We've covered how specific mobility limitations, hip socket alignment, and bone lengths can impact squat performance in the last three parts of this series. In this final installment of individual differences affecting squat technique we will discuss sports variations.Let's begin by looking at Olympic weightlifting...
In Parts I and II in this series on how individual anatomical differences can impact squat performance we covered the effects of various levels ankle mobility, hip mobility, and hip boney anatomy. These two articles provide a significant amount of evidence for the need to...
Last week in Part I of this series on individualizing squat technique prescriptions, we covered how an athlete’s hip and ankle mobility (or lack thereof) can impact their squat form. These variations in individual anatomy mean that many of the “rules” for what a proper...
I was fortunate enough to sit down with Jeff Tucker, head of CrossFit Gymnastics, to have a great discussion around movement mastery and techniques to improve athletic performance.As you'll see Jeff is an amazing resource on improving human movement and function and this interview is...
The pull-up is a foundational movement for the fitness athlete and is often underestimated in its importance. Requiring back, core, and shoulder strength, this movement is fantastic for any athlete. The major problem with the pull-up is that many athletes struggle to build the foundation of...
The muscle up is a CrossFit skill that often takes athletes a long time to develop and perfect. I've previously published two articles (1 and 2) to help you develop a framework for developing this movement. The drills give you a great progression to get...
There is a lot of discussion right now in the rehab to performance worlds on the need for scapular control. While many argue about the importance of the scapula, I believe it is the foundation of proper shoulder mechanics and the following case study is...
The squat butt wink is one of the most well known and dreaded of all squat movement faults. If you haven’t heard of butt wink before, it is the term used to describe the excessive flexing of the lower back during squats. This puts the...
Talk to the majority of strength & conditioning professionals, and they will call the squat the king of all exercises. While the back squat is the most common, it is important to note how multiple squat variations from bars, to loadings, and placement can provide a...
Weightlifting Mobility As much as any other sport, olympic weightlifting requires incredible mobility if an athlete is to perform the lifts with proper technique and lift maximum weights. Without enough mobility, athletes will lack full depth and positioning, as well as expose themselves to potential injuries....