Originally written in 2005 for Elite Fitness Systems This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to the newest member or our writing staff, CJ Murphy. Raised in Boston’s roughest housing projects, Murph has gone on to make quite a name for him in the strength and conditioning industry and was recently named one of the top 25 trainers in the US by Men’s Health magazine. An avid strongman competitor and powerlifter, Murph has years of experience in the game and knows what it takes to get bigger, stronger and faster. Although he has the unique… continue reading.

Since I constantly publicize my obsessive love for music, I often get emails from people asking for recommendations of some good stuff to train to. Music is one of the most important components of a good workout, so in no particular order here are a few of my favorites that are always in high rotation at the gym. We’ll stick with rock and metal today and focus on hip hop later in the week. Wake Up Call- The Prodigy Disposable Teens- Marily Manson Millionaires- Queens of the Stone Age Bullet with Butterfly Wings- Smashing Pumpkins The Fight Song- Marilyn Manson… continue reading.

If you want big legs you have to squat. For the first few years of your training you should squat, squat and squat some more. A good goal is to squat double bodyweight. I’m talking about real, full squats, at least to parallel. Read on and you’ll learn exactly how to squat properly. Before we get into technique I have to tell that the one thing I recommend to 99% of people out there is a good pair of high quality squat shoes. These will make a TREMENDOUS difference in your form and keep you safer. Guys… continue reading.

“At first I was afraid, I was petrified…” No way they’re playing this… “Kept thinkin I could never live without you by my side…” What did I do to deserve this? Say it aint so. “But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong…” Holy shit, they really are playing I Will Survive, in a “gym” in New York City. How a travesty like this could ever be allowed to occur is something that will always boggle my mind. If you own a gym or training center of any kind, one of… continue reading.

“Hey Jay does your training system focus more on sarcoplasmic hypertropy or myofibrillar? Do you believe in hyperplasia? What fibers do you focus on hypertrophying? Type IIA, IIB, IIDD, type 36-26-36? How do you vary rep speed within a set to take advantage of the dynamic effort motor unit induced reverse dialysis of the brachialis which has been shown to cause paralysis of the urine analysis consumed post workout in the hopes of inoculating thermogenesis of the breastesses?” HUH?! These are the kinds of training questions I am asked on a daily basis. The one asking the questions is usually… continue reading.

Last week I had the great pleasure of visiting my very good friend and colleague, Alwyn Cosgrove. Sometimes when you’re close to someone you forget about their level of expertise or start to overlook it after a while. For those who don’t know, Alwyn is one of the leaders in the fitness industry and one of the most brilliant people around. I knew that Alwyn was the leading expert in the field when it comes to business coaching for fitness professionals but I really had an awakening to just how good he is this week. I visited his training facility,… continue reading.