weight lifting question

you shouldnt be able to overhead press what you can squat that would just be a massive flaw in training, simply put you need a squat rack, there is nothing quite like doing a true squat, you can squat holding a dumbell in front of your chest or do front sqauts with the bar resting on your chest both are different from a normal back squat and will traing your body differently, so either rig up a way to have the bar set where you can get under it, find a squat rack or join a gym..all roads in fitness lead to the gym anyway, sooner or later youll find yourself a member of one might as well start now

http://bit.ly/K1VMgy

As others have posted, squat stands or similar are required to perform the traditional squat effectively. Squat stands are useful as they can be stored away, but make sure you get a pair with spotter catcher bars for safety.

In the absence of these, I've found goblet squats effective; while you won't be using as much weight as the traditional squat, it's still a good exercise:

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/goblet_squats_101

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKmrXTx6jZs

Jennifer

I'd join a gym and use a squat rack. If you can overhead press the weight you squat, it's not challenging enough.

If you have the stay at home though, then there are other alternatives. Front squats, DB lunges etc

Edit: Someone else posted a link to squat stands. They are good, especially if you don't have access to a gym for a squat rack. The only issue with them is you don't have the safety bars that you'd get with a squat rack, so you wouldn't be able to lift to failure, unless you had someone spotting you.

You are right about the importance of spotter bars, but some squat stands do have them, such as these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodymax-CF310-Squat-Stands/dp/B001QSYJ48/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335355655&sr=8-2

I use these squat stands for bench press, and the spotter bars work for dips as well.

Jennifer

Squat with dumb bells...

This would be a good option....................if there are dumbells heavy enough.



A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

You may or may not not be able to go as heavy but you could use dumb bells. That is what I do. It is much easier on my back but a lot harder on my hand grip.