Hail to the Dinosaurs!
One quick note, and then we'll talk training.
1. Dinosaur Training Secrets, Vol. 3
Course no. 3 in my new series of training
courses is right here in your choice of Kindle
e-book or hard-copy edition:
Hard-copy:
http://www.brookskubik.com/dinosaur_secrets_03.html
Kindle e-book:
http://www.brookskubik.com/dinosaur_secrets3_kindle.html
The course is less than a week old, and it's been
getting great reviews!
2. Lifting Shoes -- When and Why
I'm a big fan of lifting shoes, but not everybody
needs them.
By lifting shoes, I mean Olympic weightlifting
shoes.
Here are the people who need them:
1. Anyone who does squat-style Olympic weightlifting.
You can't hit the bottom posiitons without lifting
shoes if you do squat style lifts.
You can TRY -- but it won't work.
You need the shoes.
HOWEVER -- if you do split style lifts, you may do
better in a shoe with a more flexible sole -- such
as a Chuck Taylor.
2. Anyone who does power cleans, power snatches,
or high pulls.
The shoes help you maintain a better back posiiton
on all pulling movements.
They also provide support for your feet.
And they make you look and feel like a lifter --
which is not to be taken lightly.
3. Anyone who does Olympic style, high-bar back
squats.
You can't maintain an upright posture in the full
squat if you don't wear weightlifting shoes.
If you don't maintain an upright posture, your
back rounds and you lean forward -- which takes
the pressure off your thighs and turns the exercise
into a back movement more than a leg movement.
Rounding your back can also lead to all kinds of
back problems -- or even to a back injury.
And yes, I know you can stand with your heels
on a 2 x 4 or some barbell plates -- but lifting
shoes are better.
I alos know you can buy dress shoes or boots
with a heel. But lifting shoes are better.
Remember, every sport has its own shoes. If you
want to compete, you need the shoes. Strength
training is no different.
4. Anyone who does front squats.
See 3, above. Same point, but more so.
Because the bar is positioned to your front, you
need to be extra careful to maintain an upright
stance and avoid leaning forward.
Personally, I would not even try front squats
without lifting shoes.
5. Anyone who does overhead squats.
See 3 above, but much more so.
There's no point in even trying overhead squats
without lifting shoes -- unless you're trying to do
as "FAIL" video for Youtube.
6. Anyone who does the heavy dumbbell exercises
in Dinosaur Bodyweight training.
Lifting shoes will help enormously on your heavy
dumbbell exercises.
Especially for squat style lifts -- or for the dumbbell
squat variations.
7. Most older Dinos.
Lifting shoes will help protect your feet, and keep
them healthy and strong.
The shoes also help you maintain the best positions
for lower back health when you do squats, pulls,
preses, and deadlifts.
I've been wearing them sincve age 40 -- and they're
GREAT. I wouldn't train without them.
I like the Addidas Power Perfect II.
Here's where I get them:
http://www.dynamicfitnessequipment.com/adidas-Power-Perfect-II-weightlifting-shoes-p/g17563.htm
They're a bit expensive, but they last a long time
if you treat them well -- which means you ONLY
wear them in the gym. Wear something else to
get to the gym.
If you do cardio, bring Chuck Taylors for the cardio.
Save the lifting shoes for the lifting.
That's my take on lifting shoes. Holler if you
have questions.
As always, thanks for reading and have a great
day. If you train today, make it a good one!
Yours in strength,
Brooks Kubik
P.S. I mentioned Dinosaur Dumbbell Training. Go
here to grab the little monster:
http://www.brookskubik.com/dinosaur_dumbbelltraining.html
P.S. 2. My other books and courses are right here
at Dino Headquarters:
http://www.brookskubik.com/products.html
P.S. 3. Thought for the Day: "You may or may
not be a professional, but always act like you
are." - Brooks Kubik
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