Eric Cressey - Maximum Strength - Page 9 - JP Fitness Forums

Bill2380 · 10-03-2008, 05:09 AM

Go for it.

AS · 10-03-2008, 09:59 AM

You might want to take a day with your friend to practice some of the movements like box squat, front squat, and deadlift if he isn't very experienced. Or you can just start it together and use the first week as the week to get familiar with them.

Doo · 10-03-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AS

You might want to take a day with your friend to practice some of the movements like box squat, front squat, and deadlift if he isn't very experienced. Or you can just start it together and use the first week as the week to get familiar with them.

Great suggestion. That is what I did the week before I started and I ended the practice week with Packing Day. Also, Eric suggests using Thursdays (rest day) for practicing some exercises with lighter weights and doing circuit training that keeps heart rate up. You get practice and cardio in one shot.

lostraccs · 10-07-2008, 12:55 AM

sounds good to me. thanks for the replies!

Adam Welch · 10-10-2008, 07:33 PM

Just finished reading and am thoroughly excited! I am maxing out tomorrow (except for the deadlift).

Mahler · 10-12-2008, 07:37 PM

I finished the program on Saturday.
Thank you Eric.

StuWard · 10-12-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahler

I finished the program on Saturday.

What kind of results did you have?

Mahler · 10-13-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuWard

What kind of results did you have?

Results were mixed.
Gains in:
Bench
Box Squat
Broad Jump
Chin-Ups

Deadlifts are kind of static.

3sweeties · 10-15-2008, 07:00 AM

I started this program this week. I like the set-up and the workouts.

I'm not 100% I'm doing the box squat correct.

Doo · 10-17-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3sweeties

I started this program this week. I like the set-up and the workouts.

I'm not 100% I'm doing the box squat correct.

What do you think you are doing wrong? You first need to know how to do a squat correctly and then you use the box to limit your squat depth (or in my case, force me to go deeper).The box is use to stop the movement on the way down but should not be used to "bounce" your way back up. That is not good for your lower back.

3sweeties · 10-18-2008, 08:08 AM

I'm not sure if my box is to low and if I'm sitting back enough.

YouTube - westside box squat 1

YouTube - westside box squat 2

YouTube - My Westside visit 2004

I've watched these videos to try and learn. My box is smaller than that and I don't know if I need to have as wide as stance as these guys.

AS · 10-18-2008, 12:50 PM

My stance is not that wide, I think Eric says in the book to go a little wider than your full squat stance. Not sure if going as wide as the videos makes it easier or harder.

Adam Welch · 10-19-2008, 04:42 PM

I think as long as your glutes and hamstrings are firing while you go up, and your pushing through the center of your feet, you're coming up the right way, provided your back stays correct, but on going down, aren't we supposed to break at the hips as much as possible without compromising the back? As in, stick the butt out as much as possible keeping the arch in the back to promote the greatest amount of hip mobility (which is probably why it is both possible and dangerous to bounce of the hips at the bottom (which is why the box is used)) until you hit the box? And how low to go, can be found by finding the hip limitations right? As in putting your hand on your lower back as you go down and when it starts to round thats when your hip flexibility is limited and where you should stop? That's what I'm going by, but I did note he said slightly wider, which I did implement and after the box squats 2 days later i felt it in my inner thighs somewhat.

Chris Mason · 10-19-2008, 11:38 PM

Here is a Westside video which shows some varying techniques depending on the lifter:

AtLarge Nutrition Strength Videos - Westside Training Footage

AS · 10-21-2008, 02:36 PM

Regarding wrist straps in Max Strength, in the "Equipment" section EC mentions wrist straps, but doesn't really say where we should use them. I've never deadlifted with straps, but when I get up to about 375 I can't hang on for more than 2 reps, I think I could probably do more with straps (although I don't know for sure).

For rack pulls in Phase 1 and elevated deadlifts in Phase 2, would it be a good idea to use straps to pull more weight? Im currently working on increasing my grip strength, but in the meantime...straps or no straps?

Doo · 10-22-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AS

...Im currently working on increasing my grip strength, but in the meantime...straps or no straps?

Use straps only for your worksets and only if you must to maintain grip for desired reps. I ended up using a mixed grip which helped more than straps so I never use straps. I try to alternate which hand is pronated/supinated for each set but I can lift slightly more with my right hand supinated. When doing less than maximal lifts, I try to go back to the overhand grip.

AS · 10-22-2008, 11:25 AM

Yeah I already use a mixed grip, im assuming that mixed grip + straps would be a stronger grip than mixed grip by itself though.

Mahler · 10-22-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AS

Yeah I already use a mixed grip, im assuming that mixed grip + straps would be a stronger grip than mixed grip by itself though.

One or the other, but not both. If you use straps, use a pronate grip. If you use a mixed grip, don't use straps.