

In other words, the load is decreased in the portion of the lift where your leverages are poorest (typically the bottom part of the movement) and increased where your leverages are best (near lockout). Physiologically, bands adjust the force curve to work more efficiently with your body's own natural leverages. Psychologically, having more weight on your back or in your hands mentally prepares you for supporting and lifting those loads down the road when not using bands. First, it allows a lifter to handle more weight than would otherwise be possible, which offers both physiological and psychological benefits.

The reverse band method offers several benefits to powerlifters. This method is commonly referred to as the lightened method or as using reverse bands, and most top powerlifters report using bands this way. I've experimented with many methods for both powerlifting and bodybuilding purposes, and found one method that increased both strength and size at the same time. This article will describe my favorite ways to incorporate bands into your squat, bench, and deadlift training for both size and strength.
Quad sweep powerlifting how to#
Yet in spite of Louie's work, many lifters remain woefully confused how to properly implement bands into their training programs, which is where I come in. Through much analysis and a ton of experimentation with his Westside team of guinea pigs, Louie came up with some ingenious ways to use bands to help lifters get stronger. Today, bands have spread into many areas of athletics and are being used to increase strength, aid in rehabbing injuries, increase flexibility, and help develop explosiveness.Īmong the first coaches to properly apply bands to strength training was Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell. Twenty years ago, suggesting to a powerlifter that rubber bands could help him smash his plateau likely would've gotten you tossed into the chalk stand.

Belts, bench shirts, chalk, wraps no wonder your average powerlifter needs two gym bags to haul all his gear!īands have a special place in my overstuffed gym bag. There's no shortage of gadgets and gear to be had in the strength training world.
