Squatting

[zadok]

I have recently move from Australia to Dubai. i love squatting heavy, it is definitely the best way to put on size and strength. however all the gyms over here are very full of posers. none of them train legs at all. the problem i am having is getting a decent spotter. because none of them squat they havent the faintest idea about how to spot properly. they always give me way too much help, even though i try explain to them how i want it done. my leg growth has come to bit of a standstill, and i really think it is because of not being able to get the most out of my squats. Have tried the smith machine but that sucks.
Who squats heavy on their own? any suggestions?

Zadok

 

[AnimalMass]

Why can't you squat inside the squat rack with the safety pins? Then there is no need for a spotter.

Matt

 

[Grizzly]

What he said. ^^^^

I always squat alone and I squat as deep as I possibly can. Worst case scenario: I get stuck in the hole and I dump the bar onto the pins.

 

[zadok]

Ive been around a few gyms and if they have squat racks at all they are only the ones that have a couple of levels of racks, then a really low one. If i get stuck i have to fall forwards and throw the bar over my head to get it onto the lower rack. Kinda sucks.

 

[AnimalMass]

Are you talking about one of those angled squat racks where there are j-hooks on an angle from about 4'-6' high? Then there are catch pins down low to catch the weight?

If that's what you are talking about, then I'm wondering if you are probably just 1/4 squatting, rather than going all the way down until your butt touches your heels. If you were going that low, then you could dump the weight onto the pins quite easily. If you aren't going that low, then you aren't really squatting.

Matt

 

[zadok]

no it is a rack with 3 hooks at different levels, all around standing shoulder height. The bottom one is not a hook it is a rack that is also used to hold the bar between back rows, etc. If i am in the absolute lowest position (ie bum nearly on the floor) the bar is still about 3 inches from the bottom rack. If is get stuck i have to fall forwards and drop the bar on the rack, a recipe for injury.

 

[AnimalMass]

hmmm, well that sucks. You really only have a couple options...

1) Find a gym with a real squat rack - I can't fathom that there isn't a real rack in the entire country - and once you have a rack, you have everything you need - the rest is just icing on the cake.

2) Take someone under your wing and start training with them and teach them how to spot.

3) Dump the weight on the pins anyway. I don't think it is still that big of a deal to dump the weight. The big issue is if you are wearing a belt you might not be able to fall forward the way you need to. - honestly I think number 1 is the best option. Otherwise, order a squat rack. I know lots of places ship internationally.

Matt

 

[Freddy]

I squat in a rack too, and like the others said, I just dump the bar when I get into trouble. Not a problem.

 

[metmike]

i squat in the rack as well most of the time i have a spoter but i never can worrie about not having one if i get in to trouble the pins are perfect height when i go down and i can just let the bar sit right on them if i cant go all the way up on that last rep say i only get haft way i just have to go back down and leave it on the pins
metmike