I recently watched a DVD on overhead throwing athletes and rehabilitation that featured Mike Reinold and Eric Cressey. Reinold is a well-known physical therapist (owns and operates Champion PT in Massachusetts). Cressey is a widely respected and highly educated strength and conditioning coach. Anyways, on the DVD Cressey spoke about the injury threshold of aContinue reading Why You Should Squat Heavy
In past weeks we have discussed how to perfect the high-bar back squat and the front squat. It is now time to talk about the low-bar back squat. Athletes competing in the sport of powerlifting typically use this variation as it allows them to lift more weight. The Lift Off Taking the barbell out ofContinue reading How to Perfect the Low-Bar Back Squat
The right pair of shoes gave Michael Jordan the edge to lead Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang to victory in the 1996 movie Space Jam. For those serious about weight training, choosing the right shoe may help you break any personal records and improve performance.
Welcome back to Squat University! Last week we entered into Biomechanics 101, an introduction into the mechanics of the human body. We learned what torque is and how it is generated during the squat. While the analysis from last week was a great starting point to understanding the squat, we can’t stop there. We needContinue reading The Real Science of the Squat Pt 2
The Strength & Performance Podcast “Aaron Horschig: A Trip To Squat University” In today’s episode, you will learn: The truth behind “strength as a foundation for athletic performance” and why that thinking might be totally flawed How to assess your athletes from a movement first perspective Defining what a “good squat” should look likeContinue reading Strength & Performance Podcast
Why is front squatting more difficult than back squatting when using the same weight? Is the low-bar back squat better for your knees than the high-bar variation? These are all common questions some of us have. In order to answer these questions we have to look behind the curtain of movement and understand the scienceContinue reading The Real Science of the Squat
While the back squat is often labeled as the “king of all exercises”, the front squat usually follows close behind. Like many of the other barbell lifts, it is often performed incorrectly. In order to efficiently develop muscular strength and safely enhance athletic power, good technique is a must. The Lift Off The first stepContinue reading How To Perfect The Front Squat
As coaches we often have a standard set-up for teaching the barbell squat. Toes should point out slightly, feet should be placed at shoulder width and everyone should squat below parallel. Unfortunately this doesn’t always work. No two people will squat exactly the same way. There is no “one size fits all” approach to squatting.Continue reading How Hip Anatomy Affects Squat Mechanics
The high-bar back squat is typically one of the first barbell exercises young athletes are taught today. By perfecting technique an athlete has the potential to lift bigger weights with less risk for injury.Continue reading How to Perfect the High-Bar Back Squat
Think of the squat as a movement first. The squat as a training tool or exercise is second. Technique and movement quality always trumps how much weight is on the bar. By focusing on technique, we can limit the potential of injuries to our young athletes during training and play.Continue reading When Can My Child Start Lifting Weights Pt 2
