Squat Alternatives

Fr3shStrt
Fr3shStrt Posts: 349 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
HI!

So, the one thing my gym is missing is a squat rack. We got barbells and plenty of plates, so deadlifts are no problem. But I'm getting to a point where I can't do conventional barbell squats without a rack. I've started doing Bulgarian Split Squats instead. Is there a muscle group I'm missing by replacing barbell squats with BSS? Should I add another kind of squat or lunge to make up for it?

Thanks!

Replies

  • Fr3shStrt
    Fr3shStrt Posts: 349 Member
    bump?
  • Hadabetter
    Hadabetter Posts: 942 Member
    A gym with no squat rack? I just can't get past that statement.

    You're probably not going to like this suggestion, but if there are machines there, try doing very deep leg presses on a leg press machine.
  • Fr3shStrt
    Fr3shStrt Posts: 349 Member
    The gym is in my office basement so it isn't always staffed. I'm guessing the company feels its safer to only provide machines. I'm probably lucky that they at least provide barbells. I've considered joining a new gym, but you really can't beat the convenience of a workplace gym, plus there are rarely more than 5 people in there at a time.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    The gym is in my office basement so it isn't always staffed. I'm guessing the company feels its safer to only provide machines. I'm probably lucky that they at least provide barbells. I've considered joining a new gym, but you really can't beat the convenience of a workplace gym, plus there are rarely more than 5 people in there at a time.
    Three good options:
    1. Complain to your company and try to convince them to get a rack
    2. Join a gym with a rack
    3. Buy a rack for your house
  • Fr3shStrt
    Fr3shStrt Posts: 349 Member

    Three good options:
    1. Complain to your company and try to convince them to get a rack
    2. Join a gym with a rack
    3. Buy a rack for your house

    I'll attempt #1, I'm trying to avoid #2 but I may have to :sad: because there is no way #3 is going to happen in my tiny apartment.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    IMHO, there really is no viable alternative to the squat. It is the lift of all lifts IMHO...
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    Power Clean into a front squat would prob be your best bet.
  • astrocaroline
    astrocaroline Posts: 3 Member
    I would do squat cleans instead, or power clean + front squats. You can also snatch the bar up and do overhead squats, which are an all-around full body workout.

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