A more horizontal back angle characterizes the low bar squat compared to other squat variants. The back angle throughout the squat provides important information about whether the squat is being performed correctly or not. During the descent, the back angle should set somewhere before halfway down the squat. Once the back angle sets, the back angle should stay nearly constant during the rest of the descent and coming up out of the bottom. Two common errors occur on the ascent of the squat. Both ...
Aug 27, 2020•34 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Certain form issues pop up regularly with lifters. Common cues arise to address these issues. “Knees out” remains a staple cue for coaches looking to fix errors in the squat, including knee cave and knee slide. As a lifter descends in a correctly performed squat, the muscles lengthen under load, and the lifter should feel an increased tightness as she approaches the bottom. This provides a stretch reflex that assists the successful completion of the lift. Knees caving in and knees sliding forwar...
Aug 27, 2020•43 min•Season 2Ep. 3
The squat builds strength, adds muscle, and increases mental toughness. The squat begins each training session at the beginning of a lifter’s linear progression and often requires the most work from the coach and lifter to correct form issues. The squat deserves its nickname, “the king of the lifts.” Learn how to squat, which cues help lifters get in the correct position, and why we advocate for a low bar squat. Whether you’re a lifter or coach, this episode will help you begin squatting or get ...
Aug 27, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Figures in the fitness industry debate issues such as using RPE, including power cleans in linear progression, programming for older people, and prioritizing intensity or volume. Some argue whether a certain program provides better results than another program. While coaches may enjoy debating the finer points of programming, form and consistency--more than programming--determine how fast you progress toward your goals. Improved, consistent form allows lifters to lift weights more efficiently. C...
Aug 27, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Coach Matt and Coach Niki outline three different deadlift programming "tracks" for lifters, based on their sex, age, size, level of training advancement, and long-term goals as a lifter. Over time, Matt and Niki have observed that, depending on these factors, most lifters will thrive in one of three tracks, or programming models. Very high intensity / very low frequency with lots of supplemental lifts A block style model with moderate to high intensity and moderate volume A DUP style model with...
Aug 17, 2020•34 min•Ep. 340
Recently Matt and Niki have been dealing with a prominent issue among their late intermediate and advanced lifters (some of them very strong too!). These lifters will descend beautifully into the hole on a squat, then while driving up allow their knees to shoot back, causing their hip angle to close and their backs to become more horizontal as more of their body mass travels behind the midline. This is a phenomenon they have experienced primarily with more experienced lifters, who perhaps have i...
Aug 10, 2020•44 min•Ep. 339
Coach Matt and Niki explore a common issue with the bench press -- losing tightness at the bottom of the eccentric portion of the lift. This error presents in a number of ways, such as the elbows flaring out or "chicken winging" on the way up, the chest and/or sternum sinking during the eccentric portion, or the bar visibly bouncing or rebounding off the chest. Matt and Niki first attempt to fix this problem by having the lifter slow down the eccentric or lowering part of the movement, bringing ...
Aug 03, 2020•36 min•Ep. 338
In separate interviews, Matt and Scott sat down with Blake and Katie, the founders of Dominion Strength, and Mike Reed, the founder of Microgainz, both successful small businesses that filled a niche in the strength community with innovative, high quality products and excellent customer service. In two interviews, Blake, Katie, and Mike talk about how they came up with the idea for their businesses and how they have grown them from humble beginnings into flourishing businesses. Discounts on Domi...
Jul 23, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, Matt and Scott present their favorite whiskeys (or whatever happens to be in front of them at the time of recording) from the first episodes of Barbell Logic. Visit https://barbell-logic.com/offers/ to find the latest deals on strength and nutrition coaching at Barbell Logic Online Coaching, training equipment from the show sponsors, and more! Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic.com for a free trial of Barbell Logic Online Coaching. You'll get fe...
Jul 23, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In the first official season of Barbell Logic, we are revisiting the earliest episodes of the show in which Matt and Scott first put the "logic" into barbells. In the Best of the Beginnings season, we will discuss why you should train for strength above all other physical attributes, how you build strength via stress, recovery, and adaptation, the equipment you'll need to start, and some strategies for getting the most progress out of your barbell training program. Visit https://barbell-logic.co...
Jul 20, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1
As we frequently preach at Barbell Logic, consistency is the key to getting stronger, leaner, and healthier. And that means that, in the course of your training life, a lot of workouts will be a blue collar, punch-the-clock affair, and that can be a drag sometimes. What do you do to rediscover the training spark? Andrew and Niki share their experiences over years of lifting, and how they stay motivated to train so consistently. Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic...
Jul 16, 2020•41 min•Ep. 337
Matt and Niki discuss the fun stuff today, the "bonus" equipment that you can start to think about getting after you have the basics like a rack, plates, barbell, and platform. Most of this equipment will be appropriate for the intermediate and advanced lifter, where supplemental lifts and accessory work play a significant role in the training program. Matt and Niki's equipment picks can be broadly broken into personal attire (like straps and sleeves) and gym equipment (speciality barbells, atta...
Jul 13, 2020•52 min•Ep. 336
BLOC Coaches Matt Reynolds and Niki Sims discuss how they've been cueing their clients over the last couple years, in particular how their cues tend to change during the course of a set. Many lifters performing a heavy set of five will struggle with technique on the fourth and fifth reps, due to weakness in certain parts of the movement, physical and mental fatigue, or both. The fourth and fifth reps are often the most mentally taxing, meaning lifters have very limited ability to process cues at...
Jul 06, 2020•46 min•Ep. 334
When it's time to get jacked, and feel "da pump," there are a handful of exercises that Matt and Niki continually go back to for their simplicity and effectiveness. Throughout their years of coaching, they have also started to break with the traditional bodybuilding approach of high reps = hypertrophy, preferring instead to accumulate volume and time under tension via increased frequency (performing accessory lifts more often throughout the training week) and lower rep sets. Discounts Want to tr...
Jun 29, 2020•36 min•Ep. 332
BLOC coach and Physical Therapist Bekah Krieg returns to the podcast to discuss the Barbell Logic Anatomy Masterclass and how she has developed the curriculum for aspiring coaches and busy professionals alike. Discounts Anson Belts Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic.com for a free trial of Barbell Logic Online Coaching. You'll get feedback on your technique and programming from a Barbell Logic coach, and see what the fuss is all about! Connect With Matt Matt on ...
Jun 22, 2020•39 min•Ep. 330
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Thursday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Never buy toilet paper again! Save 10% off any bidet or bidet accessory from Tushy by going to: https://hellotushy.com/logic Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic.com for a free trial of Barbell Logic Online Coaching. You'll get feedback on your technique and pr...
Jun 18, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 328
BLOC coach and pit master (he claims he's more of a staff sergeant than pit master) Cameron Cox joins the show to talk about one of his favorite subjects, cookouts. Cameron is a native South Carolianian and avid cook, having spent several years cooking professionally before becoming a barbell coach. Cameron shares a few of his favorite recipes, his grilling and smoking weapons of choice, and educates on the distinct regional flavors of Carolina barbecue. Cameron also makes his own delicious barb...
Jun 15, 2020•41 min•Ep. 327
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Thursday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Never buy toilet paper again! Save 10% off any bidet or bidet accessory from Tushy by going to: https://hellotushy.com/logic Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic.com for a free trial of Barbell Logic Online Coaching. You'll get feedback on your technique and pr...
Jun 11, 2020•31 min•Ep. 325
Matt, Andrew, and Niki continue their roundtable discussions in Matt's library and whiskey sanctuary (or is it a whiskey sanctuary with a library?), today addressing the concept of percentage-based programs. The majority of templates and books about programming, if not all, describe programs in terms of percentages -- percentages of a 1RM, a 5RM, or perhaps a previous working load. From an author's standpoint, you almost have to write about programming in this manner. You can't use real weight o...
Jun 08, 2020•51 min•Ep. 324
One rule? Nah, more like "one-rules." Andrew and Niki return to the podcast to chat about something more lighthearted -- their secret tricks to picking shoes, ordering better drinks at the bar, finding the best pizza, and much more. What one-rules do YOU have? It could be about anything. Email us at questions@barbell-logic.com! Discounts Barbell Logic's FREE guide to linear progression: https://barbell-logic.com/novice-linear-progression/ Never buy toilet paper again! Save 10% off any bidet or b...
Jun 04, 2020•43 min•Ep. 322
Matt's on holiday celebrating his 20th anniversary, so Barbell Logic staff coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson met via Zoom to talk about the role coaching has played in their development as both lifters and coaches. Both Andew and Niki have lifted for years now, and are advanced lifters, yet they still see value in regular coaching. While they may not need daily form reviews for each of their lifts, they appreciate the accountability that regular check-ins with a coach offers, as well as the u...
Jun 01, 2020•48 min•Ep. 321
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Thursday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Never buy toilet paper again! Save 10% off any bidet or bidet accessory from Tushy by going to: https://hellotushy.com/logic Want to try online coaching for FREE? Email experience@barbell-logic.com for a free trial of Barbell Logic Online Coaching. You'll get feedback on your technique and pr...
May 28, 2020•43 min•Ep. 319
