On the 7th day of Christmas, my trainer gave to me...

Over half way now! so I'm gonna begin the second half of the 12 days by giving you the gift of power! Well, kinda anyway. Since we all know that knowledge is power, then you can get your learn on with these awesome blogs by some of the smartest in the strength and conditioning/ personal training game!

Bret Contreras - Super smart dude, (as all these folks are!) Scientific approach, the guy actually conducted hundreds of electromyography experiments on himself to find the best exercises for each muscle group. He developed the hip thrust, he's an expert on glute development, great at explaining biomechanics. Currently studying for his Phd in New Zealand.

Jim Smith - Co founding member of Diesel Crew (along with Jedd Johnson), published in loads of magazines, as well as the author of a huge number of great products. As well as all this, he is super motivated, always positive and inspirational.

Tony Gentilcore - Co-founder of Cressey performance with Eric Cressey, is one of the most entertaining bloggers around. Not to mention really smart. His blogs are really easy to read but contain a great amount of info on all things training.

Nia Shanks - This woman is the perfect example of why women should lift heavy, excellent posts on her site and a great example of how doing more than tricep kickbacks with that cute little pink dumbbell set isn't gonna get you "bulky."

Nate Green - As much a lifestyle blog as a lifting blog, Nate always has awesome content. Great workout and nutrition stuff (he work with John Berardi over at Precision Nutrition), he also has loads on becoming your own hero!

Dean Somerset - Strength coach, kinesiologist, post rehab specialist, physiologist, Canadian. His ability to put even the most complex info into an easy to read, and not to mention, humourous format makes this a must read.

Harold Gibbons - Harold is always putting out great posts through his blog, great content on all aspects of health and fitness, great info and always a good read!

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I had to limit it to 7 so there a big bunch of folks who I read almost daily that I've not put on the list. If you start with these, you'll be doing alright to start with!

Come back tomorrow for day numero 8....

Stay healthy.


Ps since I'm an idiot and forgot to post this on Sunday as I should have, this is going out on day 8 in the morning, and later today I'll post up day 8s actual intended post!

I'm sorry, it won't happen again! Probably...