Safety First in Strength Training

Prioritizing safety in athletic training is essential for long-term health and injury prevention. Legendary strength coaches Dan Riley and Steve Wetzel emphasized that no injuries should occur during training, arguing that workouts should enhance resilience rather than introduce risk. They particularly focused on strengthening neck muscles to prevent catastrophic injuries, as well as avoiding high-risk exercises like barbell squats and Olympic lifts. By adopting a 'first do no harm' approach, they advocated for the use of alternative exercises that minimize spinal compression and overall injury risk.