Here's my DF 5 x 5, modified

[Jim Ouini]

It's so strange to me that you're light years ahead of me on DL but I've got you smoked on squats. We're both inept in our own unique ways

Hey what's wrong with 205 fronts? It's only Week 2 baby!

Seriously though it is kinda funny, it must be individual differences in our leverages or something. My squat really is lagging and not coming up as fast I'd hoped after I switched to full squatting.

 

[blut wump]

I console myself by adding in my bodyweight to the amount lifted. My bench is crap because I have really big hands and Popeye forarms.

I tried some OH squats yesterday. I'd tried them last week but it was a complete farce and I quickly gave up. I almost gave up yesterday but persevered and was reasonably comfortably repping out sets with just the bar after some practice. There's a groove I have to follow and if I can stick to it then the movement is ok. I might add some 5Kg plates next time.

GlennPendlay suggested that 80-85% of rear squat weight is a reasonable expectation for front squats.

 

[anotherbutters]

There's a thought - maybe I should try some OH squats as part of my rehab, since I won't be lifting heavy for the next two or three weeks.

 

[blut wump]

I'd recommend trying it with a broom before grabbing a 20Kg bar. I can't remember, did you try front squats?

 

[anotherbutters]

No, I just tried squatting down with my hands in front squat position without a bar and I could feel a little bit of pressure on my back, so I didn't try them. I'm not planning on doing anything heavy until my back's ready, but light OH squats sound fun - more about balance to start with. Are they really that tricky that you wouldn't start with the bar?

 

[Madcow2]

For someone who isn't a natural at them it can be an "oh, whoa" moment when they get down close to parallel. Better to know what it feels like first but if a stick isn't handy I wouldn't go crazy trying to find one. Just don't go dropping down like a rock into the hole. Feel it out and see how your body lines up. It's always awkward at first but you get in the groove pretty quickly.

 

[blut wump]

That describes it pretty well. I felt fine until just above parallel and felt tension all over at trying to go any further. Tipping my body slightly forwards helped me to find a groove to move in.

 

[anotherbutters]

It's so strange to me that you're light years ahead of me on DL but I've got you smoked on squats. We're both inept in our own unique ways

I read what Glenn wrote in the front squat thread about quad and back strengths and started wondering where your respective weaknesses were. Kinda drew a blank though. Both squats and deads require a strong back, but squats require more legs. I don't mean to play you guys off on each other, but Jim, if your back's stronger than Guinness's and his wheels are stronger than yours, then he should be front squatting more than you, so long as he's equally proficient in the lift. Yes?

If so, G5.0... what's your front squat?

 

[Jim Ouini]

Well, we all know G5.0 does quarter squats, so that's probably one of the reasons

Seriously though, I've never concentrated on fronts much. I really don't have too much problem coming out of the hole even when I'm butt to ankles (so far at 225 x 2) - it's the rack that I lose, but I'm working on it.

So this 5 x 5 I'm going for 225 x 5 next week, and then 235 x 5 in week 4. I think that'll be pushing it.

So if I apply the 80% rule I guess it sounds about right - both my back and front squat are feeble.

 

[Guinness5.0]

If so, G5.0... what's your front squat?

I haven't done it enough to know. Like Jim, it feels easy strength-wise but it's tough to handle. The first time I tried 'em i thought I was a natural for them - I had no problem with 205 or so a whille back IIRC, but 185 felt insecure the other day. So I'm confused as usual. EDIT: just searched my old posts and I noted that 195 for two sets of six was cake and easy to rack. I power cleaned the bar up so I'll try that next weds. and see if it helps.

i gotta get some vids of my hams bouncing off my calves to eliminate the nonsensical comments from Jim