You don't know squat!

Had a special moment in the gym today. While training legs I  had a man approach me and offer advice. Now I want to first make this valuable point, so listen and listen close. I had two options when he approached me.

1. No thanks man, I am a trainer and I know what im doing

2. Sure, I am always ready to improve


Turns out he was an Olympic power lifter, thank God I went with option 2. With a degree of hesitation I must add, I took me a moment to humble up and check my ego. Boy I am glad I did. So I want to share with you the advice he gave me.

When I was doing my squats before I was folding like an accordion at the knees and hips like this guy.

(Now keeping in mind I was on the smith machine. He went through to explain how I need to keep my feet in front of my body and sit back lower than 90. Talk about glute engagement!!! I brought up knee pain and strain. But he pointed out how natural a squat is. In fact babies have perfect squat form. It's poor movement patterns that adults pick up that cause injury.

So  I guess I didn't know squat! But thanks to a timed gift from God, a receptive attitude, and a passionate teacher. Now I can approach that rack with the confidence of a powerlifter!

One last thing I want to add. The breath! Big inhale up top, lower down holding the breath to keep the torso full of air (like a protective airbag) hold for a moment at the bottom and use the exhale on the way up. Boom, you got it!