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Slow Down
April 13, 2018 Dan Raimondi

When you start training a big part of the process is learning the movements. One simple way to self correct issues you might have (assuming you’re training alone without a coach) is to simply slow the reps down. I personally like to do some slow reps (think of a 3-4 second descent and 3-4 second ascent) during the light warm up sets to make sure the bar is staying pretty well centered over the mid-foot balance point. As you approach the work sets of the day, begin to speed the tempo up to approximate more of the normal descent/ascent. This works for many lifts, not just squats. Deadlifts, power cleans, bench press- all can benefit from a little slower tempo to ensure you’re being mindful of the bar path and the necessary technique. As the adage goes, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”