Compound lifts and why everyone should do them

By now you should know that all lifts aren't created equal. Compound lifts are definitely the best and overall most taxing lifts one can do in the weight room. A compound lift requires multiple muscle groups to work together in order to move the weight. There are four major compound lifts that have been proven to provide the most benefit. Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, and Barbell Rows are some of the most taxing workouts you can incorporate into your lifting sessions. One of the many benefits of doing compound lifts is that they release the most anabolic hormones (growth hormone and testosterone). The way these lifts increase production of testosterone and GH is by placing the stress on your muscles and bones. Your body responds physiologically by basically saying, "Hey, if you're going to be doing all this crazy weight then at least give me a chance to adjust". At which point, your muscles begin to grow.

Chronic exercise with compound lifts tend to cause the body to adapt and improve in tremendous ways. Specifically: increase in bone density, muscle density, muscular strength, increased metabolism, hormone regulation, and overall strength. With all those benefits, it would be silly not to include them in a workout regiment in some capacity.