Beyond-Brawn-2nd-Edition

BEYOND BRAWN
The squat
the groove on the positive (or lifting) portion, too, and risk missing the next
rep and/or hurting yourself.
10.45 e squat is potentially the most productive single exercise you can do
providing you can perform it safely and progressively. e more efficiently
you squat, the greater the potential benefits you can extract from it. How
efficiently you squat is mostly a result of your relative torso and leg lengths,
and relative femur and tibia lengths. While some people have much better
mechanics for squatting than others, most people can squat well enough to
obtain great benefits from the exercise, if they have mastered the technique of
squatting. Whatever structural proportions you have inherited are all you are
going to get. Never mind that some people can squat more efficiently than
you, and obtain more benefits. What should matter most to you is learning
how to fully exploit the squat in you own case.
10.46 e squat does not have a legendary reputation for nothing. So long as you
are not prohibited from squatting by injury or serious structural limitations,
you should squat hard and consistently. e sole addition of intensive squatting
just once a week can turn an otherwise unproductive training program
into a productive one. e squat is that great an exercise.
10.47 e squat has acquired its reputation for two main reasons. First, the squat
is simply a super productive exercise. Second, it is possible to squat in almost
every gym. e exercise is a universal one and many people have discovered
its great benefits first hand.
10.48 One of the most important training-related projects you can set for yourself
is the mastering of squatting. With improved understanding of squatting
form, everyone can squat more efficiently. Even if you think you do not squat
well, after truly mastering squatting form you may be able to squat much
more efficiently and productively than you think you can. Do not give up on
the squat because of initial difficulties. In THE INSIDER’S TELL-ALL HAND-
BOOK ON WEIGHT-TRAINING TECHNIQUE I devote sixteen pages to the
squat, covering technique in extensive detail.
10.49 Mastering the squat, and then intensively and progressively squatting on a
consistent basis is a linchpin of successful bodybuilding and strength training.
Do not miss out on your chance to exploit this wonderful exercise. As
tough as intensive squatting is, learn to love the exercise. It is because the
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