Band training can improve strength/power in trained athletes

Band+Barbell training shows dramatic squat, bench and average power improvements in college athletes when compared to Barbell only training:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18550975

Band+Barbell gains were about 3x better for average power and squat strength and 2x better for bench press strength when compared to non-band group.

The bands are actually attached to the bars during the squat and bench press movements.

Powerlifters have been using bands (and chains) since at least the 90's.  

As is often the case, the gym looks to have been (way) ahead of the lab... read more

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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