David Otey, CSCS

04/23/2026

Barbell Deadlifting is Superior

To who?

With what goals?

And what limitations?

** Exercise superiority is specific to the individual **

^^^ Don’t forget that

04/22/2026

Single leg training is Imperative

When people think of single leg activities, they tend to think of bouncing on one leg or doing a lunge

Rarely do they equate it to walking or running

Check out this excerpt from my conversation with Mens Health magazine and Sterling K Brown

04/21/2026

ChatGPT is a bad way to enter into a fitness routine

Poor information

Non-Specific

And not integrated into a community that will support and drive you

04/10/2026

Lift Progressions

can be a great way to integrate rotation into your programming.

Maintain Alignment - is the first important piece. Can head, sternum, and hips stay stacked

Segment the move - pull close to the body and once you are there, press and rotate. Make two smaller actions rather than one big one.

Extend the arms - the third progression is increasing the distance from your rotation point. This requires higher hip stability and more engagement from the core

The best exercise option is the one you can perform correctly

Always keep that in mind

04/09/2026

This is where the foundation begins

Their relationship with movement

Their relationship with exercise

Their relationship with food

It’s important we set up kids for success, not a lifetime of anguish, insecurity, and broken down bodies

04/08/2026

Getting Strong is the goal

So rather than demonize an exercise, let’s start to look at movements a little more critically.

Does is cause irreparable damage over time?
Is the option a bad fit for MY body?
Am I no longer getting stronger safely?

If any of those boxes exist, there are probably other options available that work well

But don’t let someone else’s opinion discredit a long standing movement because the algo said so

04/03/2026

Nike Boutique Studios Close (for now)

posted this yesterday and there are 3 lessons people in the fitness space should learn from this

04/03/2026

Nike Training Studios Close (for now)

They will likely be back and here are three lessons for fitness professionals in the space

04/01/2026

03/30/2026

Zercher Split Squat

Can be performed with many modalities but I really enjoy with a cable

Training strength through the split stance

While it’s not the best way to produce max force, it’s a great training tool for altered load placement, offset foot position, and front side emphasis

03/26/2026

My motto is simple, Tell, don’t sell

If someone comes to you looking for your professional advice and guidance, provide it

If you are just telling them what you think they’ll engage with you aren’t setting them up for success

At which you are then selling them something that will likely leave them short of their goals, expectations, and leaving with an underwhelming perspective of how a COACH can contribute to their program

03/20/2026

Gym ASMR

Who doesn’t love the sound of plates clangin and bangin