Did you know that the squat is one of the most fundamental human movements? Long before babies take their first steps, they instinctively squat with perfect form. Throughout our lives, this movement plays a crucial role in everyday activities—whether it’s standing up from a chair, lifting an object off the floor, or maintaining mobility as we age.
Yet, when it comes to strength training, the squat is often seen as intimidating—especially when adding weight to the bar. Its complexity, combined with the risk of injury, can make people hesitant to incorporate it into their workouts. But here’s the truth: the squat is one of the most powerful and functional exercises you can do. When performed correctly, it builds strength, stability, and resilience, making it an essential movement for athletes, personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Mastering the biomechanics of the squat isn’t just about lifting heavier—it’s about moving better, preventing injury, and unlocking your full potential in training and daily life.
Squatting Masterclass: Biomechanics and Injury Prevention
At Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation, we’re thrilled to invite you to our exclusive Squatting Masterclass—a seminar designed to break down the science of squatting, optimize movement efficiency, and minimize injury risk.
This masterclass is led by Dr. Rich Raigoza, a competitive powerlifting athlete currently competing in the 74kg category within the Canadian Powerlifting Union. With over 12 years of experience in powerlifting, combined with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic, Dr. Raigoza has meticulously developed this seminar to bridge the gap between science and practical application.
His expertise ensures that you’ll gain evidence-based insights to improve squat mechanics, enhance performance, and prevent injuries—whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fitness enthusiast.
What the Seminar Covers
- Joint and Regional Anatomy: Understand the role of the hips, knees, spine, and ankles in squatting efficiency.
- Common Injuries and Considerations: Learn how improper squat mechanics lead to knee pain, lower back strain, and hip dysfunction – and how to prevent them.
- Functional Prerequisites for a Proper Squat: Discover the mobility and stability requirements for different squat variations (e.g., high bar, low bar, front squat).
- Assessments & Corrective Strategies: Learn practical assessment techniques to identify movement restrictions and improve squat mechanics.
- Application with Real Clinical Cases: Case studies of how faulty movement patterns caused pain and impact performance. The application of our assessment for the resolution of these issues.
Who Should Attend?
While this seminar is invaluable for powerlifters, it’s not just for competitive athletes. The Squatting Masterclass is designed for anyone looking to refine their squat mechanics and movement efficiency, making it perfect for:
- Personal trainers & strength coaches aiming to enhance their coaching techniques and cueing strategies.
- Athletes seeking to optimize squat performance while minimizing injury risk.
- Rehabilitation professionals, including chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists, who want to bridge the gap between injury recovery and strength training.
- Fitness enthusiasts looking to improve technique, build strength safely, and squat with confidence.
What Sets This Seminar Apart?
Unlike generic squat workshops, the Squatting Masterclass is built on a science-backed approach that blends biomechanics, functional assessments, and real-world coaching experience. Here’s what makes it unique:
✅ Evidence-Based Methods – Learn proven techniques rooted in biomechanics and validated functional assessments to optimize squat performance and reduce injury risk.
✅ Hands-On Learning Experience – This isn’t just a lecture. Get expert coaching and real-time feedback to improve your squat mechanics instantly.
✅ Small Group Setting – Enjoy personalized attention in an intimate learning environment, ensuring you receive the guidance needed to refine your technique.
✅ Developed by an Experienced Competitor & Clinician – Led by Dr. Rich Raigoza, a competitive powerlifter and chiropractor, this seminar merges high-level competition experience with scientific knowledge to provide a comprehensive, practical, and results-driven approach.
Date and Registration
Our next seminar date will be June 1, 2025 at Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation located at 1535 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON.
💰 Cost: $150
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📖 What’s Included:
✔ A comprehensive content manual covering all key topics
✔ Validated assessment protocols for continued learning and application
✔ Hands-on coaching & expert feedback to refine your squat mechanics
Seminar Testimonials
“As a professional coach, Rich helped fill a few holes in my knowledge that I feel adds tools to my toolbox. He directly gave me insight into helping my clients. Thanks Rich!”
– Dan Sulatycky, Coach
“Dr. Richar Raigoza is always passionate when he talks on topics. This is such an amazing seminar.”
– Montell Russell, Personal trainer and bodybuilder
“Very in depth but manageable content to digest and implement into practice.”
– Stephanie Hemstock, MKin, B.Sc, CSC, DC
“Very beneficial seminar with generous information, very skilled, hands-on. Friendly and interactive class that enriched and reinforced my core knowledge skills. Amazing hand-outs”
– Dr. Nivin Sharaf, Cupping therapist
Contact Information:
Email: Squattingmasterclass@gmail.com