10 Life Lessons From Grandpop

You’ve probably never heard of my grandfather, Morton Ceaser. And that’s pretty much how he likes it.

You see, although Mort is one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever met, he was never one for the limelight.

With interests as diverse as science, art, and politics, Mort could have been anything he wanted. Heck, the man probably could have invented his own religion if he tried!

Picture of a random pensive gentleman I found on Google Images.

But that just wasn’t his style. Over his career in human resources and in his daily life as a husband and father of three daughters, Mort was never one to flaunt his intelligence. Reserved and mild-mannered, in group settings he often let his more loquacious wife, Gloria, do the talking. 

One-on-one, however, you could always count on Mort for insightful and often profound reflections on the past, present, and future states of the world -- and a delicious corned beef sandwich (on rye) to boot.

Over the 25 years that I’ve had the pleasure of calling him “Grandpop,” Mort has imparted some important lessons that I intend to hold near and dear for the rest of my life. Here are ten of them.

Power Athlete Radio Appearance

Mark Rippetoe, Dan John, Stu McGill, and... Travis Pollen!

I'm over the moon to have been featured on Episode 110 of Power Athlete Radio, which appears to be building a real who's who guest list in the world of strength and conditioning.

The topic? Adaptive training, of course!

Follow the link to listen:

http://powerathletehq.com/2015/06/19/pa-radio-episode-110-travis-pollen/

Or download via iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-athlete-radio/id623520420

Gym Home Court Advantage

Last Saturday I returned to my old stomping grounds, Swarthmore College, for an alumni reunion. Because I’m a huge weirdo, first things first I hit the library –– third floor, south side.

I sat down at my usual desk, and bam! The hunger struck -- just as it always would when I’d visit this study spot over the years I spent hitting my head against the wall studying physics at Swarthmore.

Fortunately, I’d come prepared. I downed my soft pretzel. Then my peanut butter and banana sandwich. Then the backup peanut butter crackers that I’d been planning to save for the car ride home. Hey, don’t judge! That place makes me hungry.

Anyway, after my little snack, I was immediately inspired to work. I busted out my trusty notebook and began scribbling feverishly:

Turn it on and off. 

Environment is everything. 

Home court advantage.

What exactly was on my mind (besides food)? Well, I realized why I was suddenly so inspired to work.

Guest Post: 5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Arm Workout

By Ryan Blair

When it comes to lifting weights, it’s only natural that you’d want to maximize the benefits of your workout. But there’s more to building muscle than simply lifting the weights -- especially when it comes to the arms. When working arms, there are a few key methods that can help to optimize a workout. Use my 5 tips to get the most out of your arm workout.