Squat & Deadlift

/Squat & Deadlift

Decoding Deadlift Variations: What’s Better?

The pursuit of optimization has instilled a curiosity for asking, "What is the best..." The best answer for us is...it depends. Context matters when giving the most informed answer. Follow up questions of what are you hoping to achieve by using the deadlift? What are you goals? What are you capable of executing? Get specifics. [...]

By | October 30th, 2024|Exercise Technique, Loaded Movement, Squat & Deadlift|0 Comments

Knees Over Toes: Tips for Squats

"You shouldn't let your knees go over your toes." A common fitness belief that has been around for ages. It's easy to be inundated with conflicting information on all topics with the access to an infinite amount of information. Common beliefs are usually rooted in some truth that has morphed over time where the nuanced [...]

Leveraging Body Mechanics: Comprehensive Look at Sumo vs. Conventional Deadlifts

Introduction: The world of deadlifting is rife with discussions comparing Sumo and Conventional styles. Amidst the noise, a misconception often crops up, alleging that Sumo deadlifting is akin to cheating due to its perceived advantages. This notion stems from the belief that the reduced vertical bar travel in Sumo deadlifting makes it an easier option. [...]

By | November 1st, 2023|Exercise Technique, Squat & Deadlift|0 Comments

Low Bar or High Bar Squat Variation: Which is Better?

It's a common question: which is the better squat variation, the low bar or high bar? it depends! We're always looking for the best ways to achieve our goals, whether it's gaining muscle, getting abs, or following the best diet. But to provide the right answer, we need context. Differences between the low bar and [...]

By | April 17th, 2023|Core, Squat & Deadlift|0 Comments

The Benefits of the Front Squat

First the WHAT and the WHY Whether you're a personal trainer or just a fitness enthusiast, front squats are a variation of the squat that can add a lot to your program and development. Most people are familiar with the back squat and for good reason, it is one of the staples of every fitness [...]

By | March 30th, 2023|Function, Mobility & Movement, Squat & Deadlift, Warm Up|0 Comments

Kettlebell Foundations – The Upright Plank

The Upright Plank One of the foundational concepts of Kettlebell Strength Training (and Strength Training in general) is the “Upright Plank.” The Upright Plank is the difference between controlling the Kettlebell and overswinging it. The “overswing” can be caused by overextending the hips, hyper-extending the spine, or relaxing the knees. The Upright Plank is the [...]

Balance Exercises EVERYONE Should Master

Rationale for Balance Exercises Balance training is one of the most underrated modalities of a training program. Balance exercises are often used as a reactionary measure (to someone who has experienced an injury from a fall) rather than for the host of benefits they provide. I tend to work with clients over the age of [...]

Squat Variations for New Clients: by Courtney Parson

Our clients know how to sit on a chair. They do it every day. No matter their age, their lifestyle, their occupation, your clients squat. Even if they don't know that they do, they squat. A squat is not just an exercise, It's a movement pattern. Usually, what I find is when I ask someone [...]

Bridging the Pain Gap

The fitness industry has done an excellent job of teaching fitness professionals about the role of muscles, joints and the nervous system in movement. We've built bridges and filled gaps towards navigating rehabilitation with fitness training. However, one significant gap remains. Fitness professionals are not taught how to deal with pain. While it is not [...]

16 Exercises for Building an Awesome Ankle

Hello, and welcome to the first of many Corrective Exercise Continuum protocol guides; pronation of the ankle. This article's purpose is to provide the extra rationale for recommended exercises, provide videos demonstrating good form and good coaching, and create a library for your clients to study. In today's protocol, we will be looking at one [...]