Fitness & Health
fitness & health
Share
Squat more weight with these three tips from a top powerlifter
Published 14:17 3 Apr 2019 BST
Homefitness & health
In the world of powerlifting, the main exercises are referred to as the 'big three'
These are the primary lifts athletes compete in - the bench press, squat and deadlift. The squat works virtually every muscle group in the body. But you shouldn't write it off as a mere quad builder - your glutes, hamstrings, abs and back muscles are all activated and improved by getting under the bar and squatting. If you've reached a plateau with your squat or just want to up the ante a little, some minor tweaks can spell big gains. Hendrick Famutimi is a two-time British Powerlifting champion in the under-93 kilogram category. He put this video together to help you improve your squat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XETGGTnR-d8 Famutimi also spoke exclusively to JOE, sharing his top three tips for adding more weight to your squat. He said:- "Mobilise and rollout your hips, shoulders, ankles and feet before squatting.
- Strengthen your core and learn how to brace as a weak core can affect your squat numbers and mechanics.
- Grip the floor with your feet (creating a tripod effect), brace, drive your hips back and soften your knees while keeping your chest up for the squat. Visualise and practice this in your head and you'll get a better understanding of what each body part needs to do."
Squats also boost your brain
The squat is not just a leg builder - the benefits are endless. Heavy squats make footballers faster, plus there is also evidence they boost your brain function too. Read more from JOE:- Genetics: use this training checklist to build up a lagging muscle group
- Modern running shoes have left humans with 'weak feet', claims new documentary
- Fit enough for CrossFit? These are the strength standards you need to surpass
- How often should you change your workout routine?
- Scientist explains why the Ketogenic Diet isn't the best for weight loss
- What you should eat before a football match, according to a top nutritionist
- How to work out how many calories you need to lose weight
- Running a marathon? Smash your PB with these top training tips
- These are the best bicep and tricep exercises, according to science
Explore more on these topics:
Most Viewed in fitness-health
What to eat at McDonald's after a hardcore workout
fitness health
