Half Back Squats–TGR’s MTB Training Camp
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Hey mountain bikers! Crystal Wright here from Wright Training here in Jackson Hole. This is the sixth part of our nine-part workout series for TGR's Mountain Bike Training Camp, and today we'll be focusing on Half Back Squats, a great exercise for targeting the posterior chain–your glutes, hamstrings, and quads–while also strengthening your back to deal with longer rides.
This exercise is for experienced weight lifters only. If you're not confident with a barbell already, please stick with the other workouts in the MTB Training Camp series or get professional assistance.
Come into a back squat position, putting the weight evenly across your shoulders, and step back from the rack.
Take a deep breath in as you come down halfway into a full squat. Follow good squat form with your weight in your heels.
Really power out of the half squat position until you’re at full standing with your legs and hips in line with your spine. This is meant to be an explosive exercise.
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You should start this off with very light weight. This is about explosive movement, not pure strength, so the weight should never be heavier than something that is hard but doable.
Make sure your knees are over or behind your toes, and that you have a strong, engaged core as you start the exercise. Make sure to time your breath with the up and down movements of the exercise.
Don't forget to take advantage of 20% off a new membership at Wright Training by using the discount code "Tgr20" at checkout.
