Hail to the Dinosaurs!
We received a ton of great feedback in
response to yesterday's email asking
for feedback on the question:
"What is the best exercise or lift (or
feat of strength) to measure an athlete's
strength and power?"
Here are some of the first answers we
received:
1. Gotta Go with the Deadlift!
"Probably have to go with the deadlift.
It incorporates more muscles than the
squat, AND it is initiated from the start
position."
Jim S.
2. A Vote for the Squat -- and Some
Great Tips for Older Trainees!
"Undoubtedly the squat or powerlifting
squat is the best developer going. But
I can't do them without seriously over-
loading my old shoulders, so I use the
Dave Draper Top Squat apparatus. These
are good, but I miss the drive out of the
hole you get with more back action.
Next is the deadlift. The same goes here,
too -- I need to use the Trap Bar, which
is very good and saves the back.
I can't do bench press anymore, so I do
the 80 degree incline press with barbell.
Not nearly the same degree of engagement,
but what can you do? Adapt and do what
you can.
The older I get, the more I realize how
much I took for granted as a young trainee.
Thanks for all your good advice."
James Mc.
3. The King of Lifts!
"I think the single best measure of strength
and power would be the clean and jerk,
whether it be barbell, dumbbells or kettle-
bells. Taking heavy weights from the floor
to overhead uses all of the muscles in the
body. You need strength, speed, balance,
timing and coordination to lift big weights
overhead. That's my thought.
Always look forward to reading your
e-mails."
Bob B.
4. Floor to Overhead, However You Do It!
"Taking weight with one arm from floor to
above the head, and taking weight from
the floor to above the head with two hands.
However it's done, it's a great demonstration
of strength.
Floor to above head, arms straight at the
finish."
Matthew H.
Those are great responses, and although
there's no "right" answer here, it's hard
to argue with any of these Dinos.
So what do YOU think?
What's the single best measure of strength
and power?
Shoot me an email and let me know what
you think!
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. One and two dumbbell overhead lifts are
terrific strength and muscle builders -- and
tremendous tests of strength and power.
Here's how to do it:
Dinosaur Dumbbell Training (hard-copy)
http://www.brookskubik.com/dinosaur_dumbbelltraining.html
P.S. 2. To build rugged, stand on your feet
strength and power, nothing beats the
mighty military press -- and this course
will help you build some serious pressing
power:
The Dinosaur Training Military Press and
Shoulder Power Course
Hard copy edition:
http://www.brookskubik.com/militarypress_course.html
Kindle e-book edition:
http://www.brookskubik.com/militarypress_kindle.html
P.S. 3. My other books and courses are
right here at Dino Headquarters:
http://www.brookskubik.com/products.html
P.S. 4. Thought for the Day: "It ain't over until
the iron tells you it's over." -- Brooks Kubik
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