There is never an absolute answer to everything, except of course that you have to do your squats.

Most of the problems with the bodies and minds of the folks occupying the current culture involve an unwillingness to do anything hard, or anything that they'd rather not do. I applaud your resolve, and I welcome you to the community of people who have decided that EASY will no longer suffice.

Physical strength is the most important thing in life. This is true whether we want it to be or not.

History tells us what works in the gym, and everything else walks down the road with a carrot in its ass.

Accumulating injuries are the price we pay for the thrill of not having sat around on our asses.

For young males that weigh between 150-200 lbs., deadlifts can move up 15-20 lbs. per workout, squats 10-15 lbs., with continued steady progress for 3-4 weeks before slowing down to half that rate. Bench presses, presses, and cleans can move up 5-10 lbs. per workout, with progress on these exercises slowing down to 2.5-5 lbs. per workout after only 2-3 weeks. Young women make progress on the squat and the deadlift at about the same rate, adjusted for bodyweight, but much slower on the press, the bench press, cleans, and assistance exercises.

Opinions are like phasers - everybody ought to have one.