Ever unsure how to do a particular exercise? Make sure to check the relevant guide in the form library.

These guides are here to help, but they’re just that — guides

We may all perform each movement slightly differently. However, it’s important to consider the fundamentals in order to prevent injury and allow for progressive progress.

If we look at a simple squat, for example, the fundamentals include maintaining tension in the back, allowing the hips, knees and ankles to move, the knees coming forward towards the toes and keeping the heels in contact with the ground.

The type of squat can affect the angles of the body. During a front squat, we typically have a more vertical torso and the shins at a greater angle; hence more dorsiflexion at the ankle is required. Compared with a back squat, the torso is typically more angled forward, with the shins more vertical. So even the position of the load has an impact on the alignment of the body.

The ratio of the torso to leg length, our actual height, the amount of knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion available, and mobility within the hips and adductors also determine the range of movement available and may determine what variation of the squat your body prefers.

This is an example of why I do not state certain exercises as being the best. What might be the best for me and my body may not be the best for you. I have actually seen my favourite back exercise on a ‘worst back exercise’ rank! This is biased, as it just doesn't work for that person. Every exercise has a place, and it depends on the context of how and why it is being utilised.

I hope the form library is actually less of me instructing you to fit a mould, but to open up the variations you can try and encourage you to connect with your body as it moves so that you can gain a position for each movement that allows you to feel comfortable and focus on the actual lift.

Cx