The Safer, Healthier Female Knee

 

The knee is one area where gender really makes a difference when planning workouts.

 

Women tend to be dramatically stronger in the quadriceps (muscles in front of the upper legs) than in the hamstrings (muscles in back of the upper legs). This is called "quad dominance" and is problematic for knee health. While quad dominance is not the only factor involved in improving female knee health, it is one of the most controllable.

 

While men are stronger in the quads than in the hamstrings, the discrepancy is not nearly as dramatic as... read more

Squats are Bad for your Knees?

EVERYONE seemingly has a strong opinion on squats.

"Squats are bad for your knees!" scream "squat haters".

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Squats are the best exercise EVER....

SQUAT OR DIE! End of discussion!" squat-o-philes (aka "squat lovers") counter.



Are the squat haters correct, or is their opinion based on myth and misinformation?

Do the squat lovers have the facts on their side, or are they ignoring real health risks of the movement?

Maybe the answer is somewhere in the middle?

This post will analyze both sides of the squat debate.  I relied... read more

Another Good Weightlifting Shoe



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Weight-lifting shoes



 

When choosing weight-lifting shoes, look for a shoe that is as flat as possible.  Shoes like the ones pictured here or even "old school" Chuck Taylors are preferable to more cushioned shoes commonly worn by runners or for general use. Whether heavily cushioned shoes are even ideal for running is certainly subject to much current debate (and a different blog post).  However, If you do wear a heavily-supported running shoe, you will want to get a different pair of resistance training shoes.

Biomechanically, it is preferable to wear a shoe that allows... read more