Brute Force: the deadlift and lower back exercises of Joel Embiid
The article discusses Joel Embiid's evolution as a basketball player, focusing on his training regimen that emphasizes strengthening his lower back to enhance his performance.
Since joining the NBA, Joel Embiid has proven to be an extraordinary player due to his size, strength, and ability to withstand contact, making him a formidable challenge for defenders. However, beyond his natural physical attributes, it was his sophisticated movement patterns and balance that highlighted his potential. Early in his career, Embiid faced significant hurdles with injuries and stability issues that threatened to impede his growth as an athlete.
Recognizing the need for improvement, Embiid shifted his training to concentrate on his lower back and the entire posterior chain, which are crucial for athletes of his stature. This turning point in his training philosophy shifted from merely lifting weights to an understanding of technique and the specific needs of his body. By targeting these foundational muscle groups, Embiid could enhance his stability and overall performance on the court.
This new approach has not only allowed Embiid to minimize the risk of injury but has also maximized his effectiveness as a player. As his commitment to this more structured and focused training regimen took effect, he transformed into a dominant force in basketball, demonstrating the critical importance of tailored strength training for elite athletes.