How’s it going, fitness peeps? It’s time for another round of Random Thoughts from yours truly. Here are several items that I hope you find as interesting as I do:

1.  Upcoming Glute Lab Seminar: 3/19/2016

I feel like a complete idiot. I’ve been so busy with the launch of  my new online training program Strong by Bret and my recent speaking engagements that I forgot to promote my next seminar on my blog. The next seminar is in 9-days on March 19th in Phoenix and I have 3 spots left. The cost to attend is $399. If you would like to reserve a seat, please email my assistant at maleah@bretcontreras.com.

2. The Thrust is a Must Shirts

This one I am especially excited about. My logo guy did a bang up job on the design and I think these might be the softest shirts in the world. We have tank tops for ladies and regular shirts for men. Cost is $20 plus shipping. Please send an email to maleah@bretcontreras.com if you would like to order a shirt. Please note the ladies’ shirts run a 1/2 size large and we have limited stock at the moment (just 20 of each size).  If you miss out this time, we’ll have more in stock soon.

3. Glute Lab Seminar Review by Chris Hitchko

Santa Monica trainer Chris Hitchko attended my very first Glute Lab Seminar and had THIS to say about the experience. If you are interested in attending a future seminar, please see HERE for upcoming dates and email my assistant at maleah@bretcontreras.com for more information and to secure a spot.

4. 405-lbs is the New 225-lb Hip Thrust Club

Emily Steezy, is going to be upset at me for posting this, but the bar continues to rise for hip thrusts. She nails it with excellent form and some of my other Strong by Bret ladies are calling 405 lbs the new 225 lb club. Another great example of dedication and hard work.

Some guy in the gym just accused me of "hogging all the 45s". Obviously this made me very proud. Barbell hip thrusts 405 lbsx3x3. #4plateclub #thethrustisamust #barbellhipthrust #hipthrust #glutes #glutesquad #strongbybret #girlswholift #girlswhopowerlift

A video posted by Emily Steezy (@emily.steezy) on Feb 11, 2016 at 8:47am PST

5. Kate Upton Pumps Some Serious Iron with Ben Bruno

Some of you may be aware that my buddy Ben Bruno is kicking butt in Hollywood. For starters, you may be interested in watching his client Kate Upton knocking out some heavy hip thrusts with nice form as well as nailing her landmine deadlifts featured HERE in the always entertaining Yahoo Celebrity The Insider. Ben has been killing it lately! Check out his Facebook page to see more examples of how he trains his badass clientele.

While most people are being lazy on Sunday, @kateupton is busy crushing this heavy landmine squat/RDL combo. Strong! 💪🍑 This is one of my new favorite exercises. First do a squat, then do a RDL, then alternate one rep of each for the entirety of the set. I love using the landmine for both squats and RDLs, so this combination helps teach how to differentiate between the two movement patterns, and you also get the benefit of working the legs and glutes in multiple ways, all while also jacking up the heart rate. Most people use about the same weight on each exercise and the setup is the same too, making it a good pairing logistically. #Repost @kateupton with @repostapp. ・・・ Getting a workout in before @vanityfair #vfoscarparty thanks @benbrunotraining 👊

A video posted by Ben Bruno (@benbrunotraining) on Feb 28, 2016 at 1:23pm PST

@kateupton crushing some serious hip thrusts with great form. She got a little competitive with @chelseahandler hip thrusts from last week and set a new PR. Nothing like a little healthy competition to bring out the best us 💪🍑 #Repost @kateupton with @repostapp. ・・・ I take my kegels seriously @chelseahandler @benbrunotraining

A video posted by Ben Bruno (@benbrunotraining) on Feb 2, 2016 at 12:23pm PST

Chelsea REALLY likes her hip thrusts 😂💪🍑 #Repost @chelseahandler with @repostapp. ・・・ ChelseaDoes@benbrunotraining. He's a monkey

A video posted by Ben Bruno (@benbrunotraining) on Jan 28, 2016 at 12:23pm PST

Today for International Women's Day @chelseahandler crushed 500 pounds on the sled. STRONG! 💪💪 #Repost @chelseahandler with @repostapp. ・・・ #internationalwomensday. For all the women in the world who need an extra push. 500lbs- boom!🏄🏿🏄🏿🏄🏿

A video posted by Ben Bruno (@benbrunotraining) on Mar 8, 2016 at 2:49pm PST

6. Cirque du Soleil’s Core Training

Below is an engaging look at some of the core training methods employed by the performers in Cirque du Soleil. I thought up many of these exercises years ago and featured some of them on YouTube and my blog…good to see that great minds think alike.

Part 1

Part 2

7. Greg Lehman Revisits the Spinal Flexion Debate

To flex? Or not to flex? That is the debate. Greg Lehman revisits this important subject HERE, and while there is still no solid consensus, more research has emerged and I think this is a worthwhile read that you will enjoy.

8.  Becoming a Better Human Seminar

I recently presented at the Trench Fitness Becoming a Better Human Seminar in Regina, SK with a few of my homeboys in fitness Alan Aragon and Eric Helms. The facility is amazing and I immensely enjoyed the experience. If you’re in Regina, Canada, you should be training at Trench.

9. NAF Physio Podcast with Adam Meakins: Greg Lehman Episode

Friends, particularly the physical therapists among you, I recommend you take a listen to THIS podcast. Adam Meakins does an amazing job interviewing astute scientist Greg Lehman (see above) and methinks you’ll enjoy this non-stuffy and enlightening podcast. I listened to it while I was on a walk and it made me realize how awesome podcasts are for multi-tasking. I need to get my own podcast back up and running.

10.  The Personal Trainer Podcast

On April 23rd – 24th, I will be presenting at the Personal Trainer Collective Conference at the University of Bath. I recently Skyped in for an interview on the Personal Trainer Podcast.  You can listen to this podcast HERE and take advantage of early bird ticket pricing on the website listed above.

 

11.  The Reverse Diet Debate

Check out this thorough debate on the topic of reverse dieting, featuring an impressive panel of my colleagues, Eric Helms, Menno Henselmans, Layne Norton, and Peter Fitschen, who do a great job of hashing out their highly educated opinions on the matter. This is how men handle business; they don’t back down from debate challenges.

12.  Dan John: Gluteal Amnesia Syndrome – And How to Fix It 

Got a case of GAS? I hope not, but if you or anyone you know suffers from Gluteal Amnesia Syndrome, I recommend you take a look at THIS blog post on the matter by Dan John, who does a fine job of explaining this condition with some interesting analogies and offers for tips for correcting this all too common issue.

 

13.  New EMG Encyclopedia Page

An EMG (Electromyography) encyclopedia page is a new addition to the consistently informative strengthandconditioning.com site. Delve deeper into the topic and learn why this particular tool is so valuable to the field strength and conditioning research HERE.

14.  PTQ Volume 3 Issue 1

I serve as Editor-in-Chief of Personal Training Quarterly and our latest publication is now available. If you are an NSCA member, click on the link to learn more about various topics ranging from managing musculoskeletal injuries to increasing traffic to a fitness related business.  Read more HERE.

15. Rugby Strength Coach Podcast: Bret Contreras Episode

I was recently featured on the Rugby Strength Coach podcast. We discussed PhD findings, transfer of training, Internet feuds, and more. You can check out the podcast HERE.

 

Well, folks, that’s wraps up this edition of Random Thoughts. I hope you enjoyed the links and I look forward to sharing more of the same very soon.