Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I First Started Lifting!

Things I wish I would have known when I first started lifting:
1. Box Squat – This can be performed with a variety of stances, bars, and weights.  Using a box eliminates the question of “Am I low enough?”  I previously used to do more than 90% free squatting, but I have changed my approach the last couple weeks to more than 90% box squatting at various heights.  By using the box my numbers have gone up and recovery time has shortened drastically.  Dave Tate does a great job explaining techniques and advantages of the box squat in the article below.
https://www.t-nation.com/training/squatting-from-head-to-toe

2. Good Mornings and Deadlifts – I wish I would have been educated on these exercises when I first began training.  My preference on the good morning exercise is to use the safety squat bar.  This exercise is a great way to build your deadlift, without having to deadlift!  JL Holdsworth explains and demonstrates this exercise in the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6SVzzXKsdg

With deadlifts, don’t be intimidated. If you are an athlete, try to master the sumo deadlift. Ed Coan teaches the movement well in the following video: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDt8HwxVST0

3. Be willing to learn – It is said a fool never learns, a smart man learns from those around him, and a wise man learns from those who came before him.  I have learned a great deal from studying Louie Simmons and his Conjugate Training System.  To train optimally is the ultimate goal; what will get you the best size, strength, and recovery.  I challenge you to view yourself as average, malleable, and a learner.  I would recommend listening to the Westside Barbell podcast and also taking a look at the following articles on training: 
https://www.t-nation.com/training/the-periodization-bible-part-1
https://www.t-nation.com/training/the-periodization-bible-part-2

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Until next time Iron Made Community.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Many Blessings,
Kevin Byers