From time to time, we like to give you a chance to learn a little more about the trainers at Body By Ford. Each coach brings their own background, experiences, and perspective to fitness, which shapes how they train and motivate clients.
This time, we’re spotlighting BXF Trainer Cody. We asked him a few quick questions about his path into fitness, what he enjoys most about training, and of course, his favorite exercise.
Why/when did you want to become a fitness trainer? My interest in fitness started young. In third grade, I watched Fight Club and saw Brad Pitt’s physique — I remember thinking I wanted to look strong and athletic like that. As I got older and dealt with my own sports injuries, I spent a lot of time rehabbing and became fascinated with how professional athletes recover and return stronger. That curiosity led me to work as a physical exercise technician, and eventually transition into personal training.
What college did you attend? Delgado Community College.
What was your major? Kinesiology and Psychology.
Favorite exercise: Barbell squat.
Best part of training: The confidence and mental clarity people feel after a successful workout. Watching that shift happen is powerful.
Favorite food: Chicken.
Cody’s Exercise Spotlight: The Barbell Squat
Every trainer has that one exercise they keep coming back to — the movement that consistently delivers results and builds real strength. For Cody, that exercise is the barbell squat.
At its core, the squat is simple: squat down and stand back up. But when you place a loaded barbell on your back, that simple movement becomes one of the most powerful strength-building exercises you can do. It challenges your body, your focus, and your willingness to push through discomfort.
The barbell squat is Cody’s favorite because it demands everything from you — physically and mentally. You can’t fake a heavy squat. The bar exposes weakness and rewards strength.
Why the Barbell Squat Is So Effective
The squat is often called a “foundational” exercise for a reason. It trains some of the largest muscle groups in the body while requiring your entire system to work together.
When performed correctly, squats develop:
Lower body strength – The quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes work together to move the weight and generate power.
Core stability – Your abdominal and lower back muscles must stabilize your torso to keep the spine safe and strong under load.
Coordination and balance – Multiple joints and muscle groups must move in sync for a successful squat.
Functional strength – The squat pattern closely mirrors everyday movements like sitting, standing, lifting, and climbing stairs.
Because of this, the strength you build with squats carries over into both athletic performance and daily life.
Strength You Can’t Fake
One of the things that makes the barbell squat so powerful is its honesty.
Machines can guide the weight and isolate specific muscles, but a squat requires your entire body to work together. If something is weak — your core, your hips, your stability — the barbell will reveal it.
When you step under the bar and unrack the weight, there’s nowhere to hide. Your technique, strength, and focus all matter. The bar exposes weakness and rewards strength, which is exactly why it’s such a valuable exercise.
Cody’s Pro Tip:Before you descend into the squat, take a deep breath and brace your core like someone is about to lightly punch your stomach. That brace helps stabilize your spine and gives you a stronger, safer base to lift from.
The Moment That Builds More Than Muscle
There’s a defining moment in every heavy squat.
As you lower yourself toward the bottom position, the weight settles on your back and the movement slows for a brief second. Then comes the decision: stand back up.
When you’re at the bottom with real weight on your back, you either rise or you don’t. That moment builds more than muscle — it builds character.
Heavy squats demand commitment and focus. You have to trust your training, stay composed under pressure, and push through the hardest part of the lift.
Strength That Carries Over to Life
One of the biggest reasons the squat remains a staple in strength training is how much it contributes to overall health and longevity.
Building strong legs, hips, and a stable core helps support everyday movement and reduces the risk of injury as we age. Strength training also helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, which are critical for long-term mobility and independence.
In other words, the benefits of squatting extend far beyond the gym.
Built on the Basics
In a world full of complicated workout trends and new training gadgets, the barbell squat is a reminder that the basics still matter most.
This single movement builds the kind of strength that forms the foundation of nearly every physical activity. Strong legs, powerful hips, and a stable core support everything from athletic performance to the everyday tasks we often take for granted. Training these muscles together creates strength that is balanced, durable, and practical.
But the squat is also a mindset exercise. Every time you step under the bar, you’re asked to focus, commit, and push through a challenge. Over time, that consistency adds up — not just in physical strength, but in confidence as well.
That’s part of what makes the squat so powerful. It’s simple and extremely effective. Put in the work, and the results follow.
If you’re interested in learning how to squat safely and effectively — or if you’d like help building a strength program that fits your goals — our trainers are here to help.
Schedule a free consultation here today and let us help you build a stronger foundation!
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