One of the exercises I found myself using less and less of these days is the conventional back squat.
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No, I don’t think its a bad exercise and still use it. I just use far less often than I once did. I will get into the specifics as to why I have changed my mind on squatting in a future post.
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That said, its nice to know that other, well respected coaches feel that same way as I do.
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Coach Mike Boyle, just released a video called “Death of Squatting”.
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Go here to watch this eye opening video.
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It just goes to show that regardless of your experience and knowledge, there is always time to rethink what you think you know and try to make your training safer and more effective.
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And, that exactly what Mike Boyle is talking about in this video.
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Go here to watch this video now!… It just may change your entire view of squatting forever!
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I truly appreciate critical thinking and Mike Boyle’s brand of no nonsense training in particular. That said, I’m somewhat underwhelmed with Mike’s reasoning (at least how it is presented in this clip) for abandoning a movement like the squat. Perhaps it was the forum in which his idea is presented, or more likely my lack of understanding, but I’m not hearing much supportive evidence here. The suggestion that a rep max test,uni or bilateral can mathematically translate to strength or power ignores many other factors in determining strength (neural efficiency to name but one). Not to mention the format of the test, “the hind knee has to touch the Air-X pad to count the rep” seems to ignore considerations for limb length and other anatomical determinants of ROM. In summation, while I’m willing to listen to Mike’s discussion (I tend to agree with him in most cases) I’m certainly going to require more justification than this 5 min video in this situation.
were they doing bulgarian split squats in his experiment?
I want to know if I understand what Mike Boyle is saying in this video because Im confused…so because combined loads for max single leg squats can not be reproduced by the conventional back squat there are better lower body exercises than the back squat. Is that what is being said?
I could not agree more with your above comments Nick.
Personally I have moved away from squatting to deadlifts and a sandbag shouldering movement.
I think it was Gray Cook?? who said something about how much more natural deadlifting is, as it mimics the application of load as you get up off the floor; as in a child learning to walk.
Dear Coach Nick, I don’t think this info on Squatting is anything new, ie, that the strength of the low back is the limiting factor in using squats to strengthen the legs. My logic is this and it just seemed to be a natural conclusion to make. Just take the lower back out of the loop and use a leg press machine and already I’m using 100lbs. more than I can squat. I used to stay away from the machine until I realized that I could work with much heavier weights on the machine, improving leg strength and size more than I ever could using the squat alone. Even strengthening all the supporting muscles of the core and rear chain to improve my squat wasn’t making that much difference. Then I said , Heck, if I use the machine my legs can handle a lot more. So I’ve been doing one legged squats for about a year now and continue to squat as a functional movement, but also use a leg press machine. A great deal of the way I think about and formulate my ideas for my training, I learned from you and appreciate your generous help to keep us strong and injury free. I hope your injury is healing well and your on the road again.
Thanks,
gene sedita
nevermind….found his article on t nation.
Many thanks for your kind words and great comments!
The leg press can be a great piece when used correctly. I personal do not use it. But, if it is working for you. By all means keep doing it until it doesn’t. There are many supposed experts out there who like to try and tell you what’s best for you. In truth, the only real expert on your specific body is you. No one knows more about you than you. All of us other folks doing what I do are just here to give you new ideas and teach you what has worked for us.
Good luck with your training!
Coach n
Thanks for your comments! However, I’m not MIke so I cannot answer for him. I would send him an email and see what he has to say. After which, I would love to hear what he says. So, please post Mike’s comments here if you don’t mind?
Best regards!
Coach N
Yes, but Mike calls it the Rear Foot Elevated Spilt Squat
Mario,
Many, many thanks for your very smart and professionally delivered comments. I do agree with you!
Your clients are lucky to have you as their trainer!
Best regards!
Coach N