Issue with squats.

[nimbus456]

Hey guys and girls, I have a pretty simple issue.

I am having trouble putting the amount of weight I want to squat on my barbell, above my head and onto my shoulders. Rather - I can't lift that amount with my arms yet.
Are there any ways of getting around this, or safe techniques?

I don't have a rack of any kind, just a bench, some bars, weights and dumbells.
I can manage to throw lighter amounts onto my shoulders, around 30-40 kg, but it really isn't enough for me to feel like I'm achieving anything when squatting. Unless I go into the higher rep range 15+.

Thanks in advance. :3

[thehobbes]

Yeah that'd get tricky after a certain weight. Sounds like you at least need a squat stand, much cheaper than a full rack and at least it'd be better than trying to get the bar up there awkwardly. I wouldn't advise trying to rig something up on your own, you need something solid and safe for a heavy squat bar. Something small like this would work fine:



You may be able to get a good deal on craigslist or ebay for something like that. You definitely some kind of equipment to help you out, not worth a potential accident dropping a loaded bar on your skull lol.

[KCBiggs]

I have what hobbes suggested, squat stands. They are much cheaper than a rack, can hold up to 200kg (which is plenty for me) and they are smaller than a rack too, I would definitely recommend them if a rack/cage is too expensive/big.

You could also power clean the bar onto your upper chest and do front squats, but you will reach a limit on those too if you haven't already.

[nimbus456]

Sweet! Thanks for the help.

Seems like some kind of rack is imperitive if I want to go heavy.