4 reps at 150% is fantastic! How did you get hurt squatting? Low bar/high bar makes my lower back feel in danger when I'm in the bottom of the squat, so I've switched to zerchers.. Initially the lower weights were humbling but it's perfect for my back
this post was submitted on 05 May 2025
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My gym just installed a belt squat which I’m pumped to try out, supposedly the back strain is non-existent! We already have a hack which feels great on my back and absolutely messes up my quads, too. Getting hard to program regular old barbell squats lol
Back squats are a young person's game hah, I'm curious to hear what you think about the belt squat machine. I've never tried one but bells of steel sells a residential belt squat that looks pretty sweet..
What do you like instead of back squats?
I switched to zerchers, for me they seem to work perfectly. I can get all the way down without any struggle and my back feels amazing. I imagine front squats would be very similar. My 1rm was about 340lbs for back squat and now for zerchers its 300, but it took a few months to build up to it
Thanks, I'll have to look into it a bit. I don't like front squats, so I always do back squats.
They are kind of uncomfortable on your elbows where you're holding the barbell. But I put a little bit of pipe insulation on there and it no trouble. It's a little bit of a wider stance and I find it simpler technique wise. Basically just sitting down and standing up, overall I feel it's a little simpler than back squats. Hopefully they work out for you
I’ll report back when I try it! I was in the middle of a ten week program when they delivered it, definitely gonna use it in the next one.
I think what I’m excited to try it with is moving some heavy leg compounds to the middle of the workout after hinges. Like Bulgarians, then RDLs, then heavy belt squats. Normally once my low back is cooked from the deadlifts I can’t really do anything productive with a heavy barbell on my back. Would be a great option to have if it works well
good stuff!