Squat sucks ... help!

fstr03svtcobra · Nov 7, 2013

I can squat 585 for reps off a 16 inch box with a pause and deadlift 600+ lbs, but I can't seem to get my raw atg squat above 525. I feel like I have the strength, but that the weight is crushing me. In other words, I don't feel like my form is allowing me to show my bodies true strength. I squat with a normal width stance. I tried the super wide stance and cannot hit depth that way.

Does anybody have any ideas what could be wrong or any tips that helped them?
I'd be happy to explain more about my form if that might help.

csuperman · Nov 7, 2013

so with the box your fine but when you remove the box is when you are having trouble is that correct? have you tried a touch and go on the box rather than a pause

fstr03svtcobra · Nov 7, 2013

csuperman said:
so with the box your fine but when you remove the box is when you are having trouble is that correct? have you tried a touch and go on the box rather than a pause

Yeah I've tried the touch and go. Perhaps what I should do is build a box that is below my parallel depth and squat off that.

csuperman · Nov 7, 2013

fstr03svtcobra said:
Yeah I've tried the touch and go. Perhaps what I should do is build a box that is below my parallel depth and squat off that.

that would be a good idea that way you are working yourself away from that "comfort" zone of having the box and eventual you wont be able to touch it anyhow

BigZ · Nov 8, 2013

fstr03svtcobra said:
Yeah I've tried the touch and go. Perhaps what I should do is build a box that is below my parallel depth and squat off that.

That sounds like the best way to go. There's probably a bit of mental block in there, too, so if you just go even an inch lower but have the knowledge you have the box, I think you'll make it. From there just keep working it lower then when you get down all the way you can remove the box. Seems kind of like training wheels.

Presser · Nov 8, 2013

fstr03svtcobra said:
I can squat 585 for reps off a 16 inch box with a pause and deadlift 600+ lbs, but I can't seem to get my raw atg squat above 525. I feel like I have the strength, but that the weight is crushing me. In other words, I don't feel like my form is allowing me to show my bodies true strength. I squat with a normal width stance. I tried the super wide stance and cannot hit depth that way.

Does anybody have any ideas what could be wrong or any tips that helped them?
I'd be happy to explain more about my form if that might help.

those ate nice numbers bro! I've always gone ass to grass so not sure how I would go about this in ur specific situation but would prolly build a lower box like you said til your using a cigar box! Lol great numbers though! No one squats anymore its sad!

BigZ · Nov 8, 2013

I agree, those are awesome numbers.

Does using a machine count? Lol, I would still be doing free squats if my knees and hips didn't complain.

Presser · Nov 9, 2013

BigZ said:
I agree, those are awesome numbers.

Does using a machine count? Lol, I would still be doing free squats if my knees and hips didn't complain.

No lol. And I'm with ya, me and free squats don't get along anymore unfortunately ! My knees are beat so I use a smith which ain't the same!!

MonkeyWrench · Nov 9, 2013

Those are some great numbers bro, I think you got it worked out with the lower box idea. Your squat does not suck, just not where you want.

GreatGunz · Nov 9, 2013

Full squats and box squats are 2 different animals.....
back off your weight to say working sets of 315 to start , stick with a 5x5 while building your numbers back up, It will come quickly!
It sounds like your lacking hip flexor / glute strength for the first 16".

I have found that I feel like I'm being crushed if I stop at parallel , I cannot move as much weight as full squats and this is caused by the stretch reflex.
Everyone has one just gotta find it.

fstr03svtcobra · Nov 9, 2013

Thanks for the help guys! Yeah I shouldn't say my squat sucks. 525 is not shabby at close to 200 lbs, but like MonkeyWrench said it's just not where I want it. I'm going to go back to the drawing board and lower my weights, concentrate on perfect form and I bet I'll break my plateau in no time.

Presser · Nov 11, 2013

MonkeyWrench said:
Those are some great numbers bro, I think you got it worked out with the lower box idea. Your squat does not suck, just not where you want.

I couldn't agree more! Especially for a little guy!

BEASTZ6 · Nov 22, 2013

OP. Those are nice numbers for your size. I agree with the others. Go with the shorter box.

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