Why I Don't Drink Milk

Dear BBQ, 

I stopped drinking milk a while ago based on the idea that the ratio of sugar to protein did not justify drinking the stuff. Famous fitness expert Shaun T speaks out against all dairy pretty much every day based on the fact that pretty much everyone is lactose intolerant to a degree. This article pretty much sums up my position on the drink that has been overrated for centuries. We are not baby cows... there is no reason to drink milk. I've also found that almond milk tastes way better with cereal than cow milk. 

Got milk? Nope! 

Ryan

The Squat

I heard squatting is bad for your knees? Is this reason enough to stop squatting?


Dear BBQ,

     You are correct, if done with improper form, squatting can wreck your knees. However to say that this should diswade you from squatting is a total myth. There is nothing you can do for your body that is better than some heavy sets of squats; assuming you don't have injuries that will be activated by said squats. This article here talks about some of the dangers of squatting and how to prevent them.

     Keep in mind that although when we talk about squatting we usually are referring to the back squat, there are many other options available as are talked about in this article. I should mention that I do disagree with the form they recommend on the back squat though. It is popular to only squat to parallel, but that is only half a squat. If you are going to say that you squat you should be doing at least 3/4 squats (down past parallel), if not full squats (down till you are sitting on your ankles). Don't full squat too much weight though as it can put some nasty leverage on your knees.

     In short, whether you want to build size, get toned, or just be a normal person who can do much more practically awesome stuff than your average Joe, you must squat. Another good article on squatting took a poll of bodybuilders across the nation and just over 50% dedicate an entire day to just doing squats. For me I'm doing a three day rotation and day to is entirely devoted to squatting and support exercises such as kettlebell swings (video) and cable pull-through.

Basically... Squat.


Ryan

The Deadlift

Should I deadlift, or is it better to do iso exercises? 

     If the squat is the king of the exercises, the deadlift is the Holy Roman Emperor... It makes grown men cry just thinking about it, and has been equated to surgery without anesthesia.  I've never found a more painful but effective exercise than the deadlift. Its perfect. Pick up a heavy bar off the floor. Gotta love it! 

     Let me put it this way... If isometric exercises are a 3 on a scale of usefulness, deadlifts would be a 29.9. It therefore reduces your time spent training because instead of 10 exercises you only do 1. Plus I'm of the opinion that there is nothing better for you than lifting heavy things off the floor. 

     Naturally you must do it right or you will have more problems than just hernias... Here are some useful tips for how to not injure yourself. 

1. Don't bend your back. (Unless you are fond of crippling pain and suffering)

2. Don't use straps. Seriously... If you can't grab the weight you have no business picking it up. Plus this greatly reduces the chance of hernias because it takes more time to work up to super heavy weights. 

3. Don't wear a belt! (Usually.) Unless you are gonna be lifting a seriously large amount of mass you shouldn't use a belt. I know 17 years ago EVERYONE wore them, but its actually been shown that a belt lessens the strain on the abdominal muscles (duh) which causes greater need for a belt later, and its a spiral of death. 

4. Get ready to cry. 

Ryan