Brolloks getting into PL

I cannot get my hands behind my ears, and feel most comfortable with my hands almost touching the plates when I squat.

I had this issue too. Look up Phdeadlift on Instagram or YouTube aka Ben Pollack. Take a look at how he does hand placement and give it a try. I have been doing a variation of his method and it's actually improved my range of motion. I still "finger" the bar because it's a bit more comfortable.
 
I had this issue too. Look up Phdeadlift on Instagram or YouTube aka Ben Pollack. Take a look at how he does hand placement and give it a try. I have been doing a variation of his method and it's actually improved my range of motion. I still "finger" the bar because it's a bit more comfortable.

Thanks mate. Will give it a shot. He's a beast, and just as inspirational as Larry. It goes to show you don't need a massive gut to be strong :D
 
I power lifted for a long time, got good numbers but the one thing I was not good about was stretching.

I did it but not like I could have. I have been a goaltender (ice hockey) for many years and was always limber. I think I just assumed that was enough but it's not the same as stretching before lifting.

The older we get the more important it becomes or at least it becomes a bigger necessity.
 
I power lifted for a long time, got good numbers but the one thing I was not good about was stretching.

I did it but not like I could have. I have been a goaltender (ice hockey) for many years and was always limber. I think I just assumed that was enough but it's not the same as stretching before lifting.

The older we get the more important it becomes or at least it becomes a bigger necessity.

I do a few bw squats and pushups for stretching beforehand, and have never done any after a session either. I've just assumed it's too late or too much effort - I'd rather be lifting than swinging my arms about for 30 minutes.

Definitely time to reconsider this strategy.
 
I do a few bw squats and pushups for stretching beforehand, and have never done any after a session either. I've just assumed it's too late or too much effort - I'd rather be lifting than swinging my arms about for 30 minutes.

Definitely time to reconsider this strategy.
A few good stretches don't take long and you can do some between sets.
 


This has been a game changer guys. It takes some time to complete but it's an investment in your future and longevity.

I was skeptical cause of all the skinny idiots rolling around on the floor in my gym and calling it "mobility" (I thank crossfit for this behavior). BUT, I had so many nagging issues (hips, shoulders, knees, low back....etc..) I challenged myself to do this everyday for one week. Results were awesome. Better sleep was probably the most impactful benefit. Sleep better=recover better.

I've got a decade of heavy ass squatting, pressing and pulling under my belt and I can honestly say this stuff works. Consistency is key though (like anything else). Now, I do this every time I walk in the gym and my body feels better now than it did ten years ago.

-H
 
That was one of my questions. I have zero shoulder mobility, and struggle to squat in the tight cages at my gym. Does it matter at all though?

I've never done any significant pre- or post workout stretching, and consider it a waste of time at this stage.

Take the time to do the mobility work man, i do the one @Hawkins posted, as well as defrancos upper body routine( simple six i think it's called) as well as foam roll before every workout and it has done nothing but help. So many little aches and pains start to become nonexistent, and form all around becomes better with greater mobility.
 
Well that fizzled out quickly :( I strained a quad muscle during squats, so have only really been doing accessory movements since, which I didn't think deserved to be mentioned here.

I'm around 3x5reps of 350 on the bench, and have been able to deadlift for the last two weeks. 2x 420 with overhand grip, 460 with over/under, and 530 with straps. I can probably go heavier on the latter, but can feel my quad aching so won't push it just yet. Nice thing is that I'm steadily lifting heavier, which is probably expected at a novice level.

Also, I'm cruising @ 200mg of TE since the beginning of the year, but oddly strength hasn't been impacted at all.

As you were, fellas :)
 
That was one of my questions. I have zero shoulder mobility, and struggle to squat in the tight cages at my gym. Does it matter at all though?

I've never done any significant pre- or post workout stretching, and consider it a waste of time at this stage.

Do you have some resistance bands and a lacrosse ball or good foam roller?
 
Check for the foam roller.

Get some resistance bands from Rogue and lacrosse all from wherever. 100lb resistance band is enough for me for mobility stuff you might need a stronger one bc you’re probably bigger than me. With these couple things you’ll be able to increase shoulder mobility significantly.
 
Thanks doc. Will give it a go. I've always had poor shoulder flexibility - even in my youth when I was trained by a national swimming coach (although I didn't nearly reach that level). I could never touch my hands vertically behind my back with my right arm on top, despite doing heaps of stretching and getting shouted at.

I guess we're not all put together the same/perfectly. At least I've been able to get a closer hand position using Ben Pollack's grip from @Eman's suggestion above :) It takes a bit getting used to - the bar felt a bit more stable and my balance better with my hands at the collars in a crucifix position.
 
Thanks doc. Will give it a go. I've always had poor shoulder flexibility - even in my youth when I was trained by a national swimming coach (although I didn't nearly reach that level). I could never touch my hands vertically behind my back with my right arm on top, despite doing heaps of stretching and getting shouted at.

I guess we're not all put together the same/perfectly. At least I've been able to get a closer hand position using Ben Pollack's grip from @Eman's suggestion above :) It takes a bit getting used to - the bar felt a bit more stable and my balance better with my hands at the collars in a crucifix position.

Whenever you get the stuff just let me know and I’ll send you some YouTube videos to get you started.
 

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