One of the most overlooked issues in strength training is simple: The load acting on a barbell doesn’t change — but your ability to produce force absolutely does. Not because of personal differences — but because of basic physics and how human leverage works. Every major lift has positions where the joints are mechanically disadvantaged, torque demands are higher, and tissues absorb more stress. And every lift has positions where leverage improves, force production increases,

By Ted Cox | Agoge Performance Strength isn’t just about how much you can lift. It’s about how well your body handles force — again and again — without breaking down. The strongest people I know aren’t chasing numbers for attention. Real strength is quieter. It shows up when life gets heavy — when you’re hauling a bag of mulch, carrying your kid off the field, or helping a friend move without hesitation. The goal of training isn’t to look strong. It’s to be  strong in a way t

What Longevity Really Means Longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about performing longer .Strength, movement, and consistency are still the foundation. Gadgets and supplements may come and go, but the principles that truly last haven’t changed. What we call Longevity Performance  is the ability to stay capable — physically and mentally — for decades. It’s not about a single heroic moment; it’s about showing up again and again, year after year. Decline Is Not Inevit

The Back Squat and Longevity It’s become increasingly common to hear coaches and influencers in the training-for-longevity space warn against the back squat. They call it risky, unnecessary, or outdated — a leftover from a bygone era of lifting heavy just for the sake of it. But here’s the irony: those same people still squat. They just do different variations — goblet, belt, front, or safety-bar squats. The pattern doesn’t change, only the packaging. The issue isn’t the move