Doing Normal Squats instead of FSSP- Stage 2

mdivamuffin

Hi everyone,

I felt like I was just getting the hang of the squat in stage 1 and now it's all changed in stage 2.
You think it would be OK to continue doing the normal squat that's in stage 1 instead of changing?

Thanks

TriLifter

I just did state 2 A for the first time last night and I was TERRIBLE at the front squat. Totally awkward. I'm wondering if I could do back squats and OHP instead...but I kinda want to learn how to front squat properly.

mdivamuffin

Think I'm just gonna stick with the normal back squats for a while and see how I get on :ohwell:

MyOwnSunshine

Front squat push presses are HARD, but they are a power move that requires explosiveness, which is a bit different than regular squats. They work your body in a different way and build a different kind of fitness. Explosiveness is what athletes strive to develop.

I would say that if you have injury issues that prevent you from doing a certain exercise, it's okay to avoid it, but otherwise, try to do the program as written. It will challenge you in great ways and you will be proud when you master something difficult. You'll get back to regular squats in later stages.

mdivamuffin

Thanks Myownsunshine you're probably right, I'm being lazy. I did workout A today but will give them a go next time.
At the moment I'm squating 27.5kg would I do the same for FSPP or would I start much lighter?

TriLifter

Thanks Myownsunshine you're probably right, I'm being lazy. I did workout A today but will give them a go next time.
At the moment I'm squating 27.5kg would I do the same for FSPP or would I start much lighter?

You should definitely squat lighter. I back squat 52 kg, but attempted to front squat 23 kg (was only able to complete 5 reps/set!

MyOwnSunshine

Thanks Myownsunshine you're probably right, I'm being lazy. I did workout A today but will give them a go next time.
At the moment I'm squating 27.5kg would I do the same for FSPP or would I start much lighter?

Definitely lighter! Go really light until you get the movement down. It's kind of awkward at first, but once you get in the groove, it's not bad. Remember that it is all about momentum. If you can go from the bottom of your squat to the top of the overhead press in one smooth movement without stopping, you've got it!

Also, at the bottom of the squat, try not to "grip" the bar. Just hold your hands flat like you're carrying a tray and let the barbell rest on your hands and your deltoids. It took me a long time to master that part, but I find that the quicker I do the move, the better I do it. Try with a 20 lb barbell until you figure that part out.