Wow! It’s been a crazy year. Looking back on 2013, I’ve cranked out a lot of articles, and my blog has risen immensely in popularity. Here are the 25 most popular articles of the year:
5 Things You Should Do Everyday
I’ll start off with this one since it kicked the shit out of every other article I wrote this year. This blogpost went viral, receiving more visits and pageviews than any article I’ve ever written, and I’m not sure why. The content? The pictures? The references? A combination of all? At any rate, it was very well-received.
120 Tips on Strength Training for Women
Next up is the infamous post on female training. This article received more Facebook likes than any article I’ve ever written. It was a very polarizing article, and I paid the price for the poor style of wording. It doesn’t really provide tips; mostly observations. And it pissed off a multitude of ladies. My friend Jen Sinkler told me that I needed “sensitivity training” after she saw this article, and I couldn’t see it at the time. Having looked over the article today, I can’t believe I posted that. It was a learning experience, and I’m now a better writer because of it. If I could go back in time and rewrite it, I would. In fact, it would be quite easy to rewrite without offending anyone. My sincerest apologies for anyone I offended. But it is what it is so upward and onward!
Defending Hugh Jackman: Don’t Be a Fitness Snob!
Next up we’ve got the Hugh Jackman post. The highlight was when Hugh’s trainer chimed in and confirmed my suspicions. Hugh kicks ass, no need to hate!
Training for Maximum Muscle Growth Explained
Never in a million years did I think that this scientific article would be so well-received. You guys do care about science! Hallelujah!
Introducing The Hip Thruster!
I was so happy to see that the fitness community embraced my hip thruster invention. This article got a lot of attention and shares from fellow trainers, coaches, and writers, which I appreciated.
30-Day Glute Challenge
I came up with this idea on a whim when I saw various challenges using only bodyweight squats. Glad to see it was so popular amongst the ladies.
You’ll Never Squat Again: Why Physical Therapists and Doctors Should Learn Some Biomechanics
I wrote this passionate article after my friend Gene was told by a couple medical experts that he’d never squat again. How dare they!!!
The Ten Rules of Progressive Overload
I’m very proud of this comprehensive article on progressive overload and was happy that it resonated with the fitness community.
How to Be the Worst Personal Trainer Ever!
We were dying when we filmed the video embedded in this article. Glad to see that you all appreciated the humor!
How to Attain a Slender Look (like Jessica Alba & Zoe Saldana)
This article took me forever to write! I was afraid that it was going to piss some people off, but luckily it didn’t appear to do so. Looks like I learned a lesson from past mistakes and worded the article properly.
How to Get a Better Butt: Step Up Your Knowledge
I get really annoyed sometimes at the lack of research that goes into other’s articles and recommendations. This rant seemed to be highly appreciated by my readers!
A Set of Goblet Squats per Day Keeps the Doctor Away
You can’t go wrong with articles on goblet squats! Add in a Dan John quote and your article is bound for success.
Forward lean in the squat – is knee-dominant or hip-dominant better for moving more weight?
This article by Greg Nuckols was a home run with my readers. I’m going to elaborate more on this in the future as I feel it’s very important and requires further explanation as Greg alluded to.
Knee Valgus (Valgus Collapse), Glute Medius Strengthening, Band Hip Abduction Exercises, and Ankle Dorsiflexion Drills
I was very happy to see this article getting shared over the internet as it’s a very important topic!
Squat Biomechanics: Butt Wink – What is it, What Causes it, & How Can it be Improved?
This was another article (and video) that I was happy to see getting shared over the internet as it’s also a very important topic!
How to Train for a Bikini Competition: It’s All About Glutes!
I think people hit “like” on this just for the pictures! If a picture says a thousand words, then this article contains a lot of content. You have to admit, bikini is all about the glutes!
How to Fix Glute Imbalances
I wrote this after realizing that there wasn’t a single article on the internet on this topic that I felt was decent. I’ve received many emails since this article was written from people thanking me for the advice.
Growing Glutes without Growing the Legs
The popularity of this article goes to show you that many women are looking for answers to this topic!
Why do I Anterior Pelvic Tilt?
Understanding the potential mechanisms is important for understanding how to correct the situation. You want glutes and hamstrings to share the job of hip extension, not just hamstrings.
What Builds the Glutes Best?
This is another article that was best portrayed in picture format. Can’t argue with the results!
The 30-Day Ultimate Better Butt Challenge
This was another 30-day challenge – the ladies seemed to love these!
The 30 Days of Thrusting Challenge
Here’s the final challenge. Can’t go wrong with these!
A Day With Dr. Stu McGill
The S&C community seemed very happy with my visit with Dr. McGill. I had a lot of fun seeing Stu’s operation and learning more about his methodology.
Hip Thrust & Glute Science
Personally, this is probably my favorite article of the year.
How Does Usain Bolt Train?
I was glad to see the number of people who were interested in learning about how Usain trains.
Your attitude toward #2 speaks to your character… you’re a class act! Live and learn, what else can you do?
Keep up the good work, Bret.
Thank you Emily! I appreciate that. 🙂
Hey Bret – Thanks so much for all of your awesome research and articles! 🙂
I have what may be an odd question, but I’ll ask anyhow…..
Through many years of lifting, running & biking (and good Genetics) I already have great Glute development, so I really don’t want to grow them any more. However, my legs are also pretty developed, and I don’t want them any larger, either.
What’s the best way to train my Glutes without causing them to grow? I was doing Hip Thrusts for a while, but they seemed to make my butt bigger, which I really don’t need.
Anyhow, hope all is well! Thanks much, and have a great New Year’s!
Ann
Hi Ann, you could stick to really low volume…just work up to one heavy set per week on a few exercises. I know it sounds unconventional, but your situation calls for something unconventional (you want the strength with no mass gains). Best of luck!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Hahaha, I still remember our conversation in your car a week or so after that female article went out. You were flabbergasted.
In other news, I just figured out a way to use flabbergasted in a sentence.
Congratulations on a great year man. It couldn’t be happening to a better, smarter, and more determined dude.
-Jon
Flabbergasted haha! It sounds so extreme. Thanks Jon, I appreciate the kind words.
Random Thoughts are my favorite reading material.
You are always educating and informing us
I would just like to take this time to THANK you and all who contribute
to a great year of articles and information.
Knowing what you accomplished 2013..I cant wait for 2014
Happy New Year to you and all your family. May you be blessed with health Happiness