Biomechanics | Veedma's evidence-based men's health articles

Lifting in Converse: The biomechanics, benefits, and risks of flat sole training

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 04, 2025 · 11 min read

Converse-style zero-drop, incompressible flat soles can improve center-of-pressure stability and reduce energy loss from sole compression in deadlifts, but for squats they remove the 0.75 to 1 inch heel lift that helps ankle dorsiflexion. If mobility is restricted, that can increase knee and lumbar torque. Here is how to know when flat shoes are the ...

On Cloud X 3 review: The biomechanics of a true hybrid training shoe

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 02, 2025 · 11 min read

The Cloud X 3 functions as a true hybrid only for moderate lifting and short runs (about 1 to 4 miles) by pairing firmer, less-compressible CloudTec foam with a Speedboard to improve force transfer while still attenuating running impacts that can exceed 2.5 times body weight. This evidence-based review breaks down where that stability and ...

How much does the bar weight bench press: A complete guide to lifting standards

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Nov 30, 2025 · 15 min read

How much does a bench press bar weigh? A complete guide to barbell standards A standard Olympic barbell used for the bench press weighs 45 lb (20 kg) before you add any plates. From there, your “real” bench number is the total loaded weight, and a common general-fitness target is about a 1:1 bench-to-bodyweight ratio ...

Rowing machine muscles worked: What a rower really trains from feet to hands

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Nov 23, 2025 · 11 min read

A rowing machine works most major muscle groups by combining a powerful leg drive, a hip hinge, and an upper body pull on every stroke. If you want a low impact way to build conditioning while still training your legs, back, and core hard, the rowing machine rower setup is one of the most efficient ...