I’m looking to switch my squat variation this upcoming leg day and just wanted some thoughts on this. Sorry if this discussion is going on somewhere else on the forum…didnt feel like looking.
IMMORTAL
[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
I’m looking to switch my squat variation this upcoming leg day and just wanted some thoughts on this. Sorry if this discussion is going on somewhere else on the forum…didnt feel like looking.
IMMORTAL
[/quote]
Why the switch? Bored? Injury? Back squat pussyitis flaring up? j/k
I find them very different. For me, Zerchers are more of a power movement and front squats have more of a quad focus. Both hit the core pretty hard. I need to use one of those pussy-pads for Zerchers since I have some forearm/bicep tendonitis.
Count, I don’t know for an aesthetic affect. But I do know a lot of use throwers do a lot of zercher squatting due to the hip drive you have to have. I think I see more zercher squatting than front squatting.
zerchers are usually more hips/glutes, front squats more quads. I like them both. No reason you can’t use both of them, alternating or something.
If bodybuilding is the main focus front squats would be a better option but dont see why you would go through all the trouble to get the movement down when their is much better alternatives for overall quad development. the hack squat and leg press being one of them.
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?
[quote]therajraj wrote:
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?[/quote]
Not yet anyways…and I’ve done as much as 525…
Personally, I think it helped heal up a strain I had in my forearm, might’ve had to do with rolling it out or something weird like that.
[quote]hungry4more wrote:
[quote]therajraj wrote:
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?[/quote]
Not yet anyways…and I’ve done as much as 525…
Personally, I think it helped heal up a strain I had in my forearm, might’ve had to do with rolling it out or something weird like that. [/quote]
How long does it take to get comfortable with the bar position, if ever? I tried them once and those fuckers hurt. When I want to hit the glutes and hamstrings with something different, I do Jefferson squats. Have you tried those?
Video a little grainy
Ok, the reason I want to switch is pretty much boredpm. I’ve used Back Squats and Front Squats for around three months each this year and just want to change. Zercher Squats are not anything new to me so learning the move isnt the issue.
My concern is is the place the exercise has in bodybuilding.
I have two leg days ham and quad
Quad: Leg Press,Hack Squat,Front Squat,Leg Extension
HamL Single Leg Curl,RDL variation,Glute Bridge,Gironda Ham Curl
I think zerchers are a good sub for front squats because I have LP and HS moves in there already…just wanted some ideas.
[quote]EvanX wrote:
[quote]hungry4more wrote:
[quote]therajraj wrote:
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?[/quote]
Not yet anyways…and I’ve done as much as 525…
Personally, I think it helped heal up a strain I had in my forearm, might’ve had to do with rolling it out or something weird like that. [/quote]
How long does it take to get comfortable with the bar position, if ever? I tried them once and those fuckers hurt. When I want to hit the glutes and hamstrings with something different, I do Jefferson squats. Have you tried those?
Video a little grainy[/quote]
I used to do these but we called them Roman Squats. Good stuff…to me, feels like a lunge and a deadlift. haha
[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
Ok, the reason I want to switch is pretty much boredpm. I’ve used Back Squats and Front Squats for around three months each this year and just want to change. Zercher Squats are not anything new to me so learning the move isnt the issue.
My concern is is the place the exercise has in bodybuilding.
I have two leg days ham and quad
Quad: Leg Press,Hack Squat,Front Squat,Leg Extension
HamL Single Leg Curl,RDL variation,Glute Bridge,Gironda Ham Curl
I think zerchers are a good sub for front squats because I have LP and HS moves in there already…just wanted some ideas.[/quote]
Zerchers are just another way of doing front squat (re: its a front squat). I dont give a fuck what anybody says. I actually find them more comfortable than bodybuilder type front squats. If you want more quad activation, just rest your heels on a 4x4 or some weight plates and use a narrow stance. Done and done.
[quote]forbes wrote:
[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
Ok, the reason I want to switch is pretty much boredpm. I’ve used Back Squats and Front Squats for around three months each this year and just want to change. Zercher Squats are not anything new to me so learning the move isnt the issue.
My concern is is the place the exercise has in bodybuilding.
I have two leg days ham and quad
Quad: Leg Press,Hack Squat,Front Squat,Leg Extension
HamL Single Leg Curl,RDL variation,Glute Bridge,Gironda Ham Curl
I think zerchers are a good sub for front squats because I have LP and HS moves in there already…just wanted some ideas.[/quote]
Zerchers are just another way of doing front squat (re: its a front squat). I dont give a fuck what anybody says. I actually find them more comfortable than bodybuilder type front squats. If you want more quad activation, just rest your heels on a 4x4 or some weight plates and use a narrow stance. Done and done.[/quote]
Good deal, lover.
i do zerchers as the quad assistance for 5/3/1, they work fine, just make sure your elbows dont hit the top of your legs unless you like bruises
Also in my case Zerchers are way more comfortable in terms of spinal load, i had a disc issue from grappling competitions, thought id never be able to squat again but after rehabing and now using Zerchers, its A-Okay 
Accidentally the inner elbow and the inner of the knee are more sensible in touching.
Is it really more comfortable to put a heavy bar in a place where nerves and vessels pass under?
I had an issue with my forearm caused by zerchers, but I’m beginning to think it had more to do with the severely rounded upper back I had when doing them (and most other lower body lifts). Probably messed up a disk or something, seems I spent most of last year trying to destroy my thoracic vertebrate.
You do what you gotta do to grow… for some of us other forms of squats are detramental to our spines so we find a comprimise to continue pushing ourselves! Its a different way of pushing yourself and can you honestly say having a bar passing over your shoulders & clavicles is comfortable?
[quote]hungry4more wrote:
[quote]therajraj wrote:
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?[/quote]
Not yet anyways…and I’ve done as much as 525…
Personally, I think it helped heal up a strain I had in my forearm, might’ve had to do with rolling it out or something weird like that. [/quote]
525!!! thats ridiculous!! lol good job, I thought my 300lb one was good, frig lol
One thing I like about Zerchers is that they help you with your Back Squat technique.
[quote]hungry4more wrote:
[quote]therajraj wrote:
For those of who you have Zercher Squatted heavy, have you seen any negative impact on your forearms/elbows?[/quote]
Not yet anyways…and I’ve done as much as 525…
Personally, I think it helped heal up a strain I had in my forearm, might’ve had to do with rolling it out or something weird like that. [/quote]
Were you doing anything special bar placement wise? I’ve done 405 with a good bit left in the tank, but my forearms/hands went pretty numb after rep 1.