Some days you are going to be stronger/faster than other days.

When I work one on one with clients, I am constantly analyzing their form/breathing/posture/facial contortions/etc to judge how close to failure they are.

Depending on the goal of the workout, I might stop a set as soon as their form slips below “perfect”. Other times, speed of movement is most important. Other times, I will push for absolute failure and I will help keep the reps in good form. Other times, I want 1 rep even if they could get 3. and so on and so on….

If you want to break away from reps/sets, you can try using time as a measurement (see EDT – escalating density training) …or intensity or form..

Start here

For Lordosis / Sway Back

The short answer is that you need to stretch some muscles:

* Psoas
* Iliacus
* Rectus Femoris
* Tensor Fascia Latae
* Spinal Erectors (special care here)

and strengthen other muscles:

* Rectus Abdominis
* External Obliques
* Glutes
* Hamstrings

Thanks to your question, I will be putting an article together to help correct this postural problem

It will take me a few days, but it’s on the way

I read once that while doing any exercise where you grip something, you should concentrate on holding the grip lightly, not squeezing it. It helps you focus on the muscle(s) you’re intending to workout, rather than flexing a lot of unnecessary muscles. On the butterfly or overhead press, I often don’t even curl my fingers around the bar/grips.

What do you think?

Forearm strength is best handled indirectly through grip training, bicep training and through grip and hold exercises like deadlifts, shrugs and farmers walks.

Grip strength can be broken down into:

Grip strength/power – use a hand gripper to work this aspect – http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/ironmind/Main/captainsofcrush.html

Grip and hold strength – gripper/deadlifts/farmers walks

Pinch strength – plate pinch – squeeze two 5 lb weight plates together with your fingers & hold as long as possible

Hand extensor strength – wrap rubber bands around you closed fingers & open

Wrist strength – Flexion/Extension with a wrist roller – http://www6.mailordercentral.com/ironmind/prodinfo.asp?number=1254

Jarret, I would also look at how you are holding your hands/wrists during bench presses. Do you let your wrists bend back & hold the bar on your palm OR do you hold your wrist straight?

Picture the forearm/wrist flexor muscles held in a stretched position under load – Given time and increasing bench press loads, and you will get wrist pain.

You might want to look at an elastic wrist brace to help you keep your wrist straight. It will take a little practice to get used to benching this way

Hope this helps

Thanks for the feedback

Re: your site – Do you ship to Canada? If so, how do you deal with supps coming across the border – customs often equate supplements with steroids