Jacob O’Connor
Unfortunately, the word basic is commonly interpreted as easy or unchallenging. Too often we are influenced by snippets of physical feats performed for social media. Impressive as they are, most of this content is made for views rather than results and is not a model for how we reach our fitness goals. Any structure built upon a poor foundation is doomed to break down, our bodies are no exception to this. Building a strong foundation is the key to success, safety, and results when it comes to any movement. This is a concept that should always be taken into account in personal training and small group fitness programs.
At UpFit Training Academy we emphasize the importance of mastering the basics before progressing to more complex movement. Keep in mind, although some movements may be less complex, by no means does this put a limit on the results and progress one can yield. By manipulating variables such as frequency, intensity, and volume impressive gains can be seen before moving to more complex variations. One example of perfecting your foundation can be seen in our progression of the squat. Our progression of the squat from least to most complex can be seen below. Note that each variation is nuanced, for example, using a box is a great way to establish depth and can be used in most squat variations.
The med ball squat press out is a great introduction to the fundamental movement of the squat, fantastic for people who may be new to personal training or small group training. This variation utilizes a medicine ball as a counterweight, encouraging an upright posture and improving squatting mechanics. This movement is done by extending the ball forward as you descend into your squat. Returning the ball to its original position as you return to the starting position.
The goblet squat is a common variation suitable for most people. The movement is performed with a kettlebell or dumbbell held near the chest. The goblet squat puts an increased demand on your upper body and the core as it is more difficult to maintain an upright posture.
Double Kettlebell Front Rack Squat
The double kettlebell front squat is a progression of the goblet squat. As you can tell by the name this variation includes squatting with two kettlebells, thus requiring the load to be carried in the front rack supported by the trunk This variation allows for more weight to be used and adds significant demands on core stability.
The front squat is performed with a barbell in the front rack which displaces the load further from the body. This variation has a high demand of mobility, specifically thoracic extension and external rotation of the shoulders. There are a number of front rack variations that can be used for those that find it difficult to achieve the classic front rack position. Using the barbell allows for essentially unlimited load to be used during the squat. It’s very important to develop a stable front rack to facilitate sound squatting mechanics.
At UpFit Training Academy we believe in mastering the basics in our personal training and small group fitness programs. Building a strong foundation in movements such as the squat is essential to achieving longevity and health in your pursuit of fitness. Simple movements, proper execution, increase in demands, further adaptation … RESULTS. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, although more complex movements can be aesthetically pleasing to the social media viewee, it’s a mistake to rush into them by sacrificing the most important step; the basics.
UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!
Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!
UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!
UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.
UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!
UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!
UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!
Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!
Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.
Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.
UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.
New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!
UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!
Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!
UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!
UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.
UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!
UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!
UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!
Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!
Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.
Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.
UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.
New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!
UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!
Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!
UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!
UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.
UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!
UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!
UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!
Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!
Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.
Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.
UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.
New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!
UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!
Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!
UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!
UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.
UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!
UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!
UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!
Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!
Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.
Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.
UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.
New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!
