Expert Insights on Performance & Recovery
What the Heck is a Zercher?
The zercher squat claims its origin from a weightlifter and strongman from the 1930’s and 1940s, Ed Zercher. In a time of no squat racks, the most efficient way to squat the barbell was to tilt the barbell on its side, get in position underneath, and lift the weight up onto your back while controlling the momentum of the barbell leveling out. Ed decided that was too inefficient of a process.
He pioneered the process of getting your elbows underneath the barbell while it sat on the ground, deadlifting into start position, and subsequently squatting the weight.
In today’s day and age of power racks, here’s 3 reasons why we still use this lift today?
A Colorado Mountain Holiday Adventure
This past weekend, Jess and I set forth in the Colorado mountains on our annual Christmas Tree hunt. The search all over the mountain side is certainly the most fun part, followed by cutting it down, but then comes the hard work… hauling the tree back to the car. When we think about strength, we often picture big lifts—squats, deadlifts, bench presses—but one of the most functional tools in your training arsenal is often overlooked.
The 5 Physical Therapy Tools We’re Most Grateful For
As we head into the holiday season, we’re always reminded of how much there is to be thankful for—our athletes, our community, and the privilege of helping people move, guiding them back to the mountain or training floor.
In the spirit of gratitude, we wanted to highlight the Top 5 Physical Therapy Tools We’re Most Thankful For: the equipment that helps us guide recovery, build resilience, and keep you doing what you love.
Rehab Like an Athlete in Denver
One of the constant themes I drone on and on about, not just for skiers and snowboarders, but rock climbers, runners, and mountain bikers alike, is don’t rehab like a body builder, you need to rehab like an athlete.
The Spookiest Phrases I’ve Heard in the Clinic
We hope everyone has their costumes set, candy purchased, and ready for Halloween tomorrow night. In celebration of Halloween here’s some of the spookiest, the scariest, and most frightening phrases I've heard in the clinic.
How Can I Feel Safer Lifting Heavier with a Barbell?
Feeling safer and comfortable with heavy lifting takes time and practice. The more you explore weights and movement, the more competent you become with the equipment and the tools of lifting. In the meantime, try out a few of the recommendations provided and you might just find yourself more confidence along the way.