Starting Strength Oklahoma City

"Set your low back" is easy to say and hard to do — many lifters have no idea what it feels like when they get it right.

One way to feel the correct position is to exaggerate the opposite, lumbar flexion, in the setup, then practice squeezing the back into tight extension.

Watch the full tutorial → https://youtu.be/dXptGJPlazI?si=BtPDrDHMU6xQq3Fe

Coaching helps.

Coaching isn't about someone counting your reps. It's about having someone who moves you toward your goals, improves your technique, keeps you accountable, celebrates your wins, and shows you what you're capable of when you can't see it yourself.

And when that coaching happens in a gym like Starting Strength Oklahoma City — surrounded by people who share your goals and encourage you through the hard days — it's easier to keep showing up, for yourself and for each other.

Get started. Book a Free 30-Min Session at Starting Strength Oklahoma City → https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/quailsprings/

Setting your low back for a deadlift becomes easier once you can actually identify the correct position. This teaching drill works by helping you feel the difference between back flexion and extension.

Deliberately practicing the contrast between flexion and extension helps you better connect with the muscles that extend your low back.

When you can feel the correct position versus the incorrect one, your low back can more easily find the tightness it needs to pick up heavier weights efficiently.

Watch the full video → https://youtu.be/dXptGJPlazI?si=ET0RqAaIE0pSTIp3

Setting your low back in the deadlift can be one of the harder parts of the movement to get right. Two cues that help:

I.) A quick poke to the low back gives you proprioceptive feedback to feel the position you're looking for.

II.) As you lift your chest, think about "shoving your belly down between your thighs." That can help you finish setting the low back.

Ready to learn in person? Book a Free 30-Min Session at Starting Strength Oklahoma City → https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/quailsprings/

Strength isn't just about today. It's about staying capable for the long run.

Getting stronger improves how your body functions, and it's one of the most reliable ways to protect your independence and quality of life as you age.

This is what rebuilding muscle actually buys you — not just more years, but the ability to live them well.

See exactly what that looks like in the "Rebuilding Mum and Dad" series with Clare Johnston () on The Honest Channel, where 83-year-old Rhoda is building strength so she can live life to the fullest → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOKtuBy_KQY

Common bench press mistake: staying loose on the way down, then aggressively driving with your legs the moment the bar touches your chest.

Your job throughout the rep is to stay tight and stable. Activate your leg drive at the start of the set and push back from your feet to your shoulders for the entire rep.

This will help you:
- Avoid sliding back on the bench
- Keep your hips from coming up
- Hold stability throughout the entire rep

That way the leg drive is there when you need it most: for pressing the rep up.

Check out the full tutorial video here: https://youtu.be/G85q10rkmrQ?si=jIisMg2hTF1hFx4I

Your independence comes down to your strength.

Your ability to control your body, move through the world, and physically handle whatever life throws at you is built on strength.

Getting generally stronger carries into everything — the activities you love, the sports you play, and how well you age.

That's what we train for at Starting Strength Oklahoma City: strength that shows up in your everyday life.

Before you push the bar overhead, run through your setup checklist:

1. Place your hands — check your grip width
2. Unrack the bar — check your wrist position
3. Check your elbows are forward of the bar
4. Press

A consistent setup gives every rep a better starting point.

Check out the full video tutorial with Coach Nick Delgadillo: https://youtu.be/uwM6wNHDQxM?si=9uAWjBel5oC3mO3t

This is what happens when you stop guessing and start training with intention.