AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE
ISSUE 29 - 7/16/2004
1. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Always take problems to someone who gets paid enough to care.”
- Andy Stromburg
Often when people have a problem with another they talk to every person imaginable about the problem except the person that is the source. In addition to the fact that it is cowardly to say things behind someone’s back that you would not say to his or her face, it is simply not effective. If I have a problem with my landlord, will talking to my friends about it help? Perhaps due to the possibility that you might get some good advice. However, you are not taking the problem to the source. If I break my hand, I am not going to make an appointment with a gynecologist to fix the problem. If you have a problem with another take the time to address it. Otherwise, the stress of not doing so will affect negatively other areas of your life.
Live Life Aggressively!
Mike Mahler
2. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING ARTICLE
Increase Strength With Isometric Holds
At my Level 2 KB workshop this past Sunday in Santa Monica I had my students apply an isometric hold with a bell that they cannot press before pressing a lighter weight. For example, I had a student that cannot press a 70lb bell clean and hold a 70lb kettlebell at the starting position for five second. I told him to crush grip the handle, flex the lat, flex the legs, stomach etc. I told them to avoid trying to press it. I just wanted them to get comfortable with a heavier weight and to learn how to get super tight when pressing heavier weights. I had each person do three isometric holds and then I told them to immediately clean a lighter kettlebell and press it. Everyone noticed that the lighter kettlebell felt much lighter than normal and they were able to press with better technique.
Often people that can press a 70lb bell 6+ times fail to press the 88lb bell bell do to due to lack of confidence. In other words, they clean the bell it feels heavy and they automatically tell themself that they will not be able to press it and sure enough they cannot. They have the strength, but mentally they are not ready. Also, when you lift a lighter bell you do not have to use strict technique. You can get away with not flexing the lat and staying super tight. However, when you try to press an 88lb bell that is not the case.
Doing an isometric hold allows you to work on technique in the starting position, which is often where people screw up. To lift a heavy weight, you have to have proper technique without thinking about it. If you have to clean a bell and then think about what to do, you will most likely fail or use crappy form. Imagine a powerlifter that is about to bench press 700lbs. He gets a lift off and then before lowering the weight to his chest, he thinks about getting tight and technique. His chances of pressing the weight just went down dramatically. He should know exactly what to do before he ever gets to the bench.
Try doing some isometric holds with a bell that you cannot press before you next workout. Do three five-second holds and focus on flexing everything as hard as possible. Then move into your Mil press workout and let me know what happens.
3. GET THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH DVD COMBO PACK TODAY
"Kettlebell Solutions for Speed and Explosive Strength is incredible! All of the exercises are explained and displayed perfectly and leave you with no questions. There is absolutely no filler and it gives so many options to add to your arsenal. Watching it gets me so amped up to train! One of the best things is the Free DVD User guide to set you on the right track. I love all of the exercises and together with Tke Kettlebell Solution For Size and Strength, I will never get bored of training!"
- Chris Pontius of MTV's Wildboyz and Jackass
Kettlebell Solution for Size and Strength
If you enjoy lifting light kettlebells and have no desire to be strong with a powerful physique, then this DVD is not for you. However, if you are ready for a new challenge with kettlebells and desire to maximize the benefits of kettlebell training, get this DVD today.
The Kettlebell Solution For Size And Strength will show how to get much stronger with kettlebells and build a muscular physique as well. This detailed DVD is for all levels and covers the basics enough for beginners and offers new challenges for experienced kettlebell lifters.
Kettlebell Solutions for Speed and Explosive Strength
Super comprehensive kettlebell training DVD that goes over how to build speed and explosive power in four different categories: Full body explosive power, Upper body explosive power, Lower body explosive power, and Rotational explosive power. Translation? You will be one explosive hombre after you practice the exercises on this DVD and follow the programs in the Free Kettlebell Training DVD E-book. I did not leave anything out on this DVD. Even if you do not care about getting faster and more explosive, you will love the wide variety of exercises that this kettlebell training DVD contains.
4. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH PERSONALIZED PROGRAM DESIGN SERVICES
"Lost 10 lbs and went down from a size 12 to a size 8 in jeans – that was something I expected not to happen for another 10-15 more lbs! So thanks for your guidelines – they really have helped a lot."
- Michele Milevoi
Tired of trial and error? Want a training program that actually works? Click here for more info!
5. NEW AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
I have just added some great new products to my website including: medicine balls, the ultimate portable gym, and some pull-up straps that allow you to do a pull-ups anywhere! Click here.
6. THE AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH SOLUTION FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR
Tired of terrible hotel gyms and getting out of shape on the road? Tired of doing bodyweight only routines in your hotel room because there are no other options? You need Lifeline's resistance cable products. Not only are they light and portable but they provide enough resistance to humble the strongest athletes around. Click here for more info
7. KETTLEBELL TRAINING INFORMATION PAGE (NEW)
http://www.mikemahler.com/kettlebell_info.html
8. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
http://www.mikemahler.com/newsletter
9. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH ARTICLES
http://www.mikemahler.com/articles.html
10. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING JOURNAL
http://www.mikemahler.com/journal.html
11. RECOMMENDED READING LIST
http://www.mikemahler.com/reading.html
Until next time.
Live Life Aggressively!
Feel free to email me with your comments and feedback at mahler25@yahoo.com
Mike Mahler