View Full Version : My squat lagging too much?
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 03:38 PM
I can deadlift 235 lbs for 4 reps but can only squat 135 lbs for 8 reps going 2 inches below parallel. However, I used to squat much more weight going to parallel or a few inches above parallel which I don't do anymore. I can also bench 185 lbs for 6 reps. So, is my squat seriously lagging?
hillt3000
02-07-2010, 03:40 PM
What's your training like? If your not already try a program where you squat more than once a week.
-Lucifer
02-07-2010, 03:43 PM
I can deadlift 235 lbs for 4 reps but can only squat 135 lbs for 8 reps going 2 inches below parallel. However, I used to squat much more weight going to parallel or a few inches above parallel which I don't do anymore. I can also bench 185 lbs for 6 reps. So, is my squat seriously lagging?
I would think so.
What's your routine like? If you want to increase your strength, look here -- http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ:The_Program#Three_Flavors_of_Starting_Strength
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 03:49 PM
What's your training like? If your not already try a program where you squat more than once a week.
That is going to be tough with deadlifts in my routine.
hillt3000
02-07-2010, 03:58 PM
That is going to be tough with deadlifts in my routine.
No it isn't. Deadlift on a different day.
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 04:02 PM
No it isn't. Deadlift on a different day.
I already do.
hillt3000
02-07-2010, 04:06 PM
I already do.
It shouldn't a) if you're resting between days b) eating enough. But if you really find that it's too much do a heavy day, then a light day of squats.
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 07:33 PM
It shouldn't a) if you're resting between days b) eating enough. But if you really find that it's too much do a heavy day, then a light day of squats.
A light day for squatting even if I can only squat 135 lbs for 9 reps (did 9 reps today in my first set at 135 lbs) 2 inches below parallel?
hillt3000
02-07-2010, 07:38 PM
A light day for squatting even if I can only squat 135 lbs for 9 reps (did 9 reps today in my first set at 135 lbs) 2 inches below parallel?
Have a day where you do 3 x 10-12 (1-2 reps before failure) then a day where you do 5 x 5. (not sure if Im being trolled)
h8meenvyme
02-07-2010, 07:39 PM
That is going to be tough with deadlifts in my routine.
I squat twice a week. Not hard to throw in another set of squats on your chest day.
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 07:43 PM
I squat twice a week. Not hard to throw in another set of squats on your chest day.
Chest day is my deadlifting day as well.
musicianman
02-07-2010, 08:24 PM
Give widowmakers a shot... take your 10RM, and attempt 20 single reps with three full breaths at the top. Do a single set on a chest day or something.
timstone
02-07-2010, 08:42 PM
I've only done squats once since I started working out and I did 145 x 6 on my last set. Surely you can do more than me...as I'm sure you have a lot more gym time than me.
musicianman
02-07-2010, 09:54 PM
I've only done squats once since I started working out and I did 145 x 6 on my last set. Surely you can do more than me...as I'm sure you have a lot more gym time than me.
With a full ROM? No offense, but no one squats with good form on their first try.
Ironlife
02-07-2010, 10:18 PM
Yeah you got to work on that squat mate.
AVOJAMACADA
02-07-2010, 10:23 PM
needless to say who cares if it's considered a good weight or not man.I only squat like 170-180 lbs as$ to ground.But 3 months ago it was 160.At that rate a year from now I'll be hitting 200+.(hope).
Statistically yeah your squat might be a lil low IMO for the record.Ony way is up from here!!
Good luck!
MuscleGainer
02-07-2010, 10:54 PM
I've only done squats once since I started working out and I did 145 x 6 on my last set. Surely you can do more than me...as I'm sure you have a lot more gym time than me.
Are you going at least 2 inches below parallel on your squats? I can go heavier if I reduce my range of motion, however, when I went heavier, my left knee had pain. I one time did 1/3 squats with 210 lbs for 8-10 reps, 5 years ago. I could easily do sets of 25 reps doing quarter squats with 135 lbs as that is what I tried about 5 years ago as well. If I go an inch above parallel I could at least to 185 for 8 reps, but all that weight is hard on my knee and I don't want to give up squatting. Any other leg exercise I tried gave me very little results or at least maintained what I had. I'm compromising weight with more range of motion for squats right now. My upper legs respond better that way and I haven't gotten knee pain since doing it that way.
chazzy1864
02-08-2010, 03:06 AM
I've only done squats once since I started working out and I did 145 x 6 on my last set. Surely you can do more than me...as I'm sure you have a lot more gym time than me.
\/\/\/
I can deadlift 235 lbs for 4 reps but can only squat 135 lbs for 8 reps going 2 inches below parallel. However, I used to squat much more weight going to parallel or a few inches above parallel which I don't do anymore. I can also bench 185 lbs for 6 reps. So, is my squat seriously lagging?
A light day for squatting even if I can only squat 135 lbs for 9 reps (did 9 reps today in my first set at 135 lbs) 2 inches below parallel?
135x8 = 145x6 (est. 168)
135x9 > 145x6 (est. 174)
OP, it might be lagging some, but who cares. You know what ot focus on. Also, doing squats twice a week and deads once a week, shouldn't be a huge issue.
chazzy1864
02-08-2010, 03:11 AM
I've only done squats once since I started working out and I did 145 x 6 on my last set. Surely you can do more than me...as I'm sure you have a lot more gym time than me.
Irrelevant as well.
Are you going at least 2 inches below parallel on your squats? I can go heavier if I reduce my range of motion, however, when I went heavier, my left knee had pain. I one time did 1/3 squats with 210 lbs for 8-10 reps, 5 years ago. I could easily do sets of 25 reps doing quarter squats with 135 lbs as that is what I tried about 5 years ago as well. If I go an inch above parallel I could at least to 185 for 8 reps, but all that weight is hard on my knee and I don't want to give up squatting. Any other leg exercise I tried gave me very little results or at least maintained what I had. I'm compromising weight with more range of motion for squats right now. My upper legs respond better that way and I haven't gotten knee pain since doing it that way.
Justification doesn't change the weight you move. Don't worry about the others, just focus on you.
timstone
02-08-2010, 04:16 AM
With a full ROM? No offense, but no one squats with good form on their first try.
I went to parallel as far as I could tell...I'm not very flexible but I'm working on it. I also could have added at least another 20-30 lbs and done the same amount of reps but since I workout alone I don't try to push it to the max...even if I do have the safety of the rack.
chazzy1864
02-08-2010, 04:26 AM
since I workout alone I don't try to push it to the max...even if I do have the safety of the rack.
Strong paranoia of exaggerated repercussions of exercising alone?
Ironlife
02-08-2010, 04:30 AM
I went to parallel as far as I could tell...I'm not very flexible but I'm working on it. I also could have added at least another 20-30 lbs and done the same amount of reps but since I workout alone I don't try to push it to the max...even if I do have the safety of the rack.
Really? There have been plenty of times i have been stuck under 225 on the bench as i train alone but i guess im used to it.. When i do have a spotter i actually feel insecure about my strength and ironically more concerned about dropping the weight, idk.
musicianman
02-08-2010, 06:37 AM
needless to say who cares if it's considered a good weight or not man.I only squat like 170-180 lbs as$ to ground.But 3 months ago it was 160.At that rate a year from now I'll be hitting 200+.(hope).
Statistically yeah your squat might be a lil low IMO for the record.Ony way is up from here!!
Good luck!
Uhhh... you should be easily squatting 315 a year from now. What kind of routine are you doing that only increased your squat by ten pounds in three months?
Uncle Ben
02-08-2010, 06:41 AM
Give widowmakers a shot... take your 10RM, and attempt 20 single reps with three full breaths at the top. Do a single set on a chest day or something.
I disagree here. If he can only squat 135, some kind of established linear progression program is in order.
Widowmakers didn't do anything for my 1RM either. They taught me how to push my limits, but didn't make me much stronger.
Ironwake
02-08-2010, 07:34 AM
I disagree here. If he can only squat 135, some kind of established linear progression program is in order.
Widowmakers didn't do anything for my 1RM either. They taught me how to push my limits, but didn't make me much stronger.
I would think so.
What's your routine like? If you want to increase your strength, look here -- http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ:The_Program#Three_Flavors_of_Starting_Strength
These, I took my squat from 115 x 5 to 315 x 5 in 6 months. Linear progression FTW
musicianman
02-08-2010, 01:42 PM
I disagree here. If he can only squat 135, some kind of established linear progression program is in order.
Widowmakers didn't do anything for my 1RM either. They taught me how to push my limits, but didn't make me much stronger.
Fair enough. 245 was a big plateau for me, but I broke past it after a few weeks of widowmakers.