Elena Popadic

Elena Popadic

Elena Popadic is a registered occupational therapist and has worked within the fitness industry for over 6 years. She is the co-host of the Squats and Thoughts podcast, and trains and competes as a powerlifter. You can connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
  • Education:
    • Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University
    • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from McMaster University
  • Certification: Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College

If you can’t extend your arms after working out, you likely have delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The soreness, tightness, and swelling in your arms … Continue ReadingCan’t Straighten Your Arms After A Workout?

Improving your bench press comes down to nailing your technique but also doing exercises that can help you optimize your strength potential.  The barbell bench … Continue Reading18 Exercises To Increase Bench Press (That Actually Work)

You can do plenty of chest workouts using a pair of dumbbells without a bench.  Here are my 12 best dumbbell chest exercises with no … Continue ReadingDumbbell Chest Workout Without A Bench: 12 Exercises To Add

Powerlifters and bodybuilders are two types of lifting enthusiasts who are stronger than the average person, but you may be wondering who is actually stronger … Continue ReadingAre Powerlifters Stronger Than Bodybuilders? (Real Examples)

Powerlifting is known as a strength sport while bodybuilding is known as a muscle building sport, leaving many budding powerlifters wondering if they are building … Continue ReadingCan You Build Muscle With Powerlifting? (Yes, Here’s How)

The first thing you’re probably wondering once your first lifting belt arrives is how you’re meant to break it in so it wraps around your … Continue ReadingHow To Break In A Lifting Belt (5 Methods)

If you stay around lifting circles long enough, you’re bound to eventually confront or witness peeing while deadlifting, especially as a woman. So, why do … Continue ReadingWhy Do Some Women Pee When Deadlifting? (And, Is It Normal?)

The overhead press is notoriously thought to be a weak link for many lifters. This doesn’t mean you should feel discouraged by it, but you … Continue ReadingWhy Is My Overhead Press So Weak? (7 Fixes That Work)

Lifting belts are meant to help you maintain pressure around your core, but the key is to get just the right level of tightness. So, … Continue ReadingHow Tight Should A Lifting Belt Be? (Breakdown Per Exercise)

You’ll hear the terms RPE and RIR get tossed around interchangeably by powerlifting coaches and athletes, leaving beginners confused on what they are and when … Continue ReadingRPE vs RIR: What Are The Differences? How To Use Them?

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