038; Conditioning Clinic</font><br />
<strong>Who</strong>: Various Strength and Conditioning Professionals<br />
<strong>When</strong>: June 17 &#038; 18, 2011<br />
<strong>Where</strong>: Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA<br />
<strong>Why</strong>: If you are a Strength Coach and need Continued Education Units, then this is a great value. 1.9 CEU’s for just $245.<br />
<strong>How</strong>: Go here to sign up => <a href="http://www.juniata.edu/services/conferences/StrengthandConditioning.html">Juniata Strength &#038; Conditioning Conference</a></p>
<p><strong>SEE YOU THERE</strong>!</p>
<p>Jedd</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.fatgripz.com/190-0-1-15.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.fatgripz.com/idevaffiliate/banners/FatGripz-728x90-2.jpg" alt="Fat Gripz" border="0" width="600"><strong>Similar Posts:</strong>
<ul class="similar-posts">
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/strength-training-learning-opportunity" rel="bookmark" title="March 29, 2011">Upcoming Strength Training Clinics and Seminars</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/juniata-clinic-report" rel="bookmark" title="June 21, 2010">Juniata Clinic Report</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/coming-to-juniata" rel="bookmark" title="June 6, 2009">Coming to Juniata</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/strongman-training-and-loading-a-keg" rel="bookmark" title="May 14, 2009">Strongman Training and Loading a Keg</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/options-for-burning-fat-instead-of-cardi" rel="bookmark" title="February 8, 2010">Replace Cardio with Bull Strength Conditioning</a></li>
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		<title>Hardest Core Exercise &#8211; Part II &#8211; Dragon Flags with Bruce Lee Son!</title>
		<link>http://www.dieselcrew.com/hardest-core-exercise-part-ii-dragon-flags-with-bruce-lee-son</link>
		<comments>http://www.dieselcrew.com/hardest-core-exercise-part-ii-dragon-flags-with-bruce-lee-son#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:55:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jedd Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accelerated muscular development]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Hardest Core Exercise &#8211; Part II Dragon Flags with Bruce Lee Son! by Jim Smith, CSCS, RKC In the first installment of Hardest Core Exercise Ever, you&#8217;ll remember we setup a sit-up to press on the GHR bench with two kettlebells.  This variation provided a high intensity, powerful contraction of the rectus abdominis and hip [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7007" title="Bruce-Lee-Dragon-Flag" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Bruce-Lee-Dragon-Flag.jpg" alt="" width="346" height="265" /></p>
<h1>Hardest Core Exercise &#8211; Part II</h1>
<h2><em>Dragon Flags with Bruce Lee Son!</em></h2>
<p><em>by Jim Smith, CSCS, RKC</em></p>
<p>In the <a title="how-to-core-exercise-six-pack-ab-workouts" href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/core-training-workouts-hardest-core-exercise-ever-part-1">first installment of Hardest Core Exercise Ever</a>, you&#8217;ll remember we setup a sit-up to press on the GHR bench with two kettlebells.  This variation provided a high intensity, powerful contraction of the rectus abdominis and hip flexors, as well as engagement of the lats.  A contralateral torque was also was also overcome by the internal / external obliques and TA.  More so when the kettlebells were pressed independently.</p>
<p>In this next installment, we will target the same musculature with another high intensity exercise.  It is not called the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hardest Core Exercise Series</span> for nothing!</p>
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<p>For our next exercise, we&#8217;ll give a shout out to the guy with one of the best known six-packs in the biz &#8211; Bruce Lee.  No one can deny his world-class physique.  But unlike most guys, he was not only ripped, he was strong.  And one of the reasons for his strength was some of the <a title="how-to-perform-pull-ups-best-pull-up-video" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzts1X8l4Rk">advanced bodyweight exercises</a> he used in his training.  One such exercise was the<strong> Dragon Flag</strong>.</p>
<p>Oh you&#8217;re still not convinced, let me throw in Rocky from Rocky IV (even though Rocky III was the best one!)  Sly was at his peak and wanted to show how hard he was training to conquer the evil Russian.  So again, the Dragon Flag was pulled out.</p>
<h2>Dragon Flags</h2>
<p>Dragon Flags are performed by bracing hard on a bench or hard surface, while locking your arms in a fixed position.  The legs are driven up as if you are performing a reverse crunch.  From there, the lifter will lower themselves down not allowing any part of their body to touch the bench except for their upper back.  This is an important form cue.  This makes the exercise so much harder.  The lifter lowers their body until it is right above the bench.  The other important coaching cue is to make sure when the lifter raises back up, they do NOT bend at the waist, but rather raise their entire body as it was lowered, in a straight line.</p>
<p><strong>Why Are Dragon Flags Good?</strong></p>
<p>Dragon Flags entire the entire torso.  The entire torso is (and should be considered) the core.  Isolated movements attempting to target one muscle group are not effective in the real world.  More torso rigidity for squats, deads, bench press, clean &amp; press, sporting events, athletes, power development, etc&#8230;you name it, is developed with Dragon Flags.  Long duration tension (static and engaging strength training movement patterns) along with a full body engagement will always be preferred in the long run.</p>
<p><strong>Where to Incorporate Dragon Flags?</strong></p>
<p>We typically engage them after the workout.  We know that the athletes are warmed up by that time and also that none of their primary lifts will be affected by the recovery from doing the Dragon Flags.  They are a seriously powerful movement and full recovery between sets is a must in order to give an all out effort with each attempt.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7006" title="Bruce-Lee-DragonFlags" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DragonFlag-380.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="264" /></p>
<p><strong>If I Can&#8217;t Do a Dragon Flag, What Do I Do?</strong></p>
<p>You can modify the Dragon Flags to make them easier if you can&#8217;t perform them right away.  It took me a long time to be able to start hitting them on a regular basis.  You can just perform negatives.  Lower as slowly as possible and then drop your feet onto the bench and drive back up to the starting point.  You could lower slowly as far as you can and then tuck your knees to your chest instead of raising back up and keeping your body straight.  This would be considered then next level up.  If you can hit the knee tucks AND control the negative to a stopping point above the bench and with your body in a straight line, you can then move to the full execution.</p>
<h2>Dragon Flags</h2>
<p>As you&#8217;ll see in the video, I hit 5 reps on the first set.  I think I could have hit a couple more with good form.  In the second set, I throw on ONE 10lb ankle weight and try it again.  You&#8217;ll have to check out the video to see how I did!</p>
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<td><a href="http://www.acceleratedmusculardevelopment.com"><br />
<img src="/images/fast-muscle-building-workouts.gif" border="0" alt="fast-bodybuilding-workouts-how-to-build-muscle" width="270" height="150" /></a></td>
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<img src="/images/core-training-workout-videos.gif" border="0" alt="fast-bodybuilding-workouts-how-to-build-muscle" width="270" height="150" /></a></td>
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<p><strong>Similar Posts:</strong>
<ul class="similar-posts">
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/core-strength-what-are-the-top-5-exercises" rel="bookmark" title="January 20, 2009">Core Strength &#8211; What are the Top 5 exercises?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/time-to-up-your-bench" rel="bookmark" title="July 28, 2009">Time to Up Your Bench</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/core-training-workouts-hardest-core-exercise-ever-part-1" rel="bookmark" title="July 11, 2010">Hardest Core Exercise EVER &#8211; Part 1</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/muscle-building-videos-core-strength-leg-strength-workouts" rel="bookmark" title="January 21, 2010">Muscle Building Video &#8211; Core Strength / Leg Strength</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/essential-lower-body-training-for-all-athletes" rel="bookmark" title="June 13, 2010">Essential Lower Body Training for All Athletes</a></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Extreme Hamstring Training &#8211; How to Build Big, Powerful Legs</title>
		<link>http://www.dieselcrew.com/extreme-hamstring-training-how-to-build-big-powerful-legs</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:55:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jedd Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accelerated muscular development]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Extreme Hamstring Training How to Build Big, Powerful Legs by Jim Smith, CSCS It is true that there must be a balance with all training.  Unfortunately, the &#8220;go&#8221; muscles of the posterior chain are most often neglected in strength programs.  Lower back issues, hamstring strains and unrealized strength potential are just some of the everyday [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Extreme Hamstring Training</h1>
<h2><em> How to Build Big, Powerful Legs</em></h2>
<p>by Jim Smith, CSCS</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6794" title="leg-calves-hamstrings" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/leg-calves-hamstrings.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="400" /></p>
<p>It is true that there must be a balance with all training.  Unfortunately, the &#8220;go&#8221; muscles of the posterior chain are most often neglected in strength programs.  Lower back issues, hamstring strains and unrealized strength potential are just some of the everyday issues you will face if your training programs don&#8217;t include unilateral training AND strengthening the <em>posterior chain</em> (lats, erectors, glutes, hamstrings, gastrocs, soleus).</p>
<p>Powerlifters, athletes, strength enthusiasts, meat heads, weekend warriors and everybody else must incorporate exercises that target the posterior chain in their lower body training days.  Not only for increasing your lower body strength potential and reducing your risk for injury but making sure you don&#8217;t end up looking like a lightbulb (big upper body and no legs).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6799" title="The-Situation-iPhone-App" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/The-Situation-iPhone-App-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /></p>
<p><strong>The Big Posterior Chain Movements</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/ultimate-pull-up-video-how-to-progress-to-performing-pull-ups/">Chin-ups / Pull-ups</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-squat/">Squats &#8211; all variations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-deadlift-deadlifting-techniques/">Deads</a> &#8211; all variations (*really like snatch grip deads from deficit)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/ultimate-pull-up-video-how-to-progress-to-performing-pull-ups/">Bent Over Rows</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1KzaEolrKk">Good Mornings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IeDItGd3b0">Zercher Back Extensions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxB9CE8mpD8">RDL&#8217;s</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24y3uA994Y0&amp;feature=player_embedded">GHR</a></li>
<li>Hip Thrusts &#8211; all variations (Contreras)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_UTRPNYnVQ">Jump Training / Plyometrics</a></li>
<li>Sprinting</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/free-ebook.php">FREE EBOOK WITH OVER 199 + MUSCLE BUILDING EXERCISES</a></p>
<p>In today&#8217;s article we are going to specifically talk about developing the hamstrings and the exercise we are going to focus on (and modify) is the <em>glute ham raise </em>or GHR.  Muscle strength ratios are important and many researchers have attempted to define the exact percentages required for each kinetic segment.  It is very difficult because these ratios <em>&#8220;not only vary with joint angle, joint velocity and type of movement, but also with muscle group and the type of athlete. (i.e. knee extension strength vs. knee flexion strength:  60:40 ratio)&#8221; </em><em> (Reference 6, Siff and Verkhoshansky) </em></p>
<p>Regardless of the exact percentages, we need to understand the basics.  The surrounding, supportive, antagonistic muscle groups for each kinetic segment must be developed to ensure the integrity of the engaged joint.  That is the basics, bottom line.  Simple, right?  <em> </em></p>
<p><strong>Elevated Glute Ham Raises [VIDEO BELOW]</strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6808" title="extreme-ghr" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/extreme-ghr_0001.jpg" alt="" width="387" height="290" /><br />
</strong></p>
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<p>In this article we are showing an advanced version of GHR&#8217;s.  Instead of overloading GHR on a GHR bench, we are going to increase the intensity by elevating the back end of the bench with a box.</p>
<p>Why do this?</p>
<p>Because at this angle, there is constant tension on the hamstrings <em>and there is no release of the tension.</em> Also more of the lifter&#8217;s bodyweight is being utilized.  These are no joke, trust me! <strong> Try them out and let me know in a comment below.</strong><em><br />
</em></p>
<p><strong>Which muscles are engaged with GHR&#8217;s?</strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6796" title="exercises-hamstrings" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/exercises-hamstrings.gif" alt="" width="250" height="300" /></p>
<p><em>&#8220;The erector spinae are active, primarily isometrically; the glutes and hamstrings raise the upper body to parallel; the glutes maintain isometric activity, and the hamstrings contract further and raise your body higher by flexing the knees; the gastrocs press against the foot plate, contracting isometrically.  A glute/ham/gastroc raise lets you use the muscles of extension of the lower body one at a time.&#8221; (Reference 2, Kreis)</em></p>
<h2>Alternatives</h2>
<p>Many people don&#8217;t have access to a GHR bench.  If you don&#8217;t, you can perform <em>natural glute ham raises</em>.  This is a glute ham raise performed on the ground with someone holding (anchoring) your feet.  You definitely want a pad underneath your knees for this one.  They are much harder than GHR performed on the actual GHR bench.  As always, these too can be progressed if you are super strong.  Check out the variation below.</p>
<p><strong>Natural Glute Ham Raises</strong></p>
<p>A partner will hold the lifter / athlete&#8217;s feet while they perform GHR&#8217;s.  This variation is much tougher than the variation done on an actual GHR bench because momentum and pad angle plays a huge role in the moment arm and percentage of the lifter&#8217;s bodyweight that is utilized.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-6790" title="2010-10-25_18-59-07_64" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2010-10-25_18-59-07_64-1024x577.jpg" alt="" width="464" height="262" /><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>Advanced Natural Glute Ham Raises</strong></p>
<p>This variation is done on a decline sit-up bench.  Because of the angle the intensity and strength requirement is off-the-charts.  Only your elite athletes will be able to do this.  As always, to aid in the concentric phase of the exercise, a plyometric push-up done off the bench can be incorporated.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6791" title="2010-10-25_19-00-20_473" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2010-10-25_19-00-20_473.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="278" /></p>
<h2>The Programming</h2>
<p>When do you use GHR&#8217;s?</p>
<p>They should be used in conjunction with squats (all variations), deadlifts (all variations), kettlebell swings, barbell hip thrusts, sprinting, etc&#8230; on your lower body days.</p>
<p><strong>Volume for GHR&#8217;s on GHR Bench:</strong></p>
<p>Bodyweight Only &#8211; typically 3-4 sets x 12-20 reps</p>
<p>Weighted (weight vest, chains, bands) &#8211; typically 3-4 sets x 8-12 reps</p>
<p><strong>Volume for Natural or Advanced Natural GHR&#8217;s:</strong></p>
<p>Bodyweight Only &#8211; typically 3-4 sets x 8-12 reps</p>
<p>Weighted (weight vest, chains, bands) &#8211; typically 3-4 sets x 6-8 reps</p>
<h2>Resources</h2>
<p><em>1.  Horrigan, Joseph M., <span style="text-decoration: underline;">IRONMAN Magazine</span>, August 1995 (updated 2007)</em></p>
<p><em>2.  Kreis D.A., E.J.,<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> Speed-Strength for Football</span>, Taylor Sports Publishing, 1992.</em></p>
<p><em>3.  Baechle and Earle, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Essentials of Strength and Conditioning 3rd Edition</span>, NSCA, June 2008<br />
</em></p>
<p><em> </em>4.  Schache AG, Crossley KM, Macindoe IG, Fahrner BB, Pandy MG.,  <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Can a clinical test of hamstring strength identify football players at risk of hamstring strain?</span>, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20697691, Aug, 2010.</p>
<p>5. Silder A, Thelen DG, Heiderscheit BC., <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Effects of prior hamstring strain injury on strength, flexibility, and running mechanics., Department of Biomedical Engineerin</span>g, Aug, 2010</p>
<p>6.  Siff and Verkhoshansky, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Supertraining </span>- 6th Edition, UAC, 2009.</p>
<h2>GHR With Back Elevated</h2>
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