My Hoist V6 has 400 lbs. max, with a 50% resistance to it. (So 200 lb. max if I'm understanding it right.)

I've been doing 5x5's, and I currently do 5 sets of 12 reps at the full weight right now on squats.

Any suggestions on how to work the legs harder to continue to build strength?

(By the way, the bar size isn't standard [of course], so I can't slide on a couple of extra weights easily, I'd have to get weights with the large bar size hole, but then how would I hold them in place, since the brackets aren't made for that size bar...)

Hey, how about doing one legged squats. If you need to, use the other leg to balance but lift most the weight with one leg. This is what I have to do with my bowflex. There is a bar that runs down the center so I have to straddle it when I do squats. So really I can't truly do with one leg because of it, the weight would be off center.

I really don't know how your machine works, but Ruben has a good suggestion if it is possible. I heard you say you do lunges those are also great. Work the legs like squats but from different angle. You can try holding dumbells and doing what they call jump squats. It will help with strength AND agility.

Yep, been doing 4 sets of 10 lunges 3x/week. No weights with them yet, they are still enough of a pain in the butt that I haven't needed extra weight. (Hey, I still weight a LOT, gotta lift all that weight!)

I guess I could try the one legged, or mostly one leg squat idea. Not sure how safe that'd be, but I could reduce the weight a lot to try it out at first.

Oh, for the lunges, going to the side or angled forward might work the legs more too. Great idea!

Thanks for the ideas guys!

lunges are great started 2 weeks ago !!! try this before your workout stationary bike level 16 for 6 mins then start your routine the pump in my qauds are awsome

Yeah, you definitely will want to lower the weight to do one legged squats. You can also do a "barbell lunge" with your machine. You just use the lunge motion instead of squatting and alternate legs. How well that would work with your machine I'm not sure because I can't see it or know exactly isn't motions.

Another thing I do, is "slow down" during the squat. Ever heard of the "Power of 10"? That is 10 seconds up and 10 seconds down. Get ready for the burn!

I'm not fast on them, but dang - 10 seconds up and down? Not sure I'm ready for that! First step for the next week (perhaps two) is just retraining myself to go lower than I have been.

Just remember, don't go too low. I don't care what some people want to say about how lower is better. That's horse manure. Don't go past parallel otherwise you open yourself up to a slew of injuries. Even HUGE powerlifters do their max at parallel and that is as far as they are required to go for competition. This atg or ath mentality bothers me because of the major increase in injurty. btw, that is (azz to ground) or (azz to heels)