Technique - general topics

[Simma Park]

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The perfect -- to which we should aspire -- should never be the enemy of the good.

I recommend that you grow an ass. This will solve many of your problems with training.

1. How to get help with your form
   1. Attend a Starting Strength Seminar (scroll to the bottom of the linked page for a schedule) or Training Camp. See also seminars.
      
      
   2. Visit WFAC.
      
      
   3. Find a certified Starting Strength coach in your area.
      
      
   4. Post a form check video.
      
      Do not post things like this if you want to get helpful feedback. People need to see what's going on in order to offer meaningful advice. If you can access the Internet, you can almost certainly get/borrow a cheap video recorder or video-capable phone.
      
      
   5. The DVD will be very helpful. It is available here.
   
   
2. Debating / discussing form
   
   

   I don't link to or comment on other websites' technique videos. There are lots of those, and I don't have time.

3. Lumbar extension and control
   
   

   People who simply cannot control the position of their lumbar spines are not lifters, and should not be referred to as such. You may need a coach to become one. [link]

   1. Platform video: Lower Back Position Control
      
      
   2. Search the forum for "hyperlordosis".
      
      
   3. See also the squat: butt-wink
      
      
   4. See also the deadlift: extending the back
   
   
4. The Valsalva maneuver
   1. The very basics [link]
      
      
   2. Can be done incorrectly [link]
      
      
   3. Valsalva risks / supposed risks

      - safety of Valsalva [link]
      - hernia [link], hernia repair (mesh) [link]
      - aortic dissection [link]
      - pregnancy [link]
      - spontaneous pneumothorax [link] (collapsed lung)
      - intraocular pressure / eye surgery [link]
      - tempromandibular issues / TMJ (jaw disorder) [link]
      

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