What animal should I talk about next? I’m thinking Coelacanth or platypus.

Chris can only do that from watching his roommate do that thousands and thousands of times

The piece of advice you gave was in a video 5 years ago about stretching. It helped me a lot because you spoke about if squatting, snatching hurts and or you're tight. Not to run from being in the hole. But instead to go into the hole. Start from the bottom up, instead of top to bottom. Spend time in the hole. Time in the position. Clarence did pause Squats a lot for his knee. I implemented a lot from that video. Staying in the hole strengthenes your knee joint, and ligaments. Edit: I used to have a sick rig and I'd play very ambient songs, with high reverb, tons of delay (thank you strymon). I learned Your Hand In Mine. I would just loop ambient volume swells and stack ontop of that. Make my house sound like a cathedral.

There are 4 types of stretching: Dynamic - active & passive and Static - active & passive Active = muscles are contracting So "just start squatting" is still stretching (dynamic-active) If you have mobility deficits, then definitely use more stretching, AND types of stretching before your workout, or any time of day If your mobility is fine, and you don't want to achieve the splits, then don't stretch That's my take

We can feel your appreciation for the animals you share about. Love the segment. ~Team beaver

We just witnessed Chris hitting a snatch PB in crocs!

The intro alone in the lift companion series is so so much worth it. Keep it up Zach!

I was just watching you on the Sika Strength podcast but my goodness they didn't give enough time in between them uploading and you uploading hahaha

16:23 the time lapsed breathing sounds 😂. Also love the belt!

Lift companion is awesome. Chill way to just talk about anything and lift

I'm a newbie when it comes to back squats so for me it looks insane how you can just drop more than my 1 rep max from straight arms to your shoulders. I like these videos, the way you talk feels natural and somewhat comforting. I think I need to try and train more with friends.

Really enjoying these latest lift companion episodes. Very calm and relaxing with the background noises. Although I really like the regular ones as well. Also, can really relate to the "CNS being an overprotective mother". Both from a training aspect but also from my experience of anxiety and kind of being stuck a bit too much in somewhat of a fight or flight mode. Keep it up!

15:20, that driveway is getting unlevel, time for crash pads! 😂

The cat really rocked up like, "Nice joint bro, it's mine now."

12:30 that’s jujitsu cat 🐈 Awsome rolling

Neighbor Cat totally outshining Chris for the Lift Companion spot

Don't go in my house! Haha. So that cat lives with you now. You've been adopted

I think what draws me into your lift conpanion videos are that it scratches a similar itch as an ironmind training hall video. Watching people do lifts and do them aesthetically well is nice to watch, on top of dialogue that is relaxed. I think what's unique about lift companion specifically is that you give your thoughts about random things that come across as a conversation that I might have with you if I were to meet you that can be informative. Also you should talk about pangolins or calupohs (mexican dog breed).

Zack starting to talk with Sam Sulek’s cadence and lilt. Honestly really relaxing, I’m here for it.

When I started WL 1.5 years ago, I used to stick to static stretching. Being consistent with WL for the first 2 months and only relying on static stretching did cause me hamstring injuries. After 1 month of recovery, I started to implement on more movement warmups and lesser static stretching. What I learned from my Chinese coworkers, they mention that in order to release tension in muscles you need to pump blood. Even a local WL trainer recommended more movement warmups. It's been great and I feel less tension before starting the actual training programs.

Take a thin piece of pinestraw and lightly brush the inner cone of the Antlion trap and you can observe the sand flicking technique.

Love the lift companion episodes, just getting that bit of whatever is fresh on the mind is great, little nuggets of wisdom.

I think dynamic stretching before a workout is great, always worked very well for me. For example, doing Cossack Squats, or just getting a bar and doing some low weight squats with a long pause at the bottom. I just don't understand why anyone would want to relax, because stretching as people seem to associate the term with (i.e. passive stretching) requires relaxation to elongate the muscle, that absolutely reduces maximum potential exertion, but also increases your ROM beyond what you might be strong in (it should be noted that if you are actually training flexibility properly, you should be pretty fucking strong through a full ROM, proper flexibility is mostly about strength, especially in the hip adductors and flexors, that's how you get the splits). Stretching after a workout also might not be optimal (probably best before bed or in the morning for maximal gains), but I think it's the best time for most people including myself because of time restraints, as long as you cooldown somewhat you can still relax. If we look at work like Stretching Scientifically by Thomas Kurz, then passive and isometric stretches should always be done after a workout, and I've found that to be optimal for myself, though it depends on the workout I would say. I taught myself gymnastics to some extent (not great now post-COVID, used to be much better) and for a press handstand training session (that isn't a strength workout so I'd do it either after the gym or in the morning before) doing some pancakes and the like are absolutely very helpful for improving your ROM for that exercise. Same goes with anything related to V-Sit or other exercises that need some hip mobility. I wouldn't, however, do this for Straight Leg Deadlifts and just rely on my normal active range (which I guess is pretty good as I used to be able to do the front splits). That's how I've always decided whether or not to stretch before a workout and it's worked pretty well so far, no really notable injuries and both my flexibility and strength are decent when I'm in shape. Also if you want some more interesting ant related carnivores. Large Blue butterfly caterpillars secrete a sweet substance that lures ants to them, they then release pheromones that make them seem like an ant larvae, as such the ant takes them back to their nest, specifically where the ant larvae live. The caterpillar then proceeds to simply eat the larvae there as the ants themselves care for it until it reaches a size it can pupate, after which it will leave and transform into a perfectly vegan butterfly from a murderous ant eating caterpillar. Carnivorous caterpillars are cool!

Yeahhhh!!! Lift Companion!!!! There’s something so comforting about this series of videos. Feels good man.

4:34 warming up is important for minimising the injury risk but warm up in the lifting context needs to be specific to the lifts you’re going to be performing. Doing static stretching prior to lifting is not recommended by most people as it can reduce strength production and can actually increase the chances of injury somewhat. I do think even general or non-specific dynamic stretching is quite overrated for injury reduction in the lifting scene. Specific warm up or ramping up the load gradually is definitely mandatory for optimising performance and reducing injury risk. What I do for warm up is do couple of repetitions with the empty barbell and gradually add weight up to my working weights in a pyramid up fashion. I generally do 3-5 warm up sets. It’s quite convenient and takes very less time and keeps me free from injuries and doesn’t fatigue me at all so I can perform at my best. 💪

Lift Companion is my favourite. The intro just gets me f*&*ken pumped.

5 mins in, i got a epic intro, crocs, weather report, and information on ants.

I find these videos extremely peaceful ❤

Lift Companion and Driveway Sessions. Beautiful stuff.

I watched this while cooking dinner for my family. Then I crushed my workout 🏋️‍♀️ thank you!

Loving your music. Listen to it almost daily right now.

Yessss!!! I agree wholeheartedly, squating is stretching. Just do it!

LOVE those videos man, ur channel is becoming my fav fitness channel on youtube, u legitimately seem like someone id wanna have conversations with abt music and lifting (since both are basically my main passions as well)

Having my afternoon rainy day coffee while watching you and your co-host deliver the knowledge, great time. Have a good week brother.

Absolutely loving this series Zack

You should submit more videos. Such a based random tall weightlifter guy talking from a bench in the backyard. Love your videos.

Pls talk about the mantis shrimp

“Literally no one has lunch without KZfaq” this man is speaking facts 😂

I don't really "stretch" before I squat, snatch, deadlift, whatever. I just do the movement. When I think of the word Stretch, I think about actual stretching...meaning I am getting into positions that are uncomfortable like splitting my legs outside of a comfortable range and holding it.

Lift companion is the shit! Keep em rolling Bro

Please do this kind of video “all the fucking time”. The best lunchtime content in the game

😂 love this. Lift companion is the vibe.

I do some static stretching after my workout but that’s about it. I think I would argue for stretching after the workout not before.

Literally watched this during my lunch break, keep em coming 💪🏼

Bro. All your videos are good. Obscure sports history, lift companions, current events, all of it.

Lift Companion is some of my favorite fitness content. Keep makin' em!

The intro is the best yet!

Love these style vids bro. I watch cause I learn something every time from you. The more I learn the better I lift.

Man I’ve been saying this for years, never broke it down as well as you did in this video though. Thank you sir.

Great series man. You are my lifting companion, while i train at my house i like to see videos of people training and pushing themselfs. That motivates me. And adding advices and explanations about lifting or about other athletes is wonderfull. Now I don't need a gymnpartner. 😅

my bro has been preaching lunchtime content for years I’m still eating like in 2021

I fuckin love these lift companions man. I use them as cardio companions now

The Kefka laugh at the beginning from FF6 threw me for such a loop

I enjoy the content. Reminds me of when I first started listening to Mark Rippletoe. Great content keep it up

Average Friday Night Lights watching, Explosions in the Sky listening, Football playing, truck driving Texan

It's really amazing how strong you are and you don't look like you are.

Tbh. Format doesn’t matter for me, because regardless of format, I always get something out of the vid that helps my lifting. That being said….these driveway ones are real dope. Keep going bro. You put out great content and I’m grateful for it.

Hey, Zack! Your channel has been my favorite thing to watch nowadays. Im a begginer in the weightlifting world (started crossfit 1 year ago, but became more interested in the weightlifting recently and your channel is just the best ). But I also wanna say that I really enjoy your song, im a musician as well and I believe that I can see when a music is made and performed with passion, and that's what "The Forest" is all about. I'm willing to see more of your musician side :)

Great video! Incredible work. 🙏👍

The stretching video was framed like fast food, it's not meant to nourish the mind. I think you made the distinction between static stretches and in-warm-up ( for lack of a better term ) stretching very clear.

Random cat in intro!

So glad to see Lifting companion is back!

I need these every day they are the best

That may not be your cat, but the cat has decided that you're it's human.

Stretching is a good bandaid for the general populace that would otherwise skip the warmup cause its boring and jump straight to working sets. Labeling it stretching gives it more of a dedicated place, some people apparently need that and now its a thing

I dig this kind of content as well as the lifting sessions, much like the latest Boys Back in Town. This is good stuff and is helpful and insightful from the discussion aspect, and your perspective is on point. It's nice to also watch good technique and solid work. I do a bit of stretching prior to working out and blame my need for it on sitting in an office chair all day, being to static, and needing to tell shoulders and legs to get ready to put in some work. I absolutely agree with what you're saying. I tend to lean on stretching/warming up as a way to increase mobility, and it works in some ways. Takes a bit to work up to an OHS or even that first snatch. Using some basic movements and lifts as a way to activate is equally as valuable. Thank you.

Dialed animals with Zoology Zack!! Yes!

I don't recommend stretching before you work out but warm up slowly. I do recommend daily stretching after working out or even when you don't work out.

I have really enjoyed doing my own variation of pig squat work out which I learned about it from your channel.

I love the 80's openings soooo much

Yes pls do it. More lift companions its just great

Lifting videos are my favorite of yours to watch

The new track is awesome! Explosions in the sky - New noise. Easily a top ten anabolic track. I think you should do an update anabolic track list. Last one was fire

loved the intro Mr giraffe

Static stretching is not for warming-up, that's what dynamic stretches are for. Static stretching combined with mobility exercises increases your range of motion

some people think its important for your body to spend 10x45 seconds in a stretch per muscle while warming up and its just so funny to watch them clutter the freeweight space on a commercial gym just lying on the floor and doing halfassed stretches, bent planks etc

You should adopt the stray.

As someone with herniated disk issues…I’ve never understood why a fitness influencer / online coach/ online trainer would tell their audience that they don’t need to stretch. Zack, you said that, at BEST, stretching would be good for peace of mind…okay that’s more than enough to make a difference in a lift wouldn’t you agree? I’d say at best it helps mitigate the stiffness we all feel when we are in the warmup stage. I get it, I’ve been lifting for 15 years now. I’ve tried your approach of not stretching, I’ve also had a religious stretching regiment that I always did before any lift…and between those two experiences…I ALWAYS feel shittier if I choose to not warm up before a lift after my workout. Why? Because of a previous injury and the fact that I pushed my body to move weight it wasn’t ready to move…whether that’s mental or physical or both…who cares…the fact that a dynamic stretch can help get past that should and is more than enough to justify dynamic stretching before workouts.

Completely love Lift Companion

Good shit. This video and the last have been awesome.

Zach you are right so far as I can tell, but nobody is perfect.

Charlie Johnson is a very smart man and knows how to create engagement because that's exactly what he's doing there.

Just doing whatever exercise you are building into very light at first is usually enough warmup

The whole talk on the philosophy of a loaded stretch and progressive overload was very Jordan Petersonesque. Could almost hear it in his voice lol

I used to do this exact same thing when I was in high school(like that was that long ago lmao)in my garage. A reminiscent moment.

I'm playing Ghost Song while I watch this video, and the intro music is so fitting for the point I'm at 11:08

I want to try this workout, looks tough Always lovin’ it ZT

Such a cute kitty companion on this one.

We caught ant lions with blades of grass. Obviously returning them to nature afterwards.

The music is so funky.

thank you explosions in the sky

Love these videos! Eating my peanut butter oatmeal atm

DUNE BUGS!!! We called them dune bugs.

when i heard your song for the first time, i actually thought of the Fridaynight lights theme song. great song, i mean yours and the theme song :)

invigorating intro

You should keep the cat lol, he's an integral part of lift companion now

Love this video. I think there should be some consideration for the sport or modality in which it's more or less wise to avoid static stretching. I think it's an important point that static stretching might be more useful in sports where the range of movement or stimulus is less predictable and might be more immediate. ie, if you're about to step onto a sports field, you don't always get the same chance to build into a movement, especially when that movement is so broad. Secondly for example, things like running, static stretching before starting you run might actually help people run with good form immediately, rather than running inefficiently or with poor form for the first mile or so before you're "warm". I think the overall point stands though; stretching is a broad term and in a more closed modality like weightlifting or bodybuilding, just starting to move through that range of movement with low weight might be perfectly fine.

Team ant lion for sure. Zack unlocked an old memory - when my dad grew up in Africa he used to do the same thing that you and your dad did. He told me about them and they were my favorite animal when I was 4 and I’d talk about them ad nauseum to anyone who’d listen Thanks Zack

for me strtching before a workout in a dynamic stretch helps me getting my joints warmed up and ready for heavy lifting. I personnally like it and will continue to do it. Just don't over stretch nor static stretch useless movements.

Like strength training is training with the intent of getting stronger stretching is training with the intention of improving range of motion. 50 kg is strength training for some and warm up for others. Likewise a squat might be a stretch for someone and not for someone else. Often I feel like the talk about wheather to stretch or not lacks the context of the principles that the individual might apply if deemed beneficial.