Why do you train the way you do?

For most people, it’s a really simple answer

“Because that’s how you were shown to train”

We believe when it comes to weights, we all need to do certain moves.

These all involve a barbell

Shoulder Press

Bent Over Row

Bench Press

Deadlift

Squat

Why? Well there are a few common reasons

• If you only ever did these five exercises, you would be pretty strong
• Most PT’s you hire will have been trained to use the barbell as their main tool
• The barbell is synonymous with getting strong and putting n muscle

But just because others are using them, does it mean you should be as well? My opinion is a resounding NO!

In fact, I would go as far as to say that for the vast majority of the demographic I train, a barbell is not necessarily the best way to train for the goals they are trying to achieve

A barbell is a TOOL!

It has thousands of ways to be used and the purpose for how or IF you use it is determined by the goal of the individual

Let’s use the squat as an example.

Never in the history of modern lifting has there ever been a more misused exercise.

We live in a world where the VAST majority of our time is spent sitting or lying. Compare this to 100 years ago, when we were much more active due to working requirements and access to sugar and a multitude of other food additives that weren’t part of everyday life.

We were fitter and more mobile AND we had no PT’s or science papers explaining how’s and why’s of what we were doing, we just did it because it made sense.

These men and women would have had the ability to squat safely but sadly not us. It doesn’t mean there are people out there who can, nor does it mean that everyone reading this couldn’t get themselves to a point where it is possible, I just mean that as it stands, in my experience, most people I train, do not need or should not do barbell back squats.

EVERYONE who sets foot in Primal is first given a light bell and shown how to goblet squat. This is one of the most underutilised exercises there is and if you aren’t capable of at LEAST 50% of your body weight for 10 reps, then there is no need to be under a barbell.

The goblet squat will probably produce better results for the muscles you need to train to allow a safe and strong barbell squat.

The same applies to ALL of the barbell exercises I mentioned. For a lot of untrained people, they are down the road, there are much better and safer options to use that will build the foundational levels of strength required to allow longevity in your training while keeping you safe.

This is why spending time looking for a coach with a solid reputation is one of the most beneficial things you can do when starting out training again. Why risk injury or waste time making so many mistakes when there are people out there with the skills and knowledge to help you avoid the pitfalls and take you closer to your goals in a much faster time