XPC Finals week 7 Squats

 So the squat is my biggest struggle and biggest opportunity right now. If I want to accomplish my goals at the Arnold, I need to squat 850. Strength wise I think I'll be there. Technique is an ongoing issue. I have done a lot to increase my hip flexibility, specifically in my hip flexors, so I can stay a bit more upright with my torso.

Jabez Burford has been a huge help in fixing my "chest down" unrack. I'm in a much better starting position now, thanks to him.

Today I had a breakthrough in realizing I can no longer hold the bar with the claw grip or thumbs wrapped, three fingers over, and pinky under approach. It was gaining me a little bit of shoulder mobility, but not enough. I was still driving forward with my shoulders and as a result I wasn't able to keep my upper back tight (see rep #1 in the video).

I took 750 again with a thumbless grip- I was scared the bar was going to fall off my back because I tried it before with little success. This go around I nutted up and more importantly pulled that bar down over my back, trying to bend it, to keep my lats engaged. And it made all the difference on rep #2.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdaLQfv5zl0]