Top 9 Squat Accessory Lifts To Improve Strength & Technique

To reach your potential in squats, you need to do accessories. Some believe “technique doesn’t matter as long as you get the weight up.” That mindset, however, is limiting and will only get you so far. As a coach and lifter, I’ve observed some of the best squats in the world and researched their technique. … Continue ReadingTop 9 Squat Accessory Lifts To Improve Strength & Technique

4 Reasons To Do Safety Bar Squats (Plus, How To Program It)

The Safety Squat Bar is a widely used piece of equipment, especially within powerlifting. While there is a vast difference in opinions on training throughout the industry, you’ll see coaches and athletes from all different backgrounds utilizing the Safety Bar Squat. And that is for good reason.  Safety Bar Squats can be an excellent tool … Continue Reading4 Reasons To Do Safety Bar Squats (Plus, How To Program It)

What Is The Best Bar Path For Squats? (Science-Backed)

To maximize the amount of weight you can lift in the squat, the barbell needs to be kept within a specific range of motion. This is called “bar path”. If you fall out of this optimal bar path, then the lift will be significantly harder, and you will risk falling under heavy weight or putting … Continue ReadingWhat Is The Best Bar Path For Squats? (Science-Backed)

Partial Squats: Benefits, Muscles Worked, Are They Safe?

There are a lot of powerlifting purists who don’t think anyone should use partial squats because it’s considered ‘cheating’ compared with the full squat. While I do think the full squat should be used most of the time, the partial squat has some important benefits, which should be considered based on the training goal of … Continue ReadingPartial Squats: Benefits, Muscles Worked, Are They Safe?

Should You Squat Ass-To-Grass? (Definitive Guide)

Whether or not you squat ass-to-grass is one of the most contentious topics in strength training circles. You have some coaches who believe that anything shy of squatting full depth is ineffective. You have others who believe that the risks far outweigh the benefits when it comes to squeezing out a few more inches of … Continue ReadingShould You Squat Ass-To-Grass? (Definitive Guide)

The Good-Morning Squat: Why It Happens? 4 Ways To Fix

The “good-morning squat” is not a good position to be in while squatting. It’s characterized when you drive out of the bottom of the squat and your hips rise faster than the barbell, putting your torso more parallel to the floor. If this is how you squat, it will be the #1 reason why you … Continue ReadingThe Good-Morning Squat: Why It Happens? 4 Ways To Fix

Are Wrestling Shoes Good For Squats? (Yes, Here’s Why)

The type of footwear you use for squats should be selected carefully. This is because your technique and strength will depend on your connection to the floor. Many people consider squatting barefoot or using heeled shoes. But, what about wrestling shoes? Are wrestling shoes good for squats? Yes, using wrestling shoes are a popular choice … Continue ReadingAre Wrestling Shoes Good For Squats? (Yes, Here’s Why)

How To Fix Shoulder Pain While Squatting: 9 Solutions

This article was reviewed by Dr. Niraj Patel for the accuracy of information. The squat requires a healthy functioning shoulder. This is because the shoulder flexes and rotates to keep the barbell in the correct position on the back. If you feel discomfort in the shoulder while squatting, it’s a sign that there’s something mechanically … Continue ReadingHow To Fix Shoulder Pain While Squatting: 9 Solutions

Do Squats Make You Jump Higher? (Yes, Here’s Why & How)

The squat is a staple exercise among all strength and conditioning programs. This is because the squat has been shown to be one of the best exercises for building both lower body strength and mass. But, does the squat make you jump higher? Yes, building strength in the squat has been shown to increase vertical … Continue ReadingDo Squats Make You Jump Higher? (Yes, Here’s Why & How)