Articles | lifts


Mark Rippetoe | February 28, 2024

The more weight you can squat to the correct depth, the stronger you are. It really is that simple. But when is a “squat” not a squat? When it is not below parallel – at the proper depth and therefore the proper range of motion to satisfy the purpose of the exercise. Partial squats are not squats because they do not work the maximum possible muscle mass through the longest effective range of motion, thus increasing strength. 

Continue reading


Mark Rippetoe | February 06, 2024

This is a rather fundamental issue for many inexperienced trainees, especially those people who are not gifted athletes with the natural ability to use their bodies optimally. Let's discuss the differences between the two, the reasons why they are important, and how to best clarify the procedures for using the back safely and efficiently under a heavy load.

Continue reading


Bruce Trout, SSC | January 31, 2024

There are many different errors one might make while pressing the bar, either overhead or from the bench: poor eye gaze direction, too wide or narrow a grip, no leg drive, driving your ass up off the bench, and the list goes on. As coaches, it is our job to see which issues are happening, order them from most to least important, and instruct or “cue” the lifter to success.

Continue reading


Capt James Rodgers | October 11, 2023

One thing that is guaranteed to draw a lot of attention or admiration from concerned onlookers is to overhead press a heavy weight with a lot of layback. Layback is the tendency for the back angle to become more horizontal during a heavy overhead press and for the back to go into extension to accommodate a more efficient bar path and to recruit more muscle mass into the lift.  

Continue reading


Mark Rippetoe | October 04, 2023

“Because that's the way we do it” is never an acceptable answer to a question. Neither is “It's always worked for me,” or “That's the way I was taught, and I've always done it this way.” If someone asks a question about what you're doing, an answer like this demonstrates that you haven't thought about why you're doing it.

Continue reading




Starting Strength Weekly Report

Highlights from the StartingStrength Community. Browse archives.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.