In partnership with
Do tools sharpen your training, or blunt it?
When I look around the gym, I’d say they blunt it. There’s nuance, though. I don’t consider it wrong or “cheating” in the traditional sense; but I do see an overreliance on using straps, belts, bands, and even chalk. Though chalk might be a stretch since it mostly just helps with sweaty palms.
There is nothing wrong with incorporting these tools to help you with that extra edge, offset due to injury, or fully fatigue a targeted muscle group. I add them when I’ve hit fatigue and still want to push. For example, you’re on your last set of heavy back squats. In the previous set, you missed the final rep. Instead of calling it, you go after the final set and target reps, so you throw on a belt and get to work. That’s how I approach these tools as a coach and personally. Raw strength and full effort always comes first. Use them as a tool, not a crutch.
"There is no greater glory for a man than that which he achieves with his own hands and feet."
How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential
Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.
Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.
Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.
The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.
Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.
EXPLOSIVE PRIMING BEFORE LIFTING: SHORT GUIDE
The warmup you probably arent doing…
Why Do It:
Switches on the nervous system | Improves bar speed and coordination | Rehearses bracing and intentHow To Use:
Low volume 6-12 sets of 3-5 reps | Full effort, stop before speed drops | Rest 45-90 secondsOptions:
Lower body: pogos, broad jumps, split jumps, hurdle hops | Upper body: med ball chest pass, slams, plyo push ups | Rotational: med ball rotational throws
Rules of Thumb:
Warm up tissue first (light cardio + mobility) | Keep total contacts under ~40 | Use them to prime, not fatigue
Thanks for reading this week’s edition of The Weekly Standard!
If you found value in these insights, share it with a training buddy or post it on your social feed; let’s spread the knowledge and push each other to new levels. See you next time!
COACH’S INSIGHT
Explosive primers work best when they are simple and intentional. A few jumps or throws done with full speed can light up your nervous system and carry straight into stronger, sharper lifts.
And the problem I see too often is athletes leaning too much on tools like belts, straps, and bands before they have built raw strength and intent. Tools have their place, but they do not replace effort. Prime with explosive work to switch on the system, then train with focus.
Add tools when you truly need the extra edge, not as a crutch.
