The Blog

Short reads for busy dads

Training, food and fixing what hurts - a few honest minutes at a time. New posts most days.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to improve ankle mobility for deeper squats

Stiff ankles killing your squat depth? Here's what actually helps, plus a few things that don't.

Training7 Jul 2026

Setting up a home gym in a two car garage

How to fit a real home gym into half a two car garage without losing your car spot or your marriage.

Training7 Jul 2026

Turning a spare bedroom into a home gym

How to turn a spare bedroom into a real home gym without spending a fortune or annoying your family.

Training7 Jul 2026

Choosing an adjustable bench for a small home gym

What actually matters when picking an adjustable bench for a cramped garage or spare room setup, and what you can skip.

Training7 Jul 2026

Is a trap bar deadlift better for home training

Trap bar vs barbell deadlifts for a home gym: which one actually makes sense for your space, back, and budget.

Training7 Jul 2026

How long should a 40 year old dad be able to hold a plank

A realistic look at plank hold benchmarks for 40-something dads, plus what actually matters more than the clock.

Training7 Jul 2026

What's a good push-up number for a man over 40

How many push-ups should a 40-plus guy be able to do, and what actually moves that number up.

Training7 Jul 2026

How many kettlebell swings should a beginner do

A simple rep and set plan for beginner kettlebell swings, plus how to build up without wrecking your lower back.

Training7 Jul 2026

Building a full body workout with just one dumbbell

How to train your whole body at home with only one dumbbell, plus a simple routine to try tonight.

Training7 Jul 2026

Resistance bands or dumbbells for home training

Bands or dumbbells for your home setup? Here's how I'd actually decide, based on space, budget, and what you're training for.

Training7 Jul 2026

Why you're sore for days after workouts at 40

Soreness that lingers longer at 40 isn't in your head. Here's why it happens and what actually helps it fade faster.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to build pull-up strength starting from zero

Can't do a single pull-up yet? Here's a straightforward plan to get your first one, built for busy dads.

Training7 Jul 2026

Kettlebells or dumbbells for training at home

A practical dad's take on kettlebells versus dumbbells for home workouts, and which one actually gets used.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to build strength at home without a bench

No bench, no gym membership, no problem. Here's how to build real strength with dumbbells, floor space, and a pull-up bar.

Training7 Jul 2026

Exercises that help with lower back pain for dads

Simple, low-risk exercises for dads dealing with lower back pain, plus what to skip until it settles down.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to test your strength level at home without a gym

No barbell, no problem. Five simple bodyweight tests to see where your strength actually stands right now.

Training7 Jul 2026

Why your lower back rounds during kettlebell swings

Your back rounds on swings because the hinge is turning into a squat or a lift. Here's why and how to fix it.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to keep training consistent when work travel gets in the way

Practical ways to keep exercising while traveling for work, without a gym or a plan falling apart.

Training7 Jul 2026

Why does my hip hurt during lunges

Hip pinching or aching during lunges is usually mobility or setup, not a warning to quit lunges forever.

Training7 Jul 2026

What causes elbow pain during dips

Elbow pain during tricep dips usually comes down to form, depth, or volume. Here's how to sort out which one is yours.

Training7 Jul 2026

Why your neck hurts during overhead pressing

Neck pain during overhead presses usually comes down to bar path, shrugging, or a stiff upper back. Here's how to fix it.

Training7 Jul 2026

How often you should train strength after 40

How many days a week you actually need to lift after 40, and why recovery matters more than volume.

Training7 Jul 2026

How to set up a pull-up bar at home

A no-nonsense guide to picking and installing a home pull-up bar without wrecking your doorframe.

Training7 Jul 2026

The best home gym equipment for small spaces

A dad's honest take on which home gym gear is worth the closet space and which stuff just collects dust.