Is it cheating on a squat if...

[The Red Dragon]

I don't think so...that to me feels like the most crucial part of the lift.

 

[Serea]

...I go down and hit my safety stands at about parallel? I can't adjust them, so that's about all I have to work with.

I'm not sure if it's considered a real squat or not if I hit the catches and then stand back up with it.

(Did 200x1 though, a PR )

[How did my post become #2 if I started this thread? hehe]

 

[louden_swain]

I don't see how it is cheating. . .its not like the bars are loaded like springs.

I wouldn't worry about it unless you are crashing down on them causing extra stress on the back.

 

[Thaibox]

That sucks you can't adjust them.

I would ditch the crash bars and use barrels, or build something to take their place at a lower depth.

 

[Serea]

I go down and sortof tap them, then come back up. The 200 felt really easy, is why I wonder if I cheated a bit.

Yeah, I think I'm going to build some sawhorses or something like that.

I got stuck in the down position a couple of weeks ago with no trainer, so I've been a little nervous lately. Had to dump the bar behind me. Was a little scary.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Most of the force and weight will be transfered on the security bars (if there is contact). That's my sticking point, the extension of the body from the parallel position. It's such an adrenaline rush when you're in that position though .

 

[Backlash]

Are box squats cheating? As long as you're coming down controlled on your own power, it should be fine I think.

 

[coolcolj]

actually makes it harder I would think - disrupt the stretch reflex

 

[T-Man2003]

Just don't use the momentum of the crash to propell you up. Do it like a box squat. Then it can't be cheating.

 

[Debaser]

Yeah this makes them harder due to the loss of momentum.

 

[gonelifting]

I would keep everything the way it is but stand on something like 2 inches high. That would of course lower your pins.

 

[spatts]

Yep, I'd say harder.

 

[Thaibox]

I would keep everything the way it is but stand on something like 2 inches high. That would of course lower your pins.

LOL
I hate when people make me feel dumb.

Ever hear the story of the truck that got stuck under the overpass, and no one could figure how to get it out until some random guy let the air out of the tires.

 

[spatts]

Oh...I thought she WANTED to break up the movement. Sorry, powerlifter mentality.

 

[louden_swain]

For years, I squatted with a spring underneath my ass.
















No not really!

 

[wildonsquats]

Use a platform, then the bar will be below parallel. If your gym doesnt have one, make one. I had to for rack deads, cost me a whole 10 bucks and 10 minutes to make.

 

[FatRat]

At least you know that you have reached the correct depth on each rep and are not decreasing the ROM when it gets tough through the set...

Platform sounds like the way forward, simple solid bit of wood might do it if you are already going to parallel