Jim Wendler, Author at T NATION

Building a Bigger Yoke

Jim Wendler — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Here's what you need to know... It's easy to tell how strong someone is by how "yoked" they are – they have big traps and a big neck. To get more yoked you don't just specialize in neck and trap training; you add it to an already balanced training program. Get stronger in the main

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100 Rep Challenge

Jim Wendler — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Here's what you need to know... Challenges make the body and mind resilient. The win doesn't come from the outcome, but from the perseverance it takes to push through. This is a 6-week challenge. Each week you'll do two days of barbell lifting, two days of 100-rep exercises, and two days of sled pushing. The

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Tip: 2 Things Every Lifter Must Do to Improve

Jim Wendler — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 11:00:00 +0000

1 Build a Bigger Toolbox While growing up trying to be a multi-sport athlete, I was exposed to a variety of ideas and coaching styles. This helped me prepare for just about any competitive atmosphere. I had a wealth of experience that allowed me to transition. When I began working at Elite Fitness, I had

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Tip: Test Your Lower Body Strength

Jim Wendler — Sat, 14 May 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Test either the squat or the deadlift. Since some people are built to pull or squat, this leaves the athlete some room to work with. I also have no problem with an athlete choosing the trap bar deadlift. Now I know every powerlifting purist will scream, "Heresy!" in regards to the trap bar, but I

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Tip: Test Your REAL Upper Body Strength

Jim Wendler — Thu, 12 May 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Here's one press and one pulling movement to test your upper body strength. I didn't choose the bench press, however. Instead, I went with the strict, standing overhead barbell press. While I don't necessarily believe that one lift or exercise is more "athletic" than another, I have a hard time justifying a test that requires

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5/3/1 for Hardgainers

Jim Wendler — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Wolves and Sheep There are a couple things you need to understand if you fall into the hardgainer category. For many, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. While some people have a harder time putting on muscle or getting stronger, others use this as an excuse to mope around, be a victim, and claim how hard

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Tip: Think Small, Win Big

Jim Wendler — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Too many people are sitting at the training buffet with hungry eyes and small stomachs. Their goals, commitment, and effort don't match up. This is something we all go through. Case in point, every summer some high-school football player sends me a variation of the following question: "My football coach tells me that if I

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From Average to Athlete

Jim Wendler — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Train Like an Athlete You should be training like an athlete. Just about everyone should. If you're in a competitive strength sport (Olympic lifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding), things are different, but training like an athlete gives you one thing that's missing from many programs, and that's balance. And what better way to gauge your balance than

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7 Truths About Strength Training

Jim Wendler — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Editor's Note: When Jim Wendler talks about strength training, people listen. So we asked him, "Hey Jim, what do people really need to know to get stronger?" Here's what he had to say: 1. It's not really about the training program. It's about belief. Regardless of which program, template, or exercise set/rep combo you choose,

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Tip: Build Strength & Stamina with Rope Pulls

Jim Wendler — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Physical challenges must be a regular part of every man and woman's life to build a strong mind and body. Here's one I use with my athletes. Attach a rope to a dragging sled (or anything heavy) and pull it toward you. The rope we use is thick and 112-foot long. We lay this creature

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