Detailed Smolov Squat routine review

This is a review of the famous Smolov squat routine which seperates the boys from the men. You can read how I increased my 1RM for the squat by 20kg, find summaries of others who have done the program and I compare Smolov to other routines which I have done. If you do not know how to do squat negatives and box squats you will also find a quick introduction to these concepts. 

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My least favorite exercises which we should probably do more of

Here are five of my least favorite exercises which I hate, but love for their effectiveness and efficiency. If everyone who wants to get fit would do more of this on their own steam, they would destroy an entire industry with one stroke as there would be no more gyms around.

Supplements: Vitamin C

This is an overview based on internet sources about Vitamin C and its uses as a supplement. Please always consult a doctor when you are considering supplementing any kind of vitamins. Especially when you are already ill, take medicine or during pregnancy. I am not an expert or doctor and have reproduced, collected and commented on the information available to me. You can navigate the primary and secondary sources by clicking on the links in the article.

How to keep your training interesting

Here some points to keep your routines interesting and never get bored in the pursuit of awesomeness.

Supplements: ZMA

This is a quick look at Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate or ZMA. A formula developed by Victor Conte which benefits of higher testosterone levels and quicker strength gains by providing better REM sleep are being doubted most recently as the supporting studies have been conducted by owners of ZMA patents. I am no doctor, so please always consult before deciding to take or not to take supplements.

3 reasons on why to do Smolov 

There is some discussion out there whether it is stupid to do Smolov and if it is a one-sided program. It is extreme, but it delivers what it says on the tin: A bigger one repetition maximum on the squat. This makes it a good program if that is what is you want and I ran it in 2016. Here are my top three on why to do Smolov

Supplements: Digestive Enzymes

This is a write up discussing digestion and the role that digestive enzymes play in it. We will shortly cover that supplementation of enzymes can be helpful in cases of sickness and surgery, while the uses in sports might be far fetched. Please leave a comment or a link to enhance the content or view it from an angle that I have overlooked.

Guide to Smolov

This is an overview and guidance for Smolov based on my experience. If you want to see how the program is structured in detail please refer to the Smolov post on the Stronglifts web page. I used their calculator and it worked. Here is the anecdotal report on how to make it through it without a major injury or dropping out.

Supplements: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is mainly helpful for your bone development either for the very old or young. Always consult a doctor when supplementing on top of a healthy diet. Lack of Vitamin D can cause rickets and osteomalacia. Main sources of Vitamin D are sunlight and fatty fish. 

How to change your approach to break through limits

Here are six approaches for you on how to switch up your training when you feel like you are not getting anywhere to get the desired results and push beyond your limits.