Some exercises prove so simple and effective that we often take their existence for granted. The goblet squat has for me, been one such exercise. Over the past five years I've helped numerous friends begin their journeys into the lifting world with the aid of this trusty mechanism. While not everyone is as enthusiastic about… Continue reading The History of the Goblet Squat
Mentioned at various points on this particular site, the Zercher Squat has been described by many as one of the most effective but painful methods of building big quads. Uncomfortable to the nth degree, this lift isn't exactly the most popular amongst gym goers. A point which leads us into today's post. Why invent such… Continue reading The History of the Zercher Squat
The following extract comes from a fascinating twelve page pamphlet I recently got my hands on. Written by the Strongman and Powerlifter Bill Kazmier, the pamphlet details everything a budding strength enthusiast needs to learn to perform on the platform. Over the next few weeks we'll be dissecting Kazmier's advice for the Squat, Deadlift and the Bench Press. In the meantime,… Continue reading Bill Kazmier, ‘Competitive Squatting Style and Techniques’ from Bill Kazmier, The Squat and Deadlift (Crain Power-Plus, 1981)
Image Source. When I began lifting in my teens, the coaches and older men in the gym floor seemed like fountains of indisputable knowledge. Don't bring the bar all the way down to your chest on the bench press. Stability work on Bosu Balls worked your core and brought muscle gain. Drink a protein shake… Continue reading The Harmful Squats Myth: Dr. Karl Klein and the Back Squat
Having briefly discussed the history of the back squat some time ago, efforts were made over the past few days to create a similar account for the front squat. Sadly, perhaps owing to the popularity of its older brother, histories of the front squat are virtually non-existent as many writers seem to take its existence as… Continue reading The History of the Front Squat
Mentioned at various points on this particular site, the Zercher Squat has been described by many as one of the most effective but painful methods of building big quads. Uncomfortable to the nth degree, this lift isn't exactly the most popular amongst gym goers. A point which leads us into today's post. Why invent such… Continue reading The History of the Zercher Squat
Written by Peary Rader in Ironman magazine in 1971, the following article details the great man's love of the heavy squat as a means of hypertrophy. Despite his own opinion on squat mechanics (see our 'Magic Circle' article), Rader was unwavering in his claim that heavy squatting was the most effective training for all. An interesting read and… Continue reading The Squat …For Everything?
Written by Peary Rader in Ironman magazine in 1971, the following article details the great man's love of the heavy squat as a means of hypertrophy. Despite his own opinion on squat mechanics (see our 'Magic Circle' article), Rader was unwavering in his claim that heavy squatting was the most effective training for all. An interesting read and… Continue reading The Squat …For Everything?
When I was first learning how to train, I used to do full squats. I did them exclusively for the thighs. I labored under the belief that if I did my full squats faithfully on a firm reps and sets basis, I would get everything I needed in the way of thighs. Over the years my… Continue reading Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Squat (1976)
Having briefly discussed the history of the back squat some time ago, efforts were made over the past few days to create a similar account for the front squat. Sadly, perhaps owing to the popularity of its older brother, histories of the front squat are virtually non-existent as many writers seem to take its existence as… Continue reading The History of the Front Squat
