Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Most people beat their spine up chasing conditioning.
At Wenning Strength, we flip that model.
Instead of piling on more axial load, we focus on reducing compression, increasing hip mobility, and building conditioning through low-impact methods that actually preserve your joints long-term.
When hip mobility is limited—especially internal rotation and extension—the body compensates through the lumbar spine. Over time, that means more shear, more compression, and a higher likelihood of chronic low back pain. Research consistently shows that individuals with low back pain demonstrate reduced hip range of motion and increased lumbar compensation during movement (Ellison et al., 1990; Van Dillen et al., 2000).
That’s why our conditioning work prioritizes:
• Sled dragging and pushing (no eccentric damage, high output, minimal spinal load)
• Belt squats and marches (load the hips without compressing the spine)
• Reverse hypers and traction-based work (restore balance after compressive lifts)
• Step-ups and unilateral work (build hip stability and control without joint breakdown)
You don’t need more wear and tear to get in shape—you need better distribution of stress.
The goal is simple:
➡️ Build work capacity
➡️ Restore hip function
➡️ Keep the spine in a position where it stabilizes, not compensates
TIMESTAMPS 🏁
00:00 Introduction
00:30 atplab.com
01:00 Inside treadmill walks turned off
02:00 Prowler pushing
03:00 Wenning Warmups build GPP
04:00 Book is posted on Skool (Wenning Strength Academy)
04:55 Tissue density
06:10 KB swings and the use in the Wenning system
07:00 Hip mobility is a primary cause of back pain (if it isn't focused on)
Train hard. Train smart. Stay in the game longer.
Ellison, J. B., Rose, S. J., & Sahrmann, S. A. (1990). Patterns of hip rotation range of motion: A comparison between healthy subjects and patients with low back pain. Physical Therapy, 70(9), 537–541. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/70.9.537
Van Dillen, L. R., Sahrmann, S. A., Norton, B. J., Caldwell, C. A., McDonnell, M. K., & Bloom, N. J. (2000). Movement system impairment-based categories for low back pain. Physical Therapy, 80(12), 1197–1213. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/80.12.1197
Fuerst, M., et al. (2012). The influence of hip mobility on low back pain: A systematic review. Orthopedic Reviews, 4(2), e15. doi.org/10.4081/or.2012.e15
McGill, S. M. (2002). Low back disorders: Evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
Most people beat their spine up chasing conditioning.
At Wenning Strength, we flip that model.
Instead of piling on more axial load, we focus on reducing compression, increasing hip mobility, and building conditioning through low-impact methods that actually preserve your joints long-term.
When hip mobility is limited—especially internal rotation and extension—the body compensates through the lumbar spine. Over time, that means more shear, more compression, and a higher likelihood of chronic low back pain. Research consistently shows that individuals with low back pain demonstrate reduced hip range of motion and increased lumbar compensation during movement (Ellison et al., 1990; Van Dillen et al., 2000).
That’s why our conditioning work prioritizes:
• Sled dragging and pushing (no eccentric damage, high output, minimal spinal load)
• Belt squats and marches (load the hips without compressing the spine)
• Reverse hypers and traction-based work (restore balance after compressive lifts)
• Step-ups and unilateral work (build hip stability and control without joint breakdown)
You don’t need more wear and tear to get in shape—you need better distribution of stress.
The goal is simple:
➡️ Build work capacity
➡️ Restore hip function
➡️ Keep the spine in a position where it stabilizes, not compensates
TIMESTAMPS 🏁
00:00 Introduction
00:30 atplab.com
01:00 Inside treadmill walks turned off
02:00 Prowler pushing
03:00 Wenning Warmups build GPP
04:00 Book is posted on Skool (Wenning Strength Academy)
04:55 Tissue density
06:10 KB swings and the use in the Wenning system
07:00 Hip mobility is a primary cause of back pain (if it isn't focused on)
Train hard. Train smart. Stay in the game longer.
Ellison, J. B., Rose, S. J., & Sahrmann, S. A. (1990). Patterns of hip rotation range of motion: A comparison between healthy subjects and patients with low back pain. Physical Therapy, 70(9), 537–541. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/70.9.537
Van Dillen, L. R., Sahrmann, S. A., Norton, B. J., Caldwell, C. A., McDonnell, M. K., & Bloom, N. J. (2000). Movement system impairment-based categories for low back pain. Physical Therapy, 80(12), 1197–1213. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/80.12.1197
Fuerst, M., et al. (2012). The influence of hip mobility on low back pain: A systematic review. Orthopedic Reviews, 4(2), e15. doi.org/10.4081/or.2012.e15
McGill, S. M. (2002). Low back disorders: Evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
