Category: Barbell Training
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Balancing BJJ and Starting Strength
We’ve spent a bunch of time and typed many words talking about why getting stronger is important for grapplers. I won’t rehash the arguments much here, but BJJ is no different than any other sport. Unless your sport is strictly endurance based (and BJJ is not, I promise), then dedicating time throughout the year to…
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In Defense of The Squat for Old People
A loud minority of Internet Fitness Experts (IFEs) are busy proliferating the idea that the squat is of limited use and, in some cases, downright dangerous. Some assert that the squat is an advanced movement, potentially requiring upwards of 60 corrective exercises for the fixing of movement deficiencies before actually learning it. Others dismiss…
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2016 Starting Strength Fall Classic – T-Shirt Pre-Sale Starts NOW!
It’s time again for the Fall Classic. I’ll be running the meet at Wichita Falls Athletic Club on October 29th, 2016. The contested lifts are the squat, the overhead press, and the deadlift. Some of you may know this as a “CrossFit Total”. This is a fantastic meet for both first time lifters and experienced…
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I’m not flexible enough to squat | STARTING STRENGTH – COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS AND OUTRIGHT LIES
People will commonly tell me that they know strength training is great for them, but they’re just not flexible enough to squat or deadlift. They’ve tried! They can’t get below a quarter squat and this is obviously due to lack of flexibility in their hamstrings, hips, back, or some other thing. If you think about…
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The Deadlift in 5 Steps
The Starting Strength Model assumes, as you should too, that gravity works in a direction that is perfectly vertical. When you’re trying to pick up a heavy weight (probably the heaviest weight you are physically able to) in your hands and stand up with it, any effort that’s exerted in any direction other than directly opposite…