We knew this one was gonna ruffle feathers… and that’s exactly why we’re talking about it.

Michael Chernow is getting brutally honest about his decision to stop doing two of the most iconic lifts in fitness: the traditional back squat and the deadlift. Yeah, we said it. He’s done.

This wasn’t an easy call—Michael knows the benefits of these powerhouse moves—but years of injuries forced him to face a hard truth: sometimes the “gold standard” lifts do more harm than good. And when your training becomes more about ego, performance for others, or clinging to fitness dogma than about actual wellness… that’s when you lose.

This episode is a wake-up call to check your routine:

• Are your workouts building longevity or breaking you down?

• Is your training aligned with health—or with ego?

• Could a pivot in your approach mean better sustainability and results for life?

If you’ve ever felt torn between doing what’s “optimal” and doing what’s actually right for you, this one’s gonna hit.