Is It Safe to Barbell Back Squat with Strength Imbalances?

[planetcybertron]

@iamawesomedev

It may be possible that due to the fact we are left or right brain dominant, I perform better one side than the other. Do you think this could be it?

No. I do not.

[flipcollar]

@iamawesomedev

I don’t know man. Body weight exercises can get really hard! Have you seen the crazy things gymnasts do?

I don’t think he was implying that ANYTHING with just your bodyweight is not so bad, lol. we’re just talking about squats here.

But speaking of gymanstics, there are some terribly difficult movements on the rings. Iron cross for example. I have very, very strong shoulders, and it still feels impossible.

[iamawesomedev]

All right. It could just be that I am more comfortable on my right leg.

[planetcybertron]

Could be that too.

But you’re in the clear to squat. So just start practicing the movement.

[iamawesomedev]

For sure. Just did them (barbell back squat) yesterday.

[flipcollar]

Also, I meant to respond to the main topic at hand.

Everyone has minor imbalances on unilateral exercises. Most people can’t do EXACTLY the same number of things like pistol squats with each leg. When I do dumbbell rows, one arm usually feels slightly easier than the other. When I overhead press, I don’t always lock out each arm at the same time.

Overall, it’s more a coordination thing than anything else, not necessarily a muscular imbalance. Our nervous system is built to be more efficient on one side or the other, unless you’re truly perfectly ambidextrous, and that’s quite rare. Usually if you’re right handed, you’re left footed. and vice versa.

[SkyzykS]

@flipcollar

But speaking of gymanstics, there are some terribly difficult movements on the rings. Iron cross for example. I have very, very strong shoulders, and it still feels impossible.

There’s probably a 4th degree polynomial that says why, but those were a lot easier when I was 16 and wrestled at 120-125.

Now, No. Just not gonna happen.

[iamawesomedev]

All right. So those imbalances are insignificantly small.

[SOUL_FIGHTER]

@planetcybertron

@iamawesomedev

It may be possible that due to the fact we are left or right brain dominant, I perform better one side than the other. Do you think this could be it?

No. I do not.

Same. This literally has nothing to do with it. It has more to do with the fact that you have better balance on one leg than the other.

[strongmangoals]

@flipcollar

Does anyone else in here get crazy quad cramps from doing these?

Nah, I just fall on my ass. I have no idea how people do these things - I have the ankle mobility of a mule so there’s that.

[iamawesomedev]

@SkyzykS

knowing he has no athleticism to speak of

I have played sports competitively, both inside and outside of school teams. I have athletic experience, just not much in the weight room. I haven’t done exercise outside of playing the sport itself until about sophomore year of high school. I have only been doing resistance training specifically for slightly over an year.

[SOUL_FIGHTER]

Good call - even more reason to prioritize barbell work and use calisthenics as accessory/GPP work

[SkyzykS]

@iamawesomedev

I have played sports competitively,

Did you win?

Buying belts at the local Mcdojo and sitting down the whole game don’t really count. Not saying that’s what you did, just clarifying that there is a difference between wearing a shirt and winning.

Regardless of that, do what ever floats your boat. Just figured that with a year of weight training and your history of other stuff that you might want to try something that works.

[SOUL_FIGHTER]

Just because somebody doesn’t win doesn’t invalidate their training/competition.

I trained Muay Thai for years, and competed for 5 of them. I went 1-6 - and I don’t think I’m unathletic because of having a losing record. Most of the guys I lost to eventually went pro or at least won amateur titles.

I been training powerlifting for a while and I’m close to qualifying for a national level competition - but I’ve never placed top 3 in a meet. Doesn’t invalidate my training and doesn’t make me unathletic because I didn’t win. I also probably can’t hit 20 pistol squats.

[SkyzykS]

Good for you. You’re right and you win!

[SOUL_FIGHTER]

Not trying to invalidate any of your input, but this dude already has issues and confusion with his training.

To perceive himself as less athletic than he is can be detrimental to his progress. I think he can get 135+ by the end of this year, and I don’t think that’ll happen if he stops barbell squatting and changes 20 pistol squats per leg instead.

[SkyzykS]

I don’t actually consider that invalidation. More of a confirmation than anything.

[iamawesomedev]

@SkyzkyS

Just figured that with a year of weight training and your history of other stuff that you might want to try something that works.

@SOUL_FIGHTER

I don’t think that’ll happen if he stops barbell squatting and changes 20 pistol squats per leg instead

I doing both. I am barbell squatting, and right after I am hitting the unilateral exercises: lunges and assisted pistol box squats.

[iamawesomedev]

@SkyzykS

there is a difference between wearing a shirt and winning

@SkyzykS
I earned my black belt by testing for it and passing. I trained 3 to 4 years to get there. Most of us did sit-ups, planks, hanging leg raises, and burpees. I got second place and first place in some sparring and form tournaments.

After I got cut during tryouts for basketball, I practiced my shooting, dribbling, and defense for over 2 hours daily and made the team the following year. We did sled pushes, farmers walks, and running pre-season. I ended up getting playing time.

.

[T3hPwnisher]

@iamawesomedev

I earned my black belt by testing for it and passing. I trained 3 to 4 years to get there. Most of us did sit-ups, planks, hanging leg raises, and burpees. I got second place and first place in some sparring and form tournaments.

By chance, was this Tae Kwon Do?