Leg Press

[Stikki]

How about belt squats?

[speedz]

I would suggest deadlifts, too, either trap deads or straight bar. I have had back problems but never had a problem with deadlifts. Reverse hypers and glute/ham raises are good, too. Don't care much for the leg press. If you do the deadlifts, put some platforms on the sides where the plates can rest, so you don't have to pull from too low a position where you might involve your back too much. Depending on how large the plates are, you can block it up about 6 to 8 inches.

[star61]

I would suggest deadlifts, too, either trap deads or straight bar. I have had back problems but never had a problem with deadlifts. Reverse hypers and glute/ham raises are good, too. Don't care much for the leg press. If you do the deadlifts, put some platforms on the sides where the plates can rest, so you don't have to pull from too low a position where you might involve your back too much. Depending on how large the plates are, you can block it up about 6 to 8 inches.

You're talking about rack deadlifts. While I think they are great, I don't see that they can be considered a substitute for squats.

[Chupacabras]

Unless you are really leaning forward in the box squat, you are stressing the legs. It may not feel that way, but if you are remaining upright, you MUST be stressing the legs. Try widening your stance and remaining as upright as possible.

Ok, you have talked me into it! I will give them another try.

To give you an idea of my proportions, I have a similar build to the kid in this video (although I am a tad shorter & heavier):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAR3wjFFks

Do you have any tips on form when using box squats for sport, rather than for powerlifting?

Powerlifters seem to keep their shins perpendicular to the floor, whereas the kid in the video is letting his knees shoot forward. This allows him to stay more upright. Which style would you recomend I use?

[Chupacabras]

How about belt squats?

It looks like a great exercise, but unfortunately my gym doesn't have the equipment for it.

[Chupacabras]

You're talking about rack deadlifts. While I think they are great, I don't see that they can be considered a substitute for squats.

Yeah, I like regular deadlifts, but I feel like I am weak in my quads and already relatively strong in my lower back.

When I used to do squats, I could do RDL's for reps with significantly more weight than my squat 1RM.

[star61]

Ok, you have talked me into it! I will give them another try.

To give you an idea of my proportions, I have a similar build to the kid in this video (although I am a tad shorter & heavier):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAR3wjFFks

Do you have any tips on form when using box squats for sport, rather than for powerlifting?

Powerlifters seem to keep their shins perpendicular to the floor, whereas the kid in the video is letting his knees shoot forward. This allows him to stay more upright. Which style would you recomend I use?

Since you're using box squats as a max strength exercise, there is no reason, at least, initially, to mimic a powerlifter stance. Remember, not all powerlifters lift with really wide stances.

Read some articles by Dave Tate. He has some good ones on the box squat. Initially, squat light and a little high. Once you find your groove, slowly increase weight while maintaining proper form. Then drop the weight and lower the box. In fairly short order, you will find your groove.

[mreoyn09]

What do you guys think of using the trap bar deadlift as a substitute for squats?

Here is what I was thinking for a lower body day:

Trap Bar Deads - 3x8
Bulgarian Squats - 2x8-12
Back extensions - 3x12-15
Hip Thrusts - 2x8-12
Core (planks, ab wheel etc)

Trap Bar DL is key- do it.

[hemann]

Ok, you have talked me into it! I will give them another try.

To give you an idea of my proportions, I have a similar build to the kid in this video (although I am a tad shorter & heavier):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAR3wjFFks

Do you have any tips on form when using box squats for sport, rather than for powerlifting?

Powerlifters seem to keep their shins perpendicular to the floor, whereas the kid in the video is letting his knees shoot forward. This allows him to stay more upright. Which style would you recomend I use?

I agree that box squats are a really great lift. Don't believe me? Go over to the westside barbell site, or their videos on youtube. They almost always train with boxes and those guys move some serious weight.

You said you were a tall football player-- like me. I have the exact same lower back issues, which i was always told it was just a hamstring tightness problem. My advice to you, stretch those hamstrings and squat on a box!

Dont just touch and go on the box, Sit completely down on the box and use a wide stance. Check out westside barbell, and they'll teach you how to do them.

[Chupacabras]

Since you're using box squats as a max strength exercise, there is no reason, at least, initially, to mimic a powerlifter stance. Remember, not all powerlifters lift with really wide stances.

Read some articles by Dave Tate. He has some good ones on the box squat. Initially, squat light and a little high. Once you find your groove, slowly increase weight while maintaining proper form. Then drop the weight and lower the box. In fairly short order, you will find your groove.

Yeah, I would prefer to start out with a high box and work my way down. Unfortunately though, my gym doesn't have any suitable boxes, so I have to do them onto a low bench which is a few inches below paralell for me.

I did some last night with a pretty light weight and my glutes are pretty sore today.