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Walking Backwards On Treadmill: 7 Surprising Benefits You Need To Know

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Walking Backwards On A Treadmill: 7 Surprising Benefits You Need To Know

Let us talk about walking backwards on treadmill. This exercise is very beneficial for knee pain and leg strength. Let us start small. Make those smaller steps faster over time while remaining smooth.

Then, gradually increase the size of the steps until your toes are behind your knees. Increase resistance only if you do not need to shorten your steps. Step faster while staying on your toes.

Safe Spaces and Assistance

This exercise can be done at different levels. At the most basic level, you can do it in a pool. On land, find a safe spot or hold hands with a partner who can see where you are going. A treadmill at the gym may work, but I prefer to use it turned off. This way, I overcame some resistance.

Ideally, you would be belted to a sledge on turf, but this is not always possible at home. So we created a home-friendly resistance treadmill. Other companies offer more commercial options.

Less Knee Pain

This exercise is highly personalised for long-term goals. The friction of treadmills, sleds, and turfs varies. Thus, your measurements will differ from setup to setup. Here’s my take: backward walking is a step towards less knee pain in deeper positions.

It assisted me in weaning myself off of knee painkillers. Deeper strengthening kept me off and gradually built me up. But I did not stop going backward. Going faster or even alternating with forward walking provides effective cardio while warming up and strengthening your legs. This also contributes to your long-term knee goals.

Potent Cardio

Backward walking on a treadmill provides significant cardio benefits. It warms your legs and gets your heart pumping. This is an excellent way to begin your exercise routine and ensure that your body is prepared for more intense workouts.

Efficient Routine

To me, the long-term goal is to find an efficient way to keep backward walking part of your routine. My best form tip is to keep working on your steps, resistance, and setup. Do this until you’re getting a great pump in your legs without knee pain.

Overcoming Barriers

I have spent the last year or so working on equipment solutions to the most common barriers. Thank you for making it all possible. You can make significant progress by beginning with small steps and gradually increasing your resistance. Remember to find safe spaces and, if necessary, seek help from a partner or coach.

Strengthening Legs

Backward walking on a treadmill is an excellent way to tone your legs. It works different muscles than forward walking and increases overall leg strength.

Improving Balance

Improved balance is another surprising benefit. Walking backwards tests your body in new ways, making it an excellent workout for improving balance and coordination.

Better Posture

Backward walking can also improve your posture. It engages your core and forces you to maintain a straight back, helping you develop better posture over time.

Walking Backwards On A Treadmill

Walking backwards on a treadmill has numerous advantages, including less knee pain, increased cardio, and improved posture. Keep it in your routine, and you will reap long-term benefits. Thank you for reading, and I hope these tips improve your knee health and overall fitness!

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Hamstring Flexibility: Quick and Easy Stretches for Instant Relief!

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Assisted Hamstring Flexibility

Let us start by discussing an aided hamstring stretch. This is accomplished by bending both knees, then flexing your quadriceps to straighten one leg. Then you take another bend in both knees and do the same on the opposite side. It is crucial to understand that this exercise is harder with lower hands and easier with upper hands.

You may put a little bit more strain through your hamstrings when you work on one side at a time. In this manner, you can stretch in comfort and with assistance. You can use a slant board as you advance. This provides an even more effective stretch at the backs of the knees and upper calves. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to support your own body weight.

Handling Your Body Weight

Many report that this workout feels excellent when they use their own body weight. However, the ATG (Athletic Truth Group) method also emphasises maintaining a straight lower back and unlocked knees. This increases lower back strength and raises the hamstring stretch.

A reasonable place to start is with roughly 25% of your body weight, according to the video. Try using 45 pounds, for instance, if your weight is 180 pounds. Your quads should remain contracted and your back should feel wonderful as you perform this. Although you can safely go above 20% of your body weight, most people find that starting at 25% works well.

Using Dumbbells and Barbells

You might start with lighter dumbbells to advance further. It is a wonderful idea to move to a barbell once you hit about 45 pounds. Instead of raising the slant, you might go broader while using a barbell. Because of this, the exercise is easier to complete and more effective.

Tips for Better Hamstring Flexibility

Additionally, the video offers two crucial pointers for an improved hamstring stretch. First, maintain a straight, up-and-down leg. The lower hamstring stretches more as a result. Secondly, extend your hips backwards. This causes the hamstrings to stretch farther.

Recall that finding a level that feels nice is the most important piece of advice. Do not go past that into uneasy territory. It is best to accept the level that feels right in the long run. You can increase your body’s resilience gradually. Take the long view and relish the journey. In this manner, you can gradually increase your strength, resilience, agility, and flexibility.

Enjoy the Process

The significance of enjoying the process is emphasised throughout the video. Do not rush it; it may take a few days, weeks, months, or even years. Rather, relish every moment along the route. Strength and flexibility will both significantly increase as a result of this.

Coaching and Support

There are fantastic choices accessible if you would like additional guidance. The video developer has been providing online coaching for more than six years. They do not require a long-term commitment and give instruction for $49.50 each month. This covers form coaching, 24-hour question response, and assisting you in mastering the workouts. Additionally, there are ATG coaches in your area. They can assist you in mastering the motions, regardless of whether you want a few sessions or a full-time trainer.

I appreciate you reading, and I hope these pointers will help you get stronger overall and with your hamstrings!

https://mobilityabilityagility.com/

The ATG Calf System: Unlock Your Full Athletic Potential!

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The ATG Calf System has proven to be extremely beneficial to me. This is not a fancy bodybuilding routine, but rather a simple system to support healthy lower legs. As a former fragile athlete, this system has made a significant difference for me. Let us get into how it works and why it is so useful.

Starting Simple

The ATG Calf System can begin with only a wall. Yes, a wall! Use a wall to perform straight leg and bent knee calf raises. These exercises are easier to perform on two legs than on one. It’s a great way to start without needing any equipment.

Understanding Your Calf Muscles

We have two main calf muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is the upper calf muscle, named after the Latin words for belly and leg because it bulges out like the belly of your leg. The soleus is the lower, deeper calf muscle, and its name comes from the Latin word for sandal.

Different Exercises for Different Muscles

Targeting the upper calf with a straight leg elevates the lower calf with a bent knee. However, we do not worry about which is superior in the ATG system. We just learned how to use both. With just a wall and sufficient repetitions, you can accomplish amazing achievements without the need for any equipment.

Adding Weights

Try a single leg standing calf raise if you have weights. Utilise the fist on your non-working side to gauge how much you are lifting. For the same reps, try to use at least 20% of your pain-free, close-stance, heel-elevated squat weight. Aim for at least 40 pounds in the calf raise, for instance, if you can complete eight reps with 200 pounds in the squat.

Using a Seated Calf Machine

A seated calf machine is useful for strengthening the soleus muscle. Although you are not lifting your own body weight, using a dumbbell or kettlebell will still work the soleus muscle. Just be sure to use enough weight and repetitions. Although it can be simple to accomplish over 20 repetitions with a 90-pound kettlebell, this is not the most accurate way to measure strength.

Enjoy Different Methods

For the soleus, you can use the wall, kettlebell, or machine approaches. Use whatever equipment you have to challenge your soleus. For the opposite side of the calf, remember to perform tibial raises in addition to straight and bent knee calf raises. You are already ahead of the game if you are training effectively in all three areas.

Tips for Better Form

Exercises for the lower legs are usually simpler than those for the upper legs, although I have learned a few tricks. First, give each rep a little pause at the top and bottom. You get both strength and flexibility from this. Instead of just lifting additional weight and bouncing against the wall, adopt the stretch position and stay there.

Mastering the KOT Calf Raise

The hardest to get good at is probably the Knees Over Toes (KOT) calf raise. Go only as far as your knee will go over your toe. Aim to keep your body motions limited to the calf lift. Remain calm and concentrate on the motion. Maintaining this role requires a lot of work, but it is worthwhile.

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How To Improve Posture: 4 Powerful Exercises to Balance Sitting, Plus Zero Equipment Version

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How To Improve Posture: 4 Exercises To Improve Posture

How to improve posture: In a world dominated by screens and prolonged sitting, our bodies can easily become stiff and inflexible. Although, As someone who spends a lot of time at a desk, I discovered four exercises that helped me improve my mobility and posture. These exercises are simple, effective, and require minimal equipment, making them accessible to all.

1. Rediscovering the Pullover

Remember the pullover, a seemingly forgotten exercise? As it turns out, this classic move can help your shoulders and posture. If you are new to it, begin with light dumbbells to avoid any imbalances from previous sports or activities. Patience is key here; consider it a long-term investment. I started with a light load and gradually made it a regular part of my routine. The triangular grip on a dumbbell adds a nice touch to the exercise, making it an adaptable option for shoulder health.

2. Building Strength with Lower Trap Muscles

When it comes to strengthening your lower trap muscles, positioning is critical. Use a back extension or an incline bench to control your weight. This exercise complements the pullover by extending the range gained from the first exercise. I am not a bridge expert, but over the last seven years, I have discovered that mastering these two movements significantly improved my bridge skills. It is a gradual process; start light, move slowly, and let the strength and control develop naturally.

3. ATG Split Squat: A Counter to Sitting

The ATG split squat counteracts the effects of prolonged sitting. This stretch strength exercise works your legs and hip flexors, providing a much-needed break from a sedentary lifestyle. Surprisingly, all you need is a chair to begin. As someone who had knee problems, I started with elevated knees and support. After a decade, I can effortlessly perform the back foot elevated version. Progress at your own pace, and remember that there is no pressure to reach a specific level. This exercise is about self-improvement, not competition.

4. Stretch-Strength Deadlift for Lower Back Resilience

The stretch strength deadlift is a game changer for anyone looking to improve lower-back strength. It entails stretching your upper hamstrings while maintaining lower-back strength. The goal is not to master front splits, but to strike a balance and avoid the painkiller-surgery cycle. I was not expecting to dunk or split, but after a decade of doing these exercises, the unexpected happened. My friend Jeff, who had not dunked since he was 23, is now flying through the air at 46 thanks to these routines.

How To Use The Power of Strength and Yoga To Improve Posture

These four exercises, which combine strength and yoga principles, are a true longevity secret. Whether you are an athlete recovering from surgery or have spent decades working at a desk, these exercises provide a potent combination to combat the effects of prolonged sitting. My mother, who has worked from a desk for 50 years, exemplifies the effectiveness of these movements in maintaining mobility and enjoying life without fragility.

How To Improve Posture: No Equipment Needed

One of the benefits of these exercises is their ease and accessibility. You can start right now with no equipment. The pullover can be done with only a wall, adjusting the hand placement for more stretch or load. Trap three raises can be done on the floor, and adding light dumbbells can make the workout more difficult. The ATG split squat starts on a chair and progresses to stairs, providing a full leg and hip flexor stretch. Finally, the stretch strength deadlift, which is essential for lower back health, requires little equipment, emphasising the importance of keeping a strong and flexible body.

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Unlocking the Secrets: How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

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How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Brendan emphasises that stretching is not the only solution for how to alleviate lower back pain. He urges viewers to recognise that tightness in one area does not always imply that stretching is the answer. Brendan walks us through the stages of dysfunction, emphasising the last stage, pain. Tightness precedes pain, and even before that, there is weakness and dysfunction, which often go unnoticed.

Reassessing the Approach

Brendan challenges the conventional approach to low back pain, which typically entails seeking medical attention for pain relief and then attempting to stretch the tightness away. Instead, he advocates for a backwards approach in which strength is built first. This novel approach aims to lay a solid foundation, making stretching safer and more effective in the long run.

The Pyramid of Progression: Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Brendan introduces the Pyramid of Progression, which turns the traditional model on its head. Rather than focusing on pain relief first, he suggests starting with strengthening the pyramid’s weak points. This foundation is critical for progressing to stretching and, ultimately, achieving long-term strength and relief.

Building the Four-Way Hip Foundation

The Four-Way Hip concept is central to Brendan’s approach, which is a comprehensive strategy that targets the front, outer, posterior, and inner aspects of the hips. He breaks down the recommended exercises for each area, encouraging viewers to incorporate them into their routines. Brendan provides a step-by-step plan for strengthening and stretching the hips, including split squats and pigeon stretches.

Upper Body and Core Integration to Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Brendan introduces upper body and core exercises to broaden the focus beyond the hips. Hanging exercises, such as hangs and pullovers, take centre stage for improved shoulder mobility. Brendan emphasises the importance of a well-balanced approach, stating that stretching and strength training are not mutually exclusive but rather part of a spectrum.

Harmony Between Stretching and Strength

Brendan’s video highlights the importance of stretching and strength training. He challenges the dichotomy between the two, claiming that stretching is essentially a form of low-grade strength training. This revelation encourages viewers to approach both activities with a balanced mindset, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between stretching and strength-building.

Crafting a Personal Routine

Brendan concludes the video by providing practical advice on incorporating the discussed concepts into a personalised routine. He emphasises the importance of discernment and self-awareness, urging viewers to proceed slowly. The emphasis is on playing the “long game” and avoiding excessive stretching, particularly for those with sensitive low backs.

How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Finally, Brendan’s video offers a new and insightful perspective on dealing with low back pain. His expertise in combining stretching and strength training opens up new avenues for those seeking long-term relief. Allow Brendan’s wisdom to guide you on your journey to a healthier lower back, and may you find the strength and flexibility required for a pain-free life. Here’s to Brendan and his quest for a strong, healthy lower back!

https://mobilityabilityagility.com/

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Taking Care of Your Foot Function: Simple Steps for Stronger, Healthier Movement

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Embracing Natural Foot Function

In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly on our feet, it is critical to pay attention to our foot function. Did you know that in the United States, approximately 3 million cases of bunions are reported each year? In this video, we will look at a three-step approach to foot health, focusing on natural foot function, ankle strength, and avoiding common problems like ankle sprains and shin splints.

Step 1: Embrace Natural Foot Function

Contrarily, the path to healthier feet begins with understanding how our feet are designed to function. Although Ben suggests wearing a big toe spacer and shoes shaped like a foot, this allows your toes to spread naturally, preventing common foot problems. In addition, the speaker suggests walking backward with resistance as a toe-first activity, which provides a natural foot-strengthening routine. By incorporating these three simple practices into your daily routine, you can reap the benefits of more flexible and functional feet.

Step 2: Ankle Awareness and Injury Prevention

Moving on to the ankle, the speaker provides useful information on ankle health and injury prevention. Did you know that shoes with air pockets make ankle sprains more likely? An Australian study discovered that people who wear such shoes are four times more likely to sustain ankle injuries. To reduce this risk, the speaker advises wearing shoes with no air pockets. He also emphasises two key points: understanding the negative impact of a lifted heel on ankle sprains and learning how to “floss” the ankle for pain relief and improved mobility.

Step 3: Strengthening Ankles with Tib Bars

The speaker introduces Bob GAA’s invention, tib bars, and discusses their significance in ankle strength training. Despite not inventing them, he was instrumental in reintroducing tib bars to the market. Tib bars, or Dynamic Axial Resistance Devices, are a novel way to strengthen ankles over time. The speaker emphasises the importance of investing in high-quality tib bars, highlighting the risks associated with low-cost alternatives on the market.

Achilles Tendon Care: Building Strength for Resilience

Moving down to the Achilles tendon, the speaker suggests a simple yet effective method for ensuring its strength and resilience. Lower, deeper calf muscles, particularly the soleus, are critical to Achilles health. The speaker suggests using a seated calf machine or a tib bar at home to train the calves with the knee over the toe. This simple exercise helps to increase strength and protect against Achilles issues.

Banishing Shin Splints: Strengthening from the Ground Up

Shin splints can be a recurring problem for many people, especially those who participate in high-impact sports like basketball. Furthermore, Ben discusses his personal experience with shin splints and the interconnectedness of the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles. You can significantly reduce your risk of shin splints and enjoy pain-free movement by focusing on strengthening the tibialis muscle, solus, and overall foot function.

A Holistic Approach to Foot Function

Indeed, this video is a step-by-step guide to maintaining strong, healthy feet and ankles. Indeed, these simple steps can contribute to a lifetime of pain-free movement by embracing natural foot function, understanding the impact of shoe design on ankle health, and incorporating strength training with tib bars. Remember that foot care is about more than just preventing immediate problems; it is also about laying the groundwork for a more active and enjoyable lifestyle. So, lace up your shoes, incorporate these practices into your routine, and take a step towards a healthier future for your feet and ankles!

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Back Problems Fixed: A Message of Hope and Resilience

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Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthy Back: A Journey to Overcoming a Herniated Disc

I would like to share a personal story with those who have ever felt the frustration and hopelessness of dealing with a Herniated Disc. Brendan, who faced the daunting decision of spinal surgery due to his persistent back problems, inspired this. This article will look at key insights and lessons from Brendan’s journey, offering hope and practical advice to anyone facing similar challenges.

Facing the Facts: Why You Can’t Give Up on Your Back Problems

Brendan emphasises the importance of not giving up on your low back. He emphasises a basic truth: you will always have a low back. No matter how tempting it is to avoid movements or brace your way out of pain, the reality is that your low back is a lifelong companion. Brendan believes that understanding that avoidance will never work is the key to finding a long-term solution.

No Tissue Does Better Untrained

However, Brendan dispels the myth that avoiding the use of a specific body part will result in increased strength and recovery. He explains how the same principle applies to the low back as it does to knee injuries. Untrained tissue atrophy and decay, so targeted, progressive training is essential. Brendan describes his own journey, beginning with basic movements and gradually progressing to more difficult exercises, emphasising the importance of patience in the process.

Learning from Unsuccessful Surgeries

Brendan, who has had unsuccessful surgery, reflects on the common misconception that surgery is a quick fix for back problems. He describes his experience with knee surgery, which, while it addressed some issues, did not address the root cause. Brendan encourages people to investigate the underlying causes of their pain, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing the factors contributing to their specific situation rather than relying on quick fixes.

The Test of a Lifetime: Overcoming Challenges with Curiosity

Brendan admits that dealing with chronic back pain is a significant challenge that necessitates a mental shift. Rather than giving up, he encourages people to approach the challenge with curiosity and humility. Brendan learned the value of understanding his body’s responses and adjusting his training as a result of his curiosity about the back pain and setbacks.

Direct Low Back Ability Training: A Year of Dedication

Brendan’s advice is centred on direct low back ability training. Of course, he suggests a one-year commitment to gradually building strength and resilience. Indeed, the emphasis is on a structured, step-by-step approach, with exercises like the back extension used to rebuild and strengthen the low back. Brendan emphasises the importance of consistency and patience throughout this process.

Putting Cards in Your Favour: Balancing Imbalances and Mobility

Brendan suggests a comprehensive approach to success that includes balancing imbalances and addressing mobility issues. He introduces a 360-degree core strategy that includes exercises to open hip flexors, improve hip mobility, and directly strengthen the back. Individuals can create favourable conditions for healing and strengthening their low back by using a holistic approach.

You Are the Solution: Empowering Yourself in the Healing Journey

Brendan’s message is inspiring: you are the answer to your back pain. He encourages people to recognise their own bodies as experts. While professional advice is beneficial, Brendan emphasises that no one else can fix your back for you. It takes a personalised, patient, and committed effort to navigate the complexities of back pain and gradually build a resilient and healthy low back.

The Journey of Patience and Hope

Brendan ends his heartfelt message by expressing his hope that this advice reaches someone at the right time, preventing them from giving up too soon on back problems. He emphasises the importance of thinking long term, implying that breakthroughs may be closer than one thinks. Moreover, individuals can embark on a transformative path to a healthier and pain-free low back by embracing the journey with patience, curiosity, and commitment.

Overcoming Back Problems

Brendan’s journey is an inspiring example of the human spirit is resilience and the transformative power of dedication and patience. Indeed, this article distils the key takeaways from his video, providing a road map for anyone suffering from chronic back pain. Furthermore, your low back is not a lost cause, and with the right mindset and approach, you can unlock the secrets to a healthier, pain-free life.

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Limber and Strong: Stretch Strength The Definitive Guide to Achieving Stretch Strength Zen!

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Unlocking Flexibility with Stretch Strength Training

Stretch strength was crucial to my performance as a competitive ice skater. Stretching for hours each week became a habit for me to maintain my abilities. As I watch my husband perform front splits without any prior stretching, I wish I had known about the benefits of stretch strength training when I was skating.

Finding Harmony in Stretch and Strength

The key is to perform the front split without pain. Stretch strength training entails finding a comfortable level of stretch and strength. This strategy has significant long-term benefits. Furthermore, as a result of consistent training, my personal goal shifted from perfecting splits to simply enjoying basketball without knee pain.

ATG Split Squat and Good Morning Progression

The ATG split squat and good morning progression transformed squat mobility. However, ankle injuries are frequently used as a barrier. I understand the struggle because a serious off-ice ankle injury ended my figure skating career. Stretching and strengthening the hamstrings and inner thighs were critical in overcoming previous injury limitations.

The Quest for Pancake Flexibility

Stretch strength training affects pancake flexibility. Finally, the standing pancake demonstrates that weight training is not the only way to improve. The interaction of flexibility and strength is demonstrated by gradually increasing the groyne load from hands to elbows. Injury is reduced when a person is both strong and flexible.

Building a Foundation for Longevity

My top priority is longevity, especially as a mother trying to keep up with her children. Stretching to improve bridge flexibility was a revelation. I have learned that in a world where modern postures rule, it is critical to train in the opposite direction to balance the strain on our bodies.

Targeting Weak Links

As a mother of two toddlers, I am constantly bending, which strains my back. The centre of the back should be reinforced. These two exercises, which target common weak links, have become the foundation of my routine. Strengthening these areas is critical not only for avoiding pain, but also for ensuring that I can participate in my children’s activities for many years to come.

Stretch Strength Training in Action

The ATG system divides stretch strength training into three types. The foundation is a backward sled or treadmill. The resistance comes from the ground, which ensures safety while allowing for a rhythmic workout. When combined with stretch strength training, this foundation improves results.

Fixing Weak Links for Lasting Results

The third component will be to repair weak links, on which we will concentrate next week. Identifying and addressing weaknesses, such as muscles in the middle of the back, ensures a thorough approach to flexibility and strength. It is about finding balance, not just flexibility for the sake of flexibility.

A Grateful Acknowledgment

Before concluding, a heartfelt thank you is in order. My husband, Ben Patrick, has undergone an incredible transformation. The journey has been incredible, from icing his knees after every workout to now passionately sharing his knowledge with the world. His commitment to growth as a partner and a father makes me proud.

Gratitude and Support

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has assisted ATG. Your efforts to spread the word about stretch strength training are paying off. ATG’s mission is to promote holistic fitness, not just equipment or programmes. Let us continue to question conventional wisdom and put our bodies’ health first.

https://mobilityabilityagility.com/

How to Deadlift – Full Range of Motion – ATG deadlift

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Unlocking Strength and Muscle with ATG Deadlifts

In this video, we will look the ATG Deadlift, a powerful tool in the ATG system for increasing strength and muscle mass. Let us look at the various levels of this deadlift and how it can be a game changer in your workout.

The Foundation: Standard Deadlift

The journey begins with a standard deadlift. Consider a clean grip, shoulder-width apart, feet strong, core braced, and lats engaged. This fundamental form ensures stability. Ben Patrick emphasises the importance of not just dropping weights while training. While powerlifters may drop weights for maximum loads, controlled eccentric movements during training increase posterior chain strength and muscle mass.

Progressing to Full Range of Motion

The ATG deadlift is distinguished by its pursuit of full range of motion, which aligns with the ATG system’s squat and split squat principles. The grip widens to deepen the movement, changing the dynamics. The athlete maintains a stable back, engaged lats, and rapid movement. This progression increases muscle engagement and time under tension, which is critical for muscle development.

Elevating the Challenge: Podium Deadlifts

Ben adds the podium to the challenge. Standing on a podium with a firm grip expands the range of motion. This variation is a stepping stone to the ultimate ATG deadlift. As the platform rises, so does the depth of the deadlift, putting more strain on the muscles while maintaining proper form.

The Apex: Snatch-Grip Podium Deadlift

The ATG deadlift’s pinnacle is the snatch-grip podium deadlift. The athlete stands on a podium with an ultra-wide grip. The depth attained is similar to a full squat position, ensuring the greatest range of motion. The emphasis is on maintaining a consistent hip angle throughout the lift, emphasising strength and control. This difficult variation maximises muscle engagement and is the ATG deadlift’s pinnacle.

Strategic Use of Straps

The use of straps is an important addition to the discussion. Ben suggests them for multi-rep training. Athletes can focus on strength and hypertrophy by reducing the grip’s role as a limiting factor. However, Ben makes an exception: if grip strength is important in a sport like jiu-jitsu, avoiding straps may be beneficial. The strategic use of straps is consistent with the goal of optimising muscle work during deadlifts.

Levels Before Standard Deadlifts

Ben introduces levels that cater to various fitness levels and flexibilities before diving into the standard clean grip deadlift. The podium deadlift, in which the weight is elevated, shortens the range and helps those with flexibility issues. It progresses gradually, beginning with varying podium heights and ending with a flat surface. Ben emphasises that anyone can do it, but it is critical to use a weight that allows for control while focusing on perfect form and perfect reps.

Closing Thoughts on Perfect Reps and Form

Finally, Ben Patrick encourages viewers to strive for perfect reps and form. The ATG deadlift, with its various progressions, emerges as a versatile and effective tool for building strength and muscle mass. The emphasis on full range of motion, grip strategy, and scalability make this deadlift a valuable addition to any training routine. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just getting started, the ATG deadlift provides a path to optimal strength and muscle development.

This video provides a comprehensive guide to the ATG deadlift, breaking down its variations and explaining the significance of each. Whether you’re aiming for maximal strength or muscle hypertrophy, the ATG deadlift, as presented by Ben Patrick, offers a systematic and effective approach.

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How to Jump Higher: 9-Step Checklist

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How to Jump Higher: A Guide by KneesOverToesGuy

Learn How to Jump Higher with KneesOverToesGuy. Ben shares his journey and expertise on how to jump higher while maintaining optimal knee health in this informative video. Ben begins by emphasising the importance of knee strength in jumping and how neglecting it can lead to a variety of issues, such as surgeries, painkiller addiction, and depression. He takes a novel approach to training, challenging conventional wisdom.

Starting with Full Range of Motion

Ben underscores the importance of working through a full range of motion to enhance muscle tissue and leg strength. Contrary to common practises limiting knee movement, he advocates for responsible freedom in training. Drawing inspiration from high jumpers like Olympic gold medalist Stephen Holm, he critiques the restrictive methods prescribed by some trainers and emphasises the benefits of backward walking.

The ATG Split Squat: A Scalable Solution

The discussion extends to the ATG split squat, a key exercise in Ben’s training arsenal. He explains how this exercise, when done correctly, positively impacts ankle and knee mobility. Through the example of Kador Xani, the shortest person to dunk and kick a basketball rim, Ben illustrates the potential for strength and flexibility to coexist.

Personal Journey and Scalability

Ben shares his personal journey, expressing his initial goal of playing basketball without knee surgeries. By incorporating the ATG split squat into his routine, he noticed improved knee health and unexpected gains in vertical jump. He introduces the concept of scalability, emphasising that training should be individualised and pain-free, regardless of age or ability.

How to Jump Higher: The Impact on Longevity

Ben’s motivation goes beyond personal goals; he envisions a future where his mom and individuals of all ages can maintain mobility and athleticism. Scalability becomes a cornerstone, allowing people to start from their current level and progress pain-free. He emphasises that scalability isn’t just about age; even elite athletes may need to start with foundational exercises.

George Hacken Schmid: An Exemplar of Longevity

To further emphasise the importance of scalability, Ben introduces George Hacken Schmid, who, in his mid-’80s, maintained incredible athleticism. He shares how Hacken Schmid’s routine, involving jumping over a chair, aligns with the principles of scalability and highlights the connection to backward walking exercises.

Strategies on How to Jump Higher

However, transitioning into strategies for achieving maximum jump height, Ben introduces Court, aiming to be the highest jumper globally. The three-pronged approach includes weekly jump sessions, slant squats, and strength in secondary areas. The emphasis is on balancing strength, technique, and conditioning to optimise jump performance.

Adapting the Checklist for Personal Goals

Ben provides a comprehensive nine-point checklist categorised into three main sections: the jump session, leg strength, and accessory exercises. He encourages individuals to evaluate their jump sessions for sufficient force, incorporating wins, and harnessing adrenaline. The checklist extends to monitoring the ease of slant squats and ATG split squats, the inclusion of sled work, and progress in ankle strength.

Ankle Strength, Posterior Chain, and Core Training

Delving into specifics, Ben discusses the significance of ankle strength, emphasizing the deep calf muscle and tibialis. The posterior chain, comprising hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, is recognized for its role in maintaining balance and strength during jumps. Additionally, Ben stresses the importance of full-range training for the upper body and core, connecting shoulder mobility to overall athleticism.

How to Jump Higher

Ben Patrick’s video offers a comprehensive guide to unlocking higher jumps and maintaining knee health. By blending personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical advice, he creates a roadmap for individuals aspiring to enhance their vertical jump while prioritizing joint health.

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