Squat Lessons From Usain Bolt

If you aren’t a fan of StrongLifts on Facebook yet, I urge you to become one now by clicking here so you gain access to exclusive content not available on this blog. 2 weeks ago I asked StrongLifts Facebook Fans for their LEAST favorite exercise. While Pull-ups came in, not surprisingly, first, several guys answered Squats (which frankly didn’t surprise me either).

Well here’s some inspiration if you also have this love-hate relationship with the Squat. The fastest man on earth and 3x gold medalist Usain Bolt does Squats. BUT, he admitted in an interview with David Letterman that he hates them.

This guy is considered to be a genetic freak, jogged over the finishing line when he broke the 100m world record at the Olympics in Beijing, yet he’s dealing with the exact same challenges you do – he hates Squats.

But he does them.

Many guys resist the idea of Squatting: I don’t want big legs, my knees hurt, it’s dangerous. What these guys will never admit is that the real reason why don’t want to Squat is because Squats are challenging mentally and physically. Add that they’re often too lazy to invest time in mastering the Squat technique.

Few of these guys will ever accomplish the same strength and muscle gains that Squatters will. Why do heavy Squatters almost always have bigger arms than non-Squatters? And why does Usain Bolt Squat even though he hates it?

There’s nothing wrong with you if you do not always enjoy Squatting. Frankly, Squats are challenging for every guy, including me. The question is: Do you seriously, sincerely want to be muscular and strong? If you do, you’ll Squat.

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15 Responses to “”Alexander Tait (westsider on SL) says:November 23, 2010 at 1:12 pm

Squats will produce overall body power and muscle stimulation like no other exercise will. If you squat more even your bench will go up.

Christian says:November 23, 2010 at 1:17 pm

It’s a bit weird that he can do Squat properly and run at the same time. When I was away from the gym for 3 weeks, I practiced running at that time, and when I came back my Squat was down 20kgs. Sucked big time, my knees had developed running muscles instead of strength I think, or something. :P

pboonnao says:November 23, 2010 at 1:21 pm

I’m not a big fan of Squats, don’t hate them neither. I was trying to change my routine to not Squats in every session. But in the sessions that I didn’t do Squats I felt like I didn’t work my body hard enough.
I don’t like Squats but I’m addicted to them.

rere says:November 23, 2010 at 1:37 pm

True words spoken. In my time in the gym I think I have heard all the excuses about not wanting to squat. Look at that usain bolt squats I never knew that.

Rick says:November 23, 2010 at 1:46 pm

I’m an exl Marine with Osteo Arthritus in both knees and lateral movement again in both. Comes from wearing boots and carrying stupid loads and injuries. (Ski jumping in Norway wearing a Lepord Skin thong) Anyway, my knees ACHE on a daily bases. They ache when i walk, going up and down stairs, when i sit and specially when i run….(when i have to as it kills me).
Get this. I squat 137.5kg (My one rep max. I warm up on 100kg and squat 5

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