Got Torso Strength?

The core is not only about building strength in fixed movement patterns, it is also defined as developing the required torso rigidity (isometric contraction of the anterior and posterior chains) to prevent injury and express power.

Lats are part of the core too!

In this new video, you’ll see another Diesel Crew original, Kettlebell Rocks.  They are named rocks because you have to remain rigid and unwavering during the partner engagement.

The partner will throw the kb side to side at the peak of the swing.  This is the exact moment that the lifter will brace, flex their lats, contract their abdominals and entire posterior chain to keep the kb path in line with a conventional swing.

The partner should be forceful and not tentative with their part of the movement.  This movement is very CNS intensive and because of this, I would recommend anywhere from 8-12 reps to ensure quality.

Embed this video on your blog or point to it in your newsletter, let’s get the word out.

Oh yeah, check out the side bar.  Make sure you follow us AND send me an email to let me know what your favorite Diesel articles and videos are and we’ll get them up in our new Popular section!

If you want to learn more about strengthening the core, pick up the product that Eric Cressey called “the best product of 2008!”

Thanks everyone,

Smitty

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You might be wondering to yourself why is Konstantinov, arguably one of the best deadlifters in the world, wearing his belt so high in this deadlift video.

Well, to the untrained eye, his belt is WAY TOO high and he is going to get injured.

BUT,

Upon further inspection, you can see that through the years, Konstantinov has:

- perfected his deadlift form

- isolated and created strength and rigidity in the segments (lower lumbar L2-S1) of his spine that REQUIRE stability

- built up strength, thickness and muscle hypertrophy in the musculature surrounding* the spine in the area that resists anterior SHEAR forces under load.

* Most notably the longissimus thoracis.

When the spine is neutral the pennation of the longissimus aligns at approximately 45 degress to resist shear force, ie. protect your back and provide the stiffness to deadlift or squat without injury.

So, Konstantinov is using the belt correctly for his body type (antrhopometry).  He is bracing his abdominals outward via a powerful isometric contraction and utilizing intra-abdominal pressure to push out against the belt, which is aligned across the musculature taking the load, ie. the thoracic portion of the longissimus (one of the spinal erectors).

References:

Mcgill – Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance

Eric Cressey & Mike Robertson

Combat Core

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs

Are you ready to do work?  Accelerated Muscular Development is COMING SOON and you better be ready.

Finally, an effective and fast way to get in and out of the gym and BUILD MUSCLE.

Check out the promo video below:

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This video shows conventional cable tricep extensions with a twist. Adding a typical jumpstretch band (from EliteFTS.com) will turn this exercise into a killer workout. Do this after your primary work sets.

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs

This weekend was not only about building muscle and getting stronger, it was also about improving your business.

I just got back last night from the Passion into Profits seminar.  It was a great experience.  There was a TON of useful information and many great ideas on how to create systems, optimizing processes and standardizes what you do everyday.

Dave is making the seminar into a nice DVD that will be available soon.

We started the trip on Wednesday…
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