Photo of author

Wasim Kagzi

Hi! I’m Wasim Kagzi and this is where my team and I write and research about everything fitness. On MuscleLead we share all the helpful tips, techniques, and advice we've learned over the years. Personally, I've been lifting for more than 10 years and hope to eventually become a Certified Personal Trainer. My goal is to compete in weightlifting and train to be the strongest version of myself.

The Best 11 Deadlift Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The Best 11 Deadlift Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The deadlift is often called the king of the compound exercises. And for a reason. It’s a whole-body exercise that works your posterior chain muscles – your hamstrings, glutes, upper and lower back. Also, your quads, core, forearms, and shoulders get activated too. Still, a lot of people have negative connotations to the deadlift. Deadlift … Read more

The Best Weightlifting Belts for Crossfit 2023 (Reviewed)

The Best Weightlifting Belts for Crossfit 2023 (Reviewed)

While some athletes will turn up their noses at using weightlifting belts for CrossFit, there are just as many who swear by having a belted friend during heavy lifts. It comes down to personal preferences and strength, but there’s absolutely no shame in using a belt to lift weights, provided you’re using it correctly. The … Read more

The Jefferson Squat: An Ultimate How-To Guide 

The Jefferson Squat An Ultimate How-To Guide 

The Jefferson squat is a more unusual exercise that you may not have come across before. It involves holding a barbell between your legs, either parallel to the direction that you are facing or perpendicular to your legs. You then perform the squatting motion with the barbell in this position. It is an exercise that … Read more

7 Best Cheap Squat Shoes in 2023 (Under $100)

7 Best Cheap Squat Shoes in 2023 (Under $100)

Let us cover the best cheap squat shoes in this article! Key Points While you are lifting, it is necessary to have the correct technique and posture. If your body’s posture is not correct, it can have dire consequences. When you’re squatting, proper technique and breathing are critical. Many lifters turn to weightlifting shoes to … Read more

Zercher Squat vs Front Squat: Muscles, Differences, Pros, Cons

Zercher Squat vs Front Squat Muscles, Differences, Pros, Cons

You may have noticed, here at MuscleLead we love squats. All types of squats! Squats are a fundamental part of any strength-building routine as well as foundational movement in many sports.  The squat is one of the most basic of human actions, and proper squat kinematics play a significant role in the longevity of healthy … Read more

12 Highly Effective Belt Squat Alternatives & Variations

12 Highly Effective Belt Squat Alternatives & Variations

Sometimes using a heavy-loaded barbell just isn’t doable. You might be fatigued, feeling back pain, or just bored of doing barbell squats. It’s times like these that a belt squat machine can come in handy.  Unfortunately, not all gyms see the benefit of investing in a belt squat machine leaving some of us to look … Read more

Single Prong Vs Double Prong Lifting Belt – Which One is Best for You?

Single Prong Vs Double Prong Lifting Belt – Which One is Best for You

Key Points Weightlifting belts are tricky to get right sometimes. With so many models in the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down on the one that fits you the best. This is what may have brought you to an important question. So single prong vs double prong lifting belts, which is better? Overall, single … Read more