05/09/2026
I see it all the time. Especially with younger guys.
They come into the gym looking strong and formidable.
They rep out 120kg on bench with ease.
They squat three plates on each side like butter.
And 250kg on deadlift moves like a feather.
But... when it comes to simple movements like press-ups, single leg toe touches, bodyweight squats, and lunges... They're shaky. They move like toddlers learning to walk.
In short... They lack the body control and stability to put all their strength to use.
Their strength is useless.
And if you're experiencing the same instability or awkwardness when performing simple bodyweight movements, it might be time to pepper in more bodyweight training to your routine.
No...
Bodyweight training doesn't have to devour your whole routine...
Just a few movements here and there will do the trick.
So, which movements should you choose and how should you program them?
Here are a few tips:
1. Emphasize Unilateral Movements
Unilateral movements are movements that work a single limb at a time.
And these movements are great builders of stability and body control.
Start with lunges, then progress from there.
2. Use Tempos
Tempo training brings a storm of benefits to the user.
In addition to building stability and strength, tempos also increase motor unit recruitment, restrict GTO inhibition, increase muscle control, and much, much more.
I recommend starting with eccentric tempos, then moving onto isometric tempos.
This way, you're building the muscle's ability to absorb force first (critical for athletic performance).
3. Progression
As you begin to master each movement, find ways to make it more difficult or raise the intensity.
Yes, you could add reps, or sets.
You could also increase the tempos.
But another great way to ramp up the difficulty is to progress the movements.
So, once you've mastered reverse lunges, you feel solid as a rock when performing them, you can move on to a Bulgarian split squat.
Once you've mastered that... Tempos and all... You can move onto a plyometric variation.
This way, you keep your body guessing.
In doing so, you continuously improve.