Squat video - grip matters?

[mli16]

So I have done Wendler's 5-3-1 for 3 full cycles now (with the modification that instead of using the percentages exactly, I would do the first 2 sets and try to work up to as heavy as I could on the last working set. I have read the entire book, and decided that instead of strictly following every percentage, this is what I want to do. I'm not too frightened of hitting a block on my lifts because I only started lifting this past summer in July, and my numbers are not at the level where improvement is difficult. For instance, my squat max in July was 185 lbs).

Anyways, 3 weeks ago, I was on my 3-rep week, and on squat day, I had worked up to 3x265, and decided to try 3x275, but I only got up to 1x275, and then 2x275 after trying again. The very next week, I decided to experiment with my grip. I held the bar in a suicide grip (thumb on the outside, not wrapped around) while squatting. For some reason, it made my squat feel better, but from what I saw in the mirror and what I would think, I can't understand why that would make a difference at all and I guess it doesn't sound too sensible either.

Today, I was doing my 5-rep squat workout, and I hit 5x275, with less effort than I gave when I failed 3x275. I haven't even been doing any real assistance leg exercises after my squat workouts, so it's kind of weird to see these gains so quickly. What do you guys think - is it the grip change or no? I can't think of anything else.

Here's a video of the 5x275 I did today. It was preceded by: 5x135, 5x225, 5x235, and 5x255, and followed by a set of 12x225 and a set of 12x185. I'm standing a little wider than shoulder width.

[Jmadden44]

Why not just do starting strength? Squatting 3x a week adding 10lbs each workout if all reps are completed?


I'm also starting to squat thumb over the bar, keeps the weight off the wrist and elbow.

[BombDonald]

Definitely can make a difference. It really comes down to personal comfort, if it works better stick with it. I've tried it a few times over the years but I've always hated it.

[lee__d]

I use a thumb over the bar grip, too. I can't get my elbows down enough to not stress my wrists, so it works for me. Some people like a regular grip and to squeeze the bar.

[Cdt_Richards]

I've noticed that my grip will vary slightly based upon bar placement on my back. A high bar squat, I've always kept a slightly more narrow grip, just a comfort thing. Low bar powerlifting style squat, I'll go a little wider and raise the elbow up to create more of a "shelf" with my shoulders/traps for the bar to rest on. In the end though, as long as the bar is secured, it comes down to personal preference and comfort.

[mli16]

Seems that grip does matter - I'll just stick with what I'm doing now then because it feels much more natural. Thanks guys.

As for why I'm doing what I'm doing and not, say, SS, I don't have aspirations to be a (for lack of better word) "focused" powerlifter doing meets and competitions. I like lifting for my own reasons, and I'm doing the program that I have the most fun with in the gym (while still improving my lifts pretty dramatically). So sure, it might not be an optimal way to maximize strength, but it's what I like and it's what keeps me coming back everyday. Cheers