Three Generations of Female Powerlifters – The Crawford Women

Marie Laurence, Beverly Crawford, & Tina (Laurence) Crawford   Marie Laurence        Weight Class: 123        Age Division: M4       Squat: 100       Bench: 88       Deadlift: 200       Total: 385       Years Competing: 2   Tina Crawford        Weight Class: 138       Age Division: M1       Squat: 303       Bench: 154       Deadlift: 347       Total: 788       Years Competing: 5   Beverly Crawford        Weight Class: …

What Competition Should be Like – Vanessa Gale, D.C.

In preparation for the Arnold, this was an email conversation between my coach, and three of his athletes. It is a demonstration of what healthy competition and good sportsmanlike conduct is all about. It's also an example of the PrettySTRONG mentality, "competitive, yet united through strength." Ladies, I hope this email finds you well and …

Leucine Triggers Muscle Growth – Jeff Volek, Ph.D., R.D.

How much do you need of this branched chain amino acid to get results?Researchers have known about leucine for decades, but exciting new research has shed a new and broader light on this important health-promoting amino acid. Much of protein’s benefits may be attributable to leucine due to its ability to stimulate protein synthesis, help …

Socialization is the Disability – Amy Wattles (EliteFTS)

This is a longer article, but please read it through to the end. If we expect to support women wanting to strength train and feel competent in the gym, there are important points and discussions that need to begin. I have never been as adamant about a topic or discussion as this, and I hope …

By the Coach for the Coach: Be a Better Coach – Todd Hamer (EliteFTS)

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching about what the goals are for this article series. I think this must be examined if anything is to be gained from these articles. Ultimately, I hope we all become better coaches from this series. At the same time, I hope to open a dialogue about our …

We Could Learn a Thing or Two From the Gymnasts About Callus Grooming – Scarlett

In gymnastics, hand rips from gripping bars are common and repairable. Did you know they are, in many cases avoidable? I will give you tips on how to avoid grip rips. I will also explain how to repair and treat them if you do get these hand rips. Grip rips are part of being a …

Muscle Imbalance in Women – Justin (70’s Big)

Women come in different types and heights, thick or slight. Yet the time for training is always right… Two good things will come out of this post: a) the admission that I am a crappy poet and b) regardless of body type, a woman can always improve her lifting efficiency. Generally speaking, people in their …

Scoliosis in Powerlifting – Vanessa Gale, D.C.

This is an X-ray of my spine one year ago, when I moved my life from New York City to Marietta, Georgia to begin Chiropractic school at Life University. I have had scoliosis my entire life and have been under chiropractic care since high school. My spine has now begun to straighten out at the …

Social Media: Friend or Foe to Our Self-Image? – Jen Comas Keck

Zing! I feel a small pang of jealousy pierce through my gut as I watch my friend Neghar execute who-even-knows-how-many* perfect chin-ups on a video that she posted on Facebook. watch?v=0PUORCSB8bA&feature=player_embedded *Okay fine. I do know how many. 15. Who does 15 chin-ups?!   As happy and excited I am for Neghar, I'm now equally annoyed at myself and can't …

Visualizing a Lift: Part 2, Ritual Reinforcement – Cain Morano (EliteFTS)

Part 2, Ritual Reinforcement Introduction In the grand scheme of fitness and adaptation, there may be such a thing as wasted reps. In terms of technical mastery, every rep counts. Each rep and set is a lesson in how to and how not to do something. There is an adage “practice makes perfect.” This is …