Unilateral leg training is key for symmetrical muscular development, balance and coordination, and sound movement patterning. Lack of proper ankle, knee, and hip mechanics in a unilateral setting can spell ... Continue Reading
Bulgarian Split Squat vs Lunge vs Back Squat – Differences and Benefits
The back squat, Bulgarian split squat, and the lunge are three lower body movements that are fundamental to nearly every strength, power, fitness, and sport athlete. Neglecting both/either bilateral (back ... Continue Reading
The Stiff Leg Deadlift – Exercises, Benefits, and Muscles Worked
Strengthening the posterior chain is a necessity for strength, power, and sport athletes. The ability to integrate fluid knee and hip flexion and and extension is at the root of force production for most ... Continue Reading
Trap Bar Squat vs Back Squat – Key Differences and Technique
In an earlier article we compared the trap bar deadlift, squat, and leg press; all of which can be potent movements for muscular strength and hypertrophy. [Here’s what you need to know about the trap ... Continue Reading
Trap Bar Deadlift vs Squats vs Leg Press – Best Exercise for Strength?
The trap bar deadlift, squat, and leg press: three movements that are arguably some of the most popular and effective movements for muscular growth, strength, and functional development. While some ... Continue Reading
Cable Pull Through vs Deadlift vs Romanian Deadlift – Differences & Benefits
In an earlier article we highlighted two key movements that every lifter should build into their training regimen for increased hamstring mass, strength, and pulling capacities. The deadlift and Romanian ... Continue Reading
Trap Bar Deadlift vs. Regular Deadlift – Differences and Benefits
The regular deadlift, also know as the barbell deadlift and/or conventional deadlift, is one of the most widely performed deadlift variation across most power, strength, and fitness sports. It can create ... Continue Reading
Split Squat vs Squat – What’s the Difference, and Muscles Worked?
While many strength, power, and fitness athletes know all about the immense benefits of squatting, many are neglecting another fundamental movement that can not only aid in their overall squat performance, ... Continue Reading
Trap Bar Squat vs Deadlift – What’s the Difference?
Two pulling variations that are often seen in every training facility are the deadlift and trap bar “squat” (see below for clarification of this often misnamed movement). Both exercises can develop shear ... Continue Reading
Zercher Squats vs Deadlift – What’s Best for Building Strength?
It’s not always easy deciding which total body barbell movements one should do to develop maximal strength, muscular size, and have those then apply to their sport; this is especially true when comparing ... Continue Reading
Zercher Squats vs Leg Press – What’s Best for Strength and Hypertrophy?
Lifters today are confronted with infinite options to choose from for leg strength, muscular hypertrophy, and movement. Whether you are strength, power, fitness, or aesthetic athlete, both the Zercher ... Continue Reading
Sumo Deadlift vs Romanian Deadlift: Differences and Benefits
With numerous ways to deadlift based upon goals of strength, hypertrophy, and/or application to sport, lifters and coaches must best determine the most well-suited deadlift for optimal progress. In this ... Continue Reading
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift: How, When, and Why It Should Be in Your Training
Nearly every athlete can benefit from performing unilateral leg training. Increased neuromuscular control, joint and muscular function, and muscular hypertrophy and endurance are just a few of the expected ... Continue Reading
Split Squat vs. Bulgarian Split Squat: Which Is Best for You?
In an earlier article I discussed the distinct differences between three main lower body unilateral movements and how lifters and athletes can better choose which is right for them. In this ... Continue Reading
The Easiest Ab Exercises You Can Do Right Now
The article below is part of our in-depth April Fool's coverage. April Fools! If this post gives you some serious planche envy, check out our ultimate guide to doing an actual, real-life, ... Continue Reading
The Bench Press Arch — Is it Safe and Effective?
You've seen it before: a powerlifter sets up to perform a bench press, and they arch their back in a way that would make McDonald's jealous. You ask yourself, "What the heck are they doing" and then shrug ... Continue Reading
Zercher Squat vs Goblet Squat: Which One Is Right for You?
Front loaded squatting movements are highly effective ways to increase overall leg strength, enhance core stabilization, and target specific motor skills and muscle tissues needed for most movements in ... Continue Reading
Split Squat vs Lunge vs Step Up — What Are the Differences?
The split squat, lunge, and step up are three movements that are common unilateral lower body exercises to increase leg mass, enhance movement integrity, and bulletproof an athlete from injury; all of ... Continue Reading
Dumbbell Jump Squat – Benefits and Technique
The jump squat (either with dumbbells, barbells, bodyweight, or vest) is a great exercise to be used for power purposes, increase one’s ability to harness and transfer energy during ballistic athletic ... Continue Reading
Is Your Split Jerk Holding You Back? Try These 4 Drills
I recently got into a discussion with a new lifter who came to me asking what he could do to get better at split jerks. While his power jerk was climbing, his split jerk felt foreign, uncomfortable, and ... Continue Reading
5 Exercises to Build a Stronger and Healthier Squat
As coaches and athletes, we know all too well the powerful effects of the almighty squat. We also know how daunting and elusive a strong, stable, and healthy squat can be for many athletes, client's, ... Continue Reading
The 1 1/4 Squat: How, When, and Why It Should Be in Your Training
If you are someone who gets stuck at the bottom of squats and/or heavy cleans, this may be the exercise for you. As lifters advance in their training, simply squatting may not be enough to address an ... Continue Reading
4 Exercises to Strengthen Your Receiving Position in the Snatch
It’s pretty natural for many lifters to question their overhead strength, stability, and confidence when fixing themselves under a near-maximal (or maximal) loaded barbell in the snatch. Many lifters may ... Continue Reading
3 Movements to Boost Your Lagging Front Squat
As a weightlifter, a lagging front squat is about as nagging as something can get. Recently, I was able to power clean nearly 88% of my clean, for a triple, on an OK day. According to Ursula Garza ... Continue Reading