STRUCTURE DICTATES FUNCTION — WHY YOU TRAIN LIKE A MUPPET

Let’s get real. Most blokes walk into the gym and copy whatever their “mate” is doing same squat stance, same bar path, same everything. Then they wonder why their knees feel like a 90-year-old’s after a few months. Here’s the truth: your structure dictates your function. If you’ve got longer femurs, your squat’s gonna look different. If your shoulder’s built like a brick or a noodle, you can’t bench like everyone else. Stop chasing cookie-cutter programs and start chasing what fits your body.

DO THIS NOW:

✅ Assess your movement. Are you fighting your body’s natural mechanics? It’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate how your body moves during various exercises. This involves understanding your unique anatomy, including joint mobility, muscle flexibility, and overall posture. Pay attention to any discomfort or limitations you experience while performing different movements. Are you straining your back when lifting? Is your form breaking down as you increase weight? Identifying these patterns can help you make necessary adjustments that promote better alignment and efficiency in your workouts.

✅ Adjust your stances, grip width, and bar paths. Once you have assessed your movement, the next step is to make specific modifications to your technique. This could mean changing your foot position in squats to ensure your knees track properly over your toes, or adjusting your grip width on the barbell to optimize your leverage during pressing movements. Additionally, consider the path of the bar during lifts; a straight line is generally more efficient and reduces unnecessary strain on your joints. These adjustments may feel unusual at first, but they are essential for enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury in the long term.

✅ Build your program to suit your skeleton, not your ego. It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to lift heavier weights or achieve certain aesthetic goals, but it’s vital to prioritize your body’s structural needs. Tailor your training program to fit your individual biomechanics rather than conforming to popular trends or peer pressure. This means selecting exercises that complement your strengths and address your weaknesses, ensuring that your routine is sustainable and effective. Remember, building a strong foundation based on your personal capabilities will lead to more significant gains over time and a healthier approach to fitness.

Move better, feel better D'Andre Ricks