I know this post when cause many to think I deserve a punch in the nuts but it is a legitimate question… Lately every time I have a squat workout coming up I find myself dreading going to the gym. Everything feels heavy and my form feels off. My other lifts aren’t so bad. Bench, presses and dead lifts don’t feel as bad . I have no idea why the squat is causing me these problems. What I am wondering is would it be better to avoid squatting completely for a while or should I really lower my weights and squat with much less weight and focus on doing it right?
Yes you should squat. Either lower the TM like you said and make slow progress. Or you could also try “jack shit” assistance for squats. Meaning just squat then leave. It should be easy to put 100% into the squat if it is your only lift.
Or just stop psyching yourself out and commit to being great. Sounds like you have a mental block on the squat.
[quote]obrnpwrlftr wrote:
I really lower my weights and squat with much less weight and focus on doing it right?[/quote]
This, and also you may try starting each training session with some light squatting (kinda of “More squatting” template). This will dial on your technique, enhance your recovery and overcome your mental block, if you have one.
[quote]fabiop wrote:
[quote]obrnpwrlftr wrote:
I really lower my weights and squat with much less weight and focus on doing it right?[/quote]
This, and also you may try starting each training session with some light squatting (kinda of “More squatting” template). This will dial on your technique, enhance your recovery and overcome your mental block, if you have one.[/quote]
A few Questions, Whats your current BW and squat max? Any injuries? Id maybe “change” the type of squat you’re doing. As in maybe try paused squats, front squats etc. But overall you’re probably gonna get flamed a bit for this question, at the end of the day you are responsible for motivating yourself. Not much anyone here can say will help. But sometimes a similar movement that has strong carryover can help make things “fresh” again.
Squat more frequently and experiment with different stances and styles and eventually you will find a groove.
If it’s so hard just lower your estimated max of squat. For a few weeks stop fightning for more reps in final sets and dont go crazy on assistance if you do BBB version.
Or just suck it up and improve your technique. Video of your form might help to solve the problem.
While I believe in squatting and the 4 other big lifts, I also believe that if you don’t want to do something, you shouldn’t.
There are no rules in the weight room - there are some general rules if you want to be successful, but training is supposed to be fun. Or at least not awful. So do what you want to do.
The last thing I’m going to do is something I don’t want to.
Thanks for the replies everyone. It’s not that I don’t want to squat. I do. I think I have just hit a bump in the road with squatting. I was not looking for someone to give me an excuse not to squat. I don’t need excuses. What I was asking is the best method to get over the hump. Lay off for a few weeks, use a different squat movement or lighten the load. I am sure others have run into problems like this. I was just interested in hearing what you guys did to get past it.
lighten the TM do some pause squat of 3x5 FSL get form in check and just do some squats its all in your head and your the one in control NOV
“And focus on doing it right.”
Why aren’t you doing it “right”? That makes no sense to me. I’m assuming you are doing 5/3? If not, you should. This is why, for the 1000000 time, I recommend it.
[quote]obrnpwrlftr wrote:
Thanks for the replies everyone. It’s not that I don’t want to squat. I do. I think I have just hit a bump in the road with squatting. I was not looking for someone to give me an excuse not to squat. I don’t need excuses. What I was asking is the best method to get over the hump. Lay off for a few weeks, use a different squat movement or lighten the load. I am sure others have run into problems like this. I was just interested in hearing what you guys did to get past it.[/quote]
I hit a plateau with my squats doing 5/3/1 and BBB a few months back. At the time, I also sought some help from Mr. Wendler himself. A few things that helped me come unstuck included:
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Going back a few 5/3/1 cycles and really focusing on hitting new PRs for reps on the last sets. When I got back to my plateau point recently I left it in the dust. At times, it was necessary to back off on the BBB work a little to compensate for the energy used hitting the PRs. Hitting PRs gave me confidence that I was making progress and helped me look forward to squatting.
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At Jim’s recommendation, I started focusing more of my accessory work on fixing weak points that were holding my squat back. For me it was core strength. So, I now make sure to hit all my core stuff (Good Mornings, hanging leg raises, etc.) while I still have some energy in the tank and really make sure I’m putting in an honest effort on them.
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Putting even more attention into my form and technique all the way from visualization to set-up to breathing to mental cues, etc. I found that I clocked a few small little things that I was doing that were potentially leading to strength leaks when under heavier (for me) loads.
That’s it. Just step back, check your ego at the door, drop the weight and focus on what’s making you weak under the squat bar. It’s incredibly simple, if not easy.
good post, this.
5/3 periodization is that were every 5th cycle you reset your tm to the third months?
Thanks boomka. That was helpful
[quote]knormxxx wrote:
5/3 periodization is that were every 5th cycle you reset your tm to the third months?[/quote]
Yes. 5 steps forward, 3 back. Repeat.
Cool thanks I’m not really sure were I missed that.