Yeah, yeah…. I put ‘sex’ in front of the ‘pistol squat’ because I’m sure it’ll get more views that way, lol!  This pistol squat is EPIC!  In all my years of training, I hadn’t heard of it until I started training with Coach Bassa back in October.  It takes a massive amount of strength and skill to be able to pull off even one.  But I’ll tell you this: it IS achievable.  Throughout my entire life, I’ve always put emphasis on ‘looking good’.  Up until recently, I realised that looking good isn’t all that I want to focus on.  Building strength, in conjunction with speed and power, is my ultimate goal.  Being an athlete is more important to me, personally, than being able to bench press a massive amount of weight for 1 or 2 reps.  I want to be able to run laps around my opponent, fast as a rocket, while keeping up my strength and power.

Learning moves like the pistol squat, will really help you connect your mind and body.  I recommend doing them barefoot.  This way, you can feel more balanced.  Really focus on the ground underneath your bare foot.  The important bit is, to take it STEP BY STEP.  Don’t get frustrated (like I do/did) if you aren’t able to do it right out the gate.  Hell, some days, even standing on one foot is difficult, let alone squatting down and holding your balance on one.  As it’s taught in yoga, whenever you are trying to maintain your balance while on one foot, push your weight towards the side  you feel like your falling towards.  If you feel like you are going to fall forward, push your weight through your toes, etc etc.  With the pistol squat, you need to break it down into parts.  Are you able to stand on one foot for 5 seconds?  10 seconds?  if so, then start with a slight knee bend on the one leg you are standing on.  to do the form correctly, you gotta keep your back upright and sit back with your hips, NOT your knees.  I’ll post a video on proper squatting form shortly.  It took me a few weeks to be able to do 1 pistol squat.  Now, when my back is not tweaked, I can do up to 5 on one side without falling over.  It just takes practice.

This is a great move because you can A. do it anywhere, anytime. B. don’t have to do very many. and C. shapes a KILLER butt!!!  really focus on driving through your heel on the way back up.  I think I feel a challenge coming on y’all!  I’m really enjoying learning about functional strength work.  When gravity comes knocking on my front door, I’m going to tell it to get the HELL off my porch!  Remember, flexibility, balance, coordination, agility, speed, and power, are all a part of your success.  Strength on it’s own, can only do so much.  I can’t wait to see what is to come of this site after an entire year has gone by!!!  if you have any questions or feedback, make sure you post it!

Lastly, these can be incorporated in between your different exercises.  Even if you are doing arms, or taking the day off from the gym (or don’t even go to the gym!) to do yard work, you can still pop a couple in between sets.  It’s a little cardio boost as well.  You’ll notice your heart-rate soaring for a good 10 seconds after you start trying them out.  Yesterday, while walking two dogs, I would stop on every other corner, and pop out  a pistol squat, while holding both leashes in my hand.  Yes, it was a sight to see indeed