Deadlift Photos

 

View this post on Instagram

Every photo above is an example of the exercise referred to as the DEADLIFT (this week’s theme). It’s an exercise that nearly every adult on earth would benefit from because it directly works the muscles involved with posture. Obviously, from the photos, there are plenty of options, even more than I have here. For beginners, whatever object is being lifted can easily be placed a few inches off the ground to make it easier and safer to learn. To do the exercise, just bend down safely to pick up whatever object (the dead weight) and then safely stand back up with it tall and straight. Don’t have any equipment? You don’t need any. Just find a small duffel bag and fill with stuff…water bottles, dirt, bags of dog food or water softener salt pellets. I’ve even used a cinder block which costs around $3 and weighs approximately 35lbs. The main thing to remember is to keep your back straight the entire time. Tighten your stomach muscles to help with this. Use your hips, not just your legs to lift the weight. If the weight is too heavy to allow for this, use something lighter. Stand up tall at the top. Squeeze your butt without leaning backwards. Aim for 10-15 reps. Once comfortable, maybe try going heavier so that 5-10 reps is heavier but still doable. Do this once a week would be my recommendation. Pick which day right now. Commit to it. *The man in the middle photo is Lamar Gant, arguably the strongest pound for pound dead-lifter of all time. He lifted 688lbs in the deadlift at a height of 5’2” and weighing 132lbs. Now that is impressive. He also had scoliosis. #bssbbooks #austinpersonaltraining #austinpersonaltrainer #healthandfitness #heathsndwellness #deadlift #strongwomen #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on May 22, 2019 at 1:52pm PDT

Counteract Sitting with the Deadlift

 

View this post on Instagram

Let’s look a little deeper at the negative effects of too much sitting. One area that’s not mentioned enough is the effect it has on our Posture, specifically the muscles involved with keeping our posture upright versus hunched over. Understand, sitting is not inherently bad for us. It becomes a problem when done too often and with no effort made to correct any negative effects. It is true that sitting does tend to make some muscles tighter. It would be wise to Google which ones and then do regular stretching and self/massage work for those areas before they become serious problems. But what about exercise? Is there an exercise that can help with the many postural issues caused by too much sitting? Yes, it’s called the DEADLIFT. In the early 19oo’s it was still called the Healthlift. They even do this exercise at the space station. Is it a good exercise for everyone? Maybe not. For various reasons, not all exercises are a good fit for everyone. There are some simple tests that can help identify any potential problems, especially in the hands of qualified professional. Just know that most anyone can learn to do this exercise safely. In fact, there are quite a few different versions of the Deadlift and a variety of equipment can be used. Do some research. Experiment. And yes, always be careful. The point today was to get you to understand that while many of us may have to sit way more than is healthy, there are things we can and should do to keep from ending up permanently hunched over. Why not start today?! #bssbbooks #posture #posturecorrector #posturecorrection #heathsndwellness #healthandfitness #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on May 20, 2019 at 11:48am PDT

A sample of my own Workouts…

 

View this post on Instagram

I’ve had a few people ask about my own personal workouts lately. So today I filmed exactly what I did WHILE I was in the middle of it. I’m only showing this to illustrate an example of an effective, yet simple workout for an intermediate/advanced trainee. This entire workout took 30minutes and was completed during an hour break I had this morning, which gave me enough time to exercise+shower+eat. It’s nothing too fancy. I am only showing ONE rep examples of each exercise. Yes, I did more reps and sets. Yes, I did rest between most sets. I normally do only 2-3 sets for any exercise. I typically do 5-10 reps on most of my exercises, which is exactly what I did today. Some days I do more, some days I do less. I rest between sets long enough to feel like I’m in control before starting the next set or exercise (and not the other way around). Being too out of breath or to hurried begs for mistakes and injuries. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Today I supersetted Kettlebell Swings with Goblet Squats and Single Leg Deadlifts + Pull-ups w 1-arm holds and Upside Down Rows. On the next (last) round, I supersetted Dips + Handstand 1-arm Stability Holds. Yes, I even had some Cajun music 🎶 on for company. Do things YOU enjoy and understand. Have a reason for everything you do or don’t do. Don’t just do stuff because it’s popular or someone else is doing it. Nothing you to needs to be complicated. In fact, purposely keep things simple. Don’t do things you absolutely hate or dread either. Because how long do you think you’ll keep that up?! With that said, don’t skip the things you NEED to do to be better. Most importantly, whatever you do, just make sure it’s repeatable. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox #carltonsmixtapegumbo #carltonmusicatx

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Feb 11, 2019 at 7:52am PST

View this post on Instagram

The KETTLEBELL SWING rules, especially when learned correctly and practiced safely over time till form is refined and perfected. This does require time and effort. And with all this said, it’s not always a safe or great fit for everyone. Many of these clips were actually shot the very first time each person tried them. Form isn’t always perfect in the beginning so the weight should be light enough to allow safe practice till things progress. Pound for pound, this is my favorite exercise and what I believe to be one of the most beneficial exercises in existence. Attention to detail is a must. This cannot be stressed enough. #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on May 15, 2018 at 4:48am PDT