Master Your Form: Strength Training Technique Guides
Most people get stuck in the gym because they just follow a routine without understanding the why. I break down the mechanics behind every lift, so you can train safely, build strength, and finally stop guessing if your form is right.
A detailed guide on how to perform Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs) properly. I cover everything from setup and bracing to using tools like belts and straps for better stability and grip security.
Three simple cues to improve your squat. I explain how to brace before each rep, how to "push the floor" for better stability, and how to experiment with your stance to find what works for your body.
Breathing is one of the most overlooked parts of a heavy lift. Here, I explain how proper breathing and bracing techniques can make a huge difference in your squat execution and confidence under the bar.
Let's perfect the Bulgarian Split Squat. I show you how to set up correctly, use support for stability, and adjust your posture to target either your glutes or your quads more effectively.
Here's how to do a dumbbell chest press for better upper body strength. I demonstrate how to maintain a stable 45-degree arm path and control the movement to effectively work your chest muscles.
Many people do overhead presses with a straight back, which can cause overarching. I show why a slight incline is better for aligning with the muscle fibers of your front delts and getting a better stretch.
Feeling cable crunches in your back instead of your abs? This tutorial shows you how to adjust your position and movement to isolate your upper abs by focusing on spinal flexion, not hip hinging.
What's the difference between dumbbell and barbell RDLs? I break down the pros and cons of each, explaining how dumbbells offer more range of motion while barbells allow for heavier loading and stability.
Want better biceps? Here are two exercises, the incline bicep curl and preacher curl, that train the muscle from both lengthened and shortened positions for maximum growth.
Learning skill-based exercises like pull-ups and push-ups requires a different approach. I explain how to program your training with higher frequency and lower intensity to build the necessary strength and provide a free sample program.
About Master Your Form: Technique Guides
The biggest mistake I see in the gym isn't lifting too heavy, it's bracing incorrectly. If your core isn't stable before you move, you're essentially leaking power and risking injury. When you watch these guides, you’ll see that I don't just tell you to 'engage your core'—I show you exactly how to breathe into your trunk to lock in stability before you even touch the bar.
Form isn't just about looking good in the squat rack. It's about longevity. When you train at BASE in HSR, we strip back the ego-lifting and focus on the fundamental movement patterns: squat, hinge, push, and pull.
Why technique matters Bad form compounds over time. Whether it's lower back pain from an improper deadlift or shoulder discomfort from an overhead press, these issues usually stem from a lack of understanding of joint angles and muscle isolation. I teach the 'why'—why your knees need to travel in a specific path, why your grip width changes the target muscle, and why tempo is your best friend for muscle growth.
What you'll learn
- Bracing & Stability: How to create intra-abdominal pressure that protects your spine.
- Range of Motion: Why half-reps limit your progress and how to achieve a full, safe stretch.
- Execution vs. Load: Why I always tell my clients, 'Technique over load.' If you can't control the weight, the weight is controlling you.
My philosophy We don't use mirrors at BASE because I want you to feel the movement, not just watch it. You should know if your back is straight or your hips are tilted just by the sensation in your muscles. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start lifting with intent, come train with us.
Arnima
I’m Arnima, and I built BASE because I was tired of seeing people get injured and intimidated by the gym. I don’t just train you; I teach you the biomechanics so you can eventually coach yourself. Let’s get you strong, the right way.
Still figuring out your lift?
Search my technique archives to find the specific cues you need to fix your form.
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