Odd position strength training is what farm kids do all the time and it’s a significant part of fascia-aware anatomical adaptation. The goal of odd-position strength training is to get strong in different positions by creating internal shape stability. The question is: can you generate meaningful force in odd positions? These positions often involve holding submaximal loads asymmetrically off the midline with the muscles contracting eccentrically and isometrically. Lifting a 24-pound (10-kilo) load doesn't sound like a lot of weight when you're dead lifting it off the ground, but it’s a high load to manage if you're trying to manipulate it at length in an odd position. Ultimately, it’s all about generating force—even maximal force—relative to these odd positions. Tensional loading at length stimulates fibroblasts to lay down collagen fibers along different load paths to increase whole-body shape stability. It also prompts the nervous system to co-contract the muscles that need to provide stability in odd positions.

*It’s important to note that this term doesn’t mean the joints are in an odd position (which could lead to injury). It means the load paths happen along odd or uncommon body positions. Odd-position strength exercises should be done with a weight that challenges you in the 4-6 rep range.