Squat University

Imagine your squatting in stomach high water - don’t let your breath out until you get above water to retain vital stability! This is a cue that works for many to optimize their technique, an analogy I first heard on @whiteboard_daily. . Tag a friend that needs to hear this cue in the comments. . Shout out @acazes89 for being my model today.

@abbiereeves_fit has had shoulder problems for almost a decade, including 2 surgeries but despite working with 8 different physical therapists who did a lot of cupping and dry needling her pain persisted. Recently she’s even consulted with 9 different doctors – all who suggested she needed more surgery.🤯 . During our eval she noted pain when I externally rotated her arm – however if I pushed down on her joint slightly her pain went away and she was able to further- one test cluing to possible anterior instability. Stability testing also revealed weakness of the external rotators – a pattern with those who often develop those painful trigger points her prior physical therapists had been chasing with dry needling and cupping. . Rather we worked to enhance shoulder stability with the lock 3 shoulder routine from @andrew_lock_strength (20 reps in each of these 3 positions) as well as some external rotations in side lying but with the arm propped away with a foam roller. Over our 4 days of working together she was able to see some significant decreases in symptoms with movements that would have caused a lot of pain prior – showing we were on the right track. . I’ll be sharing more on her recovery soon! . Shout out @abbiereeves_fit for working hard these past few days & @3d4medical with the complete anatomy app visual of the body.

Need a quick & effective shoulder warm up routine before lifting overhead? Here’s 4 quick movements to do with light weight that I recently added to the warm up routine for Olympian @mirabai_chanu as she prepares for the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships. . Try it out & let me know what you think!! . Shout out @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics used today.

A weightlifting belt is a great tool for maximizing your performance BUT make sure you also enhance your “natural weightlifting belt” with non-belted lifts focusing on your bracing. . To learn how to do this, check out my YT tutorial video “How to use a weightlifting belt” . And if you’re looking for a belt - check out my favorite at @cardilloweightbelts . Shout out @lebrongainss for the opening stitched video & @lee_sang____ for being a model athlete today along with @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics.

Cramping is the worst - so here’s a few tips for how to get them to go away in the calf muscle! . Shout out @isaacadams_ for the opening stitched video & @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics.

Angelo had a recently sprained ankle while on a hike - today you’ll see part of the early process for reforming ankle function after this injury! . Shout out @angelo.ink for working hard today to fix this injury!

Want to try nordic hamstring curls but don’t have a friend strong enough to hold your legs down? Try this! . Shout out @tonycrosbyy for the opening stitched video and @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics.

Have back pain squatting? How you unrack the bar matters! Today you’ll learn a tip for “wedging” yourself against the bar - a cue @briancarroll1306 & @backfitpro use in their book “gift of injury.” . Shout out @alexandra_redmond for the awesome opening stitched video & @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics.

Have shoulder pain? Here’s an example of when external rotations can be helpful - remember there’s no one size fits all method to fixing injuries - you must evaluate & expose the problem areas and craft a plan that addresses YOUR problems. For some that may be external rotation work - for others it may not. But here’s an example of one person it helped. . Shout out @leanbeefpatty for the opening stitched video & @muscleandmotion for the awesome anatomy graphics.

Do you want to be like Joe when you grow up? . Shout out @donovan083112 for the footage.

Need help with pull ups? This girl has a key aspect to her technique that can help YOU too! . Shout out @emmylou_who_ for the opening stitched video & @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics.

The seated L press performed by @mirabai_chanu is a variation that stresses not only the shoulders but your core as well to maintain optimal trunk positioning! . Shout out @muscleandmotion for the amazing anatomy graphics & @rohit.healinghands for the collaboration.