Best squat routine?

[Eric1987]

So I am doing the 5x5 for squatting but like this. 145x8 155x5 160x5 170x5 190x5 and 195x5. Anyone got a better routine? It doesnt seem like it pumps up my legs enough.

 

[SaiBoT]

Yeah do front squats for 5 reps with the max weight you can handle and without rest switch to back squats till failure, rest 3 minutes and repeat once or twice! That's gonna give u pump and strength

 

[maddisonj]

It depends what you're looking for, if you're looking for strength then 5x5 works well, but usually you need to drop it to 3x3 as the weights start to push you close to failure. For strength try to avoid failure.

If you're using the routine to pump up, then I'm afraid I have no advice as I'm a powerlifter not a body builder.

Try doing the routine like this though

Keep the same weight for all five sets. As the weight gets difficult drop to 3x5, again keeping the weight the same, and eventually drop to 3x3.

In my mind what you're doing is actually a warm up and 1x5

If all out strength was your goal I'd finish it off with a peaking cycle by dropping to 2x2, then 1x2 and eventually 1x1 for the final week or two

Jay

 

[[CinnamonBuns]]

almost any rep range will work for squats
just make sure you bring 110% to the rack

 

[wills_got_rythm]

So I am doing the 5x5 for squatting but like this. 145x8 155x5 160x5 170x5 190x5 and 195x5. Anyone got a better routine? It doesnt seem like it pumps up my legs enough.

after you do these sets rest for a few minutes and do 145 for 20 reps you will get a pump.

 

[Eric1987]

Yeah do front squats for 5 reps with the max weight you can handle and without rest switch to back squats till failure, rest 3 minutes and repeat once or twice! That's gonna give u pump and strength

Front and back? You mean holding onto the bar instead of resting nit on your shoulders?

 

[SouthernLord]

It depends what you're looking for, if you're looking for strength then 5x5 works well, but usually you need to drop it to 3x3 as the weights start to push you close to failure. For strength try to avoid failure.

If you're using the routine to pump up, then I'm afraid I have no advice as I'm a powerlifter not a body builder.

Try doing the routine like this though

Keep the same weight for all five sets. As the weight gets difficult drop to 3x5, again keeping the weight the same, and eventually drop to 3x3.

In my mind what you're doing is actually a warm up and 1x5

If all out strength was your goal I'd finish it off with a peaking cycle by dropping to 2x2, then 1x2 and eventually 1x1 for the final week or two

Jay

This is good advice.

Eric1987-

The next time you squat do the same progression you listed. Work up to 185 and do five sets of five. If you hit all five sets of five with 185 add five to ten pounds to it next time you squat. If you don't hit all five sets of five with 185 stick with it until you do. You should be able to progress like this for a while.

 

[SaiBoT]

I mean front squat for 5 reps, rerack the bar then without waiting any longer switch to normal squats and do that same weight until failure. Front Squats check this ----> YouTube - How to do a FRONT SQUAT?

 

[EZ_E]

I have a friend who's a trainer and who played D-Line @ Nebraska. He and I used to do 30 minute squats, you'll need a stopwatch;

Load the bar with about 75% of your max weight
Perform one set of squats, 10 reps
Wait one minute
Perform another set of squats, 10 reps
Wait on minute
Do this for 30 minutes, you'll get a serious PUMP

 

[DaveTSI]

the madcow advanced 5x5 routine makes my legs blow up and squat #'s go through the roof. last time i was on cycle and did it i got up to 220 and my thighs were almost 28". the "pump" you are chasing isnt what makes your legs get bigger and stronger