Module 1 introduces the foundational strength and conditioning lifts used in athletic training and rehabilitation. You’ll learn teaching progressions for squats, deadlifts, pressing and pulling patterns, and how to regress or modify exercises to ensure correct movement mechanics and reduce injury risk. Instructor Mike McGurn demonstrates the squat pathway from novice to barbell squatting, including regressions like counter-movement squats, goblet squats, box squats, and landmine squats — all aimed at improving movement competency, mobility, and confidence before loading. The module also explores technique faults commonly seen in athletes (e.g., leaning forward under load, excessive depth turning deadlifts into squats) and provides corrective strategies. You’ll learn when and how to progress athletes toward front squat, back squat, and overhead squat, and how these variations produce different adaptations. The goal: build strength safely, develop efficient movement patterns, and prepare the athlete for higher loads and performance work.