Start Mining Free

Move Better

ATG: Minimalistic Full-Body Program — Key Takeaways

Substack

ATG: Minimalistic Full-Body Program

Ben PatrickNov 24, 2025

Read the original

Train twice weekly using a 7-step "ground-up" progression: sled work, ankle exercises, knee strengthening, mobility through full range of motion, hip flexors, lateral movement, and minimal upper body work.

Key takeaways

Train twice weekly with 7-step ground-up progression for joint health

Train twice weekly with 7-step ground-up progression for joint health

  • Author eliminated 12 years of knee/back problems with only 2 hours weekly training
  • Ground-up approach: sled → ankle → knee → mobility → hip flexors → lateral → upper body

Use sled dragging as warmup replacement, not separate cardio session

Use sled dragging as warmup replacement, not separate cardio session

  • Westside Barbell powerlifters used sled work before training instead of traditional warmups
  • 3 sets forward/backward to burn provides joint-friendly leg and lung activation

Strengthen through full ROM at pain-free levels prevents reinjury

Strengthen through full ROM at pain-free levels prevents reinjury

  • Working strength through mobility had most lasting effects for avoiding knee/back reinjury
  • Heels-elevated squats with 5-second negatives build strength through deep ranges safely

This Dig holds the full set of insights, 4 flashcards, and 3 quotes — free with your trial.

Unlock this Dig free

Start free with 100 credits · No card, no expiry

In this piece

  1. Step 3: Ground-Up Training — Knee
  2. Step 4: Strength Through Full Mobility Range
  3. Steps 5–6: Leg Lift and Lateral Work
  4. Step 7: Upper Body and Complete Workout Lists

“Hey, before you train, go drag the sled. We didn't have shit called 'warmups.' It was called 'the shit you do before you train.'”

— Dave Tate

This page is a partial, transformative summary produced by Homestake. All rights to the original content remain with its creator — please support them at the source link above.

Related in the Library