squat vs. assisted type squat

[casualgym24]

squats with the barbell on my back/shoulders hurt me and tend to make me use other muscles while lifting semi heavy.

do other do squats in the cage with the where the weight is stablized, it seems to make me use my quads and is easier on my back.but does it do as good of job as just strapping a barbell on your back?

any opinions?

 

[LiftingDukkha]

squats with the barbell on my back/shoulders hurt me and tend to make me use other muscles while lifting semi heavy.

do other do squats in the cage with the where the weight is stablized, it seems to make me use my quads and is easier on my back.but does it do as good of job as just strapping a barbell on your back?

any opinions?

Are you referring to a Smith Machine? These are okay, I guess, but maybe not as good as "real-deal" squats.

If you had access to big rubber bands, or even chains, you could do reverse-bands squats (with bands hanging down from something STABLE above you, such as the top of the rack) or chain-suspended squats. Rubber bands & to lesser extent chains will remove some weight from you at lower depths, then de-load as you stand up, giving you full weight of the barbell at or near the lockout of your squat.

Also, Ironmind.com has an interesting item called the "Super Squats Hip Belt" which is a belt you wear that has strong loops that you can hitch through plates. Squats done with the IronMind Hip Belt are said (I'm told) to really effectively isolate the quads, & only require about half the weight of normal squats to get as effective a workout. The IronMind Super Squats Hip Belt has the added bonus of taking the bar completely off the back of your shoulders, so you don't tweak or bugger up parts of your upper body trying to perform heavy squats.

Just some ideas.

 

[casualgym24]

yeah the smith machine sorry,
i know its not great for bench press or anything that because it doesnt require u to stablize the weight, but im figuring on squats since the weight is actually stablized on a part of the body your not even working it might not be as bad.

i do about the same weight on either , but just feels like better on the shoulders and isolates the quads more atleast for me, maybe its my shitty form, just thought what others thought

 

[bignate73]

i'll be blunt:

screw "quads" when thinking about a squat. the squat is a functional exercise that uses your entire lower body, back, abdominals, hell..shoulders etc as a unit. you can't get much more bang for your buck with a free standing squat. go to stable and you lose something in the process.

 

[BiggT]

I agree with Nate....you can't think 'isolation' with a squat.....people say this about lots of exercises, but squats are the true total-body king. Start with a reasonable weight and build from there.....unless you have a serious injury, squats are safe and harmless. Your low-back and core will strengthen and you'll thank yourself for it.

 

[FFQuads]

If it hurts your shoulders/back that'a great! I live with a scab on my back. That just means you care!! I guess I'm just a bit old skool but F that machine and get under the weight. Yes, it's harder and that's the idea. You will get better at it and learn to love it. Like what was said above.....works everything....I'm getting amped just talking about them......hell yah....it's the best in the world.

 

[al420]

If it hurts your shoulders/back that'a great! I live with a scab on my back. That just means you care!! I guess I'm just a bit old skool but F that machine and get under the weight. Yes, it's harder and that's the idea. You will get better at it and learn to love it. Like what was said above.....works everything....I'm getting amped just talking about them......hell yah....it's the best in the world.

Exactly - if you aren't going to squat then you might as well not lift.........