Dynamic-Effort Day at Westside Barbell Part 1

You’ve seen the drill: squat a set, wander around, chalk up, talk some smack, chalk up again … .

That’s not how they roll at Westside Barbell on dynamic-effort squat day, when lifters push weights as fast as possible. In this video shot at Louie Simmons’ facility, you’ll see powerlifters Laura Phelps, Tony Ramos and John Kerr work through a session of multiple doubles. Each lifter jumps under the bar and bands right after the other, and the pace is very quick.

“The pace is perfect for CrossFit,” Simmons says. “If you’re going to be strong, you need to be in condition, so why not be conditioned while you’re getting stronger?”

Good question, Louie.

6min 23sec

Additional reading: Unleash Your Power by Mike Warkentin, published Jan. 20, 2010.

Rebecca Romijn Nadine Velazquez Pink Mila Kunis Samaire Armstrong