The Human Spirit is Boundless

Imagine instantly changing the direction of your life? Your job, your goals, your direction...your life.

Read this cool article:

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.01/ultraman.html

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Wired NextFest Infrared X-ray Machine

Live at the WIRED NextFest at the Jacob Javitz center in New York City, an Infrared X-ray Machine displays your vessels and muscle directly on top of your skin by just moving your body under the beam. Get the latest on trends and technology in the strength field here at the Diesel Blog! Smitty The Diesel Crew

A Christmas Story

I still love that movie. I must have watched it over 100 times over the years. From everyone here at Diesel, we hope that you have a great Holiday and get to spend a ton of time with your family!

Smitty

The Diesel Crew

Vasily Alekseev

First one to do what was thought to be impossible! Amazing video!

Amazing Courage!

I was watching TV tonight and came across a show on the Discovery Channel. Surgery Saved My Life! They were profiling extreme spinal surgery and they profiled two kids. Two kids who were the bravest kids I have ever seen. So innocent and so full of life. These kids had terrible twisted spines - the worst, as bad as you could ever imagine. The one young boy, they said, had likely contracted polio as an infant, which demolished his spine over 10 years.

The group who did these surgeries was FOCUS, founded by a Dr. Bewagi (sp?). This guy was a Saint! I couldn't find the website, but if you do - DONATE to it - and send me the link! You really get to see how amazing modern technology is, and how far it has come.

The fear in their eyes before their surgery was horrible. But they were so brave and just wanted to have a better life. Their stories really inspired me.

Go home, kiss your kids and your wife and be thankful for all your blessings!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Don't Miss the Point!

Check out this recent news story.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20061128/sc_livescience/newadvicedontsitupstraight

They're missing the point! GET THE HELL OUT OF THE CHAIR! GET MOVING!

If you have to sit for long durations, get up every 20 minutes or so and perform some quick mobility drills, reach over head or take a walk!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

PS Chaos is coming!

Get Your Balance On!

This video is one of the most impressive displays of balance and kinesthetic awareness I have ever seen. Renowned strength coach Jamie Hale posted this video of Rodney Mullen.


Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Are You Overtrained?

In my recent interview for RobertsonTrainingSytems.com website, I discussed how powerful of an indicator the hands are for determining your level of overtraining.

Here is the excerpt:

Remember the hands are a direct indicator of the CNS and subsequently can provide you with direct feedback of overtraining. Have you ever gone into the gym for a workout and the weights felt “cold” or you’re hands “hurt” when lifting the weights? This is an immediate red flag that you are overtrained.

My good friend Alwyn Cosgrove wrote to me after Mike's newsletter went out and he said "...that is exactly how I feel!" Alwyn's is going through a battle right now and his immunity is real low - BUT HE IS STILL TRAINING! He confirmed that the weights did feel cold to him.

Check out my hands after today's push / pull workout.





They're torn up - and really "tired." Check out this high volume workout....

We did:


1) Clean & Jerk

2) Push Press

3A) RDL

3B) Chest Supported Rows

4A) Incline Press

4B) Dips


After all the cleans and heavy RDL's - my hands were beat up. I NEED SOME RECOVERY! Contrast baths, good nutrition and some rest.

If the weights feel heavy or cold, or you just feel like you never warm up - you are probably overtrained! Take a day off!

Don't forget to check out the interview I did with Mike a while back - packed with a ton of information - Click Here.

Train smart, train hard,

Smitty

The Diesel Crew

Amazing Strength!

Check this out - talk about powerful relative strength. His grip is pretty good too :)



Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Great Message!

Just received this from Ryan Lee's newsletter and it made my day!



Smitty
The Diesel Crew

DREXEL DAY 2006

The Drexel video is done and it is huge! Approximately 20 minutes, but well worth the download.

Check it out here

You'll see some amazing footage, including a 50" jump on 1 foot, triple clap pushups and a 360 lb stone lift at 170 lbs bodyweight!

Stay Diesel,

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Good Luck AJ!

Our boy AJ Roberts is competing in the WPO NY Semi's this weekend in Lake George, NY. AJ is in the superheavyweight class and is unbelievably strong.

Check out his website TheIronGladiator.com. I met AJ at a seminar this year and we both got to play around with a 120 lb sandbag.

PLEASE RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE TARGET AS
Check out the video - click here.

Lots of big things are going to be happening for the Crew in the remainder of this year and into 2007.

Stay tuned, stay DIESEL!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Sick Grip Strength!

Here's Evan, an amateur MMA fighter putting the hurt on a deck of cards. Look at the muscles in his forearms!

Do you think he is building functional grip strength endurance? Of course! Do not be locked into the same old routines!

Check out this quick routine incorporating Grip:

Focus: Upper Body & Crush

i. Dynamic Warmup

ii. Mobility

iii. Foam Roller

1) Power Hang Cleans

2A) Military Press

2B) Posterior Flyes

3A) Pull-ups

3B) Face Pulls

Quick and Easy!

Each exercise above can be done with an olympic bar, dumbbell, kettlebell or sandbag.

Switch it up!

Smitty

The Diesel Crew

Homemade Equipment!

A great post by Scott on StraightToTheBar.com. A ton of useful information for building or creating your own, homemade equipment.

Thanks Scott for compiling this comprehensive list!

http://www.straighttothebar.com/2006/10/diy_homemade_gym_equipment.html

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Paul Anderson Tribute

One of the strongest men of all time - here is a very cool tribute!



Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Unbelievable Grip Strength Endurance!

You will not believe how incredible this climber's grip is...

http://www.klimb.com/gallery/climbing/movies/todd_meyers_campusing.mov.html

Check it out!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

New Articles Coming Out Soon!

1. Crush Your Opponent - a MMA article discussing some innovative ways to develop insane grip strength, how to brace through irradiation and how to increase dexterity. One exercise is excerpted from my MMA manual. Check it out on FightersReview.com

2. I am doing a post seminar article on Eric Cressey's The Sturdy Shoulder Seminar, which should be out in a few days

3. I also will be interviewed by both Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson very soon!

I will keep you updated as things start getting posted.

Check out the Blob Load Medley from the recent BBB Grip Contest - Jedd took 3rd place, but he crushed everyone in this event!

Building the Ultimate MMA Athlete

The FightersReview.com Review!

FightersReview.com just completed a review of my manual and I couldn't be happier. Matt, at Fighters Review, gave the manual two thumbs up and he really appreciated the creativity. In fact, he already started implementing the exercises right into his own strength program!

Go over and check out the review - Click Here!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew

Chaos Manual Coming Soon!

If you are a strength coach or fitness professional who thinks instability training involves a bosu or a wobble board - then you are going to be blown away by the new Chaos training concepts. It is not about changing the base support - remember there is an inverse relationship between the level of instability and the potential to generate power.

The more unstable the base support - The less potential power you will be able to express!

Open up your mind and get ready for the next level of training!

Chaos!

Get Diesel,
Smitty
The Diesel Crew
"Achieving Beyond Potential"
www.DieselCrew.com
www.TheGripAuthority.com

The Sturdy Shoulder Seminar

I'm heading to the Sturdy Shoulder Seminar put on by Eric Cressey and Excel Strength in Mass tomorrow. Pretty excited about it.

I'm going to hit an ME bench day with Eric and his crew, and share some training ideas. On Saturday, the seminar is going to go over all things shoulders, including; rehab, stabilization, balance, mobility, functional anatomy and a ton more.

I will let you know how it goes...

My goal is to start updating this blog more and more to keep you informed of all the upcoming events for the Diesel Crew.

Get Diesel,

Smitty
The Diesel Crew
"Achieving Beyond Potential"
www.DieselCrew.com
www.TheGripAuthority.com

Shaolin Training!

Awesome Shaolin Training clip!

Balance, agility, hand strength, heavy plyometrics and sick abdominal strength - you've got to check this clip out!

Quick Workout

Check out this quick workout to pump up your grip strength and posterior chain.

Warmup
1A) Bodyweight lunges
1B) high knees
1C) leg swings
1D) high hurdles
1E) pushups

Workout
1) Axle Double Overhand (DO) Deadlifts 6x3

2A) RDL's 3x5
2B) Kettlebell Pull-throughs 3x5

3A) Plate Pinch High Pulls 2x12
3B) Posterior DB Flyes 2x12

Done! In and out quick!

The Grip Authority

Check out our new site: The Grip Authority

Your site for the latest and greatest on how Grip strength is essential for your athletes.

Application of Sport Specific Grip strength training ideas that are innovative and will provide the "missing link" for your athletes.

Come by and check it out!

Check back frequently at The Grip Authority and The Diesel Crew site for updates on how to develop insane, real world strength.

Stay Diesel!

Smitty

The Diesel Crew, LLC

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

Leaders in Grip Strength

Corporate Strength

Corporate Strength - Gartner

Corporate Strength - Six Sigma

Corporate Strength - Projects

GET YOUR FREE ATHLETIC NEEDS ANALYSIS HERE!

Check out my Corporate Strength article series. Huge amount of feedback from the scientific community (those who moonlight during the day in labs and dominate the weights at night.) Thank you to everyone for your great feedback!

Corporate Strength discusses how to take the "tools" used by Corporate America and customize them to help visually express complex concepts dealing with the development of our athletes.

Enjoy...

Stay Diesel!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew
"Achieving Beyond Potential"
www.DieselCrew.com

Core Statics

Check out my latest article on Elite Fitness Systems.

Core Statics will be an incredible addition to your core workouts. Building a serious foundation to make your athletes into tanks - rolling over their opponents!

Part II will be coming up next week and promises to complete the series with some very cool movements. Building upon Gray Cook's 7 Part Functional Movement Screen (FMS) - Core Statics will provide progressive stabilization along the Z component. Quit standing still when you are stabilizing the core.

Read the full article here

Stay Diesel!

Smitty
The Diesel Crew
"Achieving Beyond Potential"
www.DieselCrew.com

Relative Strength

Definition of Relative Strength: Strength relative to bodyweight

Calculation of Coefficient: Weight lifted for a specific exercise divided by bodyweight.

Examples:

300 lb (Squat) / 185 lb (male) = 1.62 Coefficient

300 lb (Squat) / 250 lb (male) = 1.20 Coefficient

Want to see massive relative strength? Check out the head Strength and Conditioning coach from Drexel University!

Mike Rankin, CSCS flipping a 95 lb Kettlebell

TALK ABOUT BALANCE!

Shaolin Masters and students on kung fu poles demonstrate stances. The kung fu poles are sometimes bound with rope to improve grip during exercises. Practicing on the kung fu poles helps to improve agility and balance for experienced kung fu students. The less experienced might practice on stones or logs rather than the kung fu poles. Leaping from the top of one of the kung fu poles to the top of another demands skill and exceptional balance control.

Today, we use wobble boards, foam pads, bosu platforms, strap lines, swiss balls, balance beams or foam rollers.

Check out www.DieselCrew.com for advanced balance training.

Stay Diesel!

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

Leaders in Grip Strength

www.DieselCrew.com

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A CHAMPION?

Hard Work, Dedication, Knowledge, Plan of Attack and Goals!

MMA athletes who fight in the UFC, PrideFC, King of the Cage or K1 - have to have all of the above. But to get the competitive edge they need to think outside the box and seek out knowledge to help them achieve their goals.

The Diesel Crew's - Building the Ultimate MMA Athlete - lays out the development of strength and power as it pertains to the functional movement patterns and positioning for MMA athletes in training and competition. It also contains a vast index of DIESEL inspired exercises that will explore non-conventional training as it relates to these movements. It will also address energy systems, nutritional concerns and touch on some rehabilitation considerations.

YOU'VE SEEN ALL THE CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES - NOW EXPERIENCE THE DIESEL ONES!

Smitty

The Diesel Crew

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

www.DieselCrew.com

STRIKING POWER!

How can Kettlebells improve your striking power? Just ask Robert Pasquini a Krav Maga instructor and owner of ADT Tactics from Sweden.

EXPLOSIVE KETTLEBELL PUNCHES

Great for developing explosive starting strength and bone crushing power.

1. Stand in fighting pose with straight wrists.





2. And from here you just punch the KB as if you are throwing a punch. You can do the motion more extended, as on the picture to train the long muscle motion, or shorter like a punch.

3. Change the stance and do from left and right side like an jab or a heavy punch from the rear, on the pic I use a 32 kg bell, but off course you can go lighter or heavier.

Now that is DIESEL! Check out more non-conventional means of developing incredible strength at DieselCrew.com

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

LEADERS IN GRIP STRENGTH

GOT SPEED?

Wanna learn how to get explosive? Shorten the Range of Motion on a multi-joint, complex exercise and now you have a movement that requires maximum motor unit recruitment!

Check out this DIESEL exercise!

KNEELING STONE SHOULDERING

Developing explosive strength in the hips and posterior chain is essential in the sport of MMA. Wait until you see my manual coming out in the next couple weeks - "BUILDING THE ULTIMATE MMA ATHLETE".

Stone shouldering is a great core developer. You can use natural stones, sandbags, heavy bags, medicine balls, kettlebells or any object that requires you to stabilize the load.

Get DIESEL!

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

LEADERS IN GRIP STRENGTH

www.DIESELCREW.com

FITNESS DEPLOYED

Benjamin Williams, 1LP(P), EN, currently deployed in IRAQ, is doing his best to stay fit and healthy with limited equipment. He just purchased our ADVANCED KETTLEBELL EBOOKS showing him how to utilize Jumpstretch bands and Kettlebells to hit an incredible workout.

Showing us his "gym", Ben says, "I attached a photo of my "gym" (Note the blast resistant walls)".

You can still achieve amazing results if you INNOVATE and you are CREATIVE - Ben is a perfect example!

Thank you for everything BEN!

CHECK OUT BEN'S TESTIMONIAL - CLICK HERE!

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

LEADERS IN GRIP STRENGTH

GET BUSY LIVING!

Let me tell you about a man who approached me at the Diesel Crew's World Series of Grip 2006 at the CT Stronger Than All Strongman competition. He told me when he lifts, everything grows silent. He told me about going all the way and taking it home.

He told me about a heart attack he recently had and how the next day he was out cleaning his yard.

He pointed to his chest and said - "STRENGTH STARTS HERE"

Donald Tracy

70 Years Young!

Don holds State and World Records in the APA Powerlifting Organization, check them out:

State Record - Age 55-59 years old - BW 195 lbs - Deadlift 440 lbs

World Record - Age 65-69 years old - BW 181 lbs - Deadlift 417 1/2 lbs

State Record - Age 65-69 years old - BW 220 lbs - Bench 265 lbs

When Don pointed to his chest and said "STRENGTH STARTS HERE"

he was talking about HEART!!! Get Busy Living baby!

Be DIESEL!

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

www.DIESELCREW.com

DROPPING PLATES!

Rick Walker, CSCS - not only writes some kick ass articles - he puts his money where his mouth is. Training hard-core everyday and lifting big weights. Train conventional, but don't be bound by it!

HERE IS RICK DROPPING THE HAMMER ON 650LBS.

WEARING ONLY A BELT AND A SINGLET

Rick not only writes some of the most innovative articles regarding strength and conditioning, he is freaking strong. Building upon his extensive knowledge of strongman, powerlifting and grip - Rick has continued to take his, and his athletes' training to the next level.

RICK RACK PULLING A BEAFY 855 LBS

Don't miss Rick's articles on www.DIESELCREW.com

Stay innovative, stay positive, stay DIESEL!

Smitty

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

www.DIESELCREW.com

SLED DRAGGING

Want to pump up your posterior chain, correct an imbalance or rehab an injury? Sled Dragging will accomplish all 3. Essential for any serious athlete, Sled Dragging will give you the competive edge and provide you with the essential non-conventional training to become a champion.

Todd Wilson's new Sled Dragging II - The Fundamentals article - Check it out!

Stay serious, stay powerful, stay DIESEL

Smitty
www.DIESELCREW.com

It is finally done - Diesel Crew's - Grappling Conditioning II !!! Go to our Grappling Page and check it out. This DVD contains more advanced Bodyweight drills and exercises that can be done right in the matroom, in the ring, on the field. MMA, Rugby players and firemen are just a few of the individuals who have ordered the first installment - and loved it! -------------------------------------------------------- Ask Todd Wilson - In this weeks installment: How to target the lower hamstrings?, What to focus on to increase the vertical jump?, Are deadlifts bad for my back?, Why do my hips tuck under during a squat? ------------------------------------------------------- I remember watching this documentary on bouncers for bars and nightclubs and one guy stuck out in my mind. He was an older guy from England and he had a heavy, deep voice that was unforgettable. What really caught me off guard was how he explained everything - it was very mesmerizing. He was matter-a-fact about everything when he was describing from his horrible childhood to his fights - and you could tell he was tough! This guy was Lenny "The Guv'nor" Mclean. He was a bare-knuckle champion and won, by all accounts, thousands of fights. I did some research on him and found his site. In his later years, he turned to acting and his most famous role was in Guy Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" - Check it out if you get the chance - I did just recently myself. The Guv'nor died in 1998 of brain and lung cancer. Are you DIESEL? Stop on by and see how to train like a CHAMPION! www.DIESELCREW.com Smitty

The Steinborn Lift

Henry Steinborn "Milo" - the 1920 German national weightlifting champion invented the Steinborn Lift. It is a lift that starts with a loaded bar standing vertical, lowered onto the shoulders and then the lifter performs a squat. Very difficult lift that taxes the core including the obliques, erectors, hip complex, hamstrings, gluteals and upper back musculature.

Wanna see a video? Click Here

The Diesel Crew keeping OLD SCHOOL ALIVE!

Smitty

www.DieselCrew.com

"Achieving Beyond Potential"

Leaders in Grip Strength

GRIP NATION

Think Grip training is only wrist curls? You are in for a great surprise! Check out my article called Grip Nation - Click Here!

ARE YOU DIESEL?

If you are a wrestler, boxer, football player, hockey player, basketball players, MMA athlete, soccer player, lacrosse player, softball player, baseball player, powerlifter, weightlifter, gymnastics athlete, fireman, police officer.....you get the idea - you need to check out - www.DIESELCREW.com

Check out Mark Bailey crushing stones and crushing his opponents.

Atlas Stone Getup from the Ground
(Extension of the Movement)

Hitting a Suplex with Triple Extension

Mark subscribed to the Diesel Method and utilized the bodyweight conditioning in our Grappling Conditioning DVD series - Check it out.

Mark also just competed in the CandyAzz Classic 2006.

Check out his monster lifts!

Video of Mark's squat - Click Here

Video of Mark's bench - Click Here

Video of Mark's dead - Click Here

DIESEL ARTICLE

Trying to develop world class pinch grip strength?

All athletes need to develop their grip, along with their entire body, to "complete the chain" and ensure they are able to generate maximum power. Train your hands and you will be able to smoke a hockey goal, take a lacrosse shot, catch that ball or control your opponent. If you cannot use your hands efficiently and prevent fatigue - then you will fail. Check out this article, "I Want a Pony" for creative ways to turn your hands into crushing machines.

Diesel Crew Article - "I Want a Pony" - Click Here

Get busy living...

Smitty

www.DIESELCREW.com

ADVANCED KETTLEBELL TRAINING

The most insane, never before seen Kettlebell drills and exercises. They will test your explosive starting strength, your dynamic proprioception, your functional grip strength and your desire to be the best. These Kettlebell eBooks are intense, maybe that is why they have a WARNING LABEL! Don’t get scared, get prepared.

Kettlebells will help you and your athletes develop a solid strength foundation, greater flexibility (and strength through that increased ROM), muscular endurance, accelerated recovery, increased grip strength, correction of weaknesses and the generation of power / explosive and starting strength.

Check out these extreme Kettlebell eBooks that have changed the face of the Strength and Conditioning field! - Click Here

INSPIRATION

ALEXANDER KARELIN

"Alexander Karelin became an Olympic champion three times: in 1988, 1992 and 1996 years. He won Europe championship 12 times and Russian championship – 13 times."

Alexander's Official Site - Click Here

Alexander Training (video clip) - Click Here

PAUL ANDERSON

Great site with information about Paul Anderson - Click Here

Video of Paul Anderson in competition - Click Here

These athletes were legends and their training was unique. The Diesel Crew drives innovation toward the same ideals.

Check out the Diesel Crew's upcoming seminar / boot camp - Click Here

What can the Diesel Method do for you?

Athlete Profile: Mark Bailey

Before we got a hold of Mark Bailey, he was sucked out - down to 160 lbs and beat up from his 2003-2004 Scholastic wrestling season. We took a look at his nutrition, flexibility, strength and performance goals for the upcoming 2004-2005 season. We developed a strategy to help him achieve his goals and along the way, make him a machine.

Here is Mark in June of 2004.

We took Mark into our program and the Diesel Method changed his life. He used our unique program combining powerlifting, strongman, weightlifting, dinosaur training and grip strength exercises to create unreal power. He knew he would have to work hard but he also knew - with the Diesel Method - he would have the kind of season he always dreamed about.

Here is Mark in August of 2004.

After correcting his diet and introducing Mark to complex, multi-joint movements, his bodyweight went from 160 lbs to 189 lbs at the end of the summer. He was rock solid and in training, he was moving huge weights explosively. The carry over was very apparent during the first practice of the 2005 season, where he was taking his team mates and throwing them around like rag dolls. The Diesel Method was expanded even further during this training period with Mark. The Grappling Conditioning I and II DVD series was born. It shows coaches, trainers and athletes how to maintain the strength developed in the off season while they are practicing everyday. You will be able to take the bodyweight exercises in our DVD series and workout right in the mat room or on the field - before, during or after practice! Rugby players and firemen have also discovered the benefits of our Grappling Conditioning series.

Mark took 3rd in States for New York - District IV in the 2004-2005 season.

Click Here - to see Mark hitting a massive continental (strongman) clean and push press at a bodyweight of only 198 lbs.

Click Here - to see Mark's Section IV Wrestling Championships win to go to States!

Click Here - to see Mark doing a get-up with an Atlas stone!

What is the Diesel Method?

VISION: Increasing strength through the entire functional movement pattern specific to the Athlete’s sport through the use of complex, multi-joint, closed chain exercises – with the goal of maximizing the potential to generate explosive power.

PROTOCOL: Incorporating and modifying - through “Extension of the Movement” - all aspects of Weightlifting (Clean & Jerk, Snatches and all transitional exercises), Powerlifting (Bench, Deadlift and Squat), Strongman (Atlas Stones, Yoke, Logs, Farmers Walk, Conan's Wheel, Viking Press, Axle, Tractor Tires), Dinosaur (Thick Ropes, Kegs, Rocks, Thick Handled Dumbbells, Chains), Kettlebell (Conventional and Non-Conventional Exercises) and Grip Strength (All Aspects; Crush, Support, Pinch, Levering, Tearing, Bending) to build the complete Athlete.