incomplete squat

[ocuana]

I have a very good squat form but a slight problem with my back that cannot be adjusted so heavy squats are out of the question for me.

Beyond 120kg it gets aggravating.

I've seen somebody holding a step in bar for deadlifts and was wondering about doing the squat holding the weight arms by my sides. Almost like a lunge but without actually lunging forward - just lowering my legs.
Would this have much benefit for my legs? Holding the hanging weights and lowering my body. I know it isn't the same depth but didn't want to do it if I'm wasting my time.

[vileniall]

i may be wrong but i am pretty sure its the same effect for your legs.

[Maccavelli]

Trap bar deadlift is very like a squat.

You might want to experiment with front squats as they place less loading on the spine. Single leg work is also an excellent alternative

However without knowing the extent of your problem any prescription could be hazardous, so i should probably stop talking :)

[jazz 007]

It will do something mate but nothing will give you the workout good deep squats give.

Have you tried using the smith machine with your legs together and forward?

[ocuana]

I am 6 ft 6 but have very good technique. I had two seperate trainers check me. one is from BWLA and the other was just a form tutor for power lifting.
I have a slightly curves spine that won't suddenly fall back into place to I must consider alternatives. It isn't uber essential for me to full squat is it is because I'm fortunate enough to have a strong back otherwise and strong glutes and outer thigh but I miss them so I'm substituting.
I don't have any problems with deadlifts.

[Rob T]

I can't back squat at all, it sucks.

[Fast but dim]

one leg squat?

[ocuana]

Do you mean bodyweight one legged squat? because I'm just sarting to try them now and maybe they are more beneficial - or even with a dumbbell but bloody good suggestion.



Anybody say if a one legged squat is not good for you?

[Fast but dim]

bodyweight one leg squats are hard enough at first, many people find them easier balance wise ( me included ) if you hold light (5 lb) db's in front.
personally i find them easier them stood on a box too.(aerobic step etc)

tips here, also a good b/w site:
http://www.beastskills.com/Pistol.htm

[Maccavelli]

Single leg squats are the sex.

[ocuana]

bodyweight one leg squats are hard enough at first, many people find them easier balance wise ( me included ) if you hold light (5 lb) db's in front.
personally i find them easier them stood on a box too.(aerobic step etc)

tips here, also a good b/w site:
http://www.beastskills.com/Pistol.htm

Fuck me! Kudos for that website man! Much appreciated.:D

[jcraig80]

I am back training properly following a disk op; therefore loading through the lumbar spine is not encouraged.

I try and get around it by using single variations: Bulgarian split squat; Walking Lunge; Weighted Step-ups.

A zercher style squat takes some direct load off the spine but is difficult to get high loads with; other alternatives could be a cable style deadlift (again difficult to get load) or using something like the iron woody bands; therefore you only have a load in the concentric portion of the lift in squats.

For explosive work it is slightly easier; you can use variations of jump squat with dumbells rather than barbell; providing it doesnt irritate your back.

The deadlifts you mentioned could be used if you have good form; you could try and put some plates underneath the bar to elevate the start position if your form is not good in the bottom position.

Gd luck with it.