131: Accessory Exercises That Fix Squat, Bench, and Deadlift Plateaus
131: Accessory Exercises That Fix Squat, Bench, and Deadlift Plateaus  
Podcast: Broads: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women
Published On: Tue Mar 10 2026
Description: You’re stuck at the same weight on your squat or bench, so you assume the answer is more reps, more volume, more grind. But piling on more work without fixing the weak link is exactly how you stay stuck. In the latest episode of Broads, I break down why your core’s job isn’t crunches, why knees cave in your squat, and how Bulgarian split squats force your glutes to finally do their job. And when your hips shoot up in your deadlift, I unpack what that says about your hamstrings and how to fix it so your strength actually shows up at lockout. Fix the weak link, and the lift follows. What's Discussed: (03:22) Why doing more squats won’t fix a squat plateau (05:03) Bulgarian split squats fix knee cave and glute weakness (08:27) Paused bench press builds strength at your sticking point (11:52) RDLs fix weak deadlift lockout and hip hinge issues (12:26) Why squatting your deadlift limits hamstring strength (15:33) Press more than you pull and your shoulders pay (18:40) Your core’s job is resisting movement, not crunching (22:56) Accessory work fixes weak links and prevents injuries Check out more from Broads: Website: https://www.broads.app Instagram: @broads.podcast @broads.app Head to https://www.broads.app/broadscoach and apply for BroadsCOACH. Check out more from Tara LaFerrara: Website: http://taralaferrara.com Instagram: @taralaferrara Youtube: @TaraLaferrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara