Review : Linebacker Fitness
Recently Vince Palko asked me to take a look at Linebacker Fitness, a program designed to 'get you fit as a middle linebacker'.
The program centres around a greatly underused exercise - jumping rope. If you've ever sampled the delights of skipping, you know just how challenging it can be.
Linebacker Fitness has been designed as a complete package, comprising all you need to begin straight away. This includes everything from a pair of instructional DVDs - demonstrating various jump rope techniques and training - to the rope itself.
In addition to the DVDs (which are comprehensive, and well worth a look) is a detailed manual; outlining several sample exercise plans for the coming weeks. These illustrate various ways to integrate the rope work with your existing resistance training routine.
Jump Rope Videos
Before you head over to the Linebacker Fitness site, take a look at these examples of the jump rope in action. As you'll see, it certainly gets the blood moving.
- Ross Enamait - superb.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr - demonstrating some rope work.
- Rene Bibaud - 5-time world rope jumping champion, artist and Cirque du Soleil coach.
Final Thoughts on Linebacker Fitness
Although jumping rope isn't a major part of my own training (I use it as part of the occasional warmup only), it made a great change to use it regularly for a few weeks. It certainly got the heartrate up.
I also like the fact that this is a complete package, including everything needed to dive right in. If you're looking to make a major change to your conditioning work, it's definitely one to check out. Linebacker Fitness.
Scott Andrew Bird is a writer, photographer and a guy who just loves this stuff. He's been at home in front of a computer for more years than he cares to remember (OK, 29) and is now making amends for years of many mistakes noted in the De-constructing computer guy articles (part 2) on T-Nation.
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Straight to the Grip Contest (part II, III, IV, V and VI) [Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson] Getting ready for your first grip contest? Here's what to expect.
A Little Yoke Work : 10 Exercises for a Bigger Neck [Scott Bird]
Traps maketh the man.
29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner [Jason Kirby]
This is absolutely superb.
Get Mental! The Psychology of Strength [Josh Hewett]
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Want more? Try these :
If you're new to the world of nail bending, this is the perfect book to get. It'll show you the exact techniques you'll need to get started right away. Written by world-class bender Jedd Johnson.
The Diesel Crew's Card Tearing eBook
This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook is the perfect place to start. Love it.
If you ever wake up with that 'just run over by a truck' feeling, you need a copy of Tim Hull's Functional Correction Manual. Not only will it help you to locate and repair the problem, it'll help prevent it happening in the future.
When it comes to body transformation - whether that's an increase in strength, packing on a bit of muscle or losing a bit of excess fat - this is the perfect place to start. Dr Berardi's Precision Nutrition.
This is a fantastic book. As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train. Love it.
101 Fitness Myths [Kindle Edition]
A superb combination of fitness mythbusting and no-nonsense advice. If you're not quite sure where to start, grab this.
The Art of Expressing the Human Body
If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection. Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes. Brilliant.
And if you're a strength coach or personal trainer, check out the books Derek found invaluable when setting up his (commercial) gym. Fantastic place.
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