Kyle Zulon

Here at GritLab, box squatting is our go-to squat variation for both the general population and team sport athletes. We favor it over free squatting for multiple key performance and longevity reasons. At its core, the box squat forces the lifter to sit back significantly further than other squat variations. This mechanical shift dramatically increases recruitment of the hamstrings and glutes while drastically reducing shear stress on the knee joints. While a complete strength program...

At GritLab, we don’t just throw you under the bar and hope for the best, we build strong foundations. One of the most common questions we get is: “How do you progress someone who’s new to squatting?” Today, we’re breaking that down with a simple but powerful squat progression that balances movement quality, mobility, and strength. Whether you’re brand new or returning after a long layoff, this path sets you up for long-term success. The GritLab Squat Progression: From Box to Overhead Box...

Walk into most commercial gyms and you'll rarely see chains hanging from a barbell. But chains have been a staple training tool for decades in powerlifting gyms, and collegiate or professional weight rooms. Chains are one of the most effective forms of accommodating resistance available. Whether your goal is increasing maximal strength, improving explosive power, building muscle, or refining technique, chains can provide benefits that straight weight alone cannot. At GritLab, we use chains...