Here are some recommended strength and conditioning readings for the week:

Recovery: Athlete vs. Average Joe – Patrick Ward summarized some great research on how it takes a lot more to negatively impact performance when you reduce the outside stress in one’s life.

Force of Habit – This article by Lindsay Berra just ran in ESPN The Magazine. Lindsay interviewed me for the piece on Tommy John surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction), and while I wasn’t mentioned in the final version, I thought she did an outstanding job of outlining some complex topics – everything from the mechanics to the politics – in the piece.

21 Strength Exercises for Injury-Free Mass – Bret Contreras provides some great options – and the rationale for them – for those looking to make their strength training programs a little more joint-friendly over the long-term.