I guess it is a bit pointless but I wanted to see what the weight they used on Conan’s wheel might feel like a bit. I will lower the pins over the coming weeks and work full rom.in too.
Any opinions on this . It felt ok… I will probably add a belt and perhaps knee wraps. I always appreciate the feedback guys.
I want to hit a big quarter squat from the pins . Failed with 200 kg today but was tired from this.
I wrote an article on these a while ago:
I personally love them. I see them as a super heavy plank 
A friend of mine that I help with his training has done in the high 600 (might be over 700 now) on this (he can full Zercher squat 500, which is more than he can front and back squat). The dude is a beat. 6’5", 275 freaking lean (I’m talking photoshoot lean without effort) and his trunk/core in unbreakable.
Thanks Christian…I have read your article. I cannot get the hang of arms extended but will try it again…I don’t do them often .
I have used many of your tips over the years. Thank you.
I can also zercher more than I can back squat. I like the deadstop from the pins even though it limits the weight.
The Conan wheel would feel a bit different because it’s a lever attached to the wheel in the middle, meaning that there will be more weight on the side closer to the wheel.
Thanks I might try and make a trip to a gym where I can try it out.
You know a gym that has a Conan wheel? That’s rare, but awesome.
I don’t . But there is a strong man gym in the next city somewhere Cardiff.
I does seem to be more common in the UK. But my experience is limited to the North where my friend Jack Lovett has a kick ass strongman gym.
I have never tried. I am nowhere near big enough for strongman. But it looks like a lot of fun. I’m in the South in Wales.
Watching WSM now lol.
I will take another look at your article on zerchers. I find I can get tighter fingers locked but it does feel more unnatural. I am fairly used to the pain. Don’t feel it much by now. I have never lifted more than 180 kg before today ( below parallel).
Would you recommend belt or no belt?
The head coach at my business (Tom Sheppard) and his wife (Naomi Sheppard) are both from Wales. Naomi is a world record holder in the squat with a 265kg raw squat at 67.5kg (she did a double with 270 in training).
Yes, the locked fingers will certainly help you lift more weight and is better for the core because of that.
Keeping both arms separate can’t be done with as much weight, BUT it is a bigger challenge for the upper back, traps and shoulders.
I did not know they were Welsh. I saw her 180 kg zercher very nice lift indeed. Super impressive at her weight. Inspired me to do lift last year.
I follow her Insta.
If you wear a belt the proper way, use a belt as it does not reduces core activation.
The proper way is NOT to cinch the belt too much and before squatting, fill your belly with air and push into the belt with your stomach. Basically you use the belt to create more internal pressure with your abs.
If you cinch it tight and let the belt artificially stabilize the torso, yeah, that’s less effective for the developing core strength.
Thanks. Is the way I brace without a belt ok?
I will tryba belt next time
Awesome! She’s great! She does programing for me and also does customer service. And now, they are both working with Dave Tate too (they just moved to the US), so that’s a pretty good situation for them.
It’s the same way, fill the belly, push out the abs, then tighten as if you are gonna get punched in the stomach. But with the loads you are doing beltless, I assume that your core is ok.
Thanks. I will probably feel it tomorrow.
Would I do more with a belt?
Yes… most likely
Thanks Christian. Do you watch Wsm ? Pretty entertaining stuff.