Don't have "ideal" body for squatting?

[user23960508710788]

What features make a body less suitable for back squatting?
I've always had a hard time with back squats, even after several years, I find it very hard to add weight and my legs lag... I'm assuming my hips/glutes/back are getting most of the workout.

I have very wide shoulders and a tiny waist, to give you an example, before I started lifting I was around 18 percent bodyfat and still had a 31 inch waist.
I'm curious if having such a small waist makes it harder to sustain heavy weight on the trapz?

As alternatives I've tried barbell hack squats (not machine, the old school type) in which I have no problem and can lift nearly twice as much.
Also tried front squats, in which I can lift almost the same amount as I back squat... which definitely isn't right.

By the above it seems my legs aren't the issue, it's something in my torso/waist/hips that's not right.

[brad71983]

arent hack squats and front squats the same thing?

anyways, are you making sure your stance is wide enough and that your toes are pointed outwards? if your feet are too close it will make it hard on your knees to go down very far and will most likley make you lean forward.

[Hack Squat]

arent hack squats and front squats the same thing?

No, hack squats are done on a hip sled usually, front squats are just squats with the bar held in front of you on your shoulders.

[The Real Deal]

arent hack squats and front squats the same thing?

Just to add to what hack squat said, freeweight hacks squats are done with the BB behind you, like a reverse deadlift.

[brad71983]

Just to add to what hack squat said, freeweight hacks squats are done with the BB behind you, like a reverse deadlift.

yea just looked at that, my bad

[user23960508710788]

I don't think it's the foot positioning... with barbell hacks and front squat I have no problem progressing in weight regardless of foot placement.
With back squats my legs don't feel worked out at all, which is why I'm guessing it's mostly other muscles hoisting up the weight.

After hacks or front squats, my legs nearly give out... after back squats, nothing.

[crzyhorse]

What features make a body less suitable for back squatting?
I've always had a hard time with back squats, even after several years, I find it very hard to add weight and my legs lag... I'm assuming my hips/glutes/back are getting most of the workout.

I have very wide shoulders and a tiny waist, to give you an example, before I started lifting I was around 18 percent bodyfat and still had a 31 inch waist.
I'm curious if having such a small waist makes it harder to sustain heavy weight on the trapz?

As alternatives I've tried barbell hack squats (not machine, the old school type) in which I have no problem and can lift nearly twice as much.
Also tried front squats, in which I can lift almost the same amount as I back squat... which definitely isn't right.

By the above it seems my legs aren't the issue, it's something in my torso/waist/hips that's not right.

Really, I finally found what works for me. Being 6'3" I've always struggled with back squats. This year I started going ATG, I've had to lower the weight, but these feel much better. It is taking some time to stretch and loosen the knees, but still everything feels much better over all. My form is much improved and my strength has come way up. Short legs tend to squat with more ease, but if your using proper form, there is no ideal build to recieve the full benifits of the exercise.

So, unless your considering competing, keep squating, cause they're good for you. My one suggestion is start with a managable weight and take it atg, you'll get way more out of it.

[jf1]

i also have trouble piling on the poundage for squats...
so much so that i have just about given up on trying to squat heavy!
my squat workouts are far more satisfying now that i do 6x12, 4x15, 1x20 etc...

high reps and ATG!
i think that some of us just arent meant to squat heavy but that doesnt mean we cant get a great workout and leg growth and all the other benefits of the king of exercises!

[crzyhorse]

ROM going ATG will get you the most out of squats no matter if your going heavy or not.