Strength Sites, Youtube channels and quality information

I recently listened to a strength podcast and the host spoke about where strength, barbell, and overall fitness information came from back in the day. Back then, let’s just say pre-internet, anyone interested in strength training, and lifting weights got all their info, ideas, and workouts from magazines. If you’re of the age that you started lifting weights before the internet, you know what I’m talking about. It was basically the various Joe Weider publications like FLEX and Muscle and Fitness. And I remember the big book that Arnold published, the Body Building Encyclopedia.

Now in the day of the internet, there are 1000’s of sites, Twitter accounts, YouTube Channels and Instagram pages dedicated to the topic. I think most of what’s posted is nonsense! You see, the fitness industry overall for 99% of the population requires a very simple approach. A few basic principles to apply max effort towards on a consistent basis. But us being people, we must try to complicate things as much as possible, most often to avoid doing the actual work. Sorry…but that’s what I think.

With that being said, there is great information online and awesome tutorials on every exercise you can possibly imagine. My website, and other social media pages around my weightlifting and training is just a creative outlet for me and a digital journal that I’ll hopefully have for years to come. I figured I’d share some of the online media, sites, books that I find insightful and/or entertaining. I think in the media world today, most people are starving for authentic content. That does not mean you need to agree with what everyone says or do all the exercises or workouts they do. Just because you don’t agree, doesn’t mean the information is wrong. It just might not be right for you! Anyway, here are some of the people that I follow and like.

1.       Squat University: Made by a PhD who breaks down the lifts with a scientific flare. Also provides good info on injury prevention and treatment.

2.       Squat Everyday: Just some guy who started a YouTube channel from Australia. Really smart guy and has a great demeanor about him. And is incredibly strong. Just a normal family man.

3.       Starting Strength: For Powerlifting at all levels. Helps everyday people learn how to lift weights and perform the core lifts properly. Super entertaining and these guys know more about squatting, deadlifting, benching, etc. than anyone on the planet. No Joke!

4.       The Strength Co.: Former military man who also teaches the core lifts and sells barbell equipment. Very good information!

5.       Testify Strength: Another powerlifting channel, that provides short videos with some very useful cues and tips to tighten up your form.

6.       Mind Pump TV: This is a popular channel and podcast, they talk about fitness, powerlifting and body building very broadly. But overall, have good content about all thing’s fitness. Regardless of what type of weight training you do.

7.       Mash Elite Performance: This provides lots of good information on Olympic style weightlifting.

8.       Warm Body Cold Mind: This is another Olympic weightlifting channel. And this guy has some awesome videos and tutorials with some cool graphics. He also does a good amount on mobility.

9.       Muscle for Life: Mike Matthews runs this site and he’s in the supplement business. I use these supplements and they also provide a holistic amount of information about all, powerlifting, bodybuilding, nutrition, programming, and general health.

10.   Strong First: Kettlebells, pretty much the best site if the KB is your tool of choice.

11.   Catalyst Athletics: Another oly site! Great technical knowledge and explanation. Gets into the nuance of everything related to those lifts.

12.   Barbell Logic: Another powerlifting site, dedicated to teaching everyone, at any age, at any level…how to strength train and barbell lift.

13.   Basement Brandon: One of the original guys who’s been filming from his basement for years. Incredible source for home gym equipment information. This guy knows his stuff. Also, just a regular guy who comes across authentic to me. If you are thinking of buying equipment, see what this guy says.

14.   Garage Gym Reviews: Another source for all things home gym. The star of the show is very good on camera, has a great personality and provides the most comprehensive information on anything you could buy for your home gym. Unbiased and even if you got your heart set on something, he would give you other brand products to at least compare.