Hail to the Dinosaurs! I sent this email out earlier in the year, but I wanted to send it out again for two reasons. First, I recently got an email from a Dino who ordered the Top Squat and the Log Bar from John Wood, and says that they have really helped with some shoulder problems. (Which is something I hear fairly often.) Second -- I have heard through the grapevine that the Top Squat may not be available much longer, and if you want one, you should take immediate action. And since shoulders are important, I thought I should dust off this email and fire it on out to you. So here goes . . . We were talking about preserving and protecting your shoulders last week, and that reminded me of some things that are awfully good for them. They're tools that I use, and they're tools that many Dinos use -- particularly, many older Dinos. I've suggested them to readers before, and whenever I do, I always get emails a month or two later from someone who says, "Took your advice -- and it really helped." But they're also important tools for younger Dinos. If you start using them NOW, your shoulders will be in better shape when you're older. So here they are: 1. The Dave Draper Top Squat Many older trainees find it hard to hold onto a squat bar when they do back squats -- and some can't even get into position to do the movement. Their shoulders just aren't flexible enough. So they end up doing front squats or Trap Bar squats -- or skipping their leg work -- or doing second and third rate exercises like leg extensions or leg presses. Enter the Dave Draper Top Squat. This is a simple device that fits onto your barbell and allows you to hold the bar in position with your hands out to the front. You're tight, solid and in complete control -- and there's no problem getting into proper position, even if you have the tightest shoulders in the world. You can buy this direct from Dave Draper, or order it from John Wood (who sells the Top Squat under a license with Dave Draper). To order from Dave Draper: http://www.davedraper.com/top-squat.html To order from John Wood: http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/products/dave-drapers-top-squat-1 2. Indian Clubs Indian clubs are light (1 to 2 pound) wooden clubs that look a little like skinny bowling pins. They were popular in the 1880's, 1890's and early 1900's, and many of you my age can recall seeing them lying around a school gym or YMCA when you were young. You use them to perform a variety of shoulder exercises, using rotational movements and moving the shoulder joints through a wide range of motion. They're not a strength builder. They're a way to keep your shoulders loose, flexible and supple. Note that you do NOT need heavy clubs. You want them light. One pound clubs are plenty, and 1.5 pounders are also good. Two pound clubs are as heavy as I would recommend. I started to use them on the advice of Tommy Kono -- so you can say that this is a Gold Medal Training Tip -- coming from a two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner and six-time World Champion. I use the clubs as a part of my regular warm-up in every workout, and they work GREAT. How great? Well, I'm 57, and I've had more than my share of shoulder problems - starting with a bad injury when I was a high school wrestler 40 years ago. But I can do squat snatches -- and that requires pretty darn flexible (and strong and health) shoulders. And the Indian clubs have helped me do it. I ordered my clubs from John Wood: http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/products/classic-wooden-indian-clubs So there you have it. Two unique tools to help preserve and protect your shoulders. Grab them now. It will be like getting new shoulders in a box. Yours in strength, Brooks Kubik P.S. I cover plenty of other tips about preserving and protecting your shoulders in Gray Hair and Black Iron and the Dinosaur Military Press and Shoulder Power Course: http://www.brookskubik.com/grayhair_blackiron.html http://www.brookskubik.com/militarypress_course.html P.S. 2. My other books and courses are right here: http://www.brookskubik.com/products.html P.S. 3. Thought for the Day: "Treat your shoulders right. They deserve it." -- Brooks Kubik
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