Okay, while this is normally RANDOM Friday Thoughts, I think it’s important that we get one thing clear up-front…

While I may be covering several topics today, in reality, the only thing that warrants any discussion is the Final Four – because UCONN is going to go out and dominate this weekend (and Monday).  This includes the men’s and women’s basketball teams, cheerleaders, mascots, fans, and hot-dog vendors.

More of these on the way!

Anyway, let’s get to this week’s randomness (as if yesterday’s wasn’t awesome enough)

1. On Tuesday, there was a great guest post from Dan Lorenz on Mike Reinold’s blog; it is definitely worth checking out: Low Back Pain and Hip Motion Correlation.  We’ve really worked in hip internal rotation aggressively over the past year or so, and it’s been a huge help for our athletes.  I love this stretch, in particular:

Of course, hip internal rotation is just one component of a good hip mobility program.  Check out the Magnificent Mobility DVD for more details.

2.  I’ve been outspoken in the past about how I think that higher certification requirements – and possibly even mandated licensing – ought to be imposed in the personal training industry.  This article is a great example of why.

3. Can somebody tell me a) why in the world Michael Vick wants to give up a potential return to the NFL to become a construction worker, b) why any construction company would actually hire Michael Vick, and c) why this is even qualifies as news?  It seems like a lose-lose-lose situation, so I’ll just drop it.

4. Here is a nice article about Cressey Performance athletes Matt Miller and Jason Roth, both of whom are playing baseball at Northeastern right now.

5. Apparently, age-related mental decline begins as early as age 27.  I turn 28 on May 20 – so I guess you could say that the good news is that this blog will get a lot more interesting once I’m senile (assuming I can even remember the log-in information).

6. I recently received this email before/after report from a happy Maximum Strength reader:

“Eric,

Thanks for the program.  When I first started lifting July ’07, I had two long term goals – 400 lb deadlift by July ’08 and 1,000 lb club (squat, deadlift, bench).  Well, here are my results from your program.

Broad Jump: 87″ to 94″

Bench: 205 to 245

Squat: 215 to 265

Deadlift: 305 to 365

Chinups: None. Now 2. Just missed the 3rd. I am 6’4″ and had never done one in my life.

My weight went from 221 to 237.  I gained an inch in my arms, around the shoulders, and legs. In the end, I went from 725 lbs to 875 lbs; only 125 lbs to go.

Thank you!

Andy”

Pick up your copy of Maximum Strength today!

Have a great weekend!