squat

There are not many more satisfying things in the gym than pulling a heavy barbell deadlift from the floor. It’s you versus the barbell, and you win. The regular barbell deadlift is not the greatest exercise to build muscle due to a lack of eccentric contraction, but it sets the table for muscle...

There are some exercises and machines lifters sometimes discount as legitimate strength- and mass-gaining movements. Smith machine squats sometimes fall into this dubious category by many hardcore ironheads. To most, barbell squats will always be the king of the squats as they build the most...

The squat is one of the most effective exercises as developing size and strength for the lower body. It’s also one of the most dangerous exercises that can be performed when it’s done incorrectly or if you don’t have a spotter. If you are coming out of the hole and get stuck without reliable...

Barbell back squats are arguably the king of all leg exercises, with the barbell front squat close behind. Back squats are part of the powerlifting big 3, but the front squat and the various front squat variations, although less load, is used because of the reduced stability; they have better...

There’s more total-body benefits to be gained inside the squat rack than just everyone’s favorite legday staple, the squat. And, no, we’re not talking about biceps curls, but other heavily effective moves not quite mainstream yet that you should be aware of. At one time, the squat was...

We’ve all had those off days. You look at your workout routine and barbell back squats are on the menu. Normally you can’t get enough of leg day, but on this particular workout day, you’re feeling a tweak your shoulder or knee after the previous night’s pick-up basketball game; now back squats...

The goblet squat revolutionized the way squats are being performed and taught worldwide after the great Dan John came up with it. If you don’t know what a Goblet squat is, I’m getting Dan John to come over to your house and personally put you through his goblet squat workout—but it’s probably...

Former M&F cover models Frank Sepe and Don Saladino may be known for their “Sleeveless” workouts, but they are about much more than arm training. They push themselves hard on leg day too. As they do with their other workouts, Sepe and Saladino find ways to make lower body exercises more...

Karenjeet Kaur Bains is the first Sikh female powerlifter to represent Britain in the World and European championships and lifted gold as a junior at the Commonwealth Championships in 2019. Now, with a Guinness World Record under her belt, the 26-year-old is trying to take the sport mainstream...

Back squats may the king of all leg exercises, but front squats and deadlifts are certainly legday royalty as well. To improve your front and back squat you need to do it more and intelligently program squat accessory exercises to strengthen all parts of the movement and improve technique...

These 2 quad exercises aren't commonly performed. But for those who choose to learn about them and train them - they reap the reward of massive quads. Most of the "build big quads" workouts I see online are pure fake hustle. They mainly revolve around some combination of these weak movements...

Has your leg growth fallen behind? Are you in need of a solid leg day, but don't have access to a squat rack. Try barbell hack squats for instant growth! During the inception of the strength and conditioning game there was only iron. This was an era where machines didn’t exist. If you wanted to...

Stop neglecting your legs and start building massive quads. These 6 quad building hacks and exercises are exactly what you need to spark quad muscle growth. If you clicked this article then I already know one of two things. You either already make it a goal to tackle leg day or you’ve realized...

Get creative with the most dreaded day of the workout week with these 5 insane-yet-effective moves that will build leg-muscle mass in no time. Leg training isn’t easy and you may think your exercise arsenal is limited at best. You may be under the impression that when leg day rolls around you...

Are you stuck without a squat rack and bench? This 4-day upper/lower split will show you exactly how to get strong, and add muscle with only a barbell at your disposal. WORKOUT SUMMARY Main Goal Build Muscle Workout Type Split Training Level Intermediate Program Duration8 weeks Days Per Week 4...

Maximize your workout with these versatile and quick warm-up routines! In just 15 minutes, you will be better prepared for any workout program that you take on. WORKOUT SUMMARY Main Goal General Fitness Workout Type Split Training Level Beginner Program Duration8 weeks Days Per Week Time Per...

Tim Sparkes knows a thing or two about valuable gym sessions. The multiple time Open Power Lifting winner, bodybuilding coach, and owner of the Die Hard Gym in Peoria, AZ, takes pride in using his experience to build healthier and stronger individuals. And, when it comes to the humble squat rack...

In 1997, Randy Hetrick created his first version of the TRX out of a Jiu-Jitsu belt and parachute webbing. Even when bullets were whizzing past his ears, he wanted to stay in tip-top shape. Now TRX training is a worldwide phenomenon that’s common in gyms and homes everywhere and not just the...

Strength Training vs. Muscle Building for the Beginning Lifter During the initial stages of training, there is very little difference between working out to build strength and working out to build muscle. Both goals will require a substantial addition of strength for key compound exercises such...

Long before Dan John invented the Goblet squat, there was another anterior-loaded squat being performed called the Zercher squat. Zercher squats were the brainchild of 1930s St. Louis strongman Ed Zercher, who according to training lore, didn’t have a squat rack where he trained. Instead, he...