Many people find squatting to be more comfortable with a slightly wider stance. Problem is, they don’t actively force their knees out during the descent, causing their knees to track inward during the squat. This can lead to sub-optimal performance…
Strength Training
Should Force, Power, and RFD Outputs be Primary Considerations for Exercise Selection?
by Bret • May 14, 2013 • 29 Comments
Hi Bret, here’s an ABC (Ask Bret Contreras) question for you. Coaches for strength, speed, and power sports often argue about which lifts are best. Typically, they base their opinion off of force, power, and rate-of-force development (RFD) measurements. Are…
How to Do Sumo Deadlifts
by Bret • April 25, 2013 • 12 Comments
I think around 99% of newbies screw the sumo deadlift up. The knees track outward and the bar skims the shins. Arms go straight down and chest stays up. Watch this 3 minute video and make sure you’re doing it…
How Yoga Can Complement Weight Training
by Bret • April 23, 2013 • 33 Comments
Disclaimer – I’m probably wrong about some of this. Yoga peeps – please feel free to correct or add to what I’ve written in the comments section. Last Thursday, my girlfriend dragged me to a yoga session against my will.…
First Powerlifting Meet Results
by Bret • April 9, 2013 • 38 Comments
Yesterday, I competed in my first powerlifting competition and I had a blast! I love powerlifting and intend to stick with it and see if I can build up my total. I can’t wait to compete again. I competed in…
Hip Thrust & Glute Science
by Bret • April 6, 2013 • 53 Comments
Every week or two, somebody tags me hoping I’ll chime in on a Facebook debate surrounding the hip thrust exercise. I wanted to write this response to save me time so that from now on I can just post this…
Maximizing Power Production
by Bret • April 4, 2013 • 25 Comments
Power = Force x Velocity Optimal power production is achieved by maximizing the product of force and velocity, so both aspects of training need to be trained to ensure maximal training adaptations. In The optimal training load for the development of…
Dynamic Effort Training: BS or Legit?
by Bret • March 27, 2013 • 43 Comments
I have a good topic of the week post for you today. Let me catch you up to speed. *Disclaimer – this article applies more so to powerlifters seeking strength gains (increased powerlifting totals), not so much athletes seeking gains…