Let’s kick this off with a question from Mike: What’s your opinion on using a hex bar for your deadlifts? Hey, brother.I don’t use the hex bar at all. The straight bar is more difficult and allows you to move more freely and easily. From AZcentral.com: Hex bar deadlifts require less mobility than regular deadlifts. As most hex bars have elevated handles, you don’t have … [Read more…]

Welcome back to our open thread.Today’s question is brought by John Lofflin: Gabe my question is about fun vs logic. I notice ballplayers perform better when they have fun even if what they are doing isn’t logical. Billy Butler hits better, with more spirit, when he plays first base rather than DH. Zack Greinke will never go back to the American League because he enjoys … [Read more…]

You know the drill; Saturdays are for addressing open questions.Jill writes: Gabe, are 5x5s beneficial for women as well? All the workouts for women seem to be geared toward light weight and tons of reps. If I want to build muscle, shouldn’t I be lifting heavy just like the guys? Thanks! Jill,I’ll answer your question with a few rhetorical questions of my own. Do … [Read more…]

Charlie: Kap in researching a previous post you said, My 5 x 5s take roughly 90 minutes, including warm ups, the sprint workouts are about 75 minutes”, what take so long? Could you please break this down, trying to emulate your workouts but not sure what I am missing. Thanks! Charlie,This is a solid question. I dig the attention to detail. Much respect.Our focus at … [Read more…]

You know the drill by now.Regular commenter Curtis:I’ve got a question I would love to see you explore, Gabe: I hate sprints. I don’t know if I’m doing them right, I feel goofy when I am doing them, etc. My question; can I sub a couple hours of Ultimate Frisbee or an hour or two of 21 (basketball) for sprints once a week to once every 10 days and reap the same … [Read more…]