ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE ARTICLES
- DR. JOEL SEEDMAN -
Here are 21 New Year’s resolution goals that all advanced lifters, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and general populations should apply to their training in the new year. These will take your performance, physique, strength, size, and health to the next level.
Everyone squats the same regardless of individual differences and joint anthropometrics. A proper squat involves 90 degree joint angles and is most easily obtained by using eccentric isometrics with perfect posture and body alignment. Here are 101 truths everyone should know.
The fitness industry has lied to us one too many times. This article highlights the truth about yoga, flexibility training, mobility drills, & “range of motion” topics, supported by deep scientific research, observational data, & experiential findings.
When it comes to maximizing your strength, size, and performance, a low to moderate level of exercise variety is critical for maintaining progress and avoiding training stagnation. Here’s everything you need to know about exercise variety.
Can you sprint without warming up?? This is something humans have been able to do for centuries up until the last few decades. Unfortunately the fitness industry has ruined people’s bodies and contributed to us losing this practical human skill. Full Experiment here!!
The sissy squat has recently gained quite a bit of popularity in mainstream fitness and bodybuilding. Unfortunately it’s not only an inferior quad and thigh builder that lacks proper muscle stimulation, it destroys the knees. Here are 12 superior alternatives to sissy squats.
Is Tom Brady’s Training Legit?
STACK asks Dr. Seedman and Dr. Rusin on the latest buzz about Tom Brady's and his trainer Alex Guerrero's unique training methodology-"muscle pliability." Fact, fiction, scam, breakthrough method? (Read More →)
A Question Every Athlete Should Ask Their Coach
Every athlete or serious trainee needs a great mentor and/or coach to help them reach that next level in performance. Dr. Seedman's explains his #1 question every athlete or trainee should ask their coach. (Read More →)
The Most Effective Training for Shoulder Pain
Dr. Seedman discusses his unique protocols to working with shoulder injuries. Instead of having his athletes and clients work around them he has them work through the injuries by strategically incorporating standard upper body resistance movements that involve the shoulder joint. (Read More →)
How Sex Affects Training, Sports, and Competition
Learn how sex can impact sports, competition, and athletic performance, and learn what athletes and lifters should be aware of when it comes to maximizing their performance, physique, and hormonal function. (Read More →)
Common Mistakes by Trainers & Strength Coaches
Strength coaches and trainers aren’t exempt from making training and programming errors. In this list compiled by STACK Media, Dr. Seedman outlines (slides 8-15) the 7 mistakes he most frequently sees. (Read More →)
Test Your Strength & Weaknesses to Maximize Athletic Performance
Assessing strengths and weaknesses is critical to optimizing performance, strength, and health. Dr. Seedman gives tips to assess your own body and functional strength tests to determine your level of physical preparedness. (Read More →)
How Sex Affects Your Athletic Performance, Fitness, and Strength
Dr. Joel Seedman joins the The Dr. Leigh Vinocur Show podcast to analyze the science and answer the big question: "Does sex help or hurt athletic performance? (Read More →)
NFL Combine Interview and Podcast
Dr. Seedman joins Dr. John Rusin's podcast to discuss NFL combine training and approaches to maximizing an athlete's performance and results. (Read More →)
How Sex Affects Athletic Performance
Can an athlete's sex life hinder athletic performance? Men’s Fitness and Dr. Seedman discuss the affects of sex on performance, strength, and training. (Read More →)
Foot and Ankle Workouts for Athletic Performance
Dr. Seedman argues that athletes must train their ankles and feet for performance, and offers tips and exercises to improving foot and ankle function as well as specific recommendations for barefoot and minimalist shoes/footwear. (Read More →)
12 Ultimate Tests of Strength and Muscle Function
Dr, Seedman shares and explains the tests he developed to assess the his clients' functional strength. Tests include measures of lower- and upper-body strength, stability, mobility, foot and ankle activation, and movement mechanics. (Read More →)
Foot & Ankle Training for Optimal Performance
Proper foot, ankle, and toe mechanics are the most neglected areas in performance training. Dr. Seedman shares exercises, drills, and cues are best for developing proper foot, ankle, and toe mechanics. (Read More →)
BCAA's for Recovery, Athletic Performance, and Hypertrophy
Supplementation with BCAA's can be of great importance to athletes looking to boost recovery, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue in both anaerobic and endurance sports. (Read More →)
HMB for Muscle Mass, Strength, Performance, and Body Composition
Dr. Seedman examines the research for HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate), which has been embraced as an effective muscle building supplement. (Read More →)
New Articles
Here are 21 New Year’s resolution goals that all advanced lifters, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and general populations should apply to their training in the new year. These will take your performance, physique, strength, size, and health to the next level.
Proper lifting technique and body mechanics are essential for long-term joint health, performance, and physique improvements. With that said, here are 20 tell-tale indications you can use to determine whether or not your form is due for an overhaul.
Everyone squats the same regardless of individual differences and joint anthropometrics. A proper squat involves 90 degree joint angles and is most easily obtained by using eccentric isometrics with perfect posture and body alignment. Here are 101 truths everyone should know.
The fitness industry has lied to us one too many times. This article highlights the truth about yoga, flexibility training, mobility drills, & “range of motion” topics, supported by deep scientific research, observational data, & experiential findings.
When it comes to maximizing your strength, size, and performance, a low to moderate level of exercise variety is critical for maintaining progress and avoiding training stagnation. Here’s everything you need to know about exercise variety.
Can you sprint without warming up?? This is something humans have been able to do for centuries up until the last few decades. Unfortunately the fitness industry has ruined people’s bodies and contributed to us losing this practical human skill. Full Experiment here!!
The sissy squat has recently gained quite a bit of popularity in mainstream fitness and bodybuilding. Unfortunately it’s not only an inferior quad and thigh builder that lacks proper muscle stimulation, it destroys the knees. Here are 12 superior alternatives to sissy squats.
When it comes to utilizing functional presses for athletes and bodybuilders, sometimes we need to look past the traditional barbell and dumbbell chest press. Here are 25 of the best functional presses for athletic performance that also build functional strength & size.
Although mastering the big 7 with eccentric isometrics is paramount when it comes to mastering movement and muscle function, periodically including rotational training can be very effective particularly for athletes. Here are my 25 go-to rotational exercises.
The abductor and adductor muscles are incredibly important for hip function and joint health. Unfortunately they’re commonly neglected. Here’s how to properly train them for maximal performance, muscle function, and joint health.
Research has shown that overcoming isometrics are one of the most effective techniques for increasing motor unit recruitment & post activation potentiation. Combining eccentric isometrics with overcoming isometrics produces even greater gains in strength, size, & performance.
Eyes-closed training is something I frequently incorporate with all of my clients and athletes. That’s because it improves movement mechanics and muscle function due to enhanced proprioceptive feedback from the muscles. Here’s how.
Loaded carries are some of the most simple yet effective strength training movements you can perform for building functional strength and size throughout the body. Here are my top 30 favorite variations along with 10 tips to help master any loaded carry or farmer’s walk.
Bodyweight training is the new rage. Unfortunately most folks end up going about their quarantine and home bodyweight workouts in a very ineffective way thereby sacrificing their gym gains. Here are 25 key tips you should implement immediately.
Pullups are one of the most effective staples in any training program. Unfortunately most lifters including advanced bodybuilders and “expert” strength coaches perform them incorrectly thereby negating the benefits. Here’s how to do them.
Bodyweight exercises are some of the most natural feeling movements we can perform. Here’s how to apply eccentric overload to your favorite bodyweight movements such as pushups, dips, pullups, & rows, to maximize strength, size, & performance.
Stretching and flexibility training has been a controversial topic for decades in the strength and conditioning industry. Here’s everything you need to know to safely optimize your flexibility, mobility, and ROM using eccentric isometric protocols.
Are you looking for a unique yet potent mass builder for your entire back (upper, middle, and low back musculature)? If the answer is yes then you’ll want to try this modified drop set on the seated row station.
When it comes to building massive pectorals it’s tough to beat the basics such as barbell presses, dumbbell presses, weighted pushups, dips and chest flyes. Unfortunately none of these variations fully maximize the functions of the pectoral muscle fibers.
Fitting upper body isolation exercises into your training routine can be tricky particularly when you’re looking to emphasize larger compound movements in your lifting program. Here are my favorite ways to crush your arms while saving time and improving functional performance.
Want to maximize your athletic performance, strength, muscularity, stability, and joint health? Time to start taking advantage of functional training methods that utilize the anterior and posterior oblique slings via contralateral hip activation and unilateral movement patterns.
Offset loading training is one of my favorite strength training techniques not only for eliminating imbalances, asymmetries, and muscle dysfunction, but also for building ridiculous levels of functional strength, hypertrophy, motor control, and core stability. Read more here.
The barbell Zercher squat is an incredibly effective lower body exercise. However it also has its share of downfalls. Here's how to use kettlebells and landmine stations to improve the effectiveness of this classic strength exercise.
The good morning exercise is one of the best posterior chain movements that crushes the glutes and hamstrings while also blasting the postural muscles of the upper body. Unfortunately it gets a bad rap. Here’s how to perform it correctly plus 20 unique variations.
The Trap bar is one of my favorite training tools and specialty bars. Here's how to use it for pullups and chinups. As an added bonus each variation will help spark new growth, strength, posture improvements, and enhanced muscle function.
Excessive low back/lumbar arch on bench press movements is a common mistake even amongst advanced lifters. Not only does it set the individual up for potential injuries but also minimizes the effectiveness of the chest press itself. Let’s fix it!
The Landmine is one of the most versatile training tools in existence. Unfortunately many lifters limit its application to basic rows, goblet squats, and presses. There are dozens of unique exercises that can be performed with it. Here are my favorites.
Although I use a variety of squats and lower body drills with my clients particularly eccentric isometrics, there’s one squat variation I tend to use with just about every client due to its simplicity and effectiveness - namely, the front curled squat.
Over the years I’ve posted some pretty crazy exercises many of which can only be performed once you’ve truly mastered your body mechanics and form. With that said here are 50 brutally tough exercises you’ve likely never done and probably can’t.
The belt squat is an amazing exercise that crushes the legs and you can make it even better by combining it with front rack kettlebell squats and goblet squats. Here are multiple variations you can use to induce functional mass in the legs.





Proper lifting technique and body mechanics are essential for long-term joint health, performance, and physique improvements. With that said, here are 20 tell-tale indications you can use to determine whether or not your form is due for an overhaul.