CategoriesDeadlift Romanian Deadlifts Squat technique

Why I Usually Teach People How To Do Deadlifts Before Squats

A question I was asked recently was, “Why do you prefer teaching deadlifts before squats? Many of your articles and videos you mention this but do not explain why this is the case?” This is a very good question and there is a good reason why I often do say this, although I will say it is not a hard and fast rule I always stick to as there are many times I do teach both movements at the same time. Perhaps one of the main reasons is that I see so many people with injuries and problems with the hips, knees, and lower back and usually the movement that creates the most pain and discomfort is the squat. However, the deadlift at times is equally as painful to learn yet I still persist in teaching this movement so this is not the only factor. In this article, I will explain the multiple reasons behind this philosophy and begin to see the long term benefit from learning this way.

CategoriesKnee Pain Squat technique VMO

7 Best Squats To Build Strong Legs & Bulletproof Knees

If you have been going to gym for some time, or if you have a knee problem you will know all about the importance of being able to SQUAT. The squat, along with the deadlift, is one of the most common leg exercises used in the the gym and regarded as arguably the best leg strengthening exercise. It is also very popular in the rehabilitation field, for the amazing benefits it can provide to not only your legs, but your entire body with regards to posture, core stability, and better movement control. When you develop a great movement pattern with the squat you improve any movement sharing the same timing, such as jumping which is why it is a favorite of sports coaches around the world. But it also improves the strength of muscles around the knee and the timing of standing up out of a chair, or climbing up stairs and many everyday tasks which are usually very difficult for people with knee pain, explaining why the health and rehabilitation field love it so much. There are so many ways you can do this great exercise, but which one is the best? Well, there is no definitive version that is good for all of us, (besides maybe the single leg squat), there is only the best one for you and knowing which one this is, can be just as important as learning the execution and technique. This article we look at 7 of our best squats to use to help build strong legs that will be bulletproof to injury.

CategoriesSquat technique

Is It Okay To Let Your Knees Go Over Your Toes When You Squat?

One movement that has a lot of confusion and controversy surrounding the “correct technique” to use is the squat. For a long time people have been told to keep their knees behind their toes or it will cause serious knee damage. This teaching is still used in many gyms and fitness centers today, yet the basis and logic for this instruction is more likely to cause harm and dysfunction than prevent it. If you watch elite weightlifters competing you will see their knees always go over their toes, and the taller they are, the further forward they go. And not only do they not have knee pain, they have legs stronger than most people on the planet. What causes knee pain has more to do with hip and foot mechanics combined with poor movement strategies that were either taught or learned from an early age. In this article, I will explain the theory behind the squat and help clear up what the correct movement you should be striving to achieve really is.