No squat rack for the moment, Bottom up squats?

[AFC96]

Hey guys,

for the past 1 month my gym threw out or getting the squat rack renovated or something idk.. so know i dont have a power cage squat rack. Therefore i have been squatting bottom to up.

I balance the barbell between two bench and squat bottoms up. is this safe enough? im squatting 140lbs, im still new trying to improve my squats, so i must squat.

[AFC96]

goiing to hit the gym soon.. any advice guys..

[baijiu]

I had never heard of "bottoms up," so I looked it up. Holy moly, and you're using two benches? Are you sure that you're not compromising the arch in your back?

I don't know man, it seems pretty low to me, and if you find yourself crunching up and bending over awkwardly with a serious curve in your back, then I would say don't do it. Your back is precious, and if you're new to lifting as you say, then you should probably be a bit more cautious about putting yourself in such compromising positions.

If you want to work your legs with a barbell, and if the "bottoms up" squats are as cramped as I imagine them to be in your case, then I would recommend doing something like Jefferson squats for hams and glutes, then barbell hack squats for quads.

What's the rush? If you're putting your back in jeopardy, then you should probably just wait for the power rack to return and make do with other exercises, or find a better way to get your squat fix in (leg press machine?)

[AFC96]

I had never heard of "bottoms up," so I looked it up. Holy moly, and you're using two benches? Are you sure that you're not compromising the arch in your back?

I don't know man, it seems pretty low to me, and if you find yourself crunching up and bending over awkwardly with a serious curve in your back, then I would say don't do it. Your back is precious, and if you're new to lifting as you say, then you should probably be a bit more cautious about putting yourself in such compromising positions.

If you want to work your legs with a barbell, and if the "bottoms up" squats are as cramped as I imagine them to be in your case, then I would recommend doing something like Jefferson squats for hams and glutes, then barbell hack squats for quads.

What's the rush? If you're putting your back in jeopardy, then you should probably just wait for the power rack to return and make do with other exercises, or find a better way to get your squat fix in (leg press machine?)

oh yeah i forgot to mention im 5ft2.. so that space between the bench actually really fits my squat.. no joke..

[baijiu]

oh yeah i forgot to mention im 5ft2.. so that space between the bench actually really fits my squat.. no joke..

In that case, I don't know man. If it's comfy and your form is tight, I can't see why that would be a problem. Then again, if that's true, then why are you asking?

[FitsWannabe]

That sound a bit dangerous to me. Nobody can predict what's gonna happen soon if you squat like that.

Since you only squat around 140lbs, why not temporary try to squat with dumbbell. 70lbs dumbbell per hand still manageable IMO. Use strap if your grip is failing. That's a good alternative until your gym's squat rack is back in action. Other than that, try hack squat machine or clean the barbell and front squat if you can make it.

Search for barbell hack squat which you doesn't require squat rack. And it begins with the bar set up like deadlift but it is behind you instead of front.

[mtownballer20]

Why not do some pre-exhaust work with leg press or something for the time being?

[lee__d]

Steinborn squat, brah.

do it

[TJP33]

the above video actually reminded me, you could do a squat variation with a tbar..

*****://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8NVdrpj_PQ

the above is actually a different version of what I was thinking, what I was thinking you would stand on the other end of the weight/ holding the weight around your chest- for a quad dominant squat...
im sure this is already out and may have a name?

[Rasputin4]

Barbell hack squats are a great move I cycle in from time to time, since you don't have any rack at all, I'd start with them, they are also very safe....

Then you could clean a barbell or a pair of dumbbells and front squat, you're working weight will be way down by that point....

[janson8000]

you could barbell hack squats, zercher squats, or clean the bar to your shoulder and front squat it

[mikegilbert1986]

Steinborn squat, brah.

do it

Ohh hell noooo

[klokos]

U trying to injure yourself?

Stick w leg press, lunges, and other leg exercises until u get the squat rack back

[Alyion]

Honestly I would just not squat and stick to leg presses and extensions. You don't need to squat at all. I suppose if you have a smith machine you can try front squats (but I wouldn't back squat in one).

[IDrinkBloodLOL]

Steinborn squat, brah.

do it

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to lee__d again.

[janson8000]

Steinborn squat, brah.

do it

that looks like an injury waiting to happen

[IDrinkBloodLOL]

that looks like an injury waiting to happen

Do some research. That was done for decades.

[Rasputin4]

Do some research. That was done for decades.

Mr. Rousseau, I'm willing to bet the Steinborn squat is extremely techniqud dependent with a high chance of injury, I'd rather not.

Especially when there are multiple better options available, such as the ones I already mentioned in this thread.