I talked to a trainer today. He told me I should squat with an EZ on my chest.

[xnxbxax]

I was looking around at a new gym that I'm thinking of joining and a PT worked with me for a bit. He had me doing squats with my heels raised on plates and an EZ bar across my chest/resting on my shoulders. Essentially he said this was much safer than standard BB squats and it promotes good posture. This guy clearly has experience because he's trained NFL players, but I've never seen someone squat like this before. Does anyone have any knowledge concerning this variation of squatting?

[fnares]

I was looking around at a new gym that I'm thinking of joining and a PT worked with me for a bit. He had me doing squats with my heels raised on plates and an EZ bar across my chest/resting on my shoulders. Essentially he said this was much safer than standard BB squats and it promotes good posture. This guy clearly has experience because he's trained NFL players, but I've never seen someone squat like this before. Does anyone have any knowledge concerning this variation of squatting?

Sounds like a from squat with an EZ Bar. It does promote good posture, but I've never been too fond of them. Try it out, see how you like it. If it's not working for you then tell him you want to do regular squats.

[PeterGibbons316]

I hope this 'trainer' isn't someone you are giving money to for advice.

[Jasonk282]

I hope this 'trainer' isn't someone you are giving money to for advice.

Shhh...I need the money. It's the holiday season

[fnares]

Shhh...I need the money. It's the holiday season

OP, nevermind my post. Your PT is amazing, let him do his job. You just listen. (Hope I convinced him for you )

[MichaelCJ]

dafuq

[xnxbxax]

I hope this 'trainer' isn't someone you are giving money to for advice.

Nope, it was free. Everyone who visits gets a free mini workout/assessment

[jd2967]

If you have access to the internet and can't figure out how to properly squat on your own, you probably shouldn't be in the gym near all that movable metal.

[-Lucifer]

Stay away from that chap.

If you have access to the internet and can't figure out how to properly squat on your own, you probably shouldn't be in the gym near all that movable metal.

This.

[Jasonk282]

If you have access to the internet and can't figure out how to properly squat on your own, you probably shouldn't be in the gym near all that movable metal.

This for sure.

[cdurflinger]

If you have access to the internet and can't figure out how to properly squat on your own, you probably shouldn't be in the gym near all that movable metal.

Just thought I would reinforce it.

THIS

[wisdommaster1]

Front squats are awesome but I would do them with a barbell and not an EZ bar

[Yarby]

Front squats are awesome but I would do them with a barbell and not an EZ bar

Easy for you to say. Not everybody can front squat over 45lbs like all the big guys like you, Ronnie Coleman, Phil Heath, and The Situation!









Wait...

lol

[wisdommaster1]

Easy for you to say. Not everybody can front squat over 45lbs like all the big guys like you, Ronnie Coleman, Phil Heath, and The Situation!









Wait...

lol

hahaha EZ bars seem too short but I suppose they could work

also why I the Situation on that list... he clearly doesnt do legs lol

[Yarby]

Well... the situation is the most jacked and tan dude ever! He even said so himself. He wouldn't have said it if it wasn't true, right? lol

[PaulRivers]

If you have access to the internet and can't figure out how to properly squat on your own, you probably shouldn't be in the gym near all that movable metal.

I've learned off the internet and from Rippetoes book, and over 3 weeks ago I injured my leg badly enough to completely stop lifting - and it was just yesterday that it's finally started feeling like it's getting anywhere near completely healing up. I think I've figured out what I was doing wrong, but I'm looking at spending over a month not doing any leg work at all so I don't keep reinjuring it.

Can you learn to squat without a trainer? Yes. Would I have *much* rather had an experienced trainer and avoided this injury completely? Yes. And would a *good* trainer have saved me weeks worth of internet research and reading? Yes.

[PaulRivers]

I was looking around at a new gym that I'm thinking of joining and a PT worked with me for a bit. He had me doing squats with my heels raised on plates and an EZ bar across my chest/resting on my shoulders. Essentially he said this was much safer than standard BB squats and it promotes good posture. This guy clearly has experience because he's trained NFL players, but I've never seen someone squat like this before. Does anyone have any knowledge concerning this variation of squatting?

Like the 2nd guy to reply said, if you're holding the bar in front of your while squatting it's a "front squat". The usual "squat" is a "back squat".

[Footballa_19]

This trainer is doing exactly what he should. I shake my head at some of these comments. The plates emphasize to keep your weight on your heels, the front squat naturally aligns the spine to teach you shoulder flexion, straight back, and open chest while squatting. Just because he doesnt throw you in a rack your first day only means one thing, he knows what he's doing. Squats are one of the most important lifts you'll ever do, get it right and save the injuries for the guys with egos.

[midcoastking33]

This trainer is doing exactly what he should. I shake my head at some of these comments. The plates emphasize to keep your weight on your heels, the front squat naturally aligns the spine to teach you shoulder flexion, straight back, and open chest while squatting. Just because he doesnt throw you in a rack your first day only means one thing, he knows what he's doing. Squats are one of the most important lifts you'll ever do, get it right and save the injuries for the guys with egos.

Front squat with an ez bar. sounds legit

[-Lucifer]

This trainer is doing exactly what he should. I shake my head at some of these comments. The plates emphasize to keep your weight on your heels, the front squat naturally aligns the spine to teach you shoulder flexion, straight back, and open chest while squatting. Just because he doesnt throw you in a rack your first day only means one thing, he knows what he's doing. Squats are one of the most important lifts you'll ever do, get it right and save the injuries for the guys with egos.

Why front squat with the EZ bar? That seems awkward as hell to me.

[Footballa_19]

Why front squat with the EZ bar? That seems awkward as hell to me.

You start people with an EZ bar because it isnt as long as a barbell, which keeps the weight closer to the body, making it easier for beginners to balance in a front squat. Other than that it is strictly preference.

[DJAuto]

Most commercial gym trainers' "expertise" isn't worth the paper their "certifications" are printed on. Not all -- but most, in my experience.

[Garage Rat]

He should of had you do goblet squats instead IMO.
Did he check your form and technique on the basic barbell exercises?
Thats what i would of done first.

[Footballa_19]

He should of had you do goblet squats instead IMO.
Did he check your form and technique on the basic barbell exercises?
Thats what i would of done first.

Agreed. Goblet squats are def. my fav to start when introducing weight to squat form.

[jd2967]

Agreed. Goblet squats are def. my fav to start when introducing weight to squat form.

Yes, let's do a different exercise than the one you're trying to learn to learn it better.

Oh, wait...

[k9pit]

I was looking around at a new gym that I'm thinking of joining and a PT worked with me for a bit. He had me doing squats with my heels raised on plates and an EZ bar across my chest/resting on my shoulders.
..............
Does anyone have any knowledge concerning this variation of squatting?

Douche squats.