Alright everyone. I’ve been doing Video Logs the past few weeks because I’ve just been too busy to sit down and write something good.
What have I been busy with you ask?
Great question. I am getting ready to launch my new site, TPSMethod.com, hopefully around Thanksgiving, and it is like having a second full time job.
I won’t get too much into it, but it is going to be pretty awesome. At least I think so.
It will feature Powerlifting and Fitness programming, seminars, courses, a massive video library, articles and more.
I’ll let you know when it is launching too.
I decided to write today. It's good for me.
I've got tons on my mind and writing helps to clear my head and gets me back to thinking more clearly.
So..........
With that shameless plug out of the way, let’s get into today’s topic, Videoing Your Lifts.
If you read my logs, you know my position on having your phone in the gym.
If you don’t, here it is: put your fucking phone away and train. It’s a vampire.
It sucks your “training soul”.
But, having your phone in the gym for one purpose only, to shoot video of your lifts for analysis later is a great idea.
If you opt to do this, be sure and ONLY use it to shoot video.
Watch them later.
And for gawd’s sake, stay off social media in the gym.
I have an even better idea to record your lifts:
Get a GoPro or a cheap camera. You can go on the Amazon machine and get a full HD video camera for $65.
Yup.
$65.
I just did a search and there are a ton under $100.
If you spent $70 on knee sleeves, $170 on shoes, $100 on a belt, you can afford a simple camera that will aid your training and not disturb your focus.
It is better than a phone, maybe not as convenient, but better.
So, why are you videoing your sets?
Some of you are doing it for the Gram.
That’s just fine if it is your reason.
But, some of you are doing it to see where your technique breaks down, and that is a better reason.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Gram, and love watching your lifting videos but a lot of them drive me insane!
Why?
I can’t see the lift too well or what is going on in it.
And because of the implied reason you shot them. It seems that many of the videos are shot and posted for the “likes”. This is 100% fine if it is your thing, but there is a huge issue with this class of video.
You can’t really see what is going on in the lift.
If you are going to video your lifts, shouldn’t you at least be able to get some real feedback from them?
I would argue yes.
So, here we go with how to video your lifts.
If you watch a good coach, most of the time they will stand off to the side at a 45 degree angle to the front or back.
Rarely do you see a good coach watch front the front or back, unless they are looking for a specific thing.
(NOTE: you will never see a GOOD coach looking at their phone in the gym instead of their lifters)
Best angle to view from is right here!
Standing at a 45 degree angle to the front or rear gives you the best perspective to view all of the minutiae in the lift. You can see what went right, what went wrong, and it is pretty clear.
Try it next time you are in the gym.
Watch one of your training partners from the front, then from the rear, and then from a 45 degree angle.
You’ll find that you can see so much more and diagnose the lift much easier from this vantage point.
That’s why the better coaches do this.
You can see almost everything here.
Occasionally a good coach will stand directly behind someone or directly in front and it is almost always to look for something specific.
For example, if you are looking for a hip tilt or valgus it is easier to see from straight on.
Hips cocked to the side=bad
No valgus here.
Look at those knees.
Think about it, let’s say you dump forward on the squat. Will you or your coach be able to see a slight dump better from the side or from the front?
Obviously, it is the side. Sure, you can see a big dump from the front, but isn’t it better to catch a small one and fix it before it becomes a problem, or an injury?
Same thing applies for the Bench Press and Deadlift.
But for the most part, 45 degrees is money.
So, next time you go in the gym, whether you are filming for the Gram or to analyze your lifts, try it from 45 degrees to the front or rear.
I bet you’ll see a whole world of difference.
Did you miss last week’s Log?
Ask me a question-Be sure and Type to Murph in the header
Find me on Google-search for Total Performance Sports Malden, Mass. The Best Gym in Boston, Facebook too.
Oh, yeah, follow us on Instagram too. TPSMalden
SHARE THIS!
#bostonsstrongest
Vincere vel mori
