Overhead squats are a great core exercise, but you better have no instability of your gh joint. If you do they could be counterproductive, sending you to surgery land. All the ART would be useless.
actually, i am a competitive powerlifter with some descent lifts. i don’t see how overhead squatting with a weight much lighter than my squat or deadlift is going to help my squat, bench, or deadlift. i doubt it will place a significant load on any of the muscles i need to work on to improve my core lifts. i doubt you will find many competitive powerlifters how do (other than amy w).
pete, i technically should have put an asterisk next to strength athlete. You are right, i believe, and i have read the q&A w/ dave, and for a PLer overhead squats aren’t neccessarily needed or even helpful.
What do some of the ‘big boys’ you coach use in overhead squats? I guess I was curious as to football players or anyone else you have do them besides Olympic lifters who seem to do it as part of their sport.
Pete, keep in mind that Coach Davies recommends OH squats to athletes in sports other than PL. I still think they’re a great core exercise, great for teaching your body to work as a unit and as a way to increase trunk stability. But for a PL’er they probably aren’t as valuable.
A number of athletes I have “toy” with 225 and higher. Once an athlete becomes comfortable with the movement, I begin to move them into Overhead Lunges as well. Hope to hear of your success. In faith, Coach Davies
I’ve only been lifting for about year now, but I really benefit from overhead squats and lunges. I can only rep about 120lbs, but let me tell yah, my ass/thighs/calves are sore for days after this routine. I lift in my basement, so I don’t have access to a rack. This is the best alternative IMO.