Box Squats are a Low ROM Bar Squat that emphasize Rate of Force Development (RFD), aka how fast can you move heavy loads or an explosive fast movement up from a low position. The key is pausing at the bottom of the squat ROM for 2-3 seconds on a fixed height box then driving up as fast as you can. This is a math and physics equation that will increase your maximum squat weight, influence your 40yd dash time as well as potentially increase your vertical jump height.

Benefits/Pros:

1. Stronger - Better 1RM

2. Increase in RFD rate of force development

3. Break through plateaus with precision data/analysis - Static/Dynamic Method

4. Jump Higher better hip or triple extension

5. Faster sprinting speeds - physics (F=MxA) The science behind speed.

6. Knee Shear Reduced loaded on Glutes not knees (physics) ¼ squat creates more risk for ACL injuries

Cons:

1. Lack of Mobility Lumbo/Pelvic rhythm - Back pain or Hip/Leg pain like sciatica Modify (adjust depth if you have pain).

2. Equipment needed for optimal outcomes. A VBT (velocity based training) sensor will help to know the speeds of the bar

Tips or Meat and Potatoes:

1. 12" plyo Box with 4-6" soft Pad as a topper (soft like cushion harder to get going) Don't use a hard bench. You want it to be challenging to get going or start. A hard surface will allow you to cheat/compensate or assist/help to get you moving.

2. Pausing at low position or sitting on box/pad allowing Inertia to Zero or Taking elasticity out of the tendons/muscle (pre-tension).

3. Explode upward as fast as you can (hopefully using VBT device to track the speed of the bar)

4. Certain Speed for Strength/Power = 0.6-0.2 m/s range (too fast 1m/s no strength improvement, too slow 0.1m/s no power improvement

5. The 3 to 5 method (3-5 reps, 3-5 sets, 3-5min rest) ATP C/P restore (low volume) “Stimulate Not Annihilate"

6. Frequency - 3x per week optimal for maximum benefit. 1x per week is 4 sessions per month vs 3x per week for 12 sessions per month. If you have pains, tweaks, or aren’t rested enough you can have success with 2x per month.

7. New/inexperienced or young training age athletes should master basic squat mechanics and ROMs before trying box squats (depth/ROM) .

8. Getting the VBT data is a huge tool or game charger to optimize strength power/gains, it gives you live feedback of proper loads and you can see progress even if the bar weight isn't changing.

Recommendations:

1. New or Starting out, adjust the load to start and figure out your loads, ROM, speeds. Example start with 50% effort and get the tempo, or pausing down and quick explosive movement up. Figure out your box height, you may have to try difference bars.

2. If you don't have a VBT or can't afford a VBT device to Pause Squat 2-3 sec then explode up fast.

3. If you can afford $250 get a OVR Velocity VBT Sensor 10% off or $25 discount code https://c05592-3.myshopify.com/RyanFritz

OVR Performance https://c05592-3.myshopify.com/RyanFritz

Momentus Supplements https://crrnt.app/MOME/KAnYVx4o

Rogue Fitness http://www.roguefitness.com/?a_aid=utqqlhed26res

What is VBT Velocity Based Training?

How fast you move heavy loads or weights, Sensors on a barbell measure your lifting speed in meters per second (m/s) - F=MxA weight/mass is 1/2 of equation or coin, Acceleration is 1/2 of equation/coin. The higher and faster you can move heavy loads the higher the maximum effort or weight on barbell

Types:

Booth tooth = Enode, Kinvent, Kpower

or

Tethered = OVR velocity or Vitruve

Pros:

Stronger, Increase Power output, Break PRs, Get out of Plateaus, VBT dials in proper loads - Rate of Force Development RFD (principle /method/sci. mechanism)

Cons:

Too fast or too light not improve Strength/power - Goal specificity (power clean 1-2m/s vs strength)

Tips:

Strength = 0.6-0.2m/s, VBT dials in Proper loads - Examples of too light/fast, too heavy/slow, optimal power (goldilocks zone)

Recommendation:

OVR Performamce $25 off coupon (Velocity)

https://c05592-3.myshopify.com/RyanFritz

Science of Cardio www.scienceofcardio.com

https://www.scienceofcardio.com/podcast

OVR Performamce https://c05592-3.myshopify.com/RyanFritz

Momentus Supplements https://crrnt.app/MOME/KAnYVx4o

Isophit https://www.isophit.com/Ryan_Fritz

Rogue Fitness http://www.roguefitness.com/?a_aid=utqqlhed26res

Comparing the Kinvent K-Deltas and VALD ForceDecks

1. Hardware and Specifications

• Kinvent K-Deltas: Kinvent offers a highly robust build. The standard Kinvent K-Deltas have an acquisition frequency of 2000 Hz and can withstand up to 2,000 kg (4,410 lbs) per plate. If you step up to the K-Deltas 3D, you gain the ability to measure multi-directional movement (lateral and horizontal force vectors), which is exceptional for sports biomechanics.
• VALD ForceDecks: The ForceDecks strictly uniaxial (measuring vertical force only).

2. Software Philosophy & Ecosystem

• Kinvent (Clinical & Gamified Approach): Kinvent started with a physical therapy and rehabilitation focus. The Kinvent Physio App stands out by providing real-time biofeedback and interactive training games. Patients can play target-matching or balance games using their center of pressure (CoP). It provides turnkey sports performance metrics (like the Dynamic Strength Index and Force-Velocity profiling), but it is uniquely engaging for rehab patients.
• VALD (Elite Performance & Deep Analytics): VALD began in elite sport and has a massive footprint in professional athletic leagues and military environments. The VALD Hub platform automatically detects and sections over 20 different movements (jumps, isometric mid-thigh pulls, shoulder tests) instantly. It is designed for rapid squad or team testing where you need to test 30 athletes in 30 minutes and push flawless, deep analytics into a centralized cloud database.

Summary Recommendation

• Choose Kinvent K-Deltas if: You run a physical therapy clinic or private performance studio where patient engagement, balance training games, multi-axis 3D analytics, and asset ownership are your highest priorities.
• Choose VALD ForceDecks if: You manage teams or large rosters of athletes where rapid group testing workflows.

Be objective (no bias/opinion)

Collect Quality Data (accurate testing - restraints)

Use a Triage/Funnel or Priority System (Narrow focus)

Experiment (Scientific Method)

Be OK with being wrong and pivot

Analyzing Results (Don't just test, Be a detective) - Find Drivers…

Have a Strategy for Plateaus

Individualize/Customize

Keep it Simple

Lab Time (Keep growing/learning & question things)

Setting goals

Injury prevention

Force, Speed, Endurance for optimization

Periodization or game plan (Blueprint)

Tips for workouts, splits, sets, principles and progression

Pros: save time, no travel, no membership, no broken equipment, machines tied up and customize

Cons: load, equipment, anchor points

What I have: power blocks, isophit, squat rack, ab wheel, stability ball, hex bar, 400lbs, sliding track, trx

Recommendations: power blocks, stationary bike, bands, stability, ball, isophit, barbell, trx, mat

Tips: equipment dual purpose or offers alot of options/opportunity or multipurpose

powersystems.com

Roguefitness.com

Powerblock.com

keiser.com

trxtraining.com

isophit.com

Pros: better strength gains, peak performance, supercompensation

Cons: Plateau's, injury, decrease in performance, fatigue

Types: Linear or undulating

Recommendations: meso cycles, micro cycles, macro cycles, annual plan

Tips: rest, recovery, progression, unload/deload/taper

Epinephrine

Norepinephrine

HGH human Growth

IGF insulin Like growth factor

Testosterone

Cortisol

Estrogen

Progesterone

Dopamine

Serotonin

Melatonin

Nitric oxide

Prolactin

oxytocin

Leptin